When it comes to the topic of abortion in Canada, there’s often confusion and debate surrounding politicians’ stances, especially from those on the conservative side of the spectrum. Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, has been open and direct about his views on this issue, even as he faces criticism from both pro-life and pro-choice groups.
Poilievre’s Position on Abortion
Pierre Poilievre has clearly stated that he would not bring forward or pass any legislation to restrict abortion rights in Canada. In fact, his stance mirrors that of former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who took a similar hands-off approach during his time in office. In 2020, Poilievre made it clear that no new abortion legislation would pass under his leadership, saying:
“Under my leadership, no abortion legislation would pass.”
This statement has been consistent throughout his career, and he has reiterated his stance even as the topic continues to stir controversy. However, Poilievre has also allowed members of his caucus to vote according to their own beliefs on this issue, demonstrating respect for freedom of conscience within his party.
Responding to Recent Controversies
In June 2024, Poilievre again reiterated his pro-choice stance. This time, his comment came after a Conservative MP raised concerns by openly opposing same-sex marriage and seeking more restrictive abortion laws. Poilievre responded firmly:
“Same-sex marriage is legal, and it will remain legal when I am prime minister, full stop.”
This statement underscores Poilievre’s commitment to maintaining the status quo on both same-sex marriage and abortion rights. For Poilievre, it seems clear that social issues like these are not areas he intends to change if he becomes prime minister.
Facing Criticism from Both Sides
Interestingly, Poilievre’s stance has sparked criticism from both pro-life and pro-choice advocates. Pro-life groups have accused him of being “pro-abortion,” which highlights their dissatisfaction with his pro-choice position. On the other hand, some pro-choice organizations are wary of his assurances, wondering if his position is as clear-cut as he says.
This tightrope act between both groups reflects the political landscape surrounding abortion in Canada—a landscape where personal beliefs and political reality don’t always align neatly.
While Poilievre may lead the Conservative Party, he’s been consistent in his message on abortion: it’s not something he intends to legislate against. For Canadian voters looking for clarity on this issue, Poilievre’s statements provide a straightforward answer—he would not change existing laws on abortion if he were to become Prime Minister.
Whether or not people agree with Poilievre’s stance, his commitment to leaving abortion law as is speaks to a measured approach on a polarizing issue. For now, it seems Canadians can expect abortion rights to remain protected under his leadership.
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but its impact on our bodies can be significant, especially when it comes to hormone health. One of the most important hormones affected by stress is cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.” While cortisol plays a vital role in managing your body’s fight-or-flight response, chronic high levels can wreak havoc on your health.
The good news? A non-toxic lifestyle can help reduce stress and lower cortisol levels, creating a healthier, more balanced system. In this post, we’ll explore the connection between stress, hormones, and how non-toxic living can support your body’s natural ability to manage stress.
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It helps regulate important bodily functions, such as:
Blood sugar levels
Metabolism
Inflammation
Blood pressure
Immune response
While cortisol is necessary for normal bodily functions, prolonged stress can cause consistently high cortisol levels. Over time, this can lead to health issues, including:
Weight gain
Digestive problems
Anxiety or depression
Weakened immune system
Hormonal imbalances
Sleep disturbances
Reducing cortisol levels is essential for long-term health, and one way to do this is by adopting a non-toxic lifestyle that eliminates unnecessary stressors from your environment.
How Stress and Toxins Affect Cortisol
Living in a world filled with toxins — from the food we eat to the products we use — can increase our body’s stress load. Chemicals like phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and pesticides have been shown to act as endocrine disruptors, affecting hormone balance and increasing stress on the body.
These chemicals can make it harder for the body to manage stress, leading to elevated cortisol levels. Exposure to toxins can overwhelm your adrenal glands, making it difficult for them to produce and regulate cortisol properly.
How Non-Toxic Living Can Help Lower Cortisol Levels
1. Reducing Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors
One of the most impactful ways to support your body’s natural hormone balance is by reducing your exposure to endocrine disruptors. These chemicals are found in everyday items, including cleaning supplies, beauty products, and even food packaging. Switching to non-toxic, chemical-free alternatives can reduce the toxic load on your system and allow your body to manage stress more effectively.
2. Choosing Organic, Whole Foods
Processed foods, pesticides, and preservatives can increase inflammation and stress in the body, contributing to higher cortisol levels. By choosing organic, whole foods free from harmful chemicals, you give your body the nutrients it needs to function optimally while reducing the stress caused by toxins.
Organic fruits, vegetables, and hormone-free, pasture-raised meats are great options for supporting a non-toxic lifestyle and helping to lower cortisol.
3. Non-Toxic Personal Care Products
Your skin absorbs a large portion of what you put on it, which means many of the chemicals in conventional personal care products can enter your bloodstream and disrupt hormone function. By switching to non-toxic skincare, haircare, and personal hygiene products, you can reduce the toxic burden on your body and allow your hormones to find better balance.
4. Improving Indoor Air Quality
The quality of the air you breathe also plays a significant role in stress and hormone regulation. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from synthetic fragrances, paints, and cleaning products can increase the toxic load on your body, triggering a stress response.
Improving indoor air quality by using natural, non-toxic cleaners and essential oils instead of chemical-laden air fresheners can reduce cortisol and create a more relaxing environment at home.
5. Prioritizing Restful Sleep
Sleep is crucial for keeping cortisol levels in check. Exposure to artificial light from screens, stress-inducing chemicals, and poor indoor air quality can interfere with your ability to get quality rest.
Creating a non-toxic sleep environment by using organic bedding, like linen, eliminating electronic devices from the bedroom, and reducing indoor pollutants can improve sleep and lower cortisol levels. Consider using blackout curtains, air purifiers, and natural sleep aids like magnesium or herbal teas to support a restful night’s sleep.
Additional Tips for Lowering Cortisol Naturally
While non-toxic living is an essential step, incorporating other healthy habits can help keep your cortisol levels balanced:
Mindful Practices: Engage in stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity can help regulate cortisol, but be careful not to overdo it, as excessive exercise can increase cortisol levels.
Adequate Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and supports your body’s natural stress response.
Time in Nature: Grounding yourself by spending time outdoors can lower cortisol and provide a natural detox from modern-day stressors.
Non-toxic living is more than just a trend — it’s an essential part of managing stress and maintaining healthy hormone levels. By reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and creating a more natural, balanced environment, you can help lower cortisol and support your overall well-being. Whether it’s through cleaner food, safer products, or better air quality, every step toward a non-toxic lifestyle helps your body handle stress with greater ease.
Ready to start your non-toxic journey? Head to the blog for more tips and ideas to help you transform your home and life into a stress-free sanctuary!
Imagine cracking open a jar of hearty beef stew or savory pulled pork, perfectly preserved and ready to enjoy—all with the taste and texture of a meal freshly prepared. That’s the magic of pressure canning. For those who love cooking, self-sufficiency, or simply saving time and money, pressure canning is a fantastic way to preserve meats, stews, and other foods, making them shelf-stable and convenient for any meal.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the essentials of pressure canning, why it’s the best choice for low-acid foods like meats, the basics of the process, and some handy tips for getting the best results.
Why Pressure Canning?
Unlike high-acid foods like tomatoes, jams, and pickles that can be preserved through water-bath canning, low-acid foods (including meats, beans, and many vegetables) require higher temperatures to ensure safety. This is where pressure canning shines. By heating jars to 240°F (116°C), pressure canning effectively kills any potential bacteria, including botulism spores, which can’t be eliminated at boiling temperatures alone.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before jumping into pressure canning, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pressure Canner: This is a specialized piece of equipment designed to safely reach the high temperatures necessary for canning low-acid foods. Make sure it’s a pressure canner, not a pressure cooker. Look for models with dial or weighted gauges, which help monitor and control pressure or you can check out the All American Pressure Cooker / Canner
Canning Jars: Use jars designed specifically for canning, with two-piece lids (a flat sealing lid and a metal screw band). Common sizes for pressure canning are pint and quart jars. I use Bernardin
Jar Lifter: This tool helps you safely place and remove jars from the canner.
Canning Funnel: Makes filling jars easier and cleaner.
Headspace Tool: This helps you measure the correct amount of headspace (the empty space between food and the top of the jar), which is essential for safe canning.
Note: You can get a great canning kit that should include all the essentials you need for canning up your favourite meals.
The Pressure Canning Process
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to dive into the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to pressure canning meats, stews, and more:
Step 1: Prepare the Food
The first step is to prepare the food you want to can. For meats, you can either raw-pack or hot-pack:
Raw-Pack: Place raw meat directly into jars, adding a little salt or seasonings for flavor. This method is quicker but can produce a bit more liquid.
