A few themes for the helix editor

Shell 129 Updated Jul 10

Why not? Alcoholics can be weaned off of alcohol. Drug addicts have broken the cycle of addiction. Smokers have totally turned around their health and future by stopping in time. Human beings have an infinite capacity to change when they themselves so choose. We cannot do it for them. I have no illusions that my naming Uniroyal Chemical and corporate successors as "professional liars" has changed any of them. 

Speaking of "illusions" does anyone remember the excellent Documentary by Michael Heitman and Bonita Wagler titled "Grand Illusions".  If you don't it's because Lanxess Canada pulled the plug on it AFTER it was completed. My understanding is that the documentary was "balanced" in that the two originators had interviewed both community members as well as Chemtura employees. That said again my understanding is that Lanxess didn't like something their own employee had said on camera. My expectation would be that the employee was Jeff Merriman who led the Uniroyal etc. environmental charge for decades before retiring.

Has my condemnation of our corrupt Ministry of Environment changed their behaviour? I don't think so. They are as useless as teats on a bull with occasional exceptions from specific employees. Two days ago I posted here about whether or not Lanxess, the MECP and Woolwich Twn. seriously were interested in real remediation of the Elmira Aquifers.  Three days ago I posted a long but only partial list of lies that we the public have been told by our various "authorities" and their professional liars. 

Is professional lying an addiction? Should there be a psychiatric designation for it? Some people literally can't speak more than a few sentences without throwing in intentional lies and disinformation.  The very best politicians however have their lying under control. They can turn it on and off like a tap. Former mayor Todd Cowan had no such control and he's hardly alone. Self-aggrandizement is a part of the psychopathy of compulsive liars.  

It certainly is habit forming.  Normal citizens recognize that most politicians lie on occasion. Normal citizens would be shocked at how most politicians rely on it however as when in doubt lie your way out of it. Rarely do citizens applaud lying politicians who later apologize for their economy of truth. Hence there isn't much incentive to confess when it's just easier to repeat the original lie or make up a new one. They are generally difficult to prove one way or the other. 

Where does this all get us? Remember possibly President Reagan long ago when discussing arms agreements with Russia suggesting that the "U.S. will trust but verify.".  Well it's the same with polluters, their corrupt regulators and politicians from all levels suddenly at the last minute deciding that gosh more needs to be done to either clean up Elmira prior to the 2028 deadline or at least give the impression that that is what they want to do.  Their words and promises are wind, verification will be necessary and not verification from tame, lapdog committees appointed by the professional liars themselves.

The right of all people to pursue their ambitions is an ideal worth celebrating. For billions of women, it’s also a battle worth fighting.

It’s Labor Day in America, a day I and perhaps most other Americans generally observe with a complete lack of ambition, or even volition. Later today, I’m sure I’ll get down to my proper “celebration” of doing nothing.

For this years’ holiday, however, I just happened to wake up to an inbox page worth of emails from non-American colleagues and friends. Which has me thinking — of all America’s national holidays, Labor Day seems the most universal. What, I wonder, would a holiday from work and about work signify, if it were observed around the world?

We might start by thinking about people that don’t always have access to work — or workplace equality, or even workplace safety. I am referring, of course, to women. Humanity’s majority sex is also the class for whom decades of significant global progress toward vocational inclusion have recently seemed to run into headwinds in societies from around the world.

Notoriously, in Afghanistan and Iran, women’s rights to work are being severely curtailed as part of a wider disconnection of women from the levers of society. The Taliban has banned women from working in many jobs, attending secondary school and university, and moving freely outside the home without a male chaperone. In Iran, women fare little better, with laws making it convenient and more perilous for women who would choose to work outside the home.

While the struggle for women in that region is quite well known, it turns out that the region is far from alone in backsliding on women’s equality. In Europe’s Poland and Hungary, recent political shifts have cast shadows over women’s rights.

The ongoing debate about strict abortion laws in Poland has given way, in some cases, to questioning the rights of women (more tangibly, a large real wage gap persists); and, in Hungary, a conservative resurgence has promoted “traditional” gender roles, raising concerns about potential setbacks there for women in the workplace and beyond. With these events, I am reminded of my experience in Berlin from 2020, during which I sat stunned listening to a Russian national argue that the very idea of women seeking equality in the workplace was somehow harmful and offensive.

In East Asia, controversies about the women in the workplace have triggered responses in South Korea and China. Elsewhere globally, the general curtailment of rights for women in some South American and African societies have had a chilling effect on their ability to effectively pursue careers.

And, of course, here in America, we celebrate our Labor Day with very much of a mixed bag of progress. On the one hand, we have Vice President Kamala Harris with an apparently realistic chance of winning election to the presidency in November.

On the other hand, even in America, we have conditions in workplaces that fail to fully embrace the equality of women workers.

Within the workplace itself, women continue to grapple with long-standing inequities, including a stubborn gender wage gap that stems from a lack of supportive work-family policies, biases ingrained in workplace culture, discrimination, and occupational segregation that reflects women’s overconcentration in low-wage jobs. (1)

To cap things off, earlier this year we saw a well-publicized commencement speech by an NFL player from earlier in this year in which the speaker urged women to abandon any ambitions that would take them outside of a caretaker role for families.

That the speech was widely ridiculed is encouraging; and yet, clearly, America is home to some of the world’s most powerful, entrenched, and enfranchised misogynists — some of whom have seen dramatic increases in social influence through their work in new media. In fact, it seems as though there is some kind of global through-line (extending to actual social communities) connecting many of the parties on the side of reversing progress toward women’s rights.

The bottom line is this: if there is anything universal about the state of women’s rights to work in the world today, it’s the fact that those rights are universally at risk.

Lately, I mostly work with and write about artificial intelligence, and especially the relationship between AI and people. Thinking about that relationship tends to lead one to think about what it actually means to be people; to be a person. Personhood stands in sharper relief when we have another type of entity, even such an artificial and limited one, to compare with.

In this light, the debate over women’s right to work seems almost absurd — debates rage about the ethics of artificial intelligence at the same time we have myriad instances of people questioning the basic rights of half of humanity.

The thing is, women are people.

The right of women to pursue work that interests and enriches them starts and stops precisely there. In fact, the United Nations codifies the right to work for all people with Article 23 of its Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

1. Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.

2. Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.

3. Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.

4. Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Yes, the masculine pronouns may feel outdated, but the Universal Declaration’s core message is clear: these rights apply to all human beings.

Out of the many examples listed above from Western societies, nobody is calling for outright bans on work outside the home for women. Nobody, yet, anyway. Still, calls to reframe the exercise of a right by a class of people as somehow unjust or un-constructive could be nearly as corrosive as bans would be — even when those calls are cloaked as an attempt at earnest discussion of societal norms.

Any debate about the “value” of women in the workforce must be framed within this context. Attempting to justify restrictions on women’s ambitions, even under the guise of societal benefit, disregards the fundamental human right to work. At its core, such arguments either deny women their full humanity or accept the unconscionable trade-off of basic rights for supposed gains. No tradition, no matter how deeply entrenched, can justify denying someone their humanity.

So, maybe Labor Day could go global at some point. The UN’s Article 23 would be a great place to start. The right to work, the right to equitable work situations, the right to fair pay for every person and her family are all virtues to champion and celebrate publicly (trade unions are pretty terrific ideas, as well), if only because it turns out that these virtues might not stick around without active tending. Apparently, all corners of the world would benefit from a yearly refresher on that message.

And, here in America and throughout in the world we should also acknowledge the unfulfilled potential and unrealized dreams of those who are being left behind through the denial of rights, and the work yet to do for women who have been let into the workplace only to find it completely hostile to them. Moving forward, celebrating women’s access to equitable workplace and career experiences as fundamental human rights could be a more prominent part of America’s fall long weekend.

Yes, I’d expect the new celebrants to be just as lazy as me on our new world holiday. Still, the annual reminder of our shared humanity would be worth the extra wear and tear on global couches.

1. Shilpa Phadke, Diana Boesch. Treading Water: The Current Challenges of Women’s Work. Center for American Progress, January 18, 2019. www.americanprogress.org/article/treading-water-current-challenges-womens-work/

Make Labor Day Global, Honoring Women’s Right to Work was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The HydroGeoSphere Revision 2724 (September 2024) is now available for download.

This update brings key improvements to enhance your simulation experience. The major update this month is a major improvement to the mapping of boundary conditions from regional to local models (see the “Regional Model Commands” listed in section 2.6.1.1 of the Reference Manual). Here’s the full list of updates:

1. Extend the boundary condition command time-field data table from regional to specified head boundary conditions defined for the overland flow domain. Nodal head values applied to the local model are mapped from overland flow domain head values in the regional model via interpolation (see hydrosphere_ref.pdf).

2. Update command report exchange flux for chosen nodes (see hydrosphere_ref.pdf):

   • Change its name to report exchange for chosen nodes, since the command is not actually reporting fluxes [L/T], but rather is reporting flow rates [L^3/T]. The original command name remains in use, but is marked as deprecated.

   • If transport is active, generate mass exchange flow rate [M/T] output for the overland flow domain and write it to the Tecplot ASCII output file prefixo.mass_exchange_olf.label.species.dat, for each node selection (label) and solute (species).

3. New hgs2vtu command line option --time-series-csv that causes hgs2vtu to convert all HGS Tecplot ASCII timeseries output files, e.g., prefixo.water_balance.dat, to CSV files (see Appendix E in hydrosphere_ref.pdf). Conversion is done after hgs2vtu processes the binary output files.

4. Fix bug in hsplot that arises when the user specified title in the grok file is empty.

5. Improve error checking of 2D mesh during mesh generation in grok.

You can find details about these new features in the HydroGeoSphere Reference Manual. And as always, we are committed to the continued improvement to the user experience. Do you have suggestions for new commands or improvements to the user experience? Send your ideas to support@aquanty.com!

The latest installers are available on the HGS download page and a full list of changes/updates can be found in the release notes.

Download the September 2024 release of HydroGeoSphere here: www.aquanty.com/hgs-download

Review the release notes here: www.aquanty.com/updates

Recently, I was coaching a client about developing her personal brand. She found it challenging to identify what makes her stand out. What are the things she does consistently to add value to her organization? What things might a potential sponsor notice and use to connect her with career-growing opportunities?

She wasn’t sure.

So I asked, “What do others say about you?” I encouraged her to think about a recent performance review or kudos she’d received from her peers. This approach seemed to help, as she quickly listed a handful of qualities that others praised her for.

The next day, this quote popped up in my social media feed:

“Never admire quietly. If I admire something about someone, I tell them. We humans are so fragile. It’s important we give people their flowers while they are still here.” — Chimamanda Adichie, an award-winning Nigerian author, feminist and philosopher.

It’s a perfect mindset for all of us on the journey to be better allies.

I’ll add that we shouldn’t just tell the person what we admire about them. We should also sing their praises in conversations with other coworkers.

Let’s all speak about them in the rooms they aren’t yet in.

Share this action on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or YouTube.

On Threads, Kira MagCalen recently posted:

“A habit I am trying to break is the pre-apology. You see pre-apologies a lot when well intentioned people try to adapt allyship roles; an easy example would be, ‘Thank you for telling me your pronouns, I’m sorry if I mess them up sometimes.’

“Lately I’ve been thinking, maybe just make the mistake, get corrected, let yourself feel a little guilty for messing up. That discomfort is probably going to do more to influence your behavior going forward. If you pre-apologize, you’re also taking away the other person’s right to be upset over something that may bother them. The ideal is actually to make the mistake and work together to understand one another.”

I’ve also heard pre-apologies for things like pronouncing someone’s name. “I’m probably going to butcher your name, so my apologies in advance.”

Instead of assuming we might get something wrong, let’s all put in the effort to get things right.

And if we mess up, let’s correct ourselves and pledge to do better.

Having a diverse network is a foundation for being a better ally. Yet, many of us have primarily homogenous professional networks.

When I was doing research for my book Better Allies, I learned from a report by the Kapor Center for Social Impact that 75% of white people don’t have any people of color in their social network. And, from a Women in the Workplace study by Lean In and McKinsey & Company, women are more than five times more likely to rely on a mostly female network.

Let’s face it. Talking among ourselves creates an echo chamber effect and limits our access to other perspectives, experiences, and resources. Networking with people who share our same gender identities, ethnicities, educational backgrounds, and income brackets, for example, allows us to learn from each other, vent, and swap stories. Still, it doesn’t help us understand how people with different and more marginalized identities than us experience the workplace.

Here’s a small but significant step to diversify and expand your network: At professional events or in the cafeteria at work, introduce yourself to someone who seems different from you. (While not all differences are visible, many are.)

If you’re uncomfortable doing so, consider starting the conversation with a friendly “Hello. I don’t think we’ve met before. My name is X.” Then, ask, “What’s on your mind today?” It’s a great question to kick-start any conversation. (This suggestion comes from The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier.)

