12152022 December 15 2022

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OntarioCelebrating460NewPoliceOfficers

New recruits complete basic training to help fight crime and keep communities safe

TheOntariogovernmenttodaymarkedthe

official march past of 460 police recruits whohavecompletedtheirbasictrainingat theOntarioPoliceCollege(OPC).

“Policingismuchmorethanajob.Itisa profession that puts citizens over self,” said MichaelKerzner,SolicitorGeneral.

The successful completion of basic constabletrainingmarksanimportantmilestone onthepathtobecomingapoliceofficer.During the12-weekprogram,recruitsareequippedwith the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond to evolving issues facing modern

policing. This includes learning how to prevent crime, assist victims, maintain public order and respondtoemergencies.

“I commend both the recruits and their instructors for dedicating themselves to help fight crime across the province. We need to recruit more police officers and this class is an inspirationtootherswhowanttopursueahigher calling,”addedKerzner.

Ofthe460recruits,theaverageageis29 years old, 88 per cent have completed postsecondaryeducation(college,universityorboth) andalmosthalf(40percent)speakanadditional

languagebesidesEnglish.

The recruits will complete their training with 29 municipal police services across the province,theOntarioProvincialPolice,fiveFirst Nations communities and two other police servicepartners.

The OPC is one of the largest police training facilities in North America with an average 8,000 recruits, police officers, and civilianpersonnelattendingeachyear.

The OPC has been training new police hiressince1962.

Drugwarning:Increaseinsuspectedoverdoses

TheCommunityDrugStrategiesfortheCityof Greater Sudbury and Manitoulin Island have received reports of unexpected reactions and increasein overdosesfromtheuseofsubstances inSudburyandonManitoulinIsland.

While we cannot confirm the substance that has caused the overdoses, this situation serves as an importantremindertothecommunitythatstreetdrugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), fentanyl, or carfentanil. Frontline workers warn that a more toxic substances may be circulatinglocally.

Anoverdoseoccurswhenapersonusesmore of a substance, or combinationofsubstances, thantheirbodycanhandle. As a consequence, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The personmightpassout,stop breathing or experience a seizure. Overdoses can be fatal.

Preventopioidoverdose/savelives:

! Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, overthecounter,andillegaldrugs.

! Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.

! Usecautionwhenswitchingsubstances:start withalowerdosethanyouusuallywould.

! If you have not used in a while, start with a lowerdose.Yourtolerancemaybelower.

! When using substances, consider the followingoptions:

! Have a trusted person with you who can providesupportasneeded.

! VisitanoverdosepreventionsitesuchasThe Spot.

! Connect with the National Overdose ResponseServiceat1.888.688.6677(NORSline).

! AccesstheBraveApp.

! Avoidusingdrugswhenyouarealone.

! Carryanaloxonekit.

! Call911ifyoususpectanoverdose.

Overdosesymptomsinclude:

! fingernailsandlipsturnblueorpurplishblack

! skin turns bluish purple, grayish or ashen dependingonskintone

! dizzinessandconfusion

! thepersoncan'tbewokenup

! choking,gurglingorsnoringsounds

! slow,weakornobreathing

! drowsinessordifficultystayingawake

Reportedsymptomsoftheunknownsubstance:

! confusion

! lossoftime

! lackofspatialawareness

! distorteddepthperception

!slurredanderraticspeech

Howtorespondtoanoverdose:

!GIVE NALOXONE. This will help reverse an opioidoverdose,andwilldonoharmiftheoverdoseis not opioid related. This may improve breathing, but the person may not regain consciousness due to sedation.

!Call 911 to get medical help and keep monitoring theirbreathing.

SupportingAnglophoneparentsintheir effortstohelptheirchildlearninFrench

Thisyear,parentsandguardiansofConseil scolairecatholiqueNouvelonstudentswillhavethe opportunity to follow two free French as a second language programs. The Beginner 1 program will run for 15 weeks whereas the Beginner Conversation program is an 8-week course. Both programs,startingJanuary17,2023,willbeoffered online by Collège Boréal. These programs will support Anglophone parents as they learn and communicateinFrenchtobettersupporttheirchild's

learning. The cost of the courses is covered by the CSC Nouvelon Parent Involvement Committee. However,spacesinbothprogramsarelimited.

In a friendly atmosphere, parents will practice their French-language skills by participatinginconversationsandscenariosofdaily life.Parentswillbecomemorecomfortableintheir ability to speak French and will be confident to bettersupporttheirchildintheirlearning. These French as a second language

programs,offeredbyCollègeBoréalexclusivelyto CSC Nouvelon families, are of interest to families whereoneoftheparentsisanon-Francophoneand who strive to offer a high level of bilingualism to theirchildbyregisteringtheminaFrench-language Catholicschool.

Parents and guardians of CSC Nouvelon studentscanregisterinCollègeBoréal'sFrenchasa Second Language program by calling 705-5606673,ext.2014orbyemailatfc@collegeboreal.ca.

Desprogrammespouraiderlesparentsanglophonesàappuyerleurenfantàapprendreenfrançais

Cetteannée,lesparentsettuteursd'élèves duConseilscolairecatholiqueNouvelonaurontla chance de suivre gratuitement deux programmes de français langue seconde. Le programme Débutant 1 (Beginner 1) sera d'une durée de 15 semaines alors que le programme de Conversations pour débutant (Beginner Conversation) s'étalera sur huit semaines. Ces deux programmes seront offerts en format virtuel par le Collège Boréal à compter du 17 janvier 2023. Ces programmes permettront aux parents anglophones à apprendre à communiquer en français et mieux appuyer leur enfant dans leur

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Roger Noël Sylvestre

Le 8 décembre 2022, RogerNoëlSylvestre,époux,père, grand-père et frère adoré, est décédé à l'âge de 86 ans à la résidence Bignucolo des Services de santé de Chapleau. Fils de feu Lionel Sylvestre et de feu MarieBlancheDeslong-champs.

Il laisse derrière lui son épouse Pierrette depuis 63 ans, sesenfants,feuJacques(Corinne), Sylvie (Robert), Michel (Nancy), ses six petits-enfants Josée (Jeremy), Felisha (Mathieu), Joshua (Laura), Sébastien (Geneviève), Jesse (Ashley) et Annabelle, ses deux arrière-petits-enfants Jana et Jonah, ainsi que ses sœurssurvivantesMargot,SolangeetGilberte,son frère survivant Réginald (Colette) et de nombreux beaux-frères,belles-sœurs,neveuxetnièces.

Rogeradoraitprofondémentsafamilleetle tempsaveceux,quecesoitauchaletaulacServiss, à des tournois de hockey, pendant la cueillette de fraises,debleuetsetdeframboises,àlachasse,au garage et évidemment à aller manger une crème glacée. Ilatravailléjusqu'àl'âgede79anscomme mécanicien de machinerie lourde et il a fait du ski nautiquejusqu'audébutdeses70ans.