Hot-Pack: Pre-cook the meat or stew and then fill the jars with the hot food. This method is ideal for stews and results in a richer flavor.
Once the jars are filled, make sure to wipe the rims clean to ensure a proper seal, then place the lids and screw bands on until they’re just finger-tight.
Step 2: Load the Canner and Heat
Place your jars into the canner using the jar lifter, making sure they don’t touch each other or the sides of the canner. Add the recommended amount of water for your canner (usually a couple of inches), then secure the lid.
Heat the canner on high until steam begins to vent from the canner vent. Let it vent for about 10 minutes to release air pockets, ensuring a more accurate pressure reading.
Step 3: Process at the Right Pressure and Time
Once the venting process is complete, add the weight or close the valve, depending on your canner’s model. Then, adjust the heat to maintain the recommended pressure for your recipe. For most meats and stews, you’ll be processing at around 10-15 pounds of pressure, depending on your altitude.
Processing times vary based on the type of food, jar size, and recipe. For example:
Meats (pints): 75 minutes
Meats (quarts): 90 minutes
Stews and soups: 60-90 minutes, depending on ingredients and jar size
Follow your specific recipe and pressure canner manual for safe times and pressures.
Step 4: Cool Down and Remove Jars
After the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and let the canner cool naturally until it reaches zero pressure. Avoid releasing pressure manually, as this can lead to liquid loss and failed seals.
Once the pressure has returned to zero, carefully remove the lid and let the jars sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, using your jar lifter, transfer them to a towel-lined countertop to cool for 12-24 hours.
Step 5: Check Seals and Store
Once your jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. A properly sealed lid won’t flex. If any jars didn’t seal, you can reprocess them with a new lid or simply refrigerate and enjoy within a few days.
Label your jars with the contents and date, then store them in a cool, dark place. Properly canned meat and stews can last up to a year (or even longer), retaining both taste and nutrition.
Tips for Success
Always Use Tested Recipes: For safety, follow recipes from trusted sources, such as the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Pressure canning is precise, and following tested guidelines ensures that your food is safe.
Adjust for Altitude: If you live at an altitude above 1,000 feet, you’ll need to increase the pressure to ensure safe preservation.
Keep Jars Warm Before Filling: To prevent jars from breaking due to temperature shock, keep them warm before adding hot food or liquids.
Use the Right Headspace: Most meats and stews require about 1-1¼ inches of headspace. Too much or too little headspace can impact the seal and safety of your jars.
Avoid Adding Thickeners: Ingredients like flour, cornstarch, and dairy should not be used in pressure canning recipes, as they can interfere with safe processing. Thicken your dishes when reheating, if needed.
The Joy of a Well-Stocked Pantry
Pressure canning may seem like a bit of work, but the reward is a pantry stocked with ready-to-eat, nutritious meals that bring convenience and peace of mind. It’s a perfect method for homesteaders, preppers, or anyone looking to maximize their food preservation efforts.
By mastering the art of pressure canning, you’re taking control of your food supply, reducing waste, and creating meals that can nourish you and your family, even when fresh ingredients aren’t available. From beef stew to chicken soup, chili, and more, your options are endless, and your pantry will always be prepared.
Give it a try, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with knowing you’ve crafted your own preserved meals with love, precision, and a bit of old-world wisdom.
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Let’s talk about lactose intolerance—the party pooper of dairy enjoyment. You know the drill: one glass of milk, and suddenly your stomach is staging a full-on rebellion. For many, the answer to lactose issues has been simple: cut out dairy, avoid the discomfort, and resign yourself to a life of almond milk and coconut-based everything. But what if I told you there’s another option, one that comes from the very thing you’ve been avoiding—raw milk?
Yes, you read that right. There’s a chance that raw milk could be your digestive system’s secret best friend. Cue the double-takes and raised eyebrows! Let’s dig into how raw milk might just help people with lactose intolerance enjoy dairy again, without all the unwanted drama.
Lactose Intolerance 101: What’s Really Going On?
Before we get into the raw milk magic, let’s quickly recap what lactose intolerance is. When you’re lactose intolerant, your body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose (the sugar found in milk). Without enough lactase, lactose just sits in your gut like an unwelcome guest, causing symptoms like bloating, gas, cramps, and sometimes more… explosive reactions. Fun, right?
But here’s the twist: not all milk is created equal, and the form in which you consume it can make all the difference.
So, What’s the Deal with Raw Milk?
Raw milk, as the name suggests, is milk in its purest form—unpasteurized and unprocessed. This means it hasn’t been heated to kill bacteria (and also some nutrients, but we’ll get to that). The cool thing about raw milk is that it still contains the enzyme lactase, which can help your body break down lactose more efficiently.
Yes, you heard that correctly. Raw milk still contains the very enzyme that many lactose-intolerant people are lacking. It’s like your digestive system is getting a little helper. It’s like having a friend who shows up to a party with snacks when you forgot to bring any—teamwork makes the dream work.
Raw Milk’s Secret Weapon: Enzymes
Enzymes are the unsung heroes of raw milk. In addition to lactase, raw milk also contains other beneficial enzymes that get destroyed during pasteurization. These enzymes can assist in digestion and make it easier for some people to process the lactose that’s naturally present in milk.
Think of it like this: pasteurization is great at killing harmful bacteria, but it’s also kind of like throwing a wild house party where all the “good guests” get kicked out along with the bad ones. Raw milk, on the other hand, keeps the balance—letting the good enzymes do their job while minimizing the bad guys with proper handling and sourcing.
But Wait, Isn’t All Milk the Same When It Comes to Lactose?
You’d think so, but no. There’s a fundamental difference between the raw and pasteurized varieties. When milk is pasteurized, it gets heated to a high temperature to kill off harmful bacteria. In the process, though, the lactase and other beneficial enzymes are destroyed. So, while pasteurized milk still contains lactose, it no longer has that natural enzyme support to help you break it down. You’re on your own, kid.
Raw milk, on the other hand, offers a bit of digestive backup. The lactase in raw milk may help some people with lactose intolerance digest it without the usual digestive rebellion.
The Big Question: Can People with Lactose Intolerance Really Drink Raw Milk?
Okay, so this is where it gets interesting. There are plenty of anecdotal stories from people who claim they can drink raw milk without any of the discomfort they experience from pasteurized milk. And while everyone’s body is different, there’s enough positive buzz around this to make it worth a try (assuming you’re sourcing your raw milk from a reputable, clean farm!).
In fact, one study found that 80% of lactose-intolerant individuals could tolerate raw milk much better than pasteurized milk. That’s a big deal for anyone who’s been stuck on the sidelines of the dairy game, enviously watching everyone else dunk their cookies in milk like it’s no big deal.
A Quick Disclaimer Before You Run to Your Nearest Farm
Before you go and grab a glass of raw milk with reckless abandon, let’s keep a couple things in mind. First, raw milk needs to be sourced from a high-quality, well-regulated farm that follows strict hygiene standards. We’re not talking about snagging some questionable carton off the back of a truck. Cleanliness matters—big time.
Second, raw milk isn’t a magical cure for everyone. If you’re severely lactose intolerant or have other digestive issues, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider first to see if raw milk is something you should try.
Raw Milk: A Delicious, Nutrient-Dense Option
Even beyond the lactose intolerance angle, raw milk is packed with benefits. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and healthy fats—all of which tend to be reduced or eliminated during the pasteurization process. In its natural form, raw milk is essentially a complete food, offering immune support, better nutrient absorption, and a rich flavor you just can’t find in store-bought milk.
And let’s be real—the taste is on another level. If you’ve never had a glass of fresh, creamy raw milk, you’re in for a treat. It’s richer, fuller, and more flavorful than the thin, watery stuff we’ve been conditioned to accept from the grocery store.
So, Should You Try Raw Milk?
If you’ve been living in lactose-intolerant purgatory, raw milk might be the beacon of hope you’ve been waiting for. It’s not a guarantee—everyone’s body is different—but if you’ve been avoiding dairy out of fear of digestive issues, it’s worth a shot.
At the end of the day, the best way to find out if raw milk works for you is to try it. Start slow, make sure you’re sourcing from a reputable farm, and see how your body reacts. You might just find that you’ve been missing out on one of nature’s most nutrient-packed (and delicious) foods.
As more people seek to regain control over their lives, the concept of sovereign living is gaining traction. But what if you live in a bustling city? Can you still embrace a self-sufficient lifestyle? Absolutely. Sovereign living isn’t just for those on sprawling homesteads—it’s a mindset and lifestyle that can be cultivated in any environment, including urban settings.
In this post, we’ll explore practical tips on how to live a more self-reliant, sovereign life while living in the city.
What Is Sovereign Living?
Sovereign living means taking control of your life, resources, and well-being by reducing dependence on outside systems. This can manifest in many ways—growing your own food, creating your own energy, building a community, and seeking independence from commercial products and government oversight.
In urban areas, self-sufficiency might seem more challenging, but with the right mindset and resources, you can achieve a meaningful level of independence even in a city apartment.
1. Urban Gardening: Grow Your Own Food
You don’t need acres of land to start growing your own food. Urban gardening allows city dwellers to cultivate their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Balcony gardens, rooftop gardens, and even vertical indoor gardening systems are excellent ways to grow produce in limited spaces.
Key tips:
Use pots, containers, or raised beds to maximize space.
Start with easy-to-grow vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens.
Look into hydroponic or aquaponic systems for indoor growing.
Not only does growing your own food give you control over what you’re eating, but it also reduces your reliance on commercial food supply chains.
2. Preserving and Storing Food
Living in the city often means relying on grocery stores for fresh food. However, you can minimize this by learning preservation techniques that allow you to store food for long periods.
Freezing or dehydrating or freeze-drying, food for later use.
Fermenting foods like sauerkraut and kimchi for added nutrition and shelf life.
These practices can help you stay prepared during food shortages or times of crisis, giving you peace of mind that you have the essentials covered.
3. Harnessing Renewable Energy
While creating your own energy might seem out of reach in an urban setting, it’s more feasible than you think. Solar panels, small wind turbines, and even portable generators are becoming more accessible for city residents.
Even if you can’t install large solar panels, you can invest in solar-powered gadgets for charging devices, small appliances, or lighting. This helps reduce your dependence on the grid and lowers your energy bills.
4. Reduce Waste and Upcycle
Sovereign living also involves reducing your consumption and reliance on wasteful practices. City life can be fast-paced, which often leads to more waste production, but you can make efforts to minimize it.
Repurpose and upcycle items instead of buying new ones.
Shop secondhand or trade within local communities.
Compost kitchen scraps even in urban areas with indoor composting systems.
This mindset shift helps you live more sustainably while fostering a deeper connection to your environment.
5. Build Community
True sovereignty is not about isolation—it’s about interdependence within your community. In urban areas, building a network of like-minded people can help create a self-sufficient support system.
Join local food cooperatives, bartering networks, or urban farming collectives. These community-focused efforts reduce reliance on corporate systems and create mutual aid in times of need.
6. Create a Rainwater Harvesting System
Collecting and reusing rainwater in urban settings is another way to become more self-sufficient. It can be used for gardening, cleaning, and other non-potable purposes, reducing your dependence on city water systems.
Invest in simple rainwater collection systems or build one yourself to make the most of this free resource.
7. Non-Toxic Living
Part of sovereign living is breaking free from the harmful chemicals present in everyday urban life. Choose natural, non-toxic products for your home and body to protect your health. This includes making your own cleaning products, using natural skincare, and avoiding synthetic chemicals in food packaging.
Shifting to a non-toxic lifestyle is not only healthier but it also gives you more control over your environment.
8. Financial Independence
Sovereign living isn’t just about food and energy—it’s also about achieving financial freedom. In the city, focus on building multiple streams of income, reducing debt, and learning essential skills that allow you to barter or trade services within your community.
Living below your means and investing in tangible assets like gold, silver, or property can also increase your long-term financial security.
9. Medical First Aid
It’s important to be prepared with medical supplies ready to grab at a moment’s notice. With Jase Medical, you can add their handy pack to your family first aid kit to ensure you have all the doctor-prescribed medications you would need in an emergency situation.
Sovereign living in urban settings is entirely possible—it just requires a bit of creativity and planning. Whether it’s growing your own food, raising quails on your balcony, preserving food for emergencies, or fostering community connections, you can reclaim a degree of independence while living in the city.
Remember, self-sufficiency is about progress, not perfection. Start small, stay consistent, and slowly build a lifestyle that allows you to take control of your future.
For more tips on how to live a sovereign life, even in the city, check out our blog for further insights and inspiration!