After last week’s newsletter where I explored whether using “white paper” was inclusive, I heard from subscriber Kaitlyn, who explained that the term “white paper” can take on a different meaning in Canada. She wrote,

“The 1969 White Paper was a policy paper proposed by the federal government at the time, which proposed to abolish all legal documents and existing treaties between Indigenous peoples and the Crown. It proposed to assimilate First Nations as an ethnic group, which was seen as an overriding attempt of the Canadian government trying to absolve itself of any fault in wrongdoings against Indigenous peoples, as well as an attempt to compromise Indigenous law.”

Kaitlyn added, “Fortunately, due to the criticism and activism against the proposal, it was withdrawn a year later. In my line of work where we actively partner with First Nations, we tend to avoid the term’ white paper’ as it can bring up this painful memory of past attempts to discredit Indigenous rights in Canada.”

Thank you for letting me know. (I have the best newsletter subscribers and learn from you regularly. 🙏)

If you publish white papers and some (or all) of your audience is in Canada, consider a more inclusive alternative. For example, thought paper, case study, or why paper. (The latter term comes from Juli H, a subscriber who told me they use it because it clearly expresses that the doc is intended to tell why they are doing X.)

This week’s spotlight on an ally action from the Better Allies community is from Billy W. at Microsoft, who told me how he takes action to assist women and other minority coworkers:

“I advocate for my coworkers by supporting their voices with affirmations (“That is a good idea, [name]/I like [name’s] idea”), or even just emoji reacting on their communication posts as endorsements. I make sure to send accolades and thanks to those coworkers and their manager (or just their manager privately) so that good work is appreciated and recognized outside of my immediate work circle.”

Thank you, Billy, for being an advocate and not admiring quietly. 📣

If you’ve taken a step towards being a better ally, please reply to this email and tell me about it. And mention if I can quote you by name or credit you anonymously in an upcoming newsletter.

That’s all for this week. I wish you strength and safety as we all move forward.

— Karen Catlin (she/her), author of the Better Allies® book series

Copyright © 2024 Karen Catlin. All rights reserved.

Being an ally is a journey. Want to join us?

• Follow @BetterAllies on Facebook, Instagram, Medium, Threads, X/Twitter, or YouTube. Or follow Karen Catlin on LinkedIn
• This content originally appeared in our newsletter. Subscribe to “5 Ally Actions” to get it delivered to your inbox every Friday
• Read the Better Allies books
• Form a Better Allies book club
• Get your Better Allies gear
• Tell someone about these resources

Together, we can — and will — make a difference with the Better Allies® approach.

Never Admire Quietly, and Other Actions for Allies was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

According to their Agenda for the upcoming TRAC meeting (Thurs. Sept 12/24) namely Item 5.1.4 they are going to blab about both DNAPLS (chlorobenzene) and about their Off Site Isotopic Analysis Study. Now some of this was shared with TAG and the public via Dr. Thompson (U. of Waterloo) several years ago around 2018. He claimed that there was an excess quantity of chlorobenzene, above and beyond Uniroyal Chemical's donations/dumping, in the off-site Elmira Aquifers. He also claimed that this excess chlorobenzene from a second source could be identified allegedly by isotopic analysis. It was obvious to me that there were but two very likely sources across the road from each other (Howard Ave.) who could be responsible, both of whom I have identified for years here in this Blog (Borg Textiles & Varnicolor Chemical).   

Now if it is Varnicolor there is going to be hell to pay as their groundwater allegedly showed NO chlorobenzene present via Ministry lab testing.  That would indicate gross corruption by the Ministry and while they avoided an Inquiry thirty some years ago this would be too much. It would be clear evidence of intentional government corruption. Now with both companies long gone from Elmira maybe some backroom deals have been done. One thing is for sure namely that both companies  either had a dye shop (for textiles) or paint and solvents as the major source of their business (Varnicolor).  Could both companies be responsible for the excess chlorobenzene?

Agenda Item 5.1.2.3 is titled "Investigating Well Extraction Pumping Rates". Now this again is interesting in that I've been sending e-mails to both Woolwich Council and TAG/TRAC for at least the last couple of years about this. Now do keep in mind that we the public are dealing with professional liars here  in Elmira. Maybe they are going to come clean and maybe they aren't. It could go either way just as their fatally flawed HHERA  (Human Health & Ecological Risk Assessment) claims that there are "no unacceptable risks" in the downstream Canagagigue Creek from Uniroyal's still present DDT, dioxins, lindane, PAHs, parathion etc.

I'll wait and see how clean the company comes AND if they want to share with the public why the public consultation body never felt the need to speak out publicly on these matters. Was TAG/TRAC kept in the dark or were they asked nicely as friends of Lanxess/MECP to keep their traps shut on these and other public matters. Either way is damning of all parties.

Patricia is thankful for the chance to start again, after years of struggling with addiction.

Patricia is 54 years old and starting over, after years of struggling with addiction.

As a patient living with diverticulosis, Patricia was initially prescribed morphine. Later on, when she started receiving radiation treatments, fentanyl was added to the mix. It wasn’t long before she started using street drugs, including crack cocaine and crystal meth.

After entering treatment, Patricia briefly stopped using painkillers in 2015, but as life became more complicated, so did her drug use.

When COVID hit, Patricia was isolated, and it took her drug use to a whole new level.

“All there was to do was to isolate and get high.”

After suffering a fall where she ended up breaking her shoulder and fracturing her hip, Patricia was prescribed opiates, once again bringing her drug use to an even more dangerous level.

At the height of her addiction, Patricia would use crack cocaine, fentanyl, crystal meth and more – and it got so bad that she lost pretty much everything, including her safety.

She was sexually assaulted by her dealer when she couldn’t pay for her drugs. It wasn’t long after that Patricia turned to sex work to make enough money to support her habit.

“I never thought it would get this bad. I felt so worthless – I thought for sure I wouldn’t be allowed to start the program at House of Friendship. I thought they would call me trash.”

Patricia got her fresh start through House of Friendship’s Women’s Residential Addiction Treatment program. She said that the additional support she received by talking to Shawn, her Connection Coordinator, helped her get through the time she spent waiting to get into the program.

“If it wasn’t for Shawn’s help, I wouldn’t have made it.”

Many residential addiction programs, including House of Friendship’s, have long wait lists, making it extremely challenging for individuals who are waiting to enter programs.

The Connection Coordinator role is a relatively new, unique role at House of Friendship. Through this role, staff provide unique one-on-one support to individuals on our waiting lists, based on their unique needs. It’s a way of providing the additional help many people need while navigating the road to recovery.

While in our program, Patricia was taught skills like journaling and reflection, which she would often do at the end of her day.

“That kind of emotional regulation stuff was critical for me. Everything I was processing was so raw and explosive. It took me time to feel like myself again.”

Patricia now has a year of sobriety, and is enjoying the new life she is building.

“I’m a work in progress, but I like the direction I’m going.”

Patricia has completed a job readiness program through Better Jobs Ontario called Foundations in Wood Manufacturing, and is currently living in a recovery house as she prepares for her next steps.

Thank you for recognizing that addiction can happen to anyone, and for working to reduce the stigma. Your care and compassion goes a long way to help individuals like Patricia get the help they need!

The post Getting a Fresh Start appeared first on House Of Friendship.

If you can’t keep up with debt payments, you may wonder if it’s time to file for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, nor is it always the correct answer for everyone. It’s a significant legal and financial step that requires careful consideration.

Anyone can find themselves facing severe debt. Financial struggles don’t discriminate by age. Young adults aged 18-29, often grappling with student loans and early career instability, account for 15% of bankruptcies. The highest proportion, 32%, falls in the 30-39 age range, where many face the combined pressures of career advancement, repaying student loans, building a family, and the desire for home ownership. Middle-aged individuals aged 40-49 represent 24% of filings, potentially dealing with career setbacks or family-related expenses. Those in their 50s make up 17% of bankruptcies, possibly due to unexpected job loss or health issues. Even Canadians 60 and older aren’t immune, accounting for 12% of filings, as fixed incomes may struggle to keep pace with rising costs. These statistics underscore that financial difficulties can arise at any point in life, whether from personal circumstances, economic downturns, or unforeseen events.

Many Canadians struggle to make ends meet and take on consumer debt to help pay for increased living costs. At what point does debt become so overwhelming that bankruptcy becomes a debt relief option?

Here are some signs you may need to go bankrupt:

• Your debt payments take up too much of your take-home pay

• You can’t meet even the minimum payments on your debts

• You have missed or late payments, and these are beginning to impact your credit

• You are receiving frequent calls or notices from collection agencies

• You are afraid to open your mail because of outstanding bill payments

• You have maxed out your credit cards and all other borrowing options

• You are using high-cost loans, like payday loans, to keep up with other loan payments

• Creditors have threatened legal action, including a wage garnishment or repossession of your vehicle.

These are common signs that you may be insolvent, meaning you can’t repay your bills as they come due.

Often, the decision to file personal bankruptcy is triggered by a catastrophic life event—job loss, divorce, separation, or illness—that makes a bad financial situation worse.

Regardless of the reason, if you’re facing overwhelming debt, it’s crucial to assess your situation and consider all available options, including bankruptcy, if necessary.

If your credit card balances, personal loans, and other unsecured debts have grown to the point that you can’t realistically repay them, bankruptcy might be a solution.

Bankruptcy provides an automatic stay. When you file bankruptcy, your creditors are notified, and all actions against you stop. This includes lawsuits, wage garnishments and collection calls and letters.

Bankruptcy clears unsecured debts. Most unsecured debts, including credit card debt, payday loans, tax debts, lines of credit, and unpaid bills, can be eliminated through bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy can help balance your budget. By eliminating problem debt, your monthly payments are much lower, helping you get a fresh start.

While bankruptcy can offer relief from certain debts, it’s not a cure-all solution. There are important limitations and situations where other options may make more sense.

Bankruptcy does not get rid of all types of debts. If most of your debts are not dischargeable in bankruptcy (like student loans less than 7 years old, alimony or child support) or are secured debts (like a mortgage or car loan), bankruptcy won’t help.

Bankruptcy can be expensive. If you have a good income, you must make surplus income payments. You may lose non-exempt assets when you file bankruptcy.

Some other considerations:

Employment: Bankruptcy generally does not affect your current employment unless you are bonded or hold certain professional designations.

Joint Debts: Joint debts complicate matters in bankruptcy, as bankruptcy doesn’t eliminate the other person’s responsibility for the debt, potentially leaving your co-signer or joint account holder solely responsible for the full amount owed.

Second Bankruptcy: Filing for a second bankruptcy in Canada has more severe consequences, including a longer discharge period (typically 24 to 36 months instead of 9) and the bankruptcy remaining on your credit report for 14 years instead of 6 or 7. A consumer proposal is often a better option than a repeat bankruptcy.

Credit counselling: Your trustee will provide two free credit counselling sessions as part of your bankruptcy. These sessions will teach you how to repair your credit, manage your budget and make better borrowing decisions to help you avoid debt problems going forward.

You may be delaying contacting a Licensed Insolvency because you fear the impact of bankruptcy on your credit rating.

When you declare bankruptcy in Canada, it becomes a part of your credit history. Your credit report will show the date you filed for bankruptcy, the date of discharge, and the debts included in the bankruptcy. Equifax and TransUnion will keep a record of your bankruptcy for 6 years from the date of your bankruptcy discharge.

Filing bankruptcy will lower your credit score, affecting your ability to obtain credit in the future.

While the impact of bankruptcy on your credit report is significant, it’s not permanent. Here are some steps you can take to rebuild your credit after bankruptcy:

1. Apply for a secured credit card. These cards require a cash deposit and are easier to get if you have damaged credit, including bankruptcy. Use it responsibly to demonstrate good credit habits.

2. Make all payments on time. Consistently paying bills on time is crucial for rebuilding credit.

3. Keep credit utilization low. Use no more than 30-35% of your available credit limit. This shows lenders that you are not overly reliant on credit.

4. As your credit score improves, apply for an unsecured credit card but follow the same good credit management practices.

5. Monitor your credit report. Regularly check your credit report for errors and dispute any inaccuracies immediately.

It’s best to avoid declaring bankruptcy if possible – it should only be used as a last resort. Before you decide, discuss other debt solution options with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT).

The alternatives:

1. Consolidation Loan: This involves taking out a new loan to pay off multiple debts, potentially at a lower interest rate. A debt consolidation loan can work if you have good credit, good cash flow, and potential assets to use as collateral, such as equity in your home.

2. Credit Counselling: Working with a credit counsellor can help you develop a budget and debt repayment plan. A debt management plan is a good option if you can repay all your debts.

3. Consumer Proposal: This is a legally binding agreement where you offer to pay creditors a percentage of what you owe. It is a good alternative to bankruptcy that still protects you from creditor actions. A consumer proposal has less of an impact on your credit score than bankruptcy.

