02112021 February 11 2021

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS

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Vol. 25, Issue 23, February 11, 2021

Two charged in connection to suspected overdose deaths

CHAPLEAU – On Jan. 30, 2021, at approximately 6:30 a.m., members of the Superior East Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a residence where a 35-year-old person was found unresponsive and was later pronounced deceased. On Feb. 2, 2021, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers performed a well-being check on a Long Term 55-year-old person and Forecast Thursday found them deceased High -18 inside their residence.

Low -29 Both deaths are Friday suspected to be due to High -17 opiate overdoses.

Low -28 On Feb. 4, 2021, Saturday High -19 Low -25 Sunday High -17 Low -24 Monday High -14 Low -20 Tuesday High -11 5Low -17

at approximately 8:40 a.m., members of the OPP Northeast Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service ( N A P S ) executed two Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrants at two residences on Brunswick House First Nation near Chapleau.

A search of both residences yielded quantities of suspected opiates, amphetamines and other evidence of drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation, two people were arrested and charged.

April Tangie, 29 years-of-age, from Brunswick House First Nation, was charged with the following: Traffick in schedule I substance - other drugs, contrary to section 5(1) of the CDSA, and

Possession of a schedule I substance - opioid (other than heroin), contrary to section 4(1) of the CDSA. Kelly Bernier, 38 years-of-age, from Brunswick House First Nation, was charged with the following: Traffick in schedule I substance - opioid (other than heroin), contrary to section 5(1) of the CDSA, and Possession of a schedule I substance - opioid (other than heroin), contrary to section 4(1) of the CDSA. Both accused parties have been released and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 19, 2021, in Chapleau.

The Sault Ste. Marie OPP Crime Unit is continuing this investigation under the direction of the OPP's Criminal Investigation Branch.

OPP Save Over 200 Lives By Administering Naloxone Photo Officers Kari Luhtasaari 38 percent increase in overdose occurrences The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has saved 210 lives by administering naloxone since frontline officers were equipped in September 2017. The opioid crisis continues to affect people from communities across Ontario, which is evident from the continued increase in opioidrelated overdoses as well as the number of occurrences where officers have had to administer naloxone to save a life.

Key statistical information on opioidrelated overdoses and naloxone administration

from September 2017 to February 2021* includes: • The majority, 68 per cent, of naloxone recipients were male and 32 per cent were female.

• The average age of naloxone recipients was 34.8 for females and 35.5 for males.

• Most incidences occurred inside a residence.

• The majority of opioid-related Cont’d on P.2

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 11, 2021

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Northern NDP MPPs take on new critic roles to help northerners get through pandemic QUEEN’S PARK — Northern NDP MPPs were assigned important new critic roles in the Official Opposition by NDP Leader Andrea Horwath to help northern families get through this pandemic — including a new portfolio created to focus on northern roads and transportation challenges.

MPP Jamie West (Sudbury) is now the critic for Northern Infrastructure, Transportation and Roads; MPP Michael Mantha (AlgomaManitoulin) takes on a new role as Tourism critic along with Northern Development; and MPP Gilles Bisson (Timmins) is now the critic for Community Safety and Correctional Services.

“Northern Ontario has been left behind

by Doug Ford during this pandemic,” said West.

“In my new role I will fight for northern road maintenance to make our highways safe for families, for more transportation like the Northlander to connect Northeastern communities, get the expansion of our highways finished, and bring broadband to all northern communi-

ties.”

“Northern tourism is the lifeblood of so many communities in the North,” said Mantha.

“Our tourism industry has been devastated during this pandemic and the Ford government has done little to help. I will make sure that our tourism sector is front and centre at Queen’s Park to get the attention it needs now more than ever.”

“Doug Ford, like the Liberals before him, has allowed a crisis in corrections to continue,” said Bisson. “ In my new role I will make sure that the Ford government invests in community safety and corrections to keep northerners, and Ontarians safe.”

The Northern MPPs said that, in addition to their critic roles, they will continue fighting Doug Ford’s cuts to long-term care, education and public health that he made before the pandemic.

“Doug Ford’s choice not to spend billions of dollars in COVID-fighting funds is making this pandemic longer, and Northern Ontario is

seeing the virus spread into our communities,” said Bisson. “Together with Andrea Horwath and our Northern team of NDP MPPs, we will fight to keep Northerners safe, and push this government for more support for people and businesses to get through this pandemic.”

MPPs France Gelinas (Nickel Belt) will continue in her vital role as NDP Health critic; John Vanthof (Timiskaming-Cochrane) continues as Deputy Leader and critic for Agriculture and Food, Rural Development; Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk-James Bay) continues his work for Franco-Ontarians as Francophone Affairs critic.

Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) continues to advocate for Indigenous people and communities in Ontario as critic for Indigenous and Treaty relations; and Judith Monteith-Farrell (Thunder Bay-Atikokan) will now add mines to her portfolios in natural resources and forestry as the critic for these vital sectors for the northern economy.