Les funérailles auront lieu mercredi 14 décembre à 11 h à l'église Sacré-Cœur de Chapleau.

La famille sera reconnaissante de dons commémoratifs au Département des activités de la résidenceBignucolodeChapleau.

apprentissage. Les frais d'inscription sont déboursés par le Comité de participation des parents du CSC Nouvelon. Les places sont toutefoislimitées.

Dansuneambianceconviviale,lesparents pourront pratiquer leurs compétences en français enparticipantàdesconversationsdetouslesjours.

Les parents deviendront alors plus à l'aise et confiants en leur capacité à parler français pour ainsi mieux appuyer leur enfant dans leur cheminementscolaire.

Ces programmes de français langue seconde, offerts par le Collège Boréal

OBITUARY Roger Noël Sylvestre

On December 15, 2022, Roger Noël Sylvestre, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away at the age of 86 years at the Bignucolo Residence of Chapleau Health Services. Son of the late Lionel Sylvestre and the late MarieBlancheDeslongchamps.

He leaves behind his wife of 63 years Pierrette, his children, the late Jacques (Corinne), Sylvie (Robert), Michel (Nancy), his six grandchildren Josée (Jeremy), Felisha (Mathieu), Joshua (Laura), Sébastien (Genny), Jesse (Ashley) and Annabelle, histwogreat-grandchildrenJanaandJonah,aswell as his surviving sisters Margot, Solange and Gilberte, his surviving brother Reginald (Colette), andmanybrothers-in-law,sisters-in-law,niecesand nephews.

Rogerdeeplylovedhisfamilyandspending time with them, whether it was at the cottage on Serviss Lake, at hockey tournaments, picking berries,hunting,atthegarageand,ofcourse,going for ice cream. He worked until the age of 79 as a heavyequipmentmechanicandwater-skieduntilhis early70s.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, December14at11a.m.attheSacredHeartChurch inChapleau.

InmemoryofRoger,donationsmaybesent to the Activation Department of the Bignucolo ResidenceinChapleau.

exclusivement aux familles d'élèves du CSC Nouvelon, sont d'intérêt pour les familles où l'un des parents est non francophone et qui veulent assurer le bilinguisme et le succès de leur enfant dansuneécolecatholiquedelanguefrançaise.

Les parents et tuteurs d'élèves du CSC Nouvelon intéressés peuvent s'inscrire au programme de français langue seconde offert par leCollègeBoréalencomposantle705-560-6673, poste2014,ouparcourrielaufc@collegeboreal.ca

OBITUARY RaymondAlbert Duhaime

Passed away peacefully with his son at his side at the Chapleau Health Services on Sunday, December11,2022atthe ageof78years.Dearson of the late Albert and Margaret Duhaime. Dear father of Anne Duhaime, Sue Warner (Daryl) and Ray Duhaime Jr. (Shannon). Proud pepere of the late Matthew, James, Billy, Melissa, AutumnandWillow.Great pepereofWiley.Raywillberememberedbythe mother of his children Jackie St-Jacques Duhaime. Brother of Leo (Rose) Duhaime and Richard (Rachel) Duhaime. Ray worked at Falconbridge/MineMillLocal#598,Sudburyfor 16 years, until he moved to Chapleau in 1985 and eventually purchased Linamac Lodge, where he fulfilled his dream of owning and being a hunting and fishing outfitter. At Ray's request there will be no funeral services. Cremation will take place at River's Edge Cremation Centre, Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Memorial donations made to Canadian Diabetes Association would be greatly appreciated. (Arrangements entrusted to the KerryFuneralHome,Wawa,1-800-439-4937). www.kerryfuneralhome.ca

Chapleau Moments

by MichaelJ. Morris

ChapleauhonourspopularcitizensMrs.A.W.MooreasQueen MotherandLaytonGoodwinasKingat11thwintercarnivalin1962

historya"QueenMother"wascrownedandselected for the honour was Mrs. Moore who was known throughout the community for her continuous and untiringeffortstoraisefundsforhockeyteamsand theChapleauMemorialCommunityArena.

ThecarnivalprogramsaidthatMrs.Moore "has been an ardent and zealous supporter of the Huskieshockeyteam,andnodoubt,inthefullness of time, will help obtain the reality of having artificialiceinourarena.”

In 1965, artificial ice was installed in large measure through the efforts of Mrs. Moore. After thememorialarenawasopenedMrs.Mooresetout to ensure that one day, artificial ice was installed. She raised over $12,000 herself for the project, a hugesuminthoseyears

It should be noted that over the years Mrs. Mooresupportedotherhockeyteamsincludingher belovedTrappers, and in 1958, for example, Doug Sleivert, president of the Chapleau High School Hockey Club wrote her a letter of thanks on her assistancewithabingoheldbytheteam.

In 1978, the township council, named the arena portion of the Chapleau Recreation Centre, theMrs.B.W.MooreArenainherhonour.Shewas presentfortheoccasion.

Layton Goodwin, the Carnival King, was alsonostrangertoChapleaucitizensandapopular choice as he had been involved in community activitiesformanyyears.Mostrecentlyhehadbeen the manager of the memorial arena where he was very well liked with his special interest in the "youngfry.”

who was involved. For years J.M.Shoup, the long time principal of Chapleau Public School was in charge of races at both winter and summer events. Atthe1962carnivalMr.Shoupwasinchargeofthe carnival queen contest along with Ross Perrigard and Hank McEachren, and dances, while Foy Wright,hissuccessoraspublicschoolprincipalwas lookingaftertheskatingraces.

Hockey, of course, from the Huskies playingfortheSonnyBignucoloMemorialTrophy to minor hockey teams and all girls game were on the agenda as well as a special feature -- the ChapleauKnightsofColumbusdoing"battle"with the Chapleau Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The program says "this game will no doubt supply manyinterestingsightsandscenesalongwithadash ofsomeoldtimehockeyfinesse.”

I had come home from attending Waterloo Lutheran University, now Wilfrid Laurier University, as a "neutral referee" for the Sonny BignucoloTrophygamesandfromthemothballsof memory I remember the KC - Odd Fellows game and being so impressed at how good some of the "oldtimers" were. I have no memory, which is perhapsjustaswell,astowhowonthegame.

AsIwasworkingonthisarticleInotedthat mygoodfriendKenSchroederwasinchargeofski races so I contacted him to get his memories. He recalledthatRoss,FrankandKarenBroomheadas wellasSonnyLarushwerethebigwinners,butKen also received a trophy and he wasn't sure why, althoughhestillhasit.

Chapleau held its eleventh winter carnival in1962andpaidtributetotwoofthecommunity's most popular citizens: Mrs. B.W. 'Hockey' Moore andLaytonGoodwin.

For the first time in Chapleau carnival

BorninNovaScotia,Mr.Goodwinarrived inChapleauintheSpringof1912attheageof22, and took up a position as a telegrapher with the CanadianPacificRailway.

In 1956, after retiring from the CPR, Mr. Goodwin joined the Chapleau Rotary Club and being fond of children and deeply concerned especiallyforthosewhowerehandicapped,hetook charge of the club's program to provide them with assistance.

Mr. Goodwin also served as master of the MasonicLodgeinChapleauin1938.

HesaidthathewasproudofChapleauand never so happy as when he was making himself a usefulcitizenofthecommunity.

Jack Sawyer, who had moved to Chapleau in1952,andhadbeenadrivingforceinestablishing the Chapleau Mercantile Hockey League in the Fifties was the chairman of the 1962 winter carnival. Jack had also helped establish the Chapleau Juvenile Hockey Club that won the North Shore championship in 1959-60. He also served as secretaryofthePonyBaseballLeaguein1962.The vice chair of the committee was Henry Therriault who was well known for his commitment to ChapleauandwasmostactiveinsportsandBranch Number5oftheRoyalCanadianLegion.

JimLane,whowasprominentasaMasterof Ceremonies at many Chapleau events was once againinthatroleatthe1962carnival.

Thumbingthroughthecarnivalprogramisa nostalgictripbackinChapleau'shistoryandseeing

Outoftownvisitorswerealsoabigpartof thewintercarnivalscene--andsoimportantthata welcomingcommitteewouldbeattheCPRstation to greet arrivals from The Canadian and The Dominion daily and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday,theBuddCar.

Parades were always a highlight of Chapleau carnivals and a highlight was a torch parade to the Bonfire Sing Song, Sleigh Rides and Mocassin Dance at the Chapleau High School grounds on Pine Street. Dancing was free but a sleighridewouldcostyou25cents.

In 1962, Chapleau phone calls were still handledbythetelephoneoperatorandherearesome of the numbers you may have called: Jim Hong at the Redwood, 1; Tee Chambers, 38; Len's Taxi, 149;Au Coq D'or restaurant, 19; Dick Hoath, 27; Angelo's Variety Store, 187 and Sportsman Hotel, 356.

D.J. "Jim" Broomhead was reeve of Chapleau and council members were Marcel Bourgeault, Fred A. "Nick" Card, F.B. "Casey" NowakawskiandW.D.Collings.

Now, here is a challenge and I hope someonewillemailmewiththenameofthewinnerofthe Carnival Queen contest in 1962. Despite best efforts, unable to come up with the name of the winner and a photo. The contestants were Shirley Donivan sponsored by Chapleau and District LumberCompanies;BarbaraGervais,sponsoredby ChapleauHighSchool;AnitaLaferrieresponsored by Stedmans and Roseanne Wright, sponsored by Smith and Chapple Ltd. My email is mj.morris @live.ca

Mrs'Hockey'Moore

LaytonGoodwin

REPORT from OTTAWA Rapport d’Ottawa

by/par Carol Hughes Federal member of Parliament Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing

On December 6th every year, Canadians remember the 14 women wholosttheirlivesinthe1989massacreatÉcolePolytechniqueinMontreal. The tragedy of that day remains a clarion call for Canadians to end violence against women and girls. It prompted the creation of the White Ribbon Campaign, founded by former NDP Leader Jack Layton, that has becomeaglobalmovement.

However, gender-based violenceremainsasignificantproblem in Canada. On average, a woman is killedbyherintimatepartnereverysix days. Nearly 45 percent of women in Canadahaveexperiencedsomeformof violence at the hands of an intimate partner. Canada's Assaulted Women's Helpline saw a significant increase in calls, in some instances double for a given period, in the middle of the pandemic. When it comes to

MoreMustbeDonetoEndViolenceAgainstWomen

Indigenous women and girls, the rate of violence is astonishingly bleak, as they are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing. Indigenous women also make up five percent of all women in Canada but represent 21 percent of residents in women's shelters.

We all wish that violence against women stops, but clear instances of violence against women continue to mount. The recent case of four Indigenous women who were murdered by an alleged serial killer in Winnipeghasonceagainbroughtfocus not only on femicide, but also on the treatment of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. As this case continues to be investigated, an arresthasbeenmadeandchargeshave been laid. Investigators have released the names of three other victimsbased on DNAresults.Althoughaportionof oneofthevictim'sremainswaslocated in a dumpster, other portions were found in a local landfill, and police havereasontobelievethebodiesofthe othervictimsarelocatedthereaswell. This case once again paints a grim

pictureoftheneedtobetteraddressthe factthatwomenareoftenthetargetsof violence and reinforces the reality that Indigenous women are disproportionatelyaffected.

It's not enough to share our concernfortheplightofabusedwomen andgirls,wemustaddressinstancesof violencewithrealaction.Butwheredo westart?

There's a desperate need to develop more safe spaces and transitional housing for women, girls, and genderdiversepeoplewhoneedaccess to a roof over their heads. Two years after creating a fund $724.1-million fund to help Indigenous women and girlsfacinggender-basedviolence,the majority of the fund remains unused. Morethanhalfthefundswereallocated to create 38 new women's shelters and 50 transitional homes, but so far, according to the most recent updates from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), as of August of this year only 5 emergency shelters, 6 transitional housing projects, and 1 mixed use project have beenfunded.

There are economic componentstogender-basedviolenceaswell. Women are more likely to stay in

abusive relationships if they are financially dependent on a partner and the gender pay gap continues to be an issue,withwomencurrentlymaking89 cents for every dollar a man makes. Therefore, unless we address women's poverty and make it a significant priority, many women will continue to stay in relationships where violence is present in the home. One way we can reduce economic abuse is through adopting a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income (GLBI). This is actually a measure that is called for by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as it ensures that economic instabilityplaysamuchlesssignificant factoringender-basedviolence.

Gender-based violence is not an issue that is easy to end given its complexity. It can be physical, emotional, economic, sexual, psychological,andsometimesitcanevenbehard to define. But in order to address it appropriately, we need to provide women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people with enough options. There's much more that the Federal governmentcanbe doing to address systemic issuesandhelpkeepwomensafe.

Ilfautfairedavantagepourmettrefinàlaviolenceenverslesfemmes

Le 6 décembre de chaque année, les Canadiens se souviennent des14femmesquiontperdulavielors du massacre de 1989 à l'École PolytechniquedeMontréal.Latragédie decettejournéeresteunappelclairpour lesCanadiensàmettrefinàlaviolence envers les femmes et les filles. Elle a suscité la création de la Campagne du rubanblanc,fondéeparl'ancienchefdu NPD, Jack Layton, qui est depuis devenueunmouvementmondial.