You may hesitate to seek help, fearing you’ll be pressured into filing for bankruptcy immediately. We believe that filing for bankruptcy should be a considered decision, not a rushed process. We want you to consider your options carefully, understand the bankruptcy process and ensure you are comfortable with your decision.

Deciding when to declare bankruptcy is a complex and personal decision. While bankruptcy can provide a fresh start for those overwhelmed by debt, it’s not the right solution for everyone.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the solutions available to help you regain control of your finances and work towards a debt-free future.

The post When to Declare Bankruptcy in Canada appeared first on Hoyes, Michalos & Associates Inc..

My Father's House was originally written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen for his 1982 album Nebraska. There have been a few covers, including by Emmy-Lou Harris, but this cover by the Cowboy Junkies, clearly not intended for their albums, which appeared in Rarities, B-Sides and Slow, Sad Waltzes is my favourite. I think it's likely due to Margo Timmins singing most of this song unaccompanied, in a place with great acoustics. The sounds of the rest of the band and the sound recording crew working lend a rough edge of authenticity. And though everybody jokes around a bit when they join in for the last verse, it somehow retains the power of the original song, which is about losing chances for reconnection with the people in your family. You should give it a listen.

This has been on my mind since my father's stroke and memory issues, and the fact that we've had to move him out of his home into assisted care. Thanks to a tremendous amount of work from Erin, and help from all sorts of sources, we finally cleaned out his house and sold it to ensure that my father is safe and comfortable for the rest of his life. Saying this undersells the emotional and physical tonnage of this task. We consigned close to half a metric ton to the dump, gave over fifty boxes of books to the Elora Festival Book Sale, gave even more things to charity, preserved key mementoes for the family, and still filled my garage with things I'll have to sort through sooner rather than later.

And today, I picked up the last things from this house which my father has lived in for 33 years, that my mother lived in for 26 years, that I lived in for six years after moving to Kitchener from Toronto. Empty houses sound wrong. They echo. And when they come coupled with 33 years of memories -- let's just say that I wasn't prepared for the emotions that the echoes evoked. But I am glad that I had one last look and walk around. I could not finish this journey without saying goodbye.

♦

♦

There is so little to say, and so much.

I want to express the ways in which I’m changing, the shifts occurring in my mind, and in my outlook—but it’s not entirely clear … I’m floating along a deep wide river. The way I understand my own identity is changing, changing, changing. For most of my life, I was focused on being a writer. And it became my defended self, a self that required defending because I had no sustained confidence in its heft or even its existence—prove yourself, said the voice in my head, over and over.

That voice has grown so gentle.

Now that voice in my head says, there’s more and more and more—more life, more love, more space, more time than you’d ever imagined. Soak it in. Float. Spread out of your arms. Watch the sky, the leaves and branches moving on the trees, listen to the wealth of stories pouring in. This generous world.

And how I wish and hope to be a generous being while I’m here.

Spaciousness.

I feel it within me, surrounding me, available at all times. So much spaciousness. A lack of pressure (not a lack of challenge).

How can I explain what is impossible to describe? It is not that I have more time, but that time itself expands to accommodate so many threads and layers and textures of experiences. When I am restless with my environment, the voice in my head says, be where you are right now.

And I breathe differently.

It is not always easy to be where you are right now. It might involve challenges like boredom or pain or discomfort. Yes. And when I am here right now those challenges shift and become otherwise—boredom may be a conduit to concentrated observation; pain may invite breath; discomfort illuminates emotion; love and patience and depth of understanding weave into the experience of being.

I have been learning this my whole life, with my whole body, which offers its sensations and movements and feelings to the interpretation of my mind, and which acts as a container for my spirit, that droplet of essence that connects me to all beings.

I arrived here on earth to learn, to soak in beauty in its rawest forms—taste, smell, touch, light and shadow, sound, rhythm, anchors to my place of being. I arrived with the desire to push my body to its limits (not always in healthy ways, but that’s part of learning). I wanted to feel everything. I wanted to experience everything. 

The impulse to make things, to respond to and to express all of this wonder at the beauty of it all—that has also been in me since the beginning. I arrived here on earth with the desire to make things (and make things up). I learned to nurture that part of myself—I practiced observation, through writing, playing with language and grammar and imagery. And I learned that to record requires of me a bifurcated attention, attention that must split itself between observing and recording (and interpreting). And I continue to learn that sometimes, sometimes, yes, I do not want to record or interpret what is happening, I want simply to be in the happening. I want to be in it and learn from being in it.

This summer has been a summer of being, not so much doing, and very little recording or interpreting of the doing and being. Hence, very little blog writing. But not never. Why lean on never, ever? There is time, there is time.

I arrived here on earth to learn. 

When I notice all the spaciousness around me, through which I move and breathe and live, I learn in ways that resist expression. I settle myself in deeper. Everything shimmers. Time expands. I am, you are, we are. Learning together.

♦

xo, Carrie

What: Witchy Market
When: Saturday October 12th and Sunday October 13th
Where: 500 Parkside Dr Waterloo ON

This will be the fourth Witchy Market presented by Dubleve Wands! I am floored by the amount of love and attention this local small business market is getting. We’re back for another year, shining a light on our weird and wonderful local crafters of spooktacular wares. I’m taking feedback from our vendors and attendees and I’m happy to admit this is a premier indie artist market. Last year was another wonderful and positive experience, we’re back once again by popular demand. As vendors become confirmed, we’ll post links to their website or Instagram below.

We’ll be located in the Community Room at the Albert McCormick Community Centre in Waterloo as we were in previous years.

This year we’re going to fit as many vendors as we can into our space! We can fit more than two dozen vendors into the community centre, and we’ll be vending for two days! Some vendors can only join us for one day; so we’re happy to announce that we will be allowing some vendors to switch out between Saturday and Sunday. Other vendors will be joining us for both days. And we’re taking over the neighbouring Optimist Room specifically for readers in order to offer a quiet space away from the bigger crowds to consult Tarot or other divination tools.

If you’re interested in becoming a vendor or reader, you can apply using the Google Form linked here. Applications are starting to come in very fast, now. There are only a couple of spots left! We only have two readers confirmed at the moment, so if you’d like to divine for someone, please apply. Preference will be shown to local handmade goods and those who complete registration. Don’t forget to provide your contact name and email address, not just the name of your business.

Looking forward to seeing you all again soon for more Tricks and Treats.

Cheers,
Jessie

Imagine using an app that’s difficult to navigate or keeps crashing. It’s frustrating, right? Good UX (User Experience) design aims to prevent that by focusing on what users need and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience.

In this module of my UX design course, I analyzed real-world apps, which helped me gain practical insights into how successful apps address user needs and solve common challenges. This article will delve into UX concepts with some good examples and the principles behind them.

User-centred design (UCD) is a foundational principle in UX design that emphasizes creating products with a deep understanding of the user’s needs, behaviours, and preferences. This approach ensures that every aspect of the product, from its functionality to its aesthetics, is aligned with the expectations and requirements of the users it serves.

UCD is not just about meeting user needs but also about involving users throughout the design process. This involvement can take various forms, such as user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and feedback loops. By continuously incorporating user input, designers can iterate on their designs, making them more intuitive, efficient, and satisfying for the end-user.

Duolingo is a good example of user-centered design. The app is designed to make language learning fun and engaging through gamification, where users progress through levels as they learn. The progression is visually represented in the app, as shown in the screenshot below.

This image highlights how Duolingo uses different levels to keep users motivated. Each level is designed to challenge the user just enough to keep them engaged without overwhelming them. However, feedback from some users indicates that as they advance, the lessons become more challenging and can feel overwhelming.

UX design is not a one-time task; it’s a continuous process of improvement based on user feedback and evolving needs. As user expectations and behaviours change, apps must adapt to stay relevant and engaging. This iterative process of refining the user experience is essential for long-term success.

Example: Spotify
Spotify is a leading example of continuous improvement in UX design. The app is renowned for its ability to personalize user experiences, making each interaction feel unique and tailored. One of the standout features is “Discover Weekly,” a playlist that suggests new music based on the user’s listening habits.

User Personalization and Feature Updates
The screenshot above shows a typical “Discover Weekly” playlist. This feature is a product of Spotify’s commitment to analyzing user data and continuously refining its offerings to enhance the user experience. The app frequently updates its features and interface to serve its users better, introducing new ways to explore music, podcasts, and playlists, often informed by user feedback.

Adapting to User Needs
Regular updates and the introduction of new features reflect Spotify’s commitment to continuous improvement. By adapting to user needs and preferences, the app keeps users engaged and satisfied. This approach not only retains existing users but also attracts new ones, as the app’s reputation for personalization and innovation grows.

Iterative design is an essential approach in UX, involving a continuous cycle of designing, testing, analyzing, and refining. This ongoing process ensures that the product evolves based on real user feedback, leading to a more user-friendly and effective design.

Let’s trace this process through Spotify’s development of the “Discover Weekly” feature, a popular personalized playlist that introduces users to new music each week.

Iterative design is an essential approach in UX, involving a continuous cycle of designing, testing, analyzing, and refining. This ongoing process ensures that the product evolves based on real user feedback, leading to a more user-friendly and effective design.

Let’s trace this process through Spotify’s development of the “Discover Weekly” feature, a popular personalized playlist that introduces users to new music each week.

1. Designing: The journey begins with creating initial prototypes or concepts based on user research.
2. Traceback to Spotify: Imagine the Spotify team brainstorming ways to enhance user engagement. They realize that users love discovering new music but might feel overwhelmed by the vast library. The initial design concept for “Discover Weekly” emerges, focusing on offering users a personalized selection of new tracks every week.
3. 2. Testing: The next step is putting this design to the test, gathering feedback from real users through usability testing or A/B testing.
4. Traceback to Spotify: Spotify likely rolled out an early version of “Discover Weekly” to a select group of users. During testing, they observed how users interacted with the playlist — Did they listen to the suggested tracks? Did they skip too many? These tests provided critical insights into the feature’s usability and appeal.
5. 3. Analyzing: Data collected from testing is then analyzed to understand what aspects of the design worked well and what didn’t.
6. Traceback to Spotify: From the initial tests, Spotify’s team analyzed user behaviour. Perhaps they noticed that users preferred playlists with a mix of familiar and new songs rather than just completely unfamiliar tracks. This analysis highlighted areas where the feature could be improved to better align with user preferences.
7. 4. Iterating: Finally, based on the analysis, the design is refined. This could mean making minor tweaks or significant changes, depending on the feedback. The updated design is then tested again, and the cycle continues until the product meets the desired level of usability.
8. Traceback to Spotify: Spotify might have adjusted the algorithm behind “Discover Weekly” to ensure that each playlist offered a balanced mix of tracks — enough novelty to keep things fresh but with some familiar tunes to keep users comfortable. This iteration process continued, with each version of the playlist being slightly better tailored to user tastes.

The result? Thanks to this iterative design process, “Discover Weekly” has become one of Spotify’s most beloved features, keeping users engaged week after week with a carefully curated selection of music that feels both new and familiar.

By tracing back to Spotify’s development, we see how iterative design allows products to evolve and improve continuously, ensuring they meet user needs and expectations more effectively over time.

Understanding Users and Their Needs

Creating user personas is a key part of UX design. These personas are fictional characters based on real data that represent different segments of your user base. They help designers focus on what users really need and how they interact with your product.

Example: Stress-Relief Rachel
Let’s look at an example using the meditation app Calm. One of their personas could be “Stress-Relief Rachel.” Rachel is a busy professional who uses Calm to manage her stress quickly and easily. She values a straightforward interface that helps her access meditation exercises without any fuss.

How Rachel’s Persona Helps:

• Design Decisions: Knowing Rachel’s needs means designers can ensure the app is easy to navigate and doesn’t add to her stress.
• Feature Prioritization: The app can focus on providing quick and effective stress management solutions, aligning with Rachel’s needs.

Applying UX Principles involves understanding users deeply, identifying their challenges, and continuously improving the product based on their feedback. As we analyze these, we will use the Calm meditation app as the primary example.

To create a product that truly resonates, you need to understand your users’ needs, challenges, and behaviours. Calm’s success is largely due to its user-centric design. By empathizing with users like Rachel, Calm ensures that its features address real problems and provide genuine relief.

Clearly identifying user problems allows for targeted improvements. This means you can focus on fixing the most significant issues that users face.

For Calm, this meant understanding that users wanted a simple, effective way to manage stress. This focus helped them design features that directly addressed this need.

Continuous improvement based on user feedback is crucial. This process involves regularly updating and tweaking features to better meet user needs.

Calm uses user feedback to refine its design, making sure it remains effective and user-friendly. By doing so, they keep the app relevant and helpful for users like Rachel.

In summary, effective UX design is all about deeply understanding your users, addressing their pain points, and continuously refining your product to meet their needs. By creating detailed user personas, like “Stress-Relief Rachel” for Calm, and applying core UX principles, you can design products that truly resonate with your audience, providing them with a seamless and valuable experience.