Les agents de l'OPP sauvent plus de 200 vies en administrant la naloxone Les incidents de surdose augmentent de 38 pour-cent La Police provinciale de l'Ontario (OPP) a sauvé 210 vies en administrant la naloxone depuis que les agents de première ligne ont été équipés pour ce faire en septembre 2017. La crise des opioïdes continue de toucher les gens dans les communautés de l'ensemble de l'Ontario comme en témoignent le nombre sans cesse grandissant de surdoses liées aux opioïdes aussi bien que le nombre d'incidents au cours desquels les agents ont eu à administrer la naloxone pour sauver des vies.

Les principales données statistiques concernant les surdoses liées aux opioïdes et l'administration de la naloxone entre septembre 2017 et février 2021* indiquent que : • Les individus ayant reçu un traitement à la naloxone sont majoritairement des hommes (68 pour-cent) et 32 pour-cent sont des femmes • La moyenne d'âge des individus ayant reçu un traitement à la naloxone était de 34,8 ans chez les femmes et 35,5 ans chez les hommes

OPP Officers Save Over 200 Lives By Administering Naloxone 38 percent increase in overdose occurrences Cont’d from P.1 overdoses occurred in OPP's Central and West Regions.

• There was a 38 per cent increase in overdose occurrences attended by the OPP from 2019 to 2020.

The OPP continues to provide victims with referrals to community specific resources and advising the public about harmful substances. See www.opp.ca/opioids for more information. Additional details as well as an officer's experience with administering naloxone can be found at www.opp.ca/news.

The OPP has created a framework to support those individuals suffering from substance use disorder, while holding drug traffickers who cause these overdoses accountable.

Since 2016, the OPP has investigated 23 occurrences where charges have been laid for Manslaughter and/or Criminal Negligence Causing Death in relation to fatal overdoses.

"People from every age group and every socioeconomic background continue to be affected by opioids in Ontario. Since 2017, the OPP has saved more than 200 lives by administering naloxone. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can protect you - if you see an overdose, please call 9-1-1. You can help save a life too." - Commissioner Thomas Carrique, Ontario Provincial Police "At the core of our response to the opioid crisis is the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act. If you witness someone experiencing an overdose, please dial 9-1-1 and if you can, stay with the victim to provide support. You could make a difference and save a life." -Superintendent Bryan MacKillop, Director, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Ontario Provincial Police *These numbers are a reflection of the OPP Niche Records Management database only, as of February 3, 2021.

• La plupart des incidents se sont produits à l'intérieur d'une résidence • La plupart des surdoses liées aux opioïdes se sont produites dans la Région du Centre et la Région de l'Ouest de l'OPP • Entre 2019 et 2020, il y a eu une augmentation de 38% des incidents de surdose ayant nécessité l'intervention de l'OPP. L'OPP continue d'orienter les victimes vers les ressources dans la collectivité et de prodiguer des conseils au public à propos des substances nocives. Veuillez consulter www.opp.ca/opioides pour des renseignements complémentaires. Des renseignements complémentaires aussi bien que l'expérience racontée d'une agente ayant administré la naloxone sont disponibles sur www.opp.ca/ nouvelles.

L'OPP a établi un cadre pour soutenir les individus qui ont un trouble lié à l'usage de substances psychoactives tout en contraignant les trafiquants de drogue responsables de ces surdoses à répondre de leurs actes. Depuis 2016, l'OPP a enquêté sur 23 cas se rapportant à des surdoses mortelles, enquêtes qui ont abouti à des accusations d'homicide involontaire et/ou de négligence criminelle causant la mort. « Des individus issus de tous les groupes d'âge et de toutes les couches socioéconomiques continuent d'être touchés par les opioïdes dans l'Ontario. Depuis 2017, l'OPP a sauvé plus de 200 vies en administrant la naloxone. La Loi sur les bons samaritains secourant les victimes de surdose peut vous protéger; si vous êtes témoin d'une surdose, appelez 9-1-1 s'il vous plaît. Vous pouvez aussi aider à sauver une vie. » - Commissaire Thomas Carrique, Police provinciale de l'Ontario.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 11, 2021

Chapleau Moments by

Michael J. Morris A mid winter break had been discussed for Chapleau in the form of a winter carnival for some time in the 1930s and finally it became a reality, according to Vince Crichton writing in his book Pioneering in Northern Ontario. The first one was held in 1937.

To make the three day weekend a success the cooperation of everyone was needed. "The stores entered into the spirit of the occasion by decorating and displaying in their windows some aspect of winter sports. " They closed at noon on Friday and early on Saturday.

Chapleau citizens decorated their homes and the streets and themselves in fancy costumes.

Accommodation was a problem in those years as the Queens Hotel (in later years the Sportsman) was the only hotel in operation in those years. However, the CPR placed at least one sleeping car at the station for visitors. The CPR charged one hundred dollars a day for it.

However residents opened their homes to the visitors..

In the beginning a large ice palace was

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Chapleau carnivals in 1930s known as Northern Ontario's greatest 'Winter Funfest' erected in front of the Algoma Dairy at Birch and Young Streets.