Cependant, la violence sexiste resteunproblèmeimportantauCanada. En moyenne, une femme est tuée par sonpartenaireintimetouslessixjours. Prèsde45%desfemmesauCanadaont subi une certaine forme de violence de la part d'un partenaire intime. La ligne canadienned'aideauxfemmesvictimes d'agression, la Assaulted Women's Helpline, a connu une augmentation significative du nombre d'appels, parfois le double pour une période donnée,aumilieudelapandémie.Ence qui concerne le taux de violence parmi les femmes et les filles autochtones, la situation est incroyablement sombre, puisqu'elles ont 12 fois plus de risques d'êtreassassinéesouportéesdisparues. De plus, les femmes autochtones représentent seulement 5 % de l'ensembledesfemmesauCanada,mais

21 % des résidentes des refuges pour femmesbattues.

Nous souhaitons tous que la violence à l'égard des femmes cesse, mais les cas manifestes de violence à l'égard des femmes continuent d'augmenter. Le cas récent de quatre femmesautochtonesassassinéesparun tueurensérieprésuméàWinnipegaune fois de plus attiré l'attention non seulementsurleféminicide,maisaussi surletraitementdescasdesfemmeset des filles autochtones disparues et assassinées. Alors que l'enquête se poursuit,unearrestationaétéeffectuée et des accusations ont été portées. Les enquêteursontpubliélesnomsdetrois des victimes sur la base des résultats d'analysegénétique.Bienqu'unepartie du corps de l'une des victimes ait été retrouvée dans une benne à ordures, d'autrespartiesontététrouvéesdansun dépotoirlocal,etlapoliceacroitqueles corps des autres victimes s'y trouvent également. Cette affaire dresse un tableau sombre et illustre une fois de plus la nécessité de mieux prendre en considération le fait que les femmes sont souvent les cibles d'actes de violence. Elle renforce en outre la réalité selon laquelle les femmes autochtones sont touchées de manière disproportionnée.

Ilnesuffitpasdepartagernotre préoccupation pour le sort des femmes et des filles maltraitées, nous devons répondre aux cas de violence par des actions concrètes. Mais par où commencer?

Ilestabsolumentnécessairede créer davantage d'espaces sûrs et de logements de transition pour les femmes, les filles et les personnes de diverses identités de genre qui ont besoin d'un toit. Deux ans après la créationd'unfondsde724,1millionsde dollarsdestinéàaiderlesfemmesetles filles autochtones confrontées à la violencefondéesurlesexe,lamajeure partie de ce fonds reste inutilisée. Plus delamoitiédesfondsaétéallouéeàla création de 38 nouveaux refuges pour femmes battues et de 50 maisons de transition, mais jusqu'à présent, selon les dernières mises à jour de la Société canadienne d'hypothèques et de logement (SCHL), en août de cette année,seulscinqrefugesd'urgence,six projets de logement de transition et un projetàusagemixteontétéfinancés.

La violence sexiste a également des composantes économiques. Les femmes sont plus susceptibles de rester dans des relations abusives si elles sont financièrement dépendantes deleurpartenaireetl'écartderémunéra-

tionentrelesgenresresteunproblème, les femmes gagnant actuellement 89 cents pour chaque dollar gagné par un homme. Par conséquent, si nous ne nous attaquons pas à la pauvreté des femmesetn'enfaisonspasunepriorité absolue, de nombreuses femmes continuerontàresterdansdesrelations où la violence est présente au sein du foyer. Une façon de réduire l'exploitation financière est d'adopter un revenu de subsistance garanti. Il s'agitenfaitd'unemesureréclaméepar l'Enquête nationale sur les femmes et les filles autochtones disparues et assassinées, car elle permettrait de s'assurer que l'instabilité économique joueunrôlebeaucoupmoinsimportant danslaviolencesexiste.

Laviolencesexisten'estpasun problème auquel il est facile de mettre fin,étantdonnésacomplexité.Ellepeut être physique, émotionnelle, économique, sexuelle, psychologique, et parfois même difficile à définir. Néanmoins, pour y remédier de manièreappropriée,nousdevonsoffrir auxfemmes,auxfillesetauxpersonnes 2ELGBTQQIA suffisamment d'options. Le gouvernement fédéral peutfairebeaucouppluspours'attaquer aux problèmes systémiques et contribueràlasécuritédesfemmes.

5

(NC) Few things fill someone’s heart like the knowledge that someone cares about how they arefeelinganddoing.

Butoftenourstressandanxietyintensify duringtheholidayseason.SomeCanadianshave experienced loss that is magnified this time of yearorcometothisseasonexhaustedordreading thebusynessahead.

Duringthistimeofoftenaddedpressure, howcanweguardourownmentalhealth,while lookingoutforothers?

Hereare5suggestions:

! Findtherightsupport.211istheGovernmentof Canada’s twenty-four-seven hotline that provides free access to a mental health professional. It can also connect you with resourcesinyourcommunity.

! Confideinsomeone.Trustafriend,neighbour, coworker or family member with how you are doing. Let them know you would welcome an inviteforcoffeeorachatonZoom,onthephone, orinperson.

! Getyourstepsin.Whileexercisemaybethelast thing you feel like doing, just 15 minutes of

aerobicexercisecanhave aprofoundeffectonyour mood.

! Helpothers.Relatingto others and providing a gift of mental health support, like for children struggling in conflict zones or after climate disasters,canhelpusfeel part of a larger world family and that we are making a purposeful difference. The World VisionGiftCataloguecan provide children with access to safe spaces, psychosocialsupportand otherresourcestosupport theirmentalhealth.

! Lean into gratitude. Even in the darkest times, wecanfindthingsandpeopletobethankfulfor. AsCanadians,wecanpausetoappreciatepeace and the freedoms and opportunities we have.

Bringinglovedonesandthankingthemforkind gestures can improve mental health and wellbeing.

! Findmoreinformationaboutthegiftcatalogue atworldvision.ca/give.

Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation Seeking Board Member

TheSuperiorEastCommunityFuturesDevelopmentCorporation(SECFDC)is seekingtofillaBoardpositionfortheSuperiorEastRegion.

The CFDC is a non-profit corporation engaging in providing regional economic and business development services to the Superior East Region, which includes the communitites of Wawa, Chapleau, White River and Dubreuilville as well as area First Nations.