Share your thoughts, and don’t forget to come back for my next update on this course journey :)

1. Intuitive App Design Inspiration: Calm | DesignRush. www.designrush.com/best-designs/apps/calm
2. Dashboard Aesthetics: Crafting Visual Tools for B2B Data — B2B Marketing Portal — B2B Marketing From Beginner To Pro. b2bmarketingportal.com/dashboard-aesthetics-crafting-visual-tools-for-b2b-data/
3. What is Product Engineering?. experionglobal.com/what-is-product-engineering/
4. test Site Course | 56men.com. 56men.com/mastering-the-art-of-test-site-navigation-a-comprehensive-course-on-navigating-websites-with-ease

Exploring UX Design: Real-Life Examples & User Personas was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Now come on! Quit laughing and quivering with mirth. Just because they and their corporate predecessors along with their regulator (MECP) have spent the last 35 years lying to the public about the Elmira Water Crisis is no reason to be skeptical. Maybe they're experiencing a Come To Jesus moment. Maybe they're on drugs. Hell maybe they've actually grown a conscience or something else bizarre has happened. Who knows?

Now of course there is still the problem of AFTER the Elmira Aquifers are clean to drinking water standards they are still directly connected to the upstream mess called Uniroyal/Lanxess Canada. Sure, sure there has been on-site hydraulic pump & treat since 1992 of the Municipal Aquifers and  since 1997 of the shallow Upper Aquifer. One of the serious problems is that while still lying  about it they have reduced their on-site pumping dramatically thus allowing off-site leakage despite their denials.  Imagine the day after Lanxess either goes belly up or retreats to the U.S. or Germany. Who's going to pay for the electricity to keep the pumps going? Who's going to maintain the motors, pumps and treatment facilities? The Elmira Aquifers will unfortunately end up right back where they were in the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Promises from the company are nothing but wind. Do the cleanup of both the aquifers and the Creek properly and then come talk to me.  After 35 years of irresponsible lying and deceit we the public do not owe you one inch of leeway or confidence.  

The payday loan market in Canada loans an estimated $2 billion each year, serving approximately 4% of Canadian households. Like it or not, payday loans often meet the need for urgent cash for individuals who can’t, or won’t, borrow from more traditional sources. If your hydro is about to be disconnected, the cost of a payday loan may be less than the hydro re-connection fee, so it may be a prudent financial decision in some cases.

As one of Ontario’s largest personal insolvency firms, we see first-hand the devastating financial impact extreme high-interest, short-term loans have on vulnerable borrowers.

This article examines the current state of payday lending in Canada, exploring recent trends, regulatory changes, and the industry’s effect on various demographic groups. By analyzing data from government reports, industry studies, and our annual insolvency study, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current challenges and potential solutions in this contentious financial sector.

The payday loan industry in Canada operates under a complex regulatory framework, with oversight split between federal and provincial authorities. At the federal level, the Criminal Code sets a maximum annual interest rate which can be charged for most loans. However, provinces have the authority to regulate payday lenders differently, leading to variations in rules and interest rate caps across the country.

In recent years, several provinces have implemented stricter regulations to protect consumers, including fee caps and bans on loan rollovers. For instance, in 2018, Ontario reduced the maximum cost of borrowing from $21 to $15 per $100 borrowed. Similarly, Alberta capped interest rates at $15 per $100 borrowed in 2016.

These changes have significantly impacted the industry landscape. Following the implementation of lower interest rate caps, some provinces saw a significant reduction in the number of physical payday loan locations. For example, Alberta experienced a decrease from 230 stores in 2015 to 165 in 2018, an almost 30% reduction. Lower profitability and the reduction in loan rollovers (and hence a repeat client base) were significant contributors to The Cash Store Financial Services Inc.’s bankruptcy in 2014.

Further regulatory changes are coming. In 2024, the Government of Canada proposed lowering the criminal interest rate to an annual percentage rate (APR) of 35% (the current maximum is an effective rate of 60%, which is equivalent to an APR of 48%). At the same time, they propose to harmonize limits for provincially regulated payday loans to a maximum cost of $14 per $100.

There is a reason for the maxim that nothing happens in a vacuum. While regulations have changed, so too has the industry.

Payday lenders have moved increasingly online. Approximately 40% of payday loans are now obtained through digital platforms. In 2023, 3.6% of Canadians used an online lender or payday loan company. However, this number skyrockets to 22% for renters and 16.7% for mortgaged homeowners if they were behind on bill payment, a predominant customer base for payday lenders.

As regulations tightened limits for payday loans, payday lenders moved into alternative markets. Payday loan companies began offering larger, longer-term loan options, including lines of credit and installment loans with longer repayment periods. Ranging from $1,500 to as high as $15,000 or more, they carry interest rates between 30-60% plus fees, late charges, and insurance. Installment loans are one of the fastest-growing credit products in Canada and make up most online high-cost loans.

♦

The growth in demand for quick cash and fast installment loans brought more players into the industry. Major competitors today include Cash Money, Money Mart, Easyfinancial, and Fairstone, as well as online-only lenders Mogo, LendDirect, Borrowell, Loan Away, and many more.

These trends indicate a transforming landscape for payday lending in Canada, with potential implications for lenders and borrowers.

Many Canadians use payday loans, but certain demographic patterns emerge when examining the typical borrower profile. Understanding who uses these loans and their reasons is crucial for assessing the industry’s impact and formulating effective policies.

Contrary to common perception, payday loan use is not restricted to low-income individuals or younger borrowers.

• 48% of payday loan borrowers are between the ages of 35-54
• 6% of payday loan users are seniors (aged 65+), and evidence shows use among this age group is growing rapidly
• 47% have a moderate or higher income, with 20% earning above the Canadian median household income
• 41% of payday loan users are homeowners, although renters still make up the majority at 55%.

A 2023 Statistics Canada study found that one in four Canadians were unable to cover an unexpected expense of $500.

Borrowers turn to payday loans as a last resort when they face financial emergencies or struggle to make ends meet between paycheque.

• 45% use a payday loan to pay for an unexpected but necessary expenses such as a car repair
• 41% use a payday loan to pay for an expected, necessary living cost, including a utility bill or rent
• 17% turn to payday loans to avoid a late charge on upcoming bill payments.

Many face the dilemma of missing an important payment versus taking out an expensive payday loan.

One of the most concerning aspects of payday lending is the high rate of repeat borrowing, which can lead to a cycle of debt. In a traditional payday loan, the borrower must repay the loan with interest on their next payday. When funds are automatically withdrawn from their account, they are likely left with no funds to survive, so they require another short-term loan. 

• Approximately 45% of payday loan borrowers take out multiple loans in a year.
• The average payday loan user takes out 2-3 loans annually.
• More alarmingly, 15% of payday borrowers have taken out more than 10 loans in the past three years.

This pattern of repeat borrowing suggests that payday loans are not a one-time solution to temporary financial difficulties for many users but rather a recurring coping mechanism for ongoing financial instability.

The high cost of these loans exacerbates the problem. Borrowers often find themselves taking out new loans to repay previous ones, creating a difficult-to-break cycle. This is particularly challenging for the 80% of repeat borrowers who report taking out loans to cover recurring expenses, indicating a fundamental mismatch between their income and necessary expenditures.

We also see a trend towards payday loan borrowers climbing the high-cost debt ladder. Many start with a small, single payday loan. Unable to repay that loan, they borrow from a second payday lender. Now owing twice their pay, they turn to a larger installment loan with a longer payback period. The problem is, with interest rates as high as 60% plus fees, debtors are still burdened by this high-cost debt, starting the cycle all over again.

There is a strong correlation between payday loan use and various indicators of financial difficulty, including bankruptcy and insolvency.

The default rate for payday loans is notably high. A report from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) found that about 20% of payday loan users fail to repay their loans on time, leading to further financial distress through additional fees and interest.

Payday loan borrowers are largely unable to repay their loans, with or without filing insolvency:

• 28% of payday loan borrowers use additional debt to repay their payday loans:
• 7% took out a new payday loan to pay off an existing one,
• 7% borrowed from friends or family,
• while the remainder used their bank overdraft or borrowed through a cash advance, bank, credit union or pawnbroker.
• 4% reported they did not repay their loan.

The relationship between the payday loan industry and bankruptcy has become increasingly pronounced in recent years, highlighting the financial implications of high-cost borrowing. Our research reveals a rising prevalence of payday loans, which contribute to overwhelming debt and insolvency. The multiple payday loan trap leads to increasing debt loads and impossible repayment.

From our 2023 research:

• 40% of all consumer insolvencies involved payday loans, a stark increase from just 12% in 2011. Roughly half (49%) had a payday and/or high-cost installment loan.
• Among insolvent borrowers, 73% had two or more payday loans simultaneously. Even more concerning, 9% owed money to at least ten different payday lenders.
• The average insolvent payday loan borrower owed $8,157 in payday loans. If you include instant-cash installment loans, high-interest debt increased to $12,352, representing 28% of their total unsecured debt.
• Insolvent borrowers owed more than 2.5 times their take-home pay in payday loans. When you add subprime credit installment loans, this debt increases to almost four times their income.

More than ever, we see clients using larger and longer-term loans from payday and online lenders. Most clients tell us they know payday loans are expensive; however, they turn to payday loan companies to keep all their other debt payments current for as long as possible. The problem is that high-cost, longer-term loans do not help. They make an already bad financial situation worse.

While payday loans affect a broad spectrum of Canadians, our experience shows that certain demographic groups are particularly vulnerable to the potential negative impacts of these high-cost credit products.

Payday loan companies specifically advertise that they will lend against CPP, ODSP, retirement benefits, and pension income.

The use of payday loans among seniors, while lower in overall percentage, is a growing concern:

• According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, 6% of payday loan users are seniors aged 65 and older.
• In 2023, 28% of insolvent debtors aged 60 and older had outstanding loans to a payday lender, with an average debt of $9,606.

These statistics are particularly alarming, given that many seniors live on fixed incomes.

Young adults are struggling to make ends meet. Over one-third (35%) of those aged 35-44 reported that they could not cover an unexpected expense of $500.

Young Canadians are significantly more likely to access the rising online market. Millennials represent a significant portion of payday loan users:

• More than half of payday loan users (51%) are between the ages of 25 and 44.
• Our insolvency study found that 43% of insolvent millennial debtors carried payday loan debt, surpassed only by post-millennials, with 45% carrying payday loans.

In addition to covering living costs, younger debtors are turning to payday loans to manage existing debt. A 2016 Harris Poll conducted on behalf of our firm found that 39% of millennial payday loan users (aged 18-34 at the time) said they sought a payday loan because of the amount of debt they carried.

Another demographic targeted by payday loan companies is single parents, with advertising mentioning ‘child tax payday loan’ and ‘single parent benefits in the form of payday loans’.

Single parents are less likely to be able to save for unexpected expenses or emergencies compared to households overall. The result is a higher propensity to use payday loans. Single-parent families are likelier to use payday loans (8%) than couples with children (4%).

Our insolvency study also highlights this divide. Half (50%) of single-parent debtors filing insolvency had a payday loan, compared to 41% for two-parent households.

It may surprise some that homeowners are not immune to the lure of payday loans.

• While 55% of payday loan users are renters, 41% are homeowners.
• Renters who use payday loans are more likely to be repeat borrowers, with 25% taking out 6 or more loans in a year compared to 18% of homeowners.
• Homeowners who use payday loans often have higher loan amounts, with an average of $1,830 compared to $1,379 for renters.

These statistics suggest that while renters are more likely to use payday loans, potentially due to lower overall financial stability, homeowners who turn to these loans may do so for larger financial emergencies.

Again, our insolvency study confirms this finding:

• 29% of insolvent homeowners carried at least one payday loan, compared to 40% for non-homeowners
• Insolvent homeowners owned an average of $12,424 to payday lenders, compared to $8,024 for renters

Although students rely heavily on government and private student loans to cover tuition fees, housing costs, and rising living costs, many seek alternative credit options, including payday loans and high-interest lines of credit. 

There isn’t a single definitive number available on how many Canadian students use payday loans specifically. However, we know that 6% of payday loan users are between the ages of 18 and 24, which rises to 24% for those aged 25 through 34.  During this second window, young graduates must begin to repay their student loans. It is not unreasonable to think that a significant number of those payday loan borrowers also carry student debt.

What we do know from our insolvency study is that:

• 44% of insolvent debtors with student loan debt carried payday loan debt
• 54% carried either a payday loan or high-cost installment loan from a secondary lender

Payday loans are easy to qualify for, often with no credit check. However, for an already indebted student loan borrower, payday loans and other rapid loans may not be a temporary solution but permanent debt.

Yet despite all the warnings and changes, payday loan use among our clients is on the rise. FCAC has worked to improve financial literacy around the true cost of payday loans. Governments have lowered the cost of borrowing, increased disclosure, banned rollovers and created waiting periods. Why aren’t these efforts working?