It was later built at other locations, One dollar and twenty five cents bought an adult ticket and seventy five cents children's ticket including a badge. This enabled admission to all carnival activities including dances, hockey games as well as the curling bonspiel which was staged for two years and included rinks from out of town.

With outbreak of World War II in 1939, the last of the original winter carnivals was held in 1940. Vince wrote that it was best at the time to suspend this yearly event until peace had come to the world again.

They resumed in 1956 but were not held every year.

Vince noted that the parades that opened the early carnivals between 1937 and 1940 were "something to behold�

The parade assembled at the railway station and led by the town band, the many floats and participants marched through through the main section of town to the ice palace.

Vince acknowledged James Purich who led the procession resplendent in a royal military uniform. He was riding a beautiful white horse.

Riding on a sleigh would be the contestants for Carnival Queen.

The Carnival King would also be on the sleigh.

Vince summed it all up: Every kind of winter equipment -dog teams, bob sleds, toboggans, sleighs,

snowshoes, skis and skates found a place in the show..." Only hockey and figure skating were held in the arena..

Street dances were held in the evening on Main Street at the corner of Lorne.

He added that everyone had a wonderful time. "Chapleau's hospitality was famous and visitors were taken into homes and made to feel like one of the family. Chapleau's carnivals back then were known as Northern Ontario's greatest "Winter Funfest". My email is mj.morris@live.ca

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 11, 2021

REPORT from OTTAWA Rapport d’Ottawa by/par

Carol Hughes Federal member of Parliament Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing

When the pandemic hit, the government wanted to use Employment Insurance (EI) to address the sudden loss of income people were dealing with. Critics quickly reminded them of the significant difficulties workers were already experiencing accessing the program in good times, which is why there had been years of pressure to revamp it. In the heat of the moment, there was no way EI was going to be responsive enough to offer the support needed for such a significant event.

New Democrats suggested the government should take the lead of other jurisdictions, like Australia, that were making direct payments to individuals to tide them over. This led to the creation of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or CERB as most people came to know it.

Once conditions were set, people were encouraged to apply for the benefit. The criteria was simple enough, and most people who had earned $5,000 the 12 months prior were deemed eligible. Originally, it seemed as if the benefit was available whether the individual was an employee,

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A tale of two pandemic programs or self-employed. Then, in late 2020 people began receiving letters informing that they may or may not be eligible for the benefit they had been receiving. It was clear the government was changing rules mid-stream and among those most effected were self-employed.

Now, some are being told they will have to pay their CERB money back. This is, in many cases, despite seeking assurances at the outset that their application for the benefit was the appropriate course of action. To make matters worse, the government agreed in late April to avoid this scenario. That was when they supported an NDP motion to ensure that, “those who have applied in good faith for and received benefits through CERB or other programs to support them through this crisis will not be unjustly penalized.” Not only are they changing their rules, their breaking their word.

It's obvious they are as comfortable going after the little guy, as they are reticent about reining in the biggest players in our economy.

Of course, the CERB wasn't the only program designed especially for the pandemic.

The Canadian Wage Subsidy (CEWs) was brought about to try to keep employees in place through the pandemic as much as possible. At first, the government thought a ten percent subsidy would be enough to keep workers in jobs. New Democrats argued, persuasively, for a much larger 80% subsidy that would help businesses, especially

small and medium sized ventures. As we encouraged an appropriate subsidy, we also warned against the potential for abuse from the biggest employers.

That reticence was based on the 2008 stimulus package which was accepted by companies who went on to pay lavish executive bonuses. This led New Democrats to warn the government that it would be best to build protections against such profiteering into the CEWS. They chose to ignore that suggestion to predictable results. A National Post report explains that 68 publicly traded companies who received the CEWS also paid millions in dividends to shareholders. That means taxpayers are indirectly subsidizing payments to shareholders at the same time as the government is asking some CERB recipients to pay back what was applied for in good faith.

The difference could not be more stark.

While the Liberals go after people who are barely surviving the pandemic, they're refusing to go after big corporations that received a wage subsidy, made profits, and payed massive dividends to their shareholders. New Democrats think that isn't fair and are calling on the government to stand by their original decision not to punish those who were encouraged to apply for the CERB before they changed the eligibility rules.

Récit de deux programmes d'aide en temps de pandémie Lorsque la pandémie a frappé, le gouvernement a voulu utiliser le régime d'assurance-emploi (AE) pour aider les gens à faire face à une perte soudaine de revenu. On lui a alors rapidement rappelé les difficultés importantes que vivaient déjà les travailleurs pour accéder à ce programme en temps normal, d'où les pressions exercées depuis des années pour une réorganisation du régime. Dans le feu de l'action, il était impossible que le régime d'AE ait la souplesse requise pour offrir tout le soutien qu'exigeait une telle situation. Les néo-démocrates ont proposé que le gouvernement suive l'exemple d'autres pays, comme l'Australie, où l'on versait des fonds directement aux particