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Municipalities are the most on the ground level of government that can effectively intervene in the issues of top importance to Canadians. A survey conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) found that municipalities are also the most trusted level of government. And yet they are bound by the fiscal regime of upper levels of government. Of those surveyed, housing affordability was the biggest concern at 44 per cent, followed by the quality of roads and highways at 30 per cent, and traffic congestion at 29 per cent. Homelessness and crime in the community were tied at 27 per cent. Canadians were also concerned with crime, aging municipal infrastructure, and improving the quality of municipal services, like transit and recreation, as communities grow. “Life is too hard for too many Canadians in too many communities,” FCM’s new president Rebecca Bligh, a Vancouver City Councillor, said in a press release. “Whether you live in a rural or urban community, the reality is the same: bills are harder to pay, feeling of insecurity is growing, transportation is inadequate, and homelessness is commonplace. It’s time to fix those issues for good.” But measures taken by the federal and provincial governments aimed at making life easier for Canadians have done very little to support those struggling the most. In Ontario, and municipal housing targets have yet to spur any true growth of affordable homes for Ontarians. Conservative leaders in Nova Scotia and Alberta have also been targeted for a failure to address the growing housing crisis. On the federal stage, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced a over the holiday period. But the FCM argues that short-term measures are not enough to support growing populations. FCM is proposing the creation of a new Municipal Growth Framework that would see the three levels of government negotiate a more equitable sharing of existing taxes. The new agreement, the FCM states, would enable municipalities to make residents’ lives more affordable, infrastructure more reliable and your community safer. It is asking the federal government to commit to this negotiation within the 2024-25 budget cycle. “Should Ottawa turn a deaf ear to this request, municipalities will be unable to fix today’s problems with the current toolset,” a press release from FCM states. “In the lead up to the next federal election, all political parties must remember that municipalities are fighting for Canadians and that it is only through collaboration amongst all orders of government that we can achieve lasting benefits.”
Business News | Indians Now Daring to Create Multinational Companies, Says Hardeep Singh Puri
It seems the Opposition politicians are hard at work these days, trying to whip up a storm over ‘Mahaviru Naa’ celebrations in the North—much like the recent Bay of Bengal depression, which after wreaking havoc here, conveniently blew its cyclonic rage straight into Tamil Nadu. But. the deep depression having intensified into cyclone Fengal over the Bay of Bengal petered out rather predictably before slamming into Indian shores last Monday. As the Indian Meteorology Department had forecast, it faded into a modest low-pressure area over Northern Tamil Nadu—hardly the devastating ending some might have anticipated from a cyclone. Prof. Abeysinghe Lasantha Sandika When a storm dumps enough rain to flood the country, you might think it would spark some collective empathy or at the very least, a serious conversation about disaster relief. But no—welcome to the South, where the political playbook dictates that the best response to agricultural devastation is a healthy dose of communal tension. After all, what is a few thousand hectares of rice and vegetables and crop cultivations going under water when there is ‘tense’ issue such as the ‘Mahaviru Naal’ in the North to milk for political theatrics? Simmer the communal hot pot Never mind the farmers, whose cultivations, including 64,000 hectares of paddy in the Northern and Eastern Provinces alone now resembling lakes going underwater. Forget the fact that these regions bore the brunt of nature’s fury and that over two million farmers in the country depend on rice farming to keep their families fed and the country afloat. Who cares about livelihoods when you can simmer the communal hot pot to cause nationwide discontent? And so, as the water recedes and farmers stare at their ruined fields, the political stage shifts to the tried-and-tested formula: whip up a little communal tension and fan the flames. You would have successfully diverted attention from an agricultural crisis to a convenient political spectacle. Or are we having a South-style master class in political misdirection? So here we are, wading through the aftermath of a devastating flood, while the political scriptwriters dream up their next act. The country has 2.3 million hectares of agricultural land, with 80 percent dedicated to non-plantation food crops such as rice, maize, vegetables, fruits and other crops, according to the Agriculture Department. The sector employs 28 percent of the country’s labour force, with small-scale farmers contributing the bulk of the agricultural output. It’s too early to quantify the full extent of crop damage or the economic fallout from the floods, but assessments are underway, according to Dr. Chamila Chandrasiri, Director of the Socio-Economic and Planning Centre at the Agriculture Department. “Give us a week or two to get the assessments rolling,” she stated, noting that water must first recede from