The real issue is that there is a need. People have payday loans because they think they have exhausted all other options. What is concerning is not the occasional use of a very expensive borrowing option but rather the sustained repeat borrowing that leads to multiple loans and financial distress.

Lenders will adapt to most regulatory changes. Many have already moved beyond traditional payday loans to offer installment loans and lines of credit.

So, how do we solve the overuse of payday loans or expensive installment loans?

1. Even better interest rate disclosure. Payday loans should no longer be advertised as $x per $100. In Ontario, payday lenders must disclose the true APR (391.07%). Still, this advertising disclosure is generally in a much smaller font and overpowered by repeated, much larger text highlighting the cost per dollar borrowed. If faced with a 391% interest rate rather than the more attractive $14 or $15 per $100 borrowed, some potential borrowers may be encouraged to look for other options before falling into the payday loan trap.
2. Improve cost disclosure early in the buying process. Most lenders promote easy approval and no credit check. Full costs and conditions are not seen until the end of the sales process. Customers must create an account for online installment loans before beginning the application process. By then, they are likely committed to the process and have provided personal information, including their email, allowing for more marketing even if they abandon the loan application process.
3. Urgent, high-cost installment loans are the new payday loans. For these types of online loans, the interest rate is generally not disclosed before purchase. Payday lenders and low-credit installment lenders should be required to disclose in all advertisements the range of rates that may be charged on quick cash loans of up to $15,000.
4. Limit additional fees. Optional charges, including insurance and application fees, can increase the costs of these loans by as much as 50%. By default, all additional offerings should require an extra opt-in with clear cost disclosure up front. There should also be limits on the additional fees that can be charged.
5. Credit reporting. Payday lenders should be required to report all loans to the credit reporting agencies, just as banks do with loans and credit cards. This may make it more obvious that a borrower is getting multiple loans. Additionally, reporting payments to the credit bureau could help those with limited borrowing options improve their credit score.
6. Limit loans. We could even limit the number of payday loans a person can borrow each year.

Although opening up a discussion about ways to regulate the payday loan and quick cash installment loan industries is a step in the right direction, the solution for curbing this kind of crippling debt is to be informed about the money that your are borrowing. Crunch the numbers and know how much the total loan will cost you. Before you use any financial product, know there are alternatives to payday loans to avoid high-cost lenders and overwhelming debt.

If you’re already struggling to deal with high-interest loan debt, there are options to get out of payday loan debt. Contact a Licensed Insolvency Trustee today to talk about how a consumer proposal or bankruptcy can help you get off the payday loan cycle.

Payday loans are not going away. If we try to eliminate them, potentially worse alternatives will appear. That’s why we believe the true solution is to find a way to reduce reliance and use rather than legislate payday lenders out of business.

Source Material:

www.hoyes.com/press/joe-debtor/

www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/programs/research/payday-loans-market-trends.html

www.cardus.ca/research/work-economics/reports/the-changing-face-of-payday-lending-in-canada/

www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/programs/research/financial-well-being-mortgages.html

ised-isde.canada.ca/site/search-research-database/en/node/15081

www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2019001/article/00010-eng.pdf

cfcanada.fticonsulting.com/cashstorefinancial/docs/Factum%20of%20the%20Applicants.pdf

www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230213/dq230213b-eng.htm

www.bennettjones.com/Blogs-Section/Canadian-Government-Finally-Provides-Certainty-on-Criminal-Interest-Rates

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The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the inaugural Small Business Awards presented by BDC – a new event in Waterloo Region dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of small businesses in our community. Scheduled to take place at the end of October during BDC Small Business Month, this prestigious event aims to honor the entrepreneurs and small business owners who drive innovation and contribute significantly to our local economy.

The Small Business Awards will highlight exceptional businesses across 7 award categories. The event will feature a formal awards ceremony and networking opportunities.

For more information or to purchase tickets for this event please beagala.ca

Today, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the following nominees for the 2024 Small Business Awards in the following award categories:

Event Impact Award

Award Sponsored By: Explore Waterloo Region

• • Champions for Charity
  • Den 1880
  • Ginger Goat
  • Good Company Productions
  • High Vibe Women
  • Remix Swing
  • Smart Choice Electronic Recycling Inc.

Service Excellence Award

• • Amazech Solutions
  • FoodZen
  • Kind Minds Family Wellness
  • Nopak Canada Inc.
  • Sarah Mumtaz Law Offices
  • SERVPRO
  • The May Court Club of Kitchener-Waterloo
  • Tone-Gar Security Services Inc.
  • Vijay’s Indian Cuisine
  • Wally Parr Foods Waterloo
  • Wreck-It Room Canada Inc.

Skilled Trades Award

Award Sponsored By: Grand Valley Construction Association

• • AutoCate
  • Blackbridge Systems Inc
  • Habitat28 Ltd
  • Heitech Software Solutions
  • Hickey Electrical Services
  • Master Mechanic Waterloo
  • Priority Mechanical
  • Sound Events
  • The Crack Specialists
  • Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada

Solopreneur of the Year Award

• • Adamski Tomasz Photography
  • Ascnd Media Inc.
  • Ashley Close Realtor
  • Ballantyne Coaching
  • Blue Skies Bookkeeping
  • bookmytherapy
  • CEO Capital Strategies Inc.
  • CXK Environmental Consulting
  • Celebrity Counselling Clinic
  • Glowing with Michele
  • Healing Hearts Mobile Animal Rehab
  • Langdon and Co
  • Snickelfritz Kitchens
  • Tairo Consulting
  • The Hypnosis Connection
  • Worm Wrangler
  • Zaash Labs

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

• Design Your Reality
• Ellen Graf Martin Communications
• FoodZen
• Harp & Fin
• Loftin Ltd
• Maxwell’s Concerts & Events

Employer of the Year Award

• Armodilo Display Solutions Inc.
• Batten’s Group Centre
• The Cindy Cody Team
• H2R Business Solutions
• Hand & Stone Massage
• Home Cleaning KWC
• Star Performance Academy
• Zuleta Associates

Exceptional Small Business of the Year Award

• • Apollo Cinema
  • Armodilo Display Solutions Inc.
  • Brain Injury Association Waterloo-Wellington
  • Café du Monde Crêperie
  • Celebrity Counselling Clinic
  • Counterpoint Brewing Company
  • DC Fitness
  • Design Your Reality
  • DistribuCloud Technology Services
  • Dundee Recycling
  • Frances L. Wallace, CPA
  • Fresh Look Design
  • Ginger Goat
  • Healing Hearts Mobile Animal Rehabilitation Services Inc.
  • Home Cleaning KWC
  • Laleta’s Alterations Design & Custom
  • New World Momentum Inc.
  • Priority Mechanical
  • Remix Swing
  • Roxton Industries
  • Smart Choice Electronic Recycling Inc.
  • Snickelfritz Kitchens
  • The Caring Mushroom Co.
  • The Social Snippet
  • Tone-Gar Security Services Inc.
  • TRAPPED Kitchener Waterloo Escape Rooms
  • Worm Wrangler

Winners will be announced live at the event on Thursday, October 24th, 2024. Winners are never notified ahead of time.

Small businesses are the backbone of our community, the Small Business Awards is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on these hardworking individuals and organizations that make a positive difference every day. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements and contributions.

The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is the largest accredited chamber of commerce in Ontario. The Chamber is dedicated to enterprise productivity and regional prosperity. Since 1886, it has been the voice of business in the greater Kitchener Waterloo area.

The post Nominees Announced: 2024 Small Business Awards appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.

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From the zenith of their popularity several years ago, food trucks as mobile kitchens, usually serving up street food from a broad range of nationalities, have perhaps slumped somewhat recently, but not Blossom and Bites.

Located in the parking lot of Les Serres Robinson Greenhouses, the new food truck – preparing an elevated, finer-dining menu featuring many local ingredients – has been open about a month.

The truck’s launch has seen it making some robust inroads, according to chef Nouk Couturier Bernard.
“The first weeks have been a really good start,” Couturier Bernard says. “For the first day, before we opened, we cured duck from local Mariposa Farm for 24 hours. And then the next day, we did a slow confit for about six hours. We sold out. We had 36 duck legs all gone the first day we were open.”

The next day was braised Mariposa pork shoulder, and that sold out too.

Given the start, weeks later the venture can be called a successful collaboration so far for both Couturier Bernard and the greenhouse.

Operated by a family of multi-generation fruit and vegetable vendors, the Robinsons opened their greenhouse on Old Highway 17 at Landry about a year ago. They have sold produce at Parkdale Public Market in Ottawa’s west end.

And with surprising speed for such a new endeavour at their current site, the family has taken another quick step with the unique food truck.

For more of this story, please visit Vision Andre Paquette Editions.

Check out my latest post Blossom & Bites food truck Rockland from AndrewCoppolino.com.

As a woman who has dedicated 16 years to the IT industry, I find myself at a crossroads of excitement and apprehension. The rapid advancements in AI technology, particularly in conversational AI, have sparked a debate that hits close to home: Will companies opt for premium AI tools over human employees? What does this mean for future jobs, both for seasoned professionals like myself and the upcoming generation?

There’s no denying the allure of AI for businesses. These tools offer consistency, 24/7 availability, and the ability to process vast amounts of information in seconds. As I watch the capabilities of chatbots and AI assistants grow exponentially, I can’t help but wonder: At what point does it become more cost-effective for a company to subscribe to a premium AI service rather than maintain a team of human professionals?

The wave of layoffs across the tech industry in 2024, often citing AI integration as a primary factor, has turned these concerns into a harsh reality. Major tech companies have significantly reduced their workforce, replacing many roles with AI-driven solutions. It’s a stark reminder that no job is truly safe from the reach of automation and artificial intelligence.

In my 16 years in IT, I’ve witnessed numerous technological shifts, but none as profound as the current AI revolution. The roles in high demand when I started my career are evolving or disappearing altogether. New positions are emerging, but the question remains: Will there be enough jobs to go around?

I fear we’re heading towards a future where the number of traditional IT roles will significantly decrease. The challenge for professionals like me is to constantly upskill and adapt, staying one step ahead of the AI curve. But even then, the nagging doubt persists: Will it be enough?

Despite these concerns, I hold onto hope. While AI can process information and perform tasks with incredible efficiency, aspects of work still require a human touch. Creativity, empathy, complex problem-solving, and the ability to navigate nuanced social situations are areas where humans still excel.

Moreover, as AI tools become more prevalent, there will be a growing need for professionals who can develop, maintain, and ethically implement these technologies. The key lies not in competing with AI, but in learning to work alongside it, leveraging its strengths while applying our uniquely human skills.

So, how do we prepare ourselves and our children for this AI-driven future? Here are a few thoughts:

1. Embrace lifelong learning: Stay curious and adaptable. The ability to learn new skills quickly will be more valuable than ever.
2. Develop uniquely human skills: Focus on abilities that AI struggles with, such as emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking.
3. Understand AI: Gain a basic understanding of AI and its capabilities. This knowledge will be crucial in almost any future career.
4. Advocate for ethical AI development: As professionals and citizens, we must push for responsible AI implementation that considers its impact on employment and society.
5. Foster resilience: Teach our children to be adaptable and resilient in the face of change.

The future of work in the age of AI is uncertain, and it’s natural to feel worried. However, by staying informed, adaptable, and focusing on our uniquely human strengths, we can hope to navigate this new landscape successfully. It won’t be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is.

As we stand on the brink of this new era, let’s approach it with caution, curiosity, and determination. After all, we’re not just witnesses to this revolution — we’re active participants in shaping the future of work.

As we stand on the brink of this new era, let’s approach it with caution, curiosity, and determination. After all, we’re not just witnesses to this revolution — we’re active participants in shaping the future of work.

The impact of AI on our careers and future generations is a topic that affects us all. I’ve shared my perspective, but I know each of you has unique insights. Let’s turn this monologue into a dialogue:

1. Share Your Experience: How has AI impacted your career or industry? Whether you’ve faced challenges or found new opportunities, your story can provide valuable insights for others.
2. Ask a Question: What uncertainties do you have about AI and the future of work? Your questions help others articulate their concerns and foster a supportive learning community.

To participate:

• Leave a comment below with your experience or question.
• Use the hashtag #AIFutureOfWork when sharing this article on social media.

Your voice matters in this crucial conversation about our collective future. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and engaging in this important dialogue.

AI and the Future of Work: A Personal Perspective was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Impermeable clay aquitards

10% Solubility Rule

Tripling the amount of Off-Site pumping

30 years to remediate the Elmira Aquifers

Polluter Pays

independent public consultation

Uniroyal was the only source of contamination

"NDMA is not in our vocabulary"

nothing flowed eastwards from Uniroyal onto the Stroh property

nothing flowed southwards onto the Martin property

hydraulic containment in ALL aquifers

using shovels instead of core samplers is O.K.

there are no free phase DNAPLS on the Uniroyal site

there are no free phase DNAPLS off the Uniroyal site

all surface drainage on the east side went into GP1 & 2

there are no unacceptable risks downstream in the Canagagigue

risk assessments will be done properly and honestly

chemical odours are not necessarily health issues

professional consultants have a code of ethics or responsibility towards the public interest

The above took me about ten minutes to think of and write down. Over 35 years there have been lots of other truth efficiencies and economical truths. 

