02032022 February 3 2022

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS

Local News Weekly

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Vol. 26, Issue 21, February 3, 2022

CHS ESCHS Reunion News T

By Volunteer Reunion Committee he Volunteer Reunion Committee had their first meeting of the new year last week and hope that you are as excited as we are for the fast-approaching celebration! With that in sight, we are now meeting twice a month.

March is scheduled to be the month for sending out invitations. If you have not sent in your address to Nadia, do so now (mailing address and email) at nadialee0620@gmail.com. Chapleau residents need to send their addresses as well. If you attended any of the other reunions, don't assume we still have your address because that list is long gone!

It's not too late to become a silver, gold or even platinum sponsor! Your contribution will greatly enhance the enjoyment

experienced by all who will be with us to celebrate our great school after a very trying couple of years. Let one of our committee members know what you would like to pledge.

The committee is still looking for people willing to share their musical talents with us for the weekend. Again, contact one of us and let us know your interest.

Your committee members are Graham Bertrand, Nadia Fortin, Earle Freeborn, Louise Etter, Lorne Swanson, Nicolle Schuurman, Ashleigh Boucher, JoAnne Boucher Mahon, Crystal Greig, Keith Travis, Maureen Travis, Maria David, Elaine Martel, Donald Warren. Any of our members would be happy to take any suggestions or recommendations you have to make this weekend unforgettable.

Ride Checkpoint Leads To Impaired Charges

O

n January 29, 2022 at approximately 12:19 p.m., members of the Superior East Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R I D E) Long Term checkpoint on Highway Forecast Thursday 667 in Nimitz Township High -18 near Chapleau.

Low -27 A vehicle entered the Friday R I D E program and, High -17 through investigation, Low -24 the driver was

determined to be impaired by alcohol. As a result, Timothy MCCUBBIN, 38-years-of-age, of Dresden, Ontario, was arrested and charged with the following: · Operation while impaired - alco hol and drugs, contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC), and · Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), contrary to section 320.14(1)(b) of the CC. The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 21, 2022, in Chapleau.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Saturday High -11 Low -13 Sunday High -10 Low -24 Monday High -13 Low -17 Tuesday High -5 Low -8

Next publication of the Chapleau Express will be on January 6th, 2022

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 3, 2022- Page 2

3 key steps to remember before buying or selling your home (NC) Entering the real estate market is big moment for anyone. And, whether you’re buying or selling your first home or your fourth, it’s also a major transaction. Taking a few simple steps can help make the process as smooth and successful as possible. Here are three to remember:

Tuesday, February 15th, 2022

developing lung cancer – in fact, it’s the number 1. Consider your wants and needs Before you buy or sell, it’s important to think one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

If you’re selling your home, reassure about what you value and what you want versus what you need. For example, is a big backyard a buyers about radon levels. And if you’re buying, dealbreaker for you? Or, would you be okay with it’s a good idea to do radon testing as well as your a tiny outdoor space if you found the right home? standard home inspection. You can purchase an If you’re selling, is it the price that matters the easy do-it-yourself radon test kit or hire a most? Or is a short closing that puts money in certified professional. Costs to fix high radon levels are comparable to updating your furnace or your hand faster more important? air conditioner.

2. Interview your agent Find more information at Everyone knows someone who knows a real estate agent. It can be tempting to make a quick canada.ca/radon. choice and go with that friend of the family or inlaw. While they could be the right person in the end, it’s important to interview at least a couple of different agents to find the right fit. Real estate agents often have different specialties or mindsets and approaches that may or may not click with you. By having a chat with a few people, you’ll know you’re setting up a successful partnership.

3. Test for radon Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from uranium in the ground that can get into your home undetected. All homes have some level of radon. However, long-term exposure to elevated levels increases your risk of OBITUARY Yvonne Helida (Chasse) Burns - August 19, 1928-January 20, 2022

MPP CONSTITUENCY CLINICS

MPP Michael Mantha is pleased to announce that he is once again hosting constituency clinics across the riding February 7th – 11th. Constituents who have questions or matters of concern are invited to meet with him individually. We adhere to all hosting organization’s and municipal pandemic health protocols. Masks must be worn.

Meetings are by appointment only . Contact the Constituency Office listed below for further information or to book an appointment.

Monday, Feb. 7th

Chapleau 10:00 – 11:00 a,m. @ Municipal Office Wawa 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Municipal Office Tuesday, Feb. 8 th

Dubreuilville 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ Town Office

White River 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Twp. Office

Hornepayne 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Twp. Office

Thursday, Feb. 10 th

Wednesday , Feb. 9 th

Manitouwadge 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ Learning Centre, 11 – 3 Huron Walk

Michipicoten First Nation 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Band Office

Friday, February 11 th

Goulais River

Thessalon

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ Fire Hall

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ Town Office

Prince Township

Bruce Mines

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. @ Twp. Office

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. @ Twp. Office

Echo Bay

Hilton Beach

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. @ Twp. Office

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. @ Village Office

Desbarats

Richards Landing

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. @ Twp. Arena

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. @ Twp. Office

Michael Mantha Algoma-Manitoulin, MPP |député Email | Courriel : mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca Tel | Té l : 705-461-9710 Fax|Té lé cop : 705-461-9720 Toll free | Sans frais : 1-800-831-1899

Yvonne Burns (nee Chasse) AKA Nanny passed away after a brief battle with cancer on Thursday January 20, 2022 at Victoria Hospital in London On, with her family by her side.

Predeceased by her parents Joe Chase and Ida Gallant, beloved wife of the late John I. Burns, dear mother of Joanne Gionet (Gerry).

Cherished sister of Albert Chasse of Indian Head Sask, and predeceased by siblings, Marion Chasse, Alfred Chasse, Edward Chasse, Edna Donivan (Willie) , Margot Gagnon (Valmore), Angeline Gauthier (Jean-Paul). She will be missed by her 2 granddaughters, Cora Roulston (Jeremy) of Kenora, Amber Gionet of Toronto and 3 great grandchildren Addison, Tucker and Annie of Kenora.

Yvonne grew up in Bic Quebec, near Rimouski, before moving to Chapleau at the age of 16 years old where she later met her beloved husband JI. She resided in Chapleau until 1998 when she moved to Kenora On to be closer to her daughter, son in law and granddaughters. In 2001 she was up for another adventure when she moved to London On, to once again be close to her daughter, son in law and granddaughters.

Nanny, as she was known to most, touched the hearts of everyone she met with her warmth, kindness and zest for life. She was an expert Scrabble player, especially when it came to “dirty scrabble”, loved her crosswords and puzzles and had a voracious appetite for reading. She loved to laugh and took every opportunity to share her gift of quick wit with those around her, including the amazing staff at Victoria Hospital, who had the pleasure of hearing our family laugh and joke until the very end. Nanny, who is probably most well known for her generosity has shared with the people around her. Her love for creativity which has come through in the form of slippers mittens, hats and scarves. That’s right, Nanny socks and slippers shall live on!

Anyone wishing to make donations in her memory may do so at the Canadian Cancer Society.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 3, 2022- Page 3

Chapleau Moments

Steve Prusky, Jamie Doyle, Glen Cappellani bring back fond memories of the 1973-74 Chapleau Junior "B" Huskies

and to George Card a trophy awarded by the fans to the individual whose play was outstanding beyond what was expected. by As an aside, at a league awards night presentation in Wawa, Steve Prusky was presented the Mae Sweeney Trophy by Mrs. Sweeney as the best defenceman in the International Junior 'B' Hockey League. Steve continued his hockey career in the United States Almost 50 years ago now, Steve Prusky, before returning home to join the Chapleau Glen Cappellani and Jamie Doyle represented the Intermediate 'A' Huskies of the Northland fine defence, excellent goaltending and high Intermediate Hockey League.I was the coach of scoring respectively of the 1973-74 Chapleau the Intermediate "A" Huskies for its first two Junior 'B' Huskies, according to coverage of the years and Doug Prusky became the manager after team's annual awards banquet. I have such fond being injured a s a player in the team's first memories of those days as I had coached the season. Doug succeeded me as coach and I Chapleau Midgets for two years. became manager, Steve won the Pat Bamford Trophy as Jamie and Glen went on to play for the best defenceman, which was presented to him by Intermediate 'A' Huskies too.

Pat, while Glen was awarded the Denis Foran A plaque was presented to Bill 'Esher' Trophy as rookie of the year and the J.M. Shoup Ritchie for his excellent work as trainer with the Memorial Trophy as most valuable player in the Junior "B" Huskies. playoffs as chosen by the players.

The annual awards night and dance with Jamie, the team captain, received the Dr. Frank Broomhead as master of ceremonies Demers Trophy for leading scorer, with his 36 was held with a packed house at the Moose Hall. goals and 44 assists, as well as the Smith and Special guests included Cochrane MP Ralph Chapple Trophy as most valuable player in Stewart and Mrs. Stewart, Barry McKenzie, regular season play. former member of Canada's national team and Other awards went to Ron Larcher, who the Detroit Redwings, who was general manager won the Molson Trophy for outstanding accom- of the Sudbury Wolves, Joe Drago managing plishments on ice: Robert Doyle, the Pierre Ste. director of operations of the Sudbury Wolves and Marie Trophy for being the most gentlemanly Ray Bradley of Molson's. player; Charlie Raitakari, the Denis Martel Retiring after six years as president of the Trophy as most valuable player on the Midgets Chapleau Huskies Junior B Hockey club, Thomas B. Welch gave his congratulations to all the fine teams who had played during the years, the vast majority of them having come up through the minor hockey ranks. He also paid tribute to general manager Ted Tokarchuk, manager Earle Freeborn and coach George Swanson.

Tom, who founded the team, which played in the International Junior 'B' Hockey League, with Keith 'Buddy' Swanson and Lorne Riley, also tossed a big bouquet to the fans for their support, according to Maggie Costello's report in the Sault Star.

R a l p h S t e w a r t c o mSteve Prusky, Glen Cappellani and Jamie Doyle

Michael J. Morris

Steve Prusky with Mrs. Sweeney mented on the tremendous support for the team as evidenced by the turnout of supporters at the banquet. He paid tribute to the mothers of the players for their interest and to the fathers who gave so much time to coaching and other offices.

Mr. Stewart also objected to the amount of fighting that was in hockey games and stressed the need for good clean sport.

Lorne Hoppenreys who was soon to leave Chapleau but had been very active in hockey said he would miss the players and community. Ray Bradley long a familiar figure on the Chapleau sports scene was making his final appearance as he had been transferred to another district. As reeve I brought greetings on behalf of the municipality.

Pat Bamford, who was a member of the team executive and manager of the Midgets was responsible for the award presentation part of the evening, while Dr. Broomhead kept the evening's events. moving along. In his comments Dr. Broomhead gave special thanks to the township council for extensive improvements to the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena. Not only had improvements been undertaken, but Earle Freeborn had accepted the position as part-time manager.

Please feel free to send me hockey memories. My email is mikejmorris41@out look.com

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 3, 2022- Page 4

Weather Summary for Ontario January 2022: A Frigid January Across Most of Ontario Temperatures and Precipitation January was characterized by well below normal temperatures across much of the province. The coldest anomalies were experienced across much of northern, central and eastern Ontario, with anomalies of -3oC to -5oC. In fact, it was the coldest January since 2004 for many areas in this region. Across the far north and much of southern Ontario, the departure from normal was less extreme, but it still ended up being the coldest January since 2015. While there were no days with widespread record low temperatures, there were frequent occurrences of days that were many degrees below normal.

However, a few records were broken on some days. For example, Timmins fell to -41.5oC on January 15 and Sudbury fell to -34.8oC on January 26. It comes as no surprise that numerous extreme cold warnings were issued across much of the province throughout the month.

Precipitation in January was generally near to below normal across the province. However, looking only at snowfall, amounts over the

Moments from the past July 1st, 1956

Getting ready for the parade: Syd O’Riley’s mother Grace, fashioned these cowboy boots. The boys entered the parade and won first place.Shown in the photo (l to r): Syd O’Riley, Mrs. Florence Luca (Greg’s grandmother) Greg Vaughn and baby Phyllis in front.

Golden Horseshoe and eastern Ontario were considerably above normal, mainly as a result of a massive winter storm that affected the area January 16 through 17. Portions of this region received 30 to 60 cm within a 12 hour period.

With the colder than normal temperatures, it is not surprising that very little rainfall occurred during the month. Any rainfall that did occur added up to a couple of millimetres or less, and sometimes in the form of freezing rain or freezing drizzle. Therefore even for areas that had above normal snowfall amounts, precipitation as a whole was below normal.

Ice in the Great Lakes The Great Lakes started 2022 at 5.5% ice covered, just ahead of the climatological normal of 4.3%. Cold, below normal temperatures across the Great Lakes allowed ice to form at the climatological pace for the first half of the month and exceeding the climatological pace in the second half of the month. Ice coverage grew to 23.7% by mid-month, surpassing the long-term median by 6%. This trend continued through the end of the month as ice grew in all of the lakes, but nearly covered all of Lake Erie. The last time Lake Erie was nearly completely covered at the end of January was 2015. These cold temperatures allowed the freeze-up of the Great Lakes to progress to nearly 2 weeks ahead of schedule by the end of January.

Significant Events January 5-6: Winds and Snowsqualls in Southern Ontario As a low pressure system crossed northern Lake Huron during the day of January 5, very strong southwest winds developed across southern Ontario and produced gusts to 70-80 km/h across many regions, with a few areas, notably those most exposed to Lakes Erie and Ontario like Port Colborne and Point Petre, experiencing gusts as high as 105 km/h. There were power outages as a result; over 7,000 customers were without power at one point during the afternoon. In the wake of the strong winds, snowsqualls developed east of Lakes Huron and Erie and produced significant snowfall amounts, 30-40 cm, for places like Port Albert (north of Goderich), Welland and Port Colborne.

January 17: Record Snowstorm As a result of a deep low pressure system which originated over the US Gulf States and moved northward, up the East Coast towards the St. Lawrence River valley and eastern Quebec, many parts of southern Ontario experienced the most significant snowstorm in many years. In

fact, snowfall data from both Toronto and Ottawa International Airports suggest that the storm was the 4th snowiest since the late 1930’s. Heavy snow began falling over Niagara Region and as far north as Toronto during the evening of the 16th but the heaviest snow was reserved for the morning of the 17th. At the storm’s peak, snowfall rates reached, and at times exceeded 510 cm per hour for several consecutive hours.

Total snowfall accumulations exceeded 30 cm over much of southern Ontario east of London and south of Barrie to Renfrew. The highest accumulations, in excess of 50 cm, fell in a corridor from Niagara Region to Oshawa and northeast to Ottawa, with the highest reported amounts in excess of 60 cm reported at Ompah (north of Sharbot Lake) and Tapley (southwest of Peterborough).

The impact of the storm, not surprisingly, was massive. Schools and many businesses were closed, postal delivery was cancelled, some highways were closed, while travel on others became paralyzed, with vehicles stuck in snow for hours, in some cases for 8 to 12 hours. For some regions like the City of Toronto, it was the first time a blizzard warning was in effect since March 13, 1993 (the “Storm of the Century.”)

January 24: More snow for the Eastern Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Barely a week after the record snowstorm of January 17, another snow event occurred over eastern parts of the GTA, adding to already high monthly snowfall totals. As a trough of low pressure crossed southern Ontario, providing 2-5 cm (and locally a bit more) of fresh snow to many places, and as snowsqualls routinely affected the Parry Sound region east of Georgian Bay, as well as Huron and Perth counties east of Lake Huron, a more uncommon snowsquall set up over the north shore of Lake Ontario, extending as far east as Peterborough. Reports of up to 20 cm were received from Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa, while highway 401 was reported closed near Cobourg due to jackknifed tractor-trailers.

Outlook for February While the month of February will begin with mild conditions over southern (and even northeastern) Ontario, the near- or above-zero temperatures will only be brief as very cold air is set to return by February 2 or 3, accompanied by perhaps significant snowfall over southern Ontario. It appears that colder-than-normal temperatures should persist through until midmonth although there will be periods of milder weather. It is too early to provide quality guidance beyond mid-February.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 3, 2022- Page 5

REPORT from OTTAWA Rapport d’Ottawa by/par

Carol Hughes Federal member of Parliament Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing

This has already been a challenging year for most, and we are only at the end the first month of 2022. The Omicron wave has settled in, resulting in many having to work from home once again to try to prevent hospital intensive care units from being overwhelmed. Schools were also closed, placing another significant burden on teachers, parents, caregivers, and students. In addition to all of this, the affordability of everyday life has become the greatest stressor for many, particularly those on fixed incomes.