Volunteers from each community are responsible for all operating issues, investments,planning,andpoliciesofthecorporation.Ifyouareinterestedinlendingyour timeandenthusiasmtothisactivity,wewouldliketohearfromyou.TheCFDCoffersan orientation package to new members to make their initiation as smooth as possible. Suitableapplicantswillideallyhavethefollowingattributes:

•PreviousexperienceonotherBoards

•Bewillingtotravel

•Havesomeknowledgeofsmallbusiness

•HaveastrongdesiretoseetheircommunitybenefitfromtheCFDC's services

•Beabletoworktogetherwithmembersfromothercommunitiesand thinkregionally

•Havesufficienttimetoreviewandconsiderthebusinessofthe CFDCmonthly

Superior East is committed to diversity in the organization and encourages applicationsfromallinterestedindividuals.IfyouareinterestedinsittingontheBoardof Directors for the Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation, please emailaletterdescribingyourattributesandabriefresumefortheBoard'sreviewtoTracy Amosatamos@superioreastcfdc.on.ca.

If you need more information on the activities of the CFDC, please contact our officeat(705)856-1105orbye-mailamos@superioreastcfdc.on.caorvisitourwebsiteat www.superioreastcfdc.ca.

Organizing a gift exchangeisagreatway tokick off the holidays. However, it can be difficult to buy the perfect gift when you don’t knowwhowillreceiveit.Thisis especiallytrueifyourgrouphas folksofvariousages.Herearea fewthingsthatwillpleasemost people.

3homeupgradesyoucandoinwinter

(NC) Winter may not be the time you typically thinkoftacklinghomerenovations,whatwithits harsh and unpredictable weather. But there are plenty of updates you can complete without trouble any time of year, both big and small.

Checkouttheseideas:

Kitchencabinetrefresh

Before your next get-together, try your hand at refacing your kitchen cabinets. It’s an affordable way to give this important space a wholenewlookforlesstime,money,andhassle thanafullremodel.Removethedoors,sandthem downandapplynewprimerandpaint.Thetype of sandpaper and paint you use may depend on the existing finish. Top off the look with stylish new hardware for what feels like a serious upgrade.

Updatedattic

It’s smart to do any attic projects during thecoldermonths;inwarmerseasonsitmayget too hot up there to work safely. For simple updatedstoragespace,declutteranyjunkyou’re stowingupthere,checkyourinsulationandseal

up any pesky air leaks – you’ll feel leaks best in winter. For a grander upgrade, now’s the time turn the extra square footageintoaperfectkidzone, reading nook or guest space. Always seek a permit for a bigger project and make sure the floor is sound enough for yourvision.

Modernfireplace

A fireplace can be a highly rewarding project that addspolishandwarmthtoyour living space. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, it’s relatively simple to add a direct-vent or zero clearance one you can enjoy throughouttheseason.Toenhancethecozyvibes ofyournewfirefeatureortoseriouslyupgradean old one, consider facing the fireplace surround with elegant stone veneer. An easy-to-install, mechanically fastened stone

Ontario'sTopBabyNamesin2021

The top baby names in Ontario in 2021 were Olivia and Noah. Olivia has been themostpopularnameforgirlsforover a decade, with 12 consecutive years in the number one spot. While Emma continuestobeaverypopularname,itis also this year's second-most popular nameforgirls.

When it comes to names for boys,Noahisinthetopspotforthethird year in a row, with Liam following closely behind as the second-most popular,onceagain.

This year we also welcome Ella tothetop10listforgirls.

The top 10 names for girls and boys, respectively,in2021were: Girls

that parents register their child's birth within 30 days of welcoming their newborn.

“As a proud father of five children, I know firsthand how much new parents have on their plate when welcomingachildintotheworld.That's whyourgovernmentismakingiteasier than ever for parents in Ontario to register their newborns through our 5in-1 Newborn Bundle online service," saidKaleedRasheed,MinisterofPublic and Business Service Delivery. “With justasingleonlinesession,parentscan apply for critical documents like their child's birth certificate and Social Insurance Number, right from the comfortoftheirhome,allowingthemto spendmoretimewiththeirnewborn."

veneeroption,suchasFusionStone,meansyou can achieve an Instagram-worthy fireplace withouthavingtomessaboutwithmortar.

Findmoreinformationatfusionstone.ca.

Choosing a name is just one of many things that go along with welcoming a new baby. It is important

ServiceOntario's 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle makes it easy to registerabirth.Italsoallowsparentsto quickly apply for their child's birth certificate, Social Insurance Number, Canada Child Benefits (including the Ontario Child Benefit), and Education SavingsReferralserviceallthroughone application.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is asking for the public's help with identifying the individual(s) who shot and killedamoosesouthofTimmins.

On December 10th, 2022, Conservation Officers were alerted to a moose shot on a road neartheHighFallshikingtrails.Officersbelieve themoosemayhavebeenshot sometimeonthe nightofDecember8thatKM11ontheMusgrove Road.Theseasonformooseinthisareaclosedon

November15th. Also,huntingatnight and shooting from, down, or across a roadwayisillegal.

The ministry takes this situation veryseriouslyandislookingtoidentify thoseresponsible.

If you have any information that will assist Conservation Officers in their investigation, please contact the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877847-7667. Or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS.

Conservation Officers remind everyone that by respecting seasons, sanctuaries,bagandpossessionlimits, we all help ensure our natural resources stay healthy. To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, membersofthepubliccancalltheministryTIPS linetollfreeat1-877-847-7667.Youcanalsocall Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visitontario.ca/mnrftips.

Superior East OPP Investigates FatalCollisionOnHighway129

DeceasedDriverIdentified

The Superior East Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has identified the victim of a fatal motor vehicle collision last week as 51-year-old Abdul HASHMI of Calgary,Alberta.

On December 4, 2022 at approximately 4:12 p.m., members of the Superior East Detachment of the OPP responded to a serious single-vehicle collision near the intersection of Highway129andHighway667,approximately 40kilometressouthofChapleau.

Theinvestigationrevealedthatthesingle vehicle, a four-door SUV, was northbound on Highway 129 when it left the roadway and enteredthesouthboundditch.

Members of the Northeast Region Traffic IncidentManagementandEnforcementteamare assisting with the investigation, which is ongoing.

5greatgiftsforseniors

La Société d'aide au développement des collectivités Supérieur Est cherche membre du conseil d'administration

La Société d'aide au développement des collectivités du Supérieur Est (SADCSE) a des postes à combler sur son conseil d'administration pour la région de Wawa. La SADC est une société à but non-lucratif offrant des services régionaux de développement économique et d'entreprises pour la région Supérieur Est, englobant Wawa,Chapleau,WhiteRiveretDubreuilvilleainsiquelesPremièresNations.