This morning, 2024-09-03, I was interviewed on the Mike Farwell Show (CityNews). You can check the interview here @ 54:50.

Key take aways:

• Communitech is good for collaboration
• AI initially favours the attackers
• Local community is good for interworking since we are big enough to have the skillsets, but not so big we typically have direct competitors
• You know when you know, but later you know you were wrong
• Lifetime achievement means old

Deadline for applications: September 13th, 11:59 p.m ET

So you’ve got an idea? Before building anything in startups, you have to validate that it’s actually something somebody wants. While sounding relatively straightforward, figuring out whether people actually want your thing is the crucible on which most great startups are forged. Come join us for a new imagining of Cornerstone. Lead by Eric Blondeel, a two-time YC alumni, you’ll learn how to validate your idea without fooling yourself and others with bias. Learn about the mistakes of the teams that came before you and maybe earn some prizes along the way too.

• Grand prize: $5,000

• 4 prizes: $500 each.

Cornerstone is the culmination of the student entrepreneurial process. Validate your startup idea by finding and speaking directly with customers. Gain firsthand knowledge of your target market while joining a network of founders to share knowledge and resources. 

The post Apply Now | Cornerstone appeared first on Velocity.

Hmm ! Is it hypocritical after a title like the one above to suggest that there are some decent human beings on TRAC? First of all I truly expect that there are some decent human beings on TRAC (a matter of percentages) albeit I would suggest that they aren't very smart. Educated yes, smart no. Most of the smart ones have abandoned that particular ship and TAG a along time ago. Even the Region of Waterloo had walked away for a while from UPAC, CPAC etc. when they had had enough. They did it low key but they gave warning that it was coming as it did.

Perhaps "Totally Rotten and Corrupt" could be replaced with a gentler moniker. How about "Too Reasonable About Corruption"?  Maybe better would be "Too Relaxed About Corruption". Ahh a rose by any other name would smell as sweet or in my jargon  ...corruption by any other name is just as putrid.

TRAC just like RAC & TAG was introduced by Sandy Shantz  both to mollify Chemtura/MECP as well as to deceive the public.  None of them were ever intended to actually promote proper remediation of the Elmira Aquifers, the Canagagigue Creek or heaven forbid the cesspool beneath the former Uniroyal Chemical.  They were intended to give the appearance of honest publlc consultation which they aren't and to give some credibility to the Ministry (MECP) and Lanxess's worse than Mickey Mouse pump & treat alleged remediation.

Remediation which can not help to fail (as they agree) although their excuses and blame runs the gamut from legitimate and accurate public criticism to "asymptotic behaviour" as well as "back diffusion".  The company (Uniroyal, Crompton, Chemtura & Lanxess) have been in full control of the cleanup since 1989 with only token criticism from the Ministry of Environment (MOE/MECP). Despite full control including mostly refusing Source Removal they have not cleaned up (or even close) the Elmira Aquifers nor have they removed even a shovel full of the downstream DDT and dioxins they are responsible for. Polluter Pays is nothing but a Ministry slogan. not a reality. 

Week 1 of my UX design course has been an eye-opener. From the basics of UX design to understanding how crucial it is to think from the user’s perspective, this first week has laid the groundwork for what’s to come, and in this article, I will share what I’ve learned.

To start, UX design — or User Experience design — is all about ensuring that products, whether websites, apps, or gadgets, work well for the people using them. It’s not just about making something look nice; it’s about ensuring it’s easy to use, meets the user’s needs, and leaves them with a positive experience.

In today’s world, where we interact with so many digital products, good UX design can be the difference between loving a product and leaving it behind. This first week made me realize how important it is to design with the user in mind—because when we do, we create something truly valuable.

One of the foundational concepts in UX design is user-centered design. This approach goes beyond merely creating something visually appealing; it emphasizes starting with a deep understanding of the user’s needs, behaviours, and goals. Every decision in user-centred design is made with the user in mind, ensuring that the final product functions well and offers a meaningful and intuitive experience.

To illustrate this, think of designing a chair. While aesthetics are important — a beautifully crafted chair can enhance a room’s decor — the primary purpose is to provide comfort and support. A chair that looks stunning but is uncomfortable to sit on fails its core function. Similarly, in UX design, a product might be visually striking, but it's incomplete if it doesn’t address user needs or expectations.

User-centered design involves several crucial steps:

1. Research and Understand Users: Gather insights through user interviews, surveys, and observation. This research helps you understand who will use the product, their pain points, and how they interact with similar solutions.
2. Define User Needs and Goals: Analyze the research data to identify common themes and user needs. Create personas to represent different user segments and map their journey to understand their experiences and challenges.
3. Ideate and Sketch Solutions: Through brainstorming sessions, generate a range of ideas and explore different solutions. Sketch out initial concepts or wireframes to visualize potential designs and interactions.
4. Prototype and Design: Develop interactive prototypes that allow users to engage with a product version. Use these prototypes to test different layouts, features, and interactions.
5. Test and Refine: Conduct usability testing with real users to observe how they interact with the prototypes. Gather feedback to identify areas for improvement and make iterative changes based on this input.
6. Implement and Monitor: Once the design is finalized, collaborate with developers to build the product. After launch, monitor user interactions and gather feedback for ongoing improvements.

By following these steps, user-centered design ensures that your product isn’t just functional and profoundly resonates with users. The goal is to create a solution that is so intuitive that users can navigate it effortlessly.

Whether it’s a digital product, a service, or a physical object, the design's success depends on how well it serves the user’s needs. By focusing on users from the start, you create products offering functionality and emotional connection, leading to greater satisfaction and loyalty.

The first step in design thinking is empathizing with the people you are designing for. This means deeply understanding their needs, experiences, and challenges. Empathy is crucial because it helps you see the problem from the user’s perspective.

Example: Imagine you’re designing a new app for remote workers. To empathize, you would conduct interviews, observe remote workers in their daily routines, and gather insights about their pain points. You might discover that many remote workers struggle to stay connected to their teams and manage their time effectively.

Once you’ve gathered insights, the next step is to define the problem. This involves synthesizing the information from the empathize phase and identifying the core issues that must be addressed. A well-defined problem statement is focused, actionable, and user-centred.

Example: Based on your research, you define the problem as: “Remote workers need a way to stay connected with their teams and manage their time efficiently because current tools are either too complex or don’t fit their specific needs.” This problem statement will guide the rest of the design process.

With a clear problem statement, the next step is brainstorming and generating as many ideas as possible. Ideation is about thinking creatively and exploring a wide range of potential solutions. It’s essential to encourage wild ideas and defer judgment to allow for a diverse set of possibilities.

Example: During the ideation phase, you and your team might come up with several ideas, such as a simple, streamlined app that integrates team communication and task management or a virtual co-working space where remote workers can interact in real time. Consider features like customizable work schedules, team status updates, or integrated video calls.

Prototyping involves creating simple, low-fidelity versions of your ideas so you can explore how they work in practice. Prototypes can be anything from sketches and models to digital mockups. The goal is to test ideas quickly and gather feedback.

Example: You decide to prototype the streamlined app idea. You create a basic wireframe that outlines the app’s main features, such as a team chat, task list, and video call function. This prototype doesn’t need to be fully functional; it just needs to represent the core features so you can test the concept with users.

The final step in design thinking is testing. In this phase, you present your prototype to users, gather their feedback, and observe how they interact with it. Testing helps you identify what works well and what needs improvement. The feedback from this phase often leads to further iterations of the prototype.

Example: You test the app prototype with a group of remote workers. They like the simplicity of the interface but suggest adding a feature that allows them to track their work hours. Based on this feedback, you refine the prototype, adding a time-tracking feature and making other adjustments. You continue testing and refining until the solution effectively meets user needs.

Design thinking is not a linear process. You might move back and forth between the steps as you gain new insights and refine your ideas. For example, after testing, you might return to creativity to explore new solutions or go back to empathizing if you discover a new user need.

A key lesson from this week emphasized the importance of genuinely understanding users through research and empathy. Good design begins with a deep knowledge of your users, their needs, and how they interact with products. To gather this knowledge, conducting user research is essential. This can include methods such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing, all aimed at uncovering valuable insights.

At the heart of this process is empathy. Empathy is seeing the world from the user’s perspective — understanding their feelings, thoughts, and experiences as they engage with your product. By embracing this deeper understanding, you can create designs that resonate with users on a personal level.

For example, if you’re designing a mobile app for elderly users, empathy helps you focus on critical factors like larger font sizes, simplified navigation, and enhanced accessibility features. These considerations might not be as crucial for younger users but are vital for creating a positive experience for an older audience.

In a nutshell, empathy-driven design ensures that the solutions you create are functional but also meaningful and user-friendly, ultimately leading to a better user experience.

This week has been a real eye-opener. I’ve learned that design is more than just making things look good — it’s about solving real problems for people. I’m looking forward to learning more and sharing my experiences. If you’re interested in UX design or have questions, I’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned for more :)

Foundations of UX Design: Key Concepts and Principles was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Youth Impact Project (YIP) is a collaboration between the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region (CYPT) and Smart Waterloo Region Innovation Lab (SWRIL).

On June 8, over 100 youth from 15 local organisations pitched their ideas to a panel of nine youth. The Youth Decision-Making Panel (“The Dragons”) decided which projects would receive funding to make their idea a reality. The Youth Impact Project looks to fund youth who are addressing local challenges which are identified through the 2023 Youth Impact Survey results. The funded projects include a focus onsupporting youth mental and physical health, increasing feelings of belonging,and responding to climate change and food insecurity.

Youth will be working on their projects untilDecember. We’re featuring each of the 12 projects!

Pitchers: Anna, Peace, T.J

Rest of the team: Harsimar, Aisha

Supported by Social Venture Partners Teens Waterloo Region

We aim to overcome an overlooked problem in our community: the problem of youth being free to play! From the accessibility to all kinds of activities to the comfort of choice, Youth FunFest bridges the gap and provides the opportunity for youth to play.

Thanks to the generous $5,000 grant, we have been given the green light to move forward with our pre-planned budget. This funding will encompass the logistics of Youth FunFest, including the venue, technological equipment, and organizational supplies. More excitingly, a larger sum of the money will be allocated to game/activity equipment, winnable prizes and giveaway gifts, goodie bags, and of course snacks – in other words, the “fun” in Youth FunFest! We envision implementing either catering or food trucks, as well as introducing a “food ticket” system that would offer discounted prices to attendees.

Follow SVP Teens on Instagram‍

The Youth Impact Project is a collaboration between Smart Waterloo Region Innovation Lab (SWRIL) and the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region (CYPT).

Learn more about the Youth Impact Project

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The post YIP Spotlight: Youth Fun Fest appeared first on Children and Youth Planning Table.

If you are looking to get out of debt with the help of a professional, you may be considering the pros and cons of credit counselling vs a consumer proposal.

Credit counselling in Canada offers a consolidation program called a debt management plan (DMP). To qualify, you must be able to afford to repay your debts in full within five years.  A DMP is a voluntary repayment program arranged through a not-for-profit credit counsellor. 

Credit counselling is generally best for individuals who:

• Carry small debts totalling less than $10,000 or up to $20,000 if they have enough income to support repayment plus additional up to 10% – 15% credit counselling fees or
• Have too much equity in their home to be eligible to file a consumer proposal but cannot qualify for a second mortgage or debt consolidation loan;
• Can afford to repay 100% of their debts but need a break on interest costs.

A consumer proposal is a government-regulated debt settlement program filed with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.  You make an offer to repay less than you owe and can spread those payments over five years.

Consumer proposals are best for those who:

• Cannot afford to repay 100% of their debts;
• Want to repay a portion of their debts based on what their budget will support;
• Have large unsecured debt balances, tax debts, student debt, multiple payday loans;
• Are facing legal actions like a wage garnishment or significant collection calls;
• Want to avoid bankruptcy

Both debt solutions will affect your credit rating. Both appear on your credit report as an R7, and a note will show you are in a program to repay your debts. This note will stay for a maximum of six years. There is little difference between how a consumer proposal and debt management affects your credit score. Both are considered assisted debt repayment plans and will appear in your report.

Both a consumer proposal and credit counselling begin with a free initial debt assessment. The primary difference is that a credit counsellor will review your budget to determine if you can repay 100% of your debts, the primary requirement of a debt management plan. A licensed insolvency trustee will review your finances to determine how much you can afford to repay and what you may be able to offer your creditors and will review all of your options.

Both a DMP and a consumer proposal can deal with credit card debt, bank loans, lines of credit and overdue bill payments. Only a consumer proposal can provide relief for tax debts and student loan debt.

Let’s look at an example situation of a debt management plan vs a consumer proposal.