the flood-affected paddy fields and farmlands. Only then will agricultural officers be able to compile a complete report on the affected farmers, farmlands and crop losses. Speculation, however, is rife. Critics argue that the National People’s Power Government may struggle to address the crisis, with murmurs of a looming food shortage due to flood-induced crop damage. Rumours also swirl about potential price spikes in rice, vegetables and fruit during the festive season and possibly well into next year. And if that’s not enough, a so-called ‘coconut mafia’ is reportedly emerging, threatening to hike prices alongside the notorious rice cartels. While these projections aren’t entirely baseless, they remain speculative. The Government has ramped up support for farmers, providing access to fertiliser and better agricultural inputs. The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI) has also initiated long-term strategies to promote climate-smart agriculture and ensure food security and resilience. HARTI Director and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abeysinghe Lasantha Sandika said they did not expect a flood-induced weather during this cultivation season. He said the relevant agenciesat no point of time forecast the kind of heavy rains that triggered floods. According to him the weather forecasters did not forecast the severity of the weather. The recent floods across Sri Lanka have left paddy fields and farmlands submerged, causing significant damage to crops and irrigation systems. While the Meteorology Department issued a heavy rain warning on November 19, HARTI’s Prof. Sandika believes such forecasts need to be communicated at least a month in advance to allow farmers to adapt their sowing schedules. Effort washed away Farmers had sown seeds on November 15, just days before the rains struck. “The entire effort was washed away,” said Prof. Sandika. Now, farmers face the costly task of re-cultivating, with seed paddy and fertiliser costs doubling. This burden extends to the Government, which must support the recovery effort through subsidies and aid. It is essential to study climate changes more closely and reassess when farmers should plant crops, instead of strictly conforming to traditional farming schedules Farmers now face the daunting task of restarting their cultivation processes and repeat the entire sowing procedure. This has effectively doubled their costs, creating additional financial strain not only to farmers but also for the Government, which has pledged to support recovery efforts. Prof. Sandika highlighted that activating the Government’s fertiliser subsidy program was a key step to alleviate the burden. He assured that measures to restart cultivation are already in motion, with the subsidy program set to play a pivotal role. Interestingly, the delayed activation of the subsidy program in certain areas has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Since the initial crops in those regions were destroyed by floods, the program can now be implemented without the risk of losses on the prematurely ruined harvests. This timing allows the Government to focus its resources more effectively on supporting re-cultivation efforts. Paddy cultivation in low-lying areas of the Northern and Eastern Provinces has been among the hardest hit by the recent floods. Extensive damage has also been reported to paddy and vegetable fields in districts such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ampara and Jaffna, while fruit and vegetable farming in the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla Districts has suffered significant setbacks. The impact extends beyond farmers and their families, affecting urban populations, particularly in Colombo, who rely on rural agricultural produce. Vegetable prices have soared, forcing consumers in urban areas to pay significantly more for basic food items. Nutrient-rich sediment However, there is a silver lining amidst this crisis. According to Professor Sandika, receding flood waters often leave behind nutrient-rich sediment that can improve soil fertility. This natural enrichment can enhance soil productivity, though the benefits depend on factors such as the flood type, the affected region and the pre-existing soil condition. These nutrients deposited by floodwaters have agricultural importance. For example Nitrogen, which is an organic matter from decaying, plants and sediment, is essential for plant growth. Nitrogen is a critical component of chlorophyll, which is vital for photosynthesis. Then Phosperous- which aids in root development and improves flowering and fruiting. Phosphorus is crucial for energy transfer within plants. Also Potassium, micronutrients such as Zinc, Iron, Magnesium and Calcium are also found in this fertile sediment. They contribute to natural soil enrichment, and replenish nutrient-depleted lands, he said. This means once they re-start cultivation, there will be an increase in their crop yield. There will be marked improvement in food security. The floods’ aftermath presents an opportunity for improved agricultural yields in the future, provided the recovery and replanting efforts are managed effectively. This underscores the need for comprehensive support systems and climate-adaptive agricultural strategies. Prof. Sandika said as for crop damage, the Agriculture Department was working on it. Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation has carried out a rough assessment indicating that the floods have significantly damaged irrigation infrastructure, with repairs potentially costing over Rs. 6,000 million. In response to the immediate recovery needs of farmers, the Agriculture and Agrarian Insurance Board will provide compensation through its insurance schemes. Compensation will be available for six key crops – paddy, maize, potato, soybean, onion, and chilli – with a maximum payout of Rs 40,000 per acre. However, many farmers are unlikely to receive full compensation, since their crops were lost shortly after sowing, meaning they could receive less than Rs. 16,000 per acre, depending on their specific insurance agreements. Prof. Sandika said that his personal view was that rice farmers should be compensated more and he is aware that the Government was taking steps to compensate vegetable farmers in the upcountry and the low country. Meanwhile, free seed paddy is to be distributed to farmers. Flood risk When asked about measures to mitigate future flood risks to paddy fields and farmlands, Prof. Sandika said the importance of developing a forewarning system was paramount. He said that even the monsoon patterns were shifting, making it crucial to adapt by adjusting the crop calendar to align with changing weather patterns. “We cannot change Mother Nature, but we must learn to adapt to it,” he said. He also pointed out that it is essential to study climate changes more closely and reassess when farmers should plant crops, instead of strictly conforming to traditional farming schedules such as the Yala and Maha seasons. This approach would help farmers move away from outdated methods and embrace more flexible, climate-resilient practices. To mitigate future climate risks, Prof. Sandika advocates the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing the use of technology. While farmers traditionally rely on experience to determine planting schedules, he said that it’s time to shift to farming based on empirical evidence and research. This transition will allow farmers to make more informed decisions and better manage climate-related challenges. He also highlighted the vulnerability of farmers cultivating crops on open land, which are more prone to weather extremes. To address this, Prof. Sandika suggests identifying entrepreneurs and guiding them towards protective agricultural practices. Many young farmers in the country are already using modern technology such as net houses and greenhouses to cultivate crops, to protect crops from adverse weather, pests and disease. Some of them have become successful exporters. Net houses and greenhouse farming are forms of controlled-environment agriculture that optimise growth conditions, improve crop quality, and allow for off-season cultivation. These methods differ in design, materials, and functionality but share the goal of enhancing yields and providing a more resilient farming model in the face of climate change. HARTI is leading a program to promote climate-smart agriculture by supporting young, entrepreneurial farmers. In collaboration with the Government, HARTI helps aspiring farmers’ access loan schemes of up to Rs. 3 million to start greenhouse farming. This initiative is supported by global partners, including the World Bank, which backs climate-protected agricultural practices. Through specialised training programs, HARTI is guiding traditional farmers to embrace modern, resilient farming techniques. These efforts are intended to improve economic stability and the country’s food security. The training helps farmers transition from traditional methods to more sustainable, climate-smart practices. The program is a key opportunity for young farmers to develop skills, boost welfare and contribute to the country’s agricultural and economic growth. By providing guidance, resources, and financial support, HARTI is helping create a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs who can tackle climate challenges and enhance food production systems.
Israeli police set to probe Netanyahu’s wife over ‘harassment of witnesses’It's not even Christmas yet, but high school girls basketball season now has its fourth No. 1 team following Mitty's dominance at the Nike TOC. Here are the national high school girls basketball rankings from The Sporting News for the week of Dec. 23. READ: Last week's rankings (Dec. 16) Top 25 High School Girls Basketball Rankings Mitty beat the top-ranked team in the country to win the Nike TOC behind dominance from McKenna Woliczko? Seems like deja vu. One year after leaping to No. 1 following an upset of Long Island Lutheran, the Monarchs have done it again for a shocking 59-34 blowout of Ontario Christian in the finals. Wolizcko was named the MVP again after dropping 38 points and 17 rebounds against Clackamas and 25 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists against Ontario Christian. It's rare to see potential CIF Open Division state championship previews occur during the regular season, but how about this. Ontario Christian doesn't have to wait until a potential March rematch for another crack at Archbishop Mitty – they play again on Jan. 4 at the SI 20 Showcase. 