The Consumer Price Index (a weighted average of a basket of consumer goods and services) has increased by 4.8 percent year-overyear, growing faster than at any point since 1991.

But these increases are not shared equally, particularly when we look at what are arguably the two most important expenses in most people's lives: food and housing. Food increased by a very significant margin of 5.7 percent, with Canada's Food Price Report showing Canadian families

Affordability is a Key Concern of Canadians likely to see their grocery bills increase by almost $1000 this year on average for a family of four. As for housing, you don't need to speak to millennials struggling to get into the market to know that the cost of a home has soared by 17.7 percent year over year. So, while the cost of a new TV or other luxury goods may have crept up a little, it's essentials that are really hitting pocketbooks.

A recent Angus Reid poll on Canadians' inflation anxiety gives us insight into how it's affecting them, and the news is not good. Fifty seven percent of Canadians surveyed described feeding their family as “difficult.” Debt burdens are a major concern for 24% of people, and a lesser, but still significant, concern for another 42 percent of us. Over four-fifths of respondents say that the cost of living has outpaced gains to their incomes.

A lot of these anxieties could have been prevented if the government had been more proactive then reactive. For example, New Democrats have consistently pushed for the government to put in place a Safe Border Task Force to ensure we have a public, accountable, transparent working group of professionals that can look at scenarios that affect the transportation of goods across the border.

There's no secret that the supply chain has been impacted since the pandemic started, from employee absences due to illnesses, manufacturers adjusting their working environment to keep

employees safe, and some workplace closures, among other issues. The Retail Council of Canada has echoed this sentiment as well, noting that supply chain disruptions are multifaceted, and that there is no singular cause. While some items may still be difficult to get, it should be just a matter of time before we get back to some form of normal.

On housing, New Democrats have been encouraging the government to immediately take action on the housing crisis to address shortages, as demand continues to outstrip supply. This would alleviate much of the pressure on the market, but we also need to prevent affordable units from being commodified. This is why it's urgent that we also establish a fund for not-for-profit organizations to acquire residential housing that comes onto the market, establish a moratorium on affordable homes to prevent them from being acquired by Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), whose sole purpose is to make a return on investment, and put in place a tax on foreign buyers to keep investors from buying Canadian property and treating our real estate like an investment vehicle.

The government's messaging throughout the pandemic has been to “build back better” and “we're all in this together,” but it is evident that people are rightly questioning those sentiments as they make hard choices about the cost of the food they put on their table or keeping a roof over their head.

L'abordabilité est une préoccupation majeure des Canadiens.ennes L'année a déjà été éprouvante pour la plupart, et nous ne sommes qu'en janvier. La vague Omicron s'est abattue et beaucoup ont dû, encore une fois, travailler de la maison pour éviter que les services de soins intensifs ne soient submergés. La fermeture des écoles a aussi imposé un important fardeau aux enseignants, aux parents, aux services de garde d'enfants et aux élèves. De plus, le coût de la vie quotidienne est devenu le principal facteur de stress pour beaucoup de personnes, particulièrement pour celles qui vivent de revenus fixes.

L'indice des prix à la consommation (moyenne pondérée du prix d'un panier de biens et services de consommation) a augmenté de 4,8 pour cent sur douze mois, ce qui représente la croissance la plus rapide jamais enregistrée depuis 1991. Mais on constate que ces augmentations ne sont pas réparties également, surtout si on examine ce qui constitue sans doute les deux plus importantes dépenses dans la vie des gens, à savoir les aliments et le logement. Le prix des aliments a connu une augmentation substantielle de 5,7 pour cent; le Rapport sur les prix alimentaires indique que les familles canadiennes verront probablement leur facture d'épicerie augmenter de près de 1 000 $ en moyenne cette année pour une famille de quatre personnes. Pour ce qui est du logement, inutile de consulter les millénariaux qui peinent à entrer sur le marché pour savoir que le coût d'une habitation a bondi de 17,7 pour cent sur douze mois. Ainsi, bien que le coût d'un nouveau téléviseur ait peut-être légèrement augmenté, ce sont les biens essentiels

qui grèvent le budget des particuliers.

Un récent sondage Angus Reid sur l'inquiétude des Canadiens à l'égard de l'inflation nous permet de comprendre ce que la situation implique pour eux, et les nouvelles ne sont pas bonnes. Selon 57 pour cent des Canadiens sondés, il est « difficile » de nourrir leur famille. Les dettes constituent une préoccupation majeure pour 24 pour cent des personnes interrogées, et représentent une préoccupation moindre, mais quand même importante, pour 42 pour cent d'entre nous. Plus des quatre cinquièmes des répondants ont dit que l'augmentation du coût de la vie avait dépassé l'augmentation de leur revenu.

Une grande partie de ces inquiétudes aurait pu être évitée si le gouvernement avait été plus proactif que passif. Par exemple, les néodémocrates ont constamment insisté pour que le gouvernement constitue un groupe de travail sur la sécurité à la frontière pour que nous ayons un comité public, responsable et transparent formé de professionnels pouvant examiner les situations qui ont une incidence sur le transport transfrontalier des marchandises.

Il va sans dire que la pandémie a eu des répercussions sur la chaîne d'approvisionnement; des employés se sont absentés pour cause de maladie, les fabricants ont adapté leurs milieux de travail pour assurer la sécurité des employés et certains milieux de travail ont dû fermer, entre autres conséquences. Le Conseil canadien du commerce de détail a abondé dans le même sens,

soulignant que les problèmes de la chaîne d'approvisionnement sont multidimensionnels et qu'il n'y a pas de cause unique aux perturbations qui la touchent. Si certains articles sont toujours difficiles à obtenir, ce ne serait qu'une question de temps avant que nous retrouvions une certaine forme de normalité.

En matière de logement, les néodémocrates encouragent le gouvernement à prendre des mesures immédiates à l'égard de la crise du logement en s'attaquant aux pénuries, la demande étant encore supérieure à l'offre. La pression sur le marché s'en trouverait grandement atténuée, mais il nous faudrait également empêcher la marchandisation des logements abordables. Voilà pourquoi il est urgent d'établir un fonds pour que des organismes sans but lucratif achètent des logements d'habitation offerts sur le marché, d'établir un moratoire sur l'acquisition de logements abordables par les fonds de placement immobilier, dont le seul objectif est le rendement des investissements, et d'imposer une taxe aux acheteurs étrangers pour empêcher des investisseurs d'acheter des biens immobiliers canadiens et d'utiliser notre marché immobilier comme un instrument d'investissement.

Tout au long de la pandémie, le gouvernement a employé des formules comme « reconstruire en mieux » et « nous sommes tous dans le même bateau », mais, à l'évidence, les gens remettent en question ces énoncés, à juste titre, au moment où ils font des choix difficiles à l'égard des aliments et des logements qu'ils peuvent s'offrir.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 3, 2022- Page 6

Last weeks solutions MOMENTS IN TIME

On Feb. 14, 1990, 3.7 billion miles away from the sun, the Voyager 1 spacecraft takes a photograph of Earth. The picture, known as the Pale Blue Dot, depicts our planet as a nearly indiscernible speck roughly the size of a pixel.

Voyager 1's journey continues.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 3, 2022- Page 7

Northern Lights Ford Sales Andrew G. McKenzie Travis Gendron

ALLEMANO, FITZGERALD PASCUZZI & BERLINGIERI Barristers and Solicitors

Highway 17 North P.O. Box 1033 Wawa, ON. P0S 1K0 Business 705-856-2775 Fax 705-856-4862 tgendron@northernlightsford.ca sales@northernlightsford.ca

TIMMINS - CHAPLEAU - TIMMINS Monday to Friday: 1 lb. to 10,000 lbs

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

Monday to Friday

Certified by the Law Society as a Specialist in Real Estate Law P.O. Box 10, P.O. Box 1700, 369 Queen St. E. Suite 103 37 Broadway Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Wawa, Ontario P6A 1Z4 P0S 1K0 Phone (705) 942-0142 Phone (705) 856-4970 Fax (705) 942-7188 Fax (705) 856-2713

Horwath calls on the government to re-start surgeries Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is calling on the government to re-start scheduled surgeries, and urgently give hospitals the staff and money they need to do them.

“There are thousands of people who have had surgeries cancelled or delayed. Some are living in pain, and many are living with the anxiety and fear of knowing their cancer or illness is progressing while they wait,” said Horwath. “It was a shock to so many people that Premier Doug Ford announced a reopening that didn't mention a word about re-starting surgeries.”

On Jan. 5, the Ford government instructed hospitals to stop all non-urgent surgeries and procedures to preserve critical-care and staff capacity to cope with the Omicron wave. That halt was to be in place until at least Jan. 26 — but while other reopening measures have been announced, no plan to restart and accelerate surgeries has even been mentioned

by Ford or his government.

In 2021, The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) calculated that the province needed to invest $1.3 billion to clear the backlog of surgeries created by earlier slow-downs and halts during the pandemic, but the government was willing to spend just a fraction of that, $324 million. As a result, the number of people waiting only grew. The Ontario Medical Association says there are 20 million backlogged health services, and the wait for heart surgery is 14 months long. ` In contrast, The British Columbia government hired at least 755 surgeons, nurses, diagnostic imaging technicians and others health care workers vital to surgeries; increased operating room hours; and bought additional MRI machines. In its July 2021 progress report, the British Columbia government said 98.7 per cent of postponed procedures had been completed.

“There is no better investment than getting surgeries re-started — relieving people's pain and fear as soon as we can,” said Horwath. "If I were premier

BERRY’S FREIGHT SERVICES

today, I would launch a centralized referral system that would help make it possible for the next patient in line to get the next available surgeon. I'd extend operating room hours, recruit, retain and return staff with incentives, and cut registration fees for retired nurses so they can start work again.

“Doug Ford needs to repeal the directive that's got surgeries on pause, and get hospitals anything and everything they need to re-start surgeries, before people's pain and illnesses progress any further.”

Pimii Kamik Gas Bar & Gift Shop Located on the Chapleau Cree First Nation

will be from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., 7 days a week Drop by and check out our line of Authentic Native Crafts, Unique Gift Ideas, Jewellery, and Gift Certificates TOO!

...

We also carry road trip snacks, which includes Subs, Chips, Pop, plus a whole lot more.

Your Propane Refilling Station

705-864-0781

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INEXPENSIVE PRICES GIVE US A CALL AT 1-705-264-4334 1-705-363-7804

Local MARKETPLACE ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (A.A).Open discussion meeting every Monday evening. Brunswick House First Nation Band office lounge 7pm. Narcotics Anonymous(N.A) every Tuesday same place same time.

NNADAP Worker @ 864-0174 info.

CHADWIC HOME, FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE. Offers shelter, emotional support, and information for women and their children who are in crisis situations. We have a Toll Free Crisis Line which is staffed 24 hours a day. We can arrange for free transportation to the Centre for women who live in the Algoma/Chapleau area. We also offer support to women who live in the communities of Chapleau, White River, Dubreuilville, and Hornepayne through our Outreach Program. Our Outreach Worker travels to those communities to meet with women who need emotional support as well as information about their rights and options. If you need to speak with 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 resident of the Centre in order to use our services. If you need someone to talk to or if you just need someone to listen, call our Toll Free Crisis line at 1800-461-2242 or you can drop in at the Centre. We are here for you.

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 3, 2022- Page 8 They've got jobs, but so much of their income is dedicated to housing that they can't even put enough together to fund a move, let alone put a down payment on a home.

The sad thing about this is that it doesn't have to be this way. There are already viable solutions out there that could begin to make life better for Ontario families. However, what is lacking is a premier who will agree to begin implementing them now when people really need help.

I recently had the good fortune of And to be fair, it is not just Doug Ford who bumping into an acquaintance of mine I had not is the problem.