Des bénévoles en provenance de chaque communauté assument toutes les questions touchant l'exploitation, les placements, la planification et les politiques de la société.Sivousaimeriezoffrirvotretempsetvotreenthousiasmeàcetorganisme,ilnous feraitplaisirdevousconsidérercommecandidat.Lesnouveauxmembresreçoiventune troussed'orientationpourfaciliterleurintégrationauseinduconseild'administration.Le candidatidéaldevraitposséderlesatoutssuivants:

! avoirdéjàsiégésurd'autresconseilsd'administration

! êtredisposéàvoyager

! posséderuneconnaissancedebasedespetitesentreprises

! désirerardemmentquesacommunautébénéficiedesservicesdelaSADC

! avoirlacapacitédetravaillerconjointementaveclesmembresdesautres collectivitésetposséderuneoptiquerégionale

! avoirsuffisammentdetempsàconsacrerauxfinsderévisionetdeconsidérationdes affairesdelaSociétésurunebasemensuelle

SupérieurEsts'engageenversladiversitéauseindel'organisationetencourage lesdemandesdetouteslespersonnesintéressées.

Si le poste de membre du Conseil d'administration de la Société d'aide au développementdescollectivitésSupérieurEstvousintéresse,veuillezenvoyerunelettre décriventvosqualitésetunbrefcurriculumvitaepourexamenparleconseilàTracyAmos àamos@superioreastcfdc.ca.

Pour obtenir plus d'information sur les activités de la SADC, veuillez vous adresserànotrebureauau705-856-1105ouparcourrielamos@superioreastcfdc.on.ca ouvisiteznotresiteInternetàwww.superioreastcfdc.ca

AreyoulookingforaChristmaspresentfortheseniorinyourlife? Ifso,herearefivegreatgiftideastoshowyoucare.

1.ABOOK

Whetheryourlovedonelikesgardening,historyorscience,there’s suretobeabookoraudiobookthatsuitstheirinterests.

If you need advice, ask a bookstore employee what they recommend.

2.AGAME

Considerofferingafunpuzzle,boardgame,cardgameormemory game.Forthetechsavvyseniorinyourlife,youmayalsowantto consideravideogame.

3.AKITCHEN

GADGET

Electric can openers and pepper grinders are perfect for elderly people who want to remain independent but lack strength and dexterityintheirhands.

4.

PHOTOS

Purchase a picture frame or album and include photos of family members and friends. If there’s enough space, add one or more handwrittennotes.

5.ACOSYACCESSORY

Give the gift of relaxation with an electric blanket, a pair of nonslipslippers,asoftscarforanessentialoildiffuser. Formoregreatideas,visityourlocalstores.

MNRF

ConservationOfficers

needyourhelpinidentifyingwhoisresponsible forshootingamooseonaroadandoutofseasonsouthofTimmins

Winter quiz

Canadian winters are long and harsh. Some peoplelovethecoldseasonfortheabundanceof winter sports, while others hate it for the treacherous, icy roads. No matter how you feel about this snow-filled time of year, here’s a fun quiztohelpyoulearnmoreaboutit.Goodluck!

1. In what year did the infamous ice storm hit Quebec?

A.1988 B.1998 C.2008

2. On February 11, 1999, Tahtsa Lake, British Columbia, set a Canadian record for the most snowfallinasingleday.Howmuchsnowfell?

A.145cm B.172cm C.206cm

3. What’s the lowest temperature ever recorded onEarth?

A.-77C B.-89C C.-98C

4.What’sthenameofthecold,thickfog thatformsathinlayeroficeontheground?

A.Frost B.Freezingrain C.Sleet

5.Whichoftheseclothingitemswon’tkeepyou warm?

A.Amitt B.Amuff C.Amantilla

6.WhatdoesthewordigloomeaninInuktitut?

A.House B.Dome C.Shelter

7. Which of these animals doesn’t hibernate in winter?

A.Groundhogs B.Bats C.Bears

3 interesting winter sports

Do you love winter sports like downhill skiing, ice skating and tubing? If you’re interested in trying an uncommon winter sport,herearethreeyoumaywanttoexplore.

1.ICEDIVING

Did you know that scuba diving isn’t only done in blue waters full of tropical fish? In fact,withabitoftraining,therightequipment andsuitableclothing,youcanalsodiveunder theiceinthewinter.

Ice divers say the calm waters, fascinating lighteffectsandflurryofairbubblesthatrise and collect on the underside of the ice make this sport a truly unique experience. Divers enterandexitthewaterthroughaholecutin the ice. For safety, they’re attached to a rope that connects them to a buddy above the ice theentiretime.Ingenious,isn’tit?

2.THEYOONER

TheYooner is a fun sliding sport inspired by theparet,asmallwoodensledthatoriginated inFrance.It’ssimilartodownhillskiing,but youcanrideaYoonerevenifyoudon’tknow how to ski. A Yooner consists of a seat mounted to a single ski.To improve comfort andreduceshocks,ithasarobustsuspension system. There’s also a brake so that you can hit the slopes without fear. Laughter and fun

areguaranteed.

3.SNOWKAYAKING

You probably imagine a small boat moving alongaquietriverwhenyouthinkofakayak. However, kayaks don’t only float; they also glide.

Therefore, some people ride down snowy slopes on their kayaks. The paddles aren’tusedforrowing.Instead,theyhelpthe kayaker turn. This sport has become increasingly popular and has had its own worldchampionshipsince2007.

Therearemanydaringwintersports.Doyou knowanyothers?

•

Fascinating facts about snowy owls

• It has rigid feather disks around its eyes that reflectsoundwavestoitsearstohelpitfindprey inthedark

•Itlikestosurveyitsterritoryandspendsalotof timeperchedinhighplaces

• Adult male snowy owls are almost entirely white,whilefemaleshavebrownspots Snowyowlsprefertoliveinopenareaswithfew trees. Consequently, they’re typically spotted in marshes,grasslandsandfields

The exact number of snowy owls in the wild is unknown. However, it’s estimated that fewer than 30,000 adults remain in North America and fewer than200,000globally.

École secondaire Trillium

Le pouvoir du français chez les jeunes

Quand j'étais plus jeune et que j'ai été mis dans une école française, c'était un peu difficile parce que ma famille était complètement anglaise. Nous n'avions jamais vraiment parlé français nulle part. Le seul qui parlait un peu la langue était mon père et d'après ce dont je me souviens, il parlait français qu'à ses amis français. À part de ça, c'était totalement anglais. De la 1re à la 6e année, je n'aimais pas vraiment apprendre le français parce que je pensais que cela n'avait aucun avantage pour moi et mon avenir. Mais, maintenant, quand je regarde en arrière, je suis content d'avoir été placé dans une école française parce que maintenant, il est plus facile pour moi de comprendre la langue, ce qui est bien parce qu'au Canada, la plupart des gens parlent français. Cela m’a aidé avec les interactions au travail et à communiquer avec les clients et à les aider. Sans la langue française, mon travail serait beaucoup plus difficile et les chances d'obtenir d'autres emplois ne seraient pas aussi faciles, car la plupart des employeurs recherchent des personnes qui peuvent parler anglais et français.

Par :Ayden Porte

CENTRE CULTUREL LOUIS-HÉMON

Le 26 novembre dernier, c'était notre 30e édition du Bal des chasseurs. 31 personnes se sont inscrites à notre concours de chasse. Nous aimerions féliciter les gagnants de ce concours. Luc Bergeron, première place pour le plus gros buck, Dave Ayotte remporte une 2e place et Jean-PhilippeAllaire une 3e place pour le sien. Rose Fortin, remporte une première place avec les plus grosses oreilles de femelle et Lynne Lafreniere remporte une 2e place. Pour le concours de photos de chasse, il y a eu 31 photos de soumises. Marie-Ève Servent a remporté la première place avec 323 « like » etThérèse Demers la 2e avec 108 « like ». Notre tirage 50/50 avait aussi lieu ce soir-là et l'heureux

gagnant est Georges Larocque qui a reçu 307.50$. Un merci à vous les chasseurs. Votre participation pendant les 30 dernières années est extrêmement chaleureuse. Il est important aussi de remercier tous les membres du conseil d'administration du Centre culturel Louis-Hémon. Votre présence pendant planification, la préparation et pendant la durée de cet évènement fut grandement appréciée. Sans vous, le Bal des chasseurs n'aurait pas été le même ! Sachez que je suis très fière de faire partie du cette belle équipe.

Monique O'Hearn Merci encore une fois à vous tous et à l’an prochain !

UCFO

Lecercledel’UCFOdeChapleaua35 ans!

Doris Riopel a toujours eu à cœur la francophonie et elle souhaitait voir un groupepour femmesàChapleausemblableàcelui des«fermières»auQuébec.

En 1986, elle est inspirée par une entrevue sur les ondes de TFO mettantenvedette Denise Séguin de l’UCF♀ provinciale qui avait fondé le cercle de l’UCF♀ à NorthBay.

Alors, elle entreprend de fonder un cercledel’UCF♀àChapleau.

En février 1987, Doris réussit à réunir unevingtainedefemmesaveclepeu d’information qu’elle a et les informe sur l’Union culturelle des FrancoOntariennes.De ces femmes, on note Lise et Lucie Ayotte, Gilberte Babineau, Thérèse Gauthier, Jocelyne Gervais, Mariette Girard, Rita Lessard, Céline Otis, Louisette Otis,Rachel Pilote, Alice Riopel, Rita Servent, JeannineTremblayetautres.

En mars, Doris décroche une subvention de la part du ministère de laSantéetduBienêtre pour les femmes. Pour mieux se faire connaître, le groupe participe au Centenaire delaparoisseSacré-Cœur.

Le 23 avril 1987, la présidente provinciale, Denise Séguin, accompagnéedeDoris Thibodeau, vient à Chapleau pour la signatureducontratd’affiliation.C’est

alorsquele cercle de l’UCF♀ de Chapleau est reconnueauprovincial.

C’estenmai1988quelecerclesejoint à la régionale Timmins-Témiskaming qui aujourd’hui est devenue la régionale Témiskaming.

Elles ont commencé avec quatre métiers et se sont installées au soussolducentre culturel. Le club de l’âge d’or leur a prêtédeuxmétiers,dontunde100’’et unde60’’et

lecentreculturelenavaitunde36’’.Le quatrième,un45’’,aétéachetéparle cercle.

Aujourd’hui, une bonne partie des activités du cercle de Chapleau sont reliéesàla création de choses faites à la main, maiscen’estpastoutcequ’ellesfont. Enplusde leur passion pour l’artisanat, elles s’occupent d’une variété de projets, d’ateliersainsi que des prélèvements de fonds. Le cercle fait partie de l’AFEC et est partenairedans plusieurs activités locales. Un des grands projets est celui du projet intergénérationnel quicomprenddemontrerauxjeunesà tisser.Ceprojetestpossibleavecdes fondsque reçoit le Club Maria Chapdelaine du programmeNouveauxHorizons. Nous voulons souhaiter à tous et à toutes un très Joyeux Noël et une bonneannée!

MOMENTS IN TIME

On Dec. 31, 1943, Henry John Deutschendorf, better known to us today as singer-songwriter, actor John Denver, was born. In a four-decade career before his untimely death in an airplane crash, he won worldwide affection and acclaim not just for his music but for his dedicationtohumanitarianandenvironmentalcauses.

NorthernLightsFordSales

Andrew G. McKenzie

Travis Gendron

ALLEMANO, FITZGERALD PASCUZZI & BERLINGIERI

Barristers and Solicitors

MICHAEL C. ALLEMANO, B.A., L.L.B.

Certified by the Law Society as a Specialist in Real Estate Law

P.O. Box 10, 369 Queen St. E. Suite 103 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 1Z4 Phone (705) 942-0142 Fax (705) 942-7188

HealthOrganization.

P.O. Box 1700, 37 Broadway Avenue, Wawa, Ontario P0S 1K0

Phone (705) 856-4970 Fax (705) 856-2713

It’smoreimportantthanevertogetyour flu shot this year. After all, the flu is a serious illness.Onaverage,morethan12,000Canadians are hospitalized and about 3,500 die each year. Those who are older, very young children and peoplewhoareimmunocompromisedareateven greaterrisk.

GIVE

Local MARKETPLACE MARKETPLACE

(NC)Withadeadlyglobalpandemicatthetopof everyone’smindoverthelasttwoyears,catching the flu has probably been further down your list ofconcerns.Butthiscomingfluseasoncouldbe amajorone,accordingtoexperts.

One factor that suggests a potentially active year is the Southern Hemisphere’s recent flu season. Because they experience winter before countries north of the equator, the Southern Hemisphere’s flu season is a strong predictor for how ours will turn out. And this year, countries such asAustralia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina experienced a significant flu season, according to the World

Onethingtokeepinmindisthatthereare different kinds of flu shots to choose from. In Canada, there are recommended vaccines based on individual factors, such as if you’re over 65 years old, pregnant, or if you have a chronic health condition.Your doctor or pharmacist can helpyoudecidewhichvaccineisrightforyou.

So, if you’re back in the office, the kids aregoingtoschool,youhavetravelplanscoming uporaregenerallyfeelinglikethingsaregetting back to normal, it’s a sound idea to get your flu shotearly.

Tolearnmoreandbookyourshot,talkto yourdoctororlocalpharmacist.

CHADWIC HOME, FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE. Offers shelter, emotionalsupport,andinformationforwomenandtheirchildrenwhoarein crisissituations.WehaveaTollFreeCrisisLinewhichisstaffed24hoursa day.WecanarrangeforfreetransportationtotheCentreforwomenwho liveintheAlgoma/Chapleauarea.Wealsooffersupporttowomenwholive in the communities of Chapleau, White River, Dubreuilville, and HornepaynethroughourOutreachProgram.OurOutreachWorkertravels tothosecommunitiestomeetwithwomenwhoneedemotionalsupportas wellasinformationabouttheirrightsandoptions.Ifyouneedtospeakwith the Outreach Worker when she is in your community, you can call the Centre at any time to set up an appointment. You do not need to be a residentoftheCentreinordertouseourservices.Ifyouneedsomeoneto talktoorifyoujustneedsomeonetolisten,callourTollFreeCrisislineat1800-461-2242oryoucandropinattheCentre.Wearehereforyou.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (A.A).Open discussion meeting every Monday evening. Brunswick House First Nation Band office lounge 7pm.NarcoticsAnonymous(N.A)everyTuesdaysameplacesametime. NNADAPWorker@864-0174info.

Ican'trememberwhenmyteamandIhit the ground running sooner and at a faster pace than we have following the election just six months ago. Then, I had loftily envisioned my team and I performing as professional jugglers working to keep Algoma-Manitoulin running. ButIquicklybroughtmyselfbacktoearthwhenI realized that the real juggling talent is found in thehomesoftheverypeoplethatIrepresent.

Thinkofajuggleryouhaveseenonstage orTV.Howmanyitemsmighttheytrytokeepin theairatonce?3,4,ormaybe5items?Thenthink ofyourfriends,neighbours,oryourspousewho may be struggling to keep their households going.Theyarejugglingamultitudeofproblems thrownatthemallatonce,suchasrisingratesof Covid and RSV, childcare costs, gas for their vehicle to get to work, school, and medical appointments. In addition, they are juggling skyrocketing grocery bills every week and unaffordableincreasesinhomeheatingcosts.

If an entertainer drops the ball, we can laughitoff.Butifajugglerresponsibleforhisor herfamilydropstheball,thewell-beingofloved ones is at stake. Anyone who is keeping all of thoseballsintheairthesedaysisamasterjuggler.

Evennow,aswinterapproaches,families arefeelingsqueezedbytheskyrocketingcostof everything.Buttheyareespeciallyworriedabout currentandfutureincreasesinnaturalgasprices. My team daily hears heart-wrenching stories delivered by voices genuinely shaking with fear

andfrustration.Weheartearfulpleasforhelpto payimpossiblyhighheatingbills.

Statistics show that about half of all Canadian homes are heated with gas furnaces. Thissummer,naturalgaspricesrosetoabout$9 per gigajoule, which, for comparison's sake, is about3.5timestheaveragepricerateoverthelast 6 years. And analysts say there is little to no chanceofthepricedroppingagainsoon.

Natural gas is traded as a commodity. Canada exported less than 10 percent of its naturalgasproductioninyearspast.However,as a result of the war in Ukraine, since Russianproducednaturalgasisoff-limits,moreandmore countries are competing to purchase our natural gas. This increase in demand allows gas companies to charge more and more with each passingmonth.Currently,commoditypricesare doublewhattheywerethistimelastyear.Andgas companies don't care if the consumer is from North Bay or the European North Atlantic. Canadiancorporateprofitsandprofitmarginsin theoilandgassectorhavesoaredfasterthanany othermajorsectoroftheeconomy.

Gas companies adjust their prices every threemonths.OnOctober1,theOntarioEnergy Boardapprovedanewrateincreaseofbetween5 to 10 percent (depending on what region of the province you live in). That is bad enough, but worseisthattheincreasecomesontopofarate hikebetween18to23percentinJuly.Asaresult, somehouseholdswillbepaying$500morethan lastyear.

In their election campaign, the Conservatives made lofty promises about making energy bills more affordable than they wereundertheLiberals.Butafterfouryearsand counting, Ontarians have only seen their energy billssurgeunderPremierFord'swatch.Mr.Ford has left families at the mercy of price-gouging energy companies and volatile energy markets. He just keeps quietly rubber-stamping increases to natural gas rates while watching his wealthy corporate supporter friends' purses grow bigger —evenasweheadintoawinterthatisexpected tobeespeciallycold.

The Conservatives say that because oil andnaturalgasarecommoditiessubjecttoworld marketpricing,thereisnothingthatcanbedone to control the price. That is not true. New Democratssaythatitdoesn'thavetobethisway. Someoneneedstostepuptoprotectfamilies.

The government could direct energy companies to put a lot more money into conservationenergyprogramstohelpcustomers. Theyshouldbelookingveryseriouslyrightnow at a program for relief for particularly lowincome consumers who will have the greatest difficulty. They should make sure they can eat andheatthroughthiswinter.

TheNDPhasaworkableplan.

The provincial NDP supports their federalcounterparts'proposedplantoeffectively help offset consumer heating costs.The Federal Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) released his findings on the Federal NDP's proposal to applyawindfalltaxonexcessprofitsmadebybig oilandgascompaniesandbigboxstoresearned at the expense of working families. The PBO's independent report verified that the NDP proposal would generate $4.3 billion over 5 years. That money could be used to waive the HST and/or PST off home heating for families dealingwiththeincreasedcostofeverythingand higher interest rates. Some readers might recall that some time ago, I put forward a Private Members Bill calling for the removal of PST from home heating bills. The bill was unfortunatelydefeated.

Weshouldbeprovidingimmediaterelief onnaturalgasbillstofamiliesstrugglingtokeep upandthosewhoneeditmost.Andweshouldbe aggressively funding energy conservation programs, including improving energy-saving and retrofitting homes. We should help people upgrade to more energy efficient, environmentally friendly heating systems that willhelptosubstantiallyreduceenergyusewhile keepingthemwarmandcomfortable.Andwecan make this possible by reclaiming the huge windfall energy profits on behalf of the consumers who were forced to pay such punishingratesinthefirstplace.

Ontario ultimately needs to shift to cheaper renewable energy as part of our fight againsttheclimatecrisis.Thiswilllowerpeople's billsandreduceemissionsinsteadoflockingthe province into relying on increasingly expensive naturalgas.

Inthemeantime,myhatisofftoallthose who are doing their best to juggle all the costs, demands, and worrisome pressures successfully tokeeptheirfamilieshealthy,warmandsafe.

Asalways,pleasefeelfreetocontactmy office about these issues or any other provincial matters.Youcanreachmyconstituencyofficeby emailat orbyphoneat mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca 705-461-9710orToll-freeat1-800-831-1899.