3. Mater Dei (CA) (12-2 – 17th) When was the last time that California teams swept the top three of a national ranking? Not sure, but the last time Mater Dei was ranked this high on a national level was during the 2019-20 and 2019-20 seasons when it went back-to-back as CIF-SS Open Division champions. Mater Dei's only losses came to the only two higher-ranked teams, so it was clear for takeoff in the rankings after upsetting Bishop McNamara. Mater Dei was No. 17 last week, so why didn't Bishop McNamara drop more for the loss? Before getting upset, it had already beaten IMG Academy by 23 points, Central Pointe Christian Academy by 25, Bullis by eight, and Sage Hill by 26. And Bishop McNamara bounced back after losing to beat Clackamas 53-48. Now it's the conference favorite entering another brutal year of Washington Catholic play. Biding time while most other top-ranked teams have gotten their hands dirty with national competition. Westtown did handle Shining Star Sports Academy 73-64 in its one crack at a ranked foe. LuHi has only played five games, but its season-opening wins against Bishop Ireton (79-73) and St. Paul VI (78-44) are already aging particularly well as those downed foes have otherwise been untouchable. Long Island Lutheran opens the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational as a heavy favorite against ever-dangerous Miami Country Day. Unsurprisingly, Sierra Canyon had no trouble winning the top division at the Tarkanian Classic for the second time in three years, although Couer D'Alene and Vanden managed not to get totally dismantled. Expect a similar showing – or perhaps an even more dominant one – this week at the Glendora Christmas Tournament. Still unbeaten, and for the most part unscathed. Lawrence North is the lone team to give the Bears a scare, losing 52-51 to them on Dec. 12, and that rematch is on Jan. 16. 9. Sidwell Friends (DC) (7-0 – 12 th ) Make it seven wins against seven excellent teams for the Quakers. They beat Potomac School 58-35 in their only game of the week. Narrowly avoided disaster against a quality foe in St. Frances Academy, winning 58-55 in its first test of the season. It's a nine-spot drop for Montverde Academy after a major upset to Canadian powerhouse Fort Erie International, which has lost to Bishop McNamara and Paul VI (VA). It didn't help the Eagles' stock that some of the best teams they've beaten, such as Purcell Marian, Winston-Salem Christian, and St. Thomas Aquinas, recently took stop-dropping losses. With that said, Montverde has been without arguably its top player, Agot Makeer, since November. This might not prove to be a season-altering loss. In one of the biggest upsets of the year so far, Hebron Christian fell 55-52 to Langston Hughes on Friday at the Cherokee Invitational. So why didn't Hebron Christian fall more? The Lions defeated Langston Hughes 62-55 six days prior, and Langston Hughes, now on the bubble, is otherwise unbeaten with wins against Holy Innocents' Episcopal, Hoover (AL), and Westminster Academy. 13. Bradley Central (TN) (13-0 – 13 th ) Bradley Central handily defeated McMinn County, Bartlett, and Clarksville Christian to stay unbeaten. After much ado, the Caseys are finally underway and off to a good start. They beat St. Joseph-by-the-Sea 70-44 and Virginia Academy 61-37. The Red Raiders jump back into action after Christmas at the Visitation Christmas Tournament. 16. Pewaukee (WI) (7-0 – 18th) Still nothing but wins of 15 points or more for the Pirates, which defeated West Allis Central 89-4 and Homestead 55-40. They play one of the biggest tests of the season on Friday against Whitney Young. Johnston finally was tested and won a defensive grinder 49-41 against Dowling Catholic. They meet again in conference play on Jan. 24. The tour de force continues. Princess Anne has scored at least 80 points and more than doubled its opponents score in all seven contests, including against recent victims Ocean Lakes (95-24) and First Colonial (97-9). Sitting pretty at 21-0 after a well-earned week off from games. With most of its big tests already in the past, Lincoln has a strong chance at an undefeated regular season. 20. Clackamas (OR) (3-2 – 23rd) Despite two losses, the Nike TOC wasn't a bad showing for the Cavaliers. They were close losses to national title contenders in Archbishop Mitty and Bishop McNamara, and those were sandwiched in between convincing wins against Princeton and Purcell Marian. 21. Putnam City North (OK) (11-1 – Bubble) Getting a rematch three days after a loss sounds like the perfect amount of time to reflect, rest up, and prepare for revenge. Thus was the case for the Panthers, who beat Norman 57-49 on Tuesday after losing 65-62 on Saturday. The rubber match worth a 6A District 2 title is on Feb. 4. Reeling after a 40-38 loss to PHH Prep on Friday. The Ascenders did pick up a nice win the day before, blowing out another Arizona power Bella Vista College Prep 62-24. 23. Duncanville (TX) (11-4 – Bubble) Fired up after beating rival DeSoto 74-55. Duncanville will pick right after Christmas at the Sandra Meadows Classic, which includes a high-profile matchup with Boswell. 24. Cypress Springs (TX) (17-3 Bubble) Now up to 13 wins in a row, including against Etiwanda, Summer Creek, and Audenried, since starting 4-3. It turns out Cypress Springs was missing an important piece, junior guard Tamiah Harrison, in its last loss, which came 51-48 to Frisco Memorial. Its only others were against Lincoln and Duncanville. Etiwanda resumes play after Christmas at the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic. Teams on the bubble: AZ Compass Prep (AZ) Bishop Ireton (VA) Blue Valley North (KS) Boswell (TX) Bullis (MD) Central Pointe Christian Academy (FL) Clovis West (CA) Elizabeth Seton (MD) Grandview (CO) Grind Prep (OK) Guyer Denton (TX) Flower Mound (TX) Langston Hughes (GA) Lyons (IL) Norman (OK) Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy (TX) PHH Prep (AZ) Purcell Marian (OH) River Ridge (GA) Shining Star Sports Academy (VA) South Bend Washington (IN) St. Francis (GA) St. John's (DC) St. Paul VI (VA) Tualatin (OR) Valor Christian (CO) Winston-Salem Christian National (NC)