Let’s say you owe $18,000 to your unsecured creditors. If a credit counsellor could get all of your creditors to agree to stop interest and allow you to repay this debt over five years, you could expect to pay approximately $330 monthly, including fees. This is a good solution if you can afford the $330 a month for 5 years. Unfortunately, many people I meet with cannot maintain their debt management payments because their living expenses are higher than they thought, and the debt management plan does not fit their budget. In comparison, with a consumer proposal, you may be able to make an offer to your creditors for as little as $105 a month for 60 months (including fees) to settle your debts. In almost all situations, a consumer proposal costs less than a debt management plan.

Regardless of which you choose, be sure to work with a qualified, experienced, reputable advisor. Consumer proposals can only be filed with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Since they are government programs, you should always talk to a LIT about how they work.  If considering credit counselling, be sure to contact a not-for-profit credit counselling agency. It may even be wise to seek two opinions to ensure you are making the right choice.

Below is a comparison of the features of both credit counselling and consumer proposal options.

If you would like help choosing between a consumer proposal and credit counselling, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your financial situation and help you find a debt relief option that works for you.

The post Credit Counselling vs Consumer Proposal – Which Should You Choose? appeared first on Hoyes, Michalos & Associates Inc..

If you’re struggling with overwhelming debt, you may be considering bankruptcy as a potential solution.

Most people view bankruptcy as the end of the road, but in truth, it’s just the beginning. While there are a number of consequences of declaring bankruptcy in Canada – they are all things that can be dealt with. Understanding what happens when you declare bankruptcy in Canada is crucial for making an informed decision about your financial future.

To be eligible to file bankruptcy, you must:

1. owe at least $1,000 in unsecured debt

2. be insolvent (which means you are unable to pay your debts as they become due), and

3. you must either reside, do business, or have property in Canada.

To file for bankruptcy, you must meet with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. LITs are regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy and are the only individuals authorized to administer bankruptcies in Canada. Bankruptcy is a legal process, and the role of the LIT is to ensure that all laws and regulations in the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act are followed properly.

When you work with an LIT, they will:

1. Assess your financial situation and explain how bankruptcy works

2. Explain your options, including alternatives to bankruptcy

3. Help you complete the necessary paperwork if you decide to file

4. Manage the bankruptcy process, including dealing with your creditors

5. Conduct mandatory financial counselling sessions

When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay of proceedings comes into effect. This legal protection stops most creditors from taking action against you, including wage garnishments, lawsuits and collection calls and letters.

Upon filing bankruptcy, you stop making payments to your unsecured creditors.

Bankruptcy law requires your LIT to notify all creditors within five days of your bankruptcy proceeding. This notification includes a copy of your bankruptcy documents, a list of your assets and debts, a monthly budget, and forms to allow them to file a proof of claim to funds distributed from your bankruptcy. Creditors are prohibited from collection efforts once they receive this notification.

If you continue to receive calls from collection agencies after filing insolvency, inform your creditor that you have filed bankruptcy and give them the name of your trustee.

Your debts are eliminated

Bankruptcy can eliminate many unsecured types of debts, including:

• Credit card balances

• Personal loans

• Payday loans

• Income tax debts

• Student loan debt if you have been out of school for seven years

• Utility bills

Some debts survive bankruptcy, including child support and alimony payments, court-ordered fines or penalties and debts obtained through fraud.

Bankruptcy does not deal with secured debts like your mortgage or car.  If you are behind on your mortgage payments or car loan, you are still at risk of having assets, like your car, seized by your creditors. However, filing for bankruptcy can improve your cash flow by eliminating your need to make credit card debt and other bill payments.  This can make keeping up with your mortgage and car loan payments easier.

Potential loss of assets

Bankruptcy does require you to surrender certain assets to your trustee; however, in most cases, don’t lose all your assets when you declare personal bankruptcy. Allowable bankruptcy exemptions mean you can keep personal possessions (clothing, jewelry), furnishings, tools you need to earn a living, and even an inexpensive vehicle. Your trustee will explain how to determine what you do and don’t get to keep. 

If you do have assets you’d like to keep that would be forfeit in a bankruptcy, you may want to consider a consumer proposal instead of bankruptcy.

Even if you have filed and lost some assets, you can make a plan for rebuilding any savings and investments as part of your fresh financial start. Remember, your cash flow should improve significantly once you have finished your bankruptcy. Even before you are finished, monthly demands on your income decrease because you are not trying to keep up with all those debt payments. With the improvement in your financial situation, you can begin to rebuild your savings, even putting money away towards a down payment for a new home if that is what you want.

Surplus income payments

The basic cost of bankruptcy typically starts at around $200 per month, but this can increase with high earnings. If your income is above the allowable federal government limit for your family size, you may be required to pay surplus income, which can increase the cost of your bankruptcy and lengthen the duration of your bankruptcy. A first bankruptcy with no surplus income lasts 9 months and is extended to 21 months if you have surplus income.

Required Duties

During your bankruptcy, you have some responsibilities. Bankruptcy duties include attending two financial counselling sessions, reporting your income and expenses monthly, making any required bankruptcy payments, and attending any required meeting of creditors. Failure to complete all your duties will delay your bankruptcy discharge.

Bankruptcy discharge

Your bankruptcy discharge marks the end of your bankruptcy and the point at which you are legally released from your debts.

In Canada, a first-time bankruptcy typically results in an automatic discharge after 9 months if you do not have surplus income, provided you’ve fulfilled all your duties during the bankruptcy period. This is extended to 21 months if you do have surplus income. A second bankruptcy lasts a minimum of 24 months and 36 months if you have surplus income.

Credit score impact

Declaring bankruptcy does affect your credit rating.  When you file bankruptcy, a notice is placed on your credit report and will remain there for 6-7 years after your bankruptcy discharge (or 14 years for a second bankruptcy). However, it is important to understand that overusing credit, missed payments and poor lending choices will also negatively impact your score.  Filing bankruptcy can be how you begin improving your credit so you can borrow at a lower cost down the road.

Rebuilding credit

While bankruptcy affects your ability to get credit, rebuilding credit after bankruptcy is possible. After bankruptcy, you can start rebuilding your credit:

• Check your credit report for errors and ensure the dates of your bankruptcy and discharge are accurate.

• Apply for a secured credit card and use this card responsibly. Making payments on time will help you establish a better credit history and increase your credit score. Over time, you can access additional credit at better interest rates.

• Don’t exceed your new credit card limit. We recommend keeping your balances below 35% of your credit limit. A low utilization rate will help increase your credit score after bankruptcy.

• Maintaining a stable income and residence is also necessary to obtaining credit.

• Avoid taking on too many new debts, as this will reduce your creditworthiness to new lenders and may limit your ability to reach future financial goals.

Life After Bankruptcy

While filing bankruptcy can be very emotional, most people feel relief from a fresh financial start. After bankruptcy, you’ll need to focus on rebuilding your financial stability. This includes:

• Attending mandatory financial counselling sessions

• Creating and sticking to a budget

• Building an emergency fund

• Learning about responsible credit use

The key reason for declaring bankruptcy is to eliminate debt. Your bankruptcy discharge effectively draws a line under your past financial difficulties, allowing you to move forward and rebuild your finances without the burden of overwhelming debt.

Before deciding on bankruptcy, your trustee will help you explore other debt relief options, including:

The do-nothing approach

If you have no assets, and if your income is from social assistance, disability, pensions (income sources that cannot be garnisheed) your creditors may not be able to do anything to you and bankruptcy may be unnecessary.

Debt consolidation

If your debts are small, if your cash flow and credit are good, or you have equity in your home, you may be able to consolidate all of your debts and have one, lower payment.  A debt consolidation loan however only works if you don’t add to your credit by continuing to use your credit cards and if your new payment is both affordable and pays off your debt in a reasonable amount of time. You can read this article to see if debt consolidation is better than bankruptcy.

Debt management plan

Could you work with a credit counsellor through a debt management plan (DMP)?  This program allows you to negotiate a repayment plan to repay 100% of your debt with interest relief.  Let’s say you owe $10,000 – you may be able to set up payments for about $167 a month for 60 months, which would repay the total amount over five years. While it is not commonly known, credit counsellors do charge to administer a debt management program. Credit counselling fees range from 10-15% of the debts repaid through a DMP.

Consumer proposal

If you have assets that may be seized through bankruptcy, have high surplus income and cannot afford a debt management plan, a consumer proposal could be an option. While both offer legal protection against creditor actions, your LIT can help you explore the differences between bankruptcy vs consumer proposal.

Declaring bankruptcy is a significant decision that can provide relief from overwhelming debt, but it comes with benefits and consequences. It’s crucial to understand all aspects of the bankruptcy process and consider alternatives before making a decision.

If you think declaring bankruptcy could be an option, contact us today for a free consultation. Remember, bankruptcy is not the end of your financial journey but rather a fresh start and an opportunity to rebuild your financial future.

The post What Happens When You Declare Bankruptcy in Canada? appeared first on Hoyes, Michalos & Associates Inc..

Imagine walking into a grand boardroom filled with the powerful and the influential. As you sit at the long, polished table, you can’t help but notice that only a fraction of those gathered look like you, relate to you, and truly understand you.

As the day’s meetings begin, the voices around the table are predominantly the men, their deep tones and confident mannerisms dominating the room.

You realize that the decisions being made are not taking into account other perspectives, especially from women in this predominately male environment.

This is the harsh reality for many ambitious and driven women working in male-dominated industries, where they make up just 25% of the positions despite accounting for nearly half of the workforce.

The solitude of these environments is palpable, particularly as a Latina (a mere 2% of the tech population), constantly having to prove my worth and assert my voice. It can feel like an uphill battle every day, and I am all too aware that I am not the only one facing these struggles. This knowledge does not bring me solace.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, they are not impossible to overcome. With the proper tactics and mindset, you can navigate these spaces successfully and flourish within them.

I want to provide practical, actionable steps to succeed in male-dominated industries. Whether you’re starting your career or aiming for that next big promotion, these insights will help you overcome the obstacles (that we can control) that often stand in the way of success.

Success in these spaces is not just about personal achievement; it’s about contributing to a larger movement toward equality. When more women succeed in male-dominated spaces, it challenges the status quo, reshapes the narrative, and opens doors for future generations.

The strategies I’m sharing here are a glimpse of what you’ll find in my upcoming ebook, Empowered to Lead: A Guide for Women Working in Male-Dominated Industries. In the book, I explore a broader range of challenges and offer a comprehensive guide to navigating and excelling in environments where women are often underrepresented.

This article is a starting point designed to inspire and equip you to take control of your career and make your mark in any industry.

Your brand can be your shining beacon in fiercely competitive, male-dominated industries. It distinguishes you from the crowd and conveys your strengths, values, and expertise. But how does one create a personal brand that authentically embodies their essence? How do you craft a persona that captures every facet of who you are?

Start by identifying your core strengths — what are you known for? What do you excel at? Your brand should be a reflection of these strengths, combined with the values that drive you. For example, if you’re passionate about innovative problem-solving, make sure that’s a central theme in how you present yourself, whether it’s on your LinkedIn profile, in meetings, or during networking events.

Your brand should be a reflection of these strengths, combined with the values that drive you.

Visibility is also crucial. It’s not enough to be good at what you do; you must ensure others know it, too. This doesn’t mean bragging but finding the right moments to highlight your achievements.

Did you just complete a major project?

Share the results with your team.

Have you received positive feedback from a client?

Document and mention it in your following performance review.

By regularly showcasing your successes, you build a reputation for delivering results and adding value.

The reality of Western Society is that women’s voices are muffled and silenced. The struggle to be heard and seen can hinder confidence and career progression. But speaking up is crucial for personal growth and success. So, how can women assert themselves effectively and break through the barriers?

You are in the room for a reason — your ideas and opinions are valuable.

Start by preparing your thoughts before entering meetings or discussions. Knowing what you want to say and having key points ready can help you feel more confident. If you struggle with self-doubt or “imposter syndrome (a systemic issue we’ll discuss another time), remind yourself of your qualifications and why you were chosen for your role. You are in the room for a reason — your ideas and opinions are valuable.

When you speak up, make sure your words are clear and direct. It’s important not to downplay your ideas with hesitant phrases like “I’m not completely sure, but…” or “This might be seen as a silly idea, but…”.

Instead, confidently state your thoughts and invite constructive feedback. And if someone interrupts you while you’re speaking, don’t hesitate to calmly but firmly say,

“Please allow me to finish my point.”

Tactfully asserting yourself is not impolite or aggressive — on the other hand, interrupting someone is rude and disrespectful. With practice and experience, asserting yourself will become second nature and you will become more confident in expressing your ideas and opinions.

Negotiation is one of the most powerful tools you have in advocating for yourself, whether for a salary increase, a promotion, or additional resources. Yet, many women shy away from negotiating, often out of fear, uncertainty, and lack of experience.

Preparation is vital to successful negotiation. Let’s consider the most common type of negotiation — your salary!

Before entering any negotiation, research industry standards for your role, know what others in similar positions are earning and what benefits are typically offered. You should also gather data on your contributions — what have you achieved in your role? How have you added value to the organization? This evidence will not only strengthen your case but also boost your confidence.

When you frame your request, align it with the organization’s goals.

For instance, if you’re asking for a raise, highlight how your work has directly contributed to the company’s objectives or annual goals. Position your request as a win-win situation where you and the organization benefit.

One effective strategy I use to ensure my contributions are aligned with the organization’s goals is writing my quarterly KPIs with those objectives in mind. For instance, if my company targets achieving 15% revenue growth in 2024, I start by identifying how I can directly support that goal as a Director of Business Operations.

In my KPIs, I might include objectives like optimizing operational processes to improve cross-functional efficiency by 10%, which, in turn, supports the overall revenue growth target. This could involve streamlining workflows, reducing bottlenecks, or implementing new tools that enhance productivity.

By setting these incremental goals, I’m aligning my work with the company’s priorities and laying the groundwork for future discussions about my contributions.

Position your request as a win-win situation, where both you and the organization benefit.

When it comes time for my performance review or when I’m negotiating for a raise, I’m already prepared to discuss how I’ve contributed to the organization’s success. I can confidently say,

“I set a goal to increase operational efficiency by 10%, and as a result, we saw a measurable impact on our ability to meet the company’s revenue growth target.”

This approach demonstrates my value and that I’m proactive in aligning my work with the company’s strategic objectives.

A network is not simply a list of names or connections; it is a vibrant, ever-evolving system of relationships that offer guidance, support, and pathways for personal growth.

A strong and diverse network can be the key to surviving and flourishing for women, particularly in industries where they face barriers and discrimination. Networks provide a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and a wealth of shared knowledge and access to valuable resources.

Mentorship is crucial in career growth, especially in male-dominated industries where guidance and support can make all the difference. A mentor can offer valuable insights, provide feedback, and help you navigate challenges based on their experiences.

Finding the right mentor involves identifying individuals whose careers you admire or who possess skills and knowledge you want to develop.

When approaching potential mentors, be clear about what you’re seeking — whether it’s regular check-ins, career advice, or insights into specific areas of your field.

When approaching potential mentors, be clear about what you’re seeking — whether it’s regular check-ins, career advice, or insights into specific areas of your field. Establishing a solid mentor-mentee relationship can significantly accelerate your career growth and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Connecting with other women and allies in your industry is as important as finding a mentor. Peer alliances offer mutual support, shared knowledge, and a sense of community in environments where you might otherwise feel isolated.

These relationships can be incredibly empowering, providing you with a network of individuals who understand your challenges and are there to offer encouragement and advice.

To nurture these relationships over time, make a conscious effort to stay in touch, offer support when you can, and create opportunities for collaboration. Building a strong network of peers can provide a foundation of support that bolsters your confidence and helps you succeed.

One powerful tactic for building a robust support network is assembling your board of directors. This “board” is a group of trusted advisors from various backgrounds — mentors, peers, and even industry experts — who can provide diverse perspectives and advice as you navigate your career.

Each member of your personal board can offer unique insights based on their experiences and areas of expertise, helping you make informed decisions, strategize for growth, and stay aligned with your long-term goals.

Regularly consulting with your board of directors can give you the support and guidance you need to thrive in challenging environments.

Beyond one-on-one relationships, engaging with professional networks is a powerful way to expand your support system. Joining women-focused professional organizations allows you to connect with like-minded individuals navigating male-dominated fields. These organizations often offer resources, mentorship programs, and networking events that can be invaluable for your career.

Participating in industry-specific events and communities helps you stay informed about trends, build connections, and position yourself as a knowledgeable and engaged professional.

Engaging with these networks not only broadens your horizons but also reinforces your presence in the industry, opening up new opportunities for growth and advancement.

Nurturing your networks will ensure that you’re building a solid foundation for your success and contributing to a broader culture of support and empowerment within your industry. The relationships you cultivate, the personal board of directors you assemble, and the networks you engage with will play a pivotal role in your long-term career trajectory, providing you with the resources, guidance, and community needed to thrive.

Climbing the ladder of success is not simply a matter of technical skill and determination — it requires a strong network of support, unyielding self-confidence, and the courage to speak up for oneself.

By carefully crafting a personal brand, fostering relationships with mentors and colleagues, and thoughtfully selecting members for your personal board of directors, you can build a solid foundation that propels your advancement and empowers you to take on leadership roles.

Your brand is a beacon, drawing others toward your unique strengths and abilities. Surrounding yourself with wise mentors and peers allows you to learn from their experiences and gain valuable insights. Choosing the right individuals for your personal board of directors gives you a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to guide you along your journey toward success.

With these elements in place, you have the tools to thrive in any industry and become a powerful leader who paves the way for others

But this is just the beginning. Next week, I’ll cover other critical aspects I explore in Empowered to Lead: A Guide for Women Working in Male-Dominated Industries. We’ll discuss navigating workplace dynamics, the importance of continuous learning and growth, and the ever-elusive balance between work and well-being. We often talk about these topics, but the real question is — what are we actually doing about them?

Stay tuned as I explore practical strategies beyond the surface, offering actionable insights to help you survive and thrive in your career. The leadership journey is challenging, but with the right tools and mindset, we can pave the way for ourselves and the women who will follow in our footsteps.

Thriving in Male-Dominated Industries: Strategies to Empower Women To Build Confidence and… was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Both a consumer proposal and bankruptcy in Canada are legal debt relief options governed by federal law under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. The key difference is that bankruptcy involves surrendering most assets to pay creditors to eliminate debt, whereas a consumer proposal allows you to keep your assets while offering to pay creditors a percentage of your debts over time.

A bankruptcy or consumer proposal eliminates the same unsecured debts: credit cards, student loans, bank loans, lines of credit, payday loans and outstanding bill payments. Neither option deals with secured debts like your mortgage or car loan.

Both solutions provide legal protection through a stay of proceedings, which immediately stops creditors from pursuing collection activities, including legal action, wage garnishments, seizing assets, freezing bank accounts and collection calls.

Both have a similar outcome as a debt solution —you will be debt-free. However, there are key differences in terms of cost and process.

You must work with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) to file a consumer proposal or bankruptcy. During your debt assessment, your LIT will review your income, assets and debts to determine which option is best for your financial situation. Here are some of the key differences between a consumer proposal vs bankruptcy they will review during your initial consultation:

A consumer proposal is often better if you have valuable assets like home equity, RRSPs, or vehicles. In a proposal, you keep all assets while negotiating a debt settlement plan. Personal bankruptcy is more suitable if you have minimal assets or mainly possess exempt assets (like basic household goods or tools of trade).

In bankruptcy, if your monthly income exceeds the government-set threshold for your family size, you’re required to pay 50% of the surplus income to your creditors; for example, if you’re household income is $400 over the limit, you’d pay an additional $200 per month, which can significantly increase the total cost of your bankruptcy. If your income is high, bankruptcy can become expensive.

Try our surplus income calculator to determine your potential monthly bankruptcy payment.

A consumer proposal can make payments more affordable for those with surplus income because it allows you to spread your surplus income payments over a period of time (up to five years), lowering your monthly payment. How much you pay depends on what you can afford, your total debt and what the creditors will accept.

Because tax refunds are considered an asset, if you file bankruptcy you lose tax refunds for the year of bankruptcy and any prior years. In a consumer proposal, you keep all tax refunds. You file your own returns, and any refunds come directly to you.

Bankruptcy is usually a much faster process; however, the longer duration of a proposal often results in lower monthly payments, making it more manageable for debtors.

A first-time bankruptcy typically lasts 9 months if you have no surplus income or 21 months if you do have surplus income. For a second bankruptcy, the duration extends to a minimum of 24 months, or 36 months with surplus income. In contrast, a consumer proposal can last up to 5 years but offers more flexibility. You can pay off a consumer proposal early without penalty if your financial situation improves, potentially shortening the process.

A consumer proposal is generally better for your credit report than bankruptcy. It results in an R7 credit rating, which is less severe than the R9 rating from bankruptcy. Moreover, a consumer proposal is removed from your credit report 3 years after completion or 6 years from filing, whichever comes first, while a first-time bankruptcy remains for 6 years after discharge, and subsequent bankruptcies for 14 years.

One of the most common questions I receive when people consider filing a bankruptcy or consumer proposal is, can I get a mortgage afterward? Both a consumer proposal and bankruptcy will hurt your credit for a while. Most mortgage lenders require you to wait two years from the end of your proposal or bankruptcy before they will grant you a mortgage. From the lender’s point of view, it’s the two years that matters.  Whether it’s two years from the end of a bankruptcy or a proposal doesn’t matter. The key is to weigh the monthly affordability of proposal vs bankruptcy payments against your future goals. Also, if your financial situation improves, a consumer proposal can be paid off early, but bankruptcy cannot.

If you’ve been bankrupt before, a consumer proposal is often better than filing a second bankruptcy. A second bankruptcy lasts at least 24 months (or 36 months with surplus income) and remains on your credit report for 14 years after discharge, significantly longer than a consumer proposal.

I hear it all the time: why bother going through a five-year consumer proposal when you can go bankrupt and be done with it?

The key benefit of a consumer proposal is that it allows you to repay only a portion of your unsecured debts, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Unlike bankruptcy, you keep your assets, including your home, vehicle, and investments. Proposal payments are fixed, providing predictability in your budget. While it impacts your credit score, it’s generally less severe and shorter-lasting than bankruptcy.

A consumer proposal can be worth it if you have a stable income, valuable assets to protect, and a desire to repay a portion of your debts while avoiding bankruptcy. It offers a structured path to debt relief that balances your interests with those of your creditors.

While both consumer proposals and bankruptcies are formal debt relief options, they differ significantly in process, impact, and suitability. Your choice should depend on your specific financial situation, including your assets, income stability, credit needs, and long-term financial goals.

Consulting with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can help you find the right solution for your debt problems. Your trustee will review all options, including debt consolidation and a debt management plan or credit counselling, and compare the suitability of a consumer proposal or bankruptcy. Contact Hoyes Michalos to book a free consultation to discuss your options for becoming debt free.

The post Is a Consumer Proposal the Same As Bankruptcy? appeared first on Hoyes, Michalos & Associates Inc..

In a transformative shift, women emerge as the driving force behind the next wave of technological innovation, shattering glass ceilings and rewriting the script of leadership in the tech industry.

Therefore, the analysis of these elements should provide the comprehension of the change that is introduced by women in the sphere of technology.

Currently, women occupy 26.7% of tech-related jobs and about 25% of leadership positions within the industry.

The numbers are even more sobering in software engineering, with women making up only 14% of the roles.

In regions like India, these disparities are accentuated: women constitute 29% of tech professionals and a scant 8% in leadership roles. This underrepresentation underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to foster inclusivity.

The gender pay gap further complicates the landscape. On average, women in tech positions in India earn 17% less than their male counterparts, a statistic that speaks volumes about the ingrained biases still prevalent in the sector.

Addressing these inequities is crucial, not only for ethical reasons but also for the health and sustainability of the tech industry as a whole.

Research consistently shows that diverse teams perform better. Companies that embrace gender diversity in their technical teams are more innovative and enjoy better financial and operational outcomes.

According to McKinsey & Company, businesses in the top quartile for executive team gender diversity are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability.

This data illustrates the direct correlation between female representation in tech roles and enhanced company performance.

Women are not just filling roles; they are creating new paths. Initiatives by organizations like Girls Who Code and Play Like a Girl are crucial in building a pipeline from a young age, aiming to increase the percentage of women in engineering and tech roles, which currently stands at only 21% for engineering graduates and b for computer sciences.

The barriers that women encounter in the technology field are huge, and some of them consist of gender discrimination, stereotype threats, and a lack of role models. Some ways of dealing with these include increasing parities by acknowledging women’s work, supporting women-owned tech ventures, and ensuring strong mentorship systems.

In addition, companies must practice diversity in hiring, ensure appropriate remuneration for employees, and provide a healthy working environment that will encourage women to pursue their vocations within the technology sector.

These policies should also encourage the movement of girls to STEM by advocating for girls in lower classes to be engaged and disciplined in STEM disciplines.

Thus, the position of women in the tech industry is not just advantageous but urgent for the development of the subsequent stages of technology.

This paper has argued that by supporting diversity and using measures that will go a long way in addressing gender issues in the tech industry, the tech industry needs to tap its greatest resource, which is human capital. Human capital comes with diverse dynamics and new ideas, hence being more productive and profitable.

This is the future of technology—a brighter, more diverse, and equal world of work. With each progressive achievement in eliminating gender disparity, the entertainment industry gets nearer to the ideal environment where the talent of both males and females contributes to the growth of that ecological system of innovations.

Thank you for reading!

How Women Are Redefining the Future of Tech Through Innovation and Leadership was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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