The truth is that Steven Del Duca's seen in a long while. The fellow, who has long Liberals had 15 years to tackle this issue. Instead been retired, started out as a young man doing home renovations and eventually moved up into of helping everyday buyers and renters, the house building. His skills and devotion to the Liberals opened massive loopholes so that t r a d e s e e m e d j u s t t o l e a d h i m a l m o s t speculators could get richer. At the same time, housing prices skyrocketed, and landlords were unintentionally to become a developer. free to hand out unlimited rent hikes in between His business success never went to his tenants. Today, renters and buyers are even worse head, seeing himself as a family man blessed with off because Doug Ford decided to scrap rent good fortune. Many have said that he made it a control on more homes and drive prices even point to do what he could for people, especially higher. those with families who struggled. I've heard The NDP has solutions to end this vicious from several individuals his early work in circle of problems. We are proposing five viable renovation taught him the value in the adage an actions that Premier Ford could choose to ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. He implement now.

They include: all too often had to take on extensive and pricey projects that could have been averted had the 1. Stabilize rents by making it illegal for landlords homeowner acted sooner. It was not unusual for to raise the rent in between tenants beyond him to offer unsolicited advice to tackle a problem provincial guideline increases. that would lead to major repairs in the near future 2. Introduce a speculation and vacancy tax on if the problem was not rectified soon. He had a those who don't pay taxes in Ontario and who own quiet reputation for helping families who were not houses they don't live in, plus increase the Nonin a position to take on such expenses. He was Resident Speculation Tax to 20 percent, and apply known sometimes to offer to fix the issue right it province-wide. them because it would be quick and easy. It would 3. Change zoning rules so that developers in urban not take too much time, so he would not lose out areas are forced to build more affordable housing on much business, so his income wouldn't suffer in every major development, not just near major much. Then he'd let them pay off a lesser, more transit hubs, and so that multi-unit homes — like duplexes and townhouses — are allowed in all affordable bill down the road. neighbourhoods.

It seems that my office is noticing an increase in the comments and enquiries we 4. Allow municipalities to shift property taxes receive on issues of home affordability, onto properties worth more than $2 million and homelessness and families forced to live in an shift the tax burden onto the most fortunate. endless cycle of poverty right here in Algoma- 5. Immediately commit to funding the building of at least 99,000 affordable housing and supportive Manitoulin.

Housing prices have been rising out of housing units.

Thinking of the lack of affordable housing control for years. There is no doubt that this is now situation, it is also crucial to raise the issue of really impacting the lives of many families. housing conditions on First Nations. On January People say they feel forced to delay having babies 17th, the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health because they can't afford the extra bedroom.

Young people are moving out of this region, from Centre, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health everything they know and love to find an Authority, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and other affordable place. Couples and families have to researchers released a study on housing in First spend such a huge portion of their income on Nations. The study results indicate that poor housing they've got no breathing room in their housing conditions are making children in such communities sick. Elders also do not have the budgets. strength required to stave off infections and My friend told me the other day that his disease.

As a result, many have died prematurely. son had to leave this region to find a job and Analysis of the evidence proved that poor affordable housing for his family. The plan was to get established in their careers and then move housing conditions frequently included high back to the northern land he and his wife love. levels of mould and bacteria. These conditions seriously increased the risk of respiratory illness

for both children and elders.

The majority of homes studied where 98 children three and under live have no controlled ventilation, damaged windows, many have water penetration in the exterior walls, and some had immediate safety issues. Overcrowded and substandard housing conditions can also lead to fires, such as the recent tragic fire in Sandy Lake that resulted in the fatalities of three children.

NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa has appealed to Doug Ford on countless occasions that action is needed to address the issue. He has made it clear that putting off action is just allowing conditions to grow exponentially and leads to more and more deaths. Such an alarm bell sounding in Southern Ontario would set off a firestorm of action by the government. Why is it that the same alarm sounded in Northern First Nations goes unnoticed year after year after year?

To be certain, an NDP government would commit to prioritizing community-led housing solutions to end such situations in all First Nations communities.

Sometimes we have the privilege of sitting back to contemplate long roads to improvement. But other times, we just can't afford the cost of putting off planning and action because the price people pay along the way and far down the road is too great. All people should have the right to safe and affordable housing in which families can live, grow, and prosper.

My developer friend had the right idea.

Sometimes waiting lets the problems get out of control to the point of no return. People don't always want or need a handout. Sometimes they just need an even playing field and fair opportunity.

As always, please feel free to contact my office about these issues or any other provincial matters. You can reach my constituency office by email at mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca or phone at 705-461-9710 or Toll-free at 1-800-831-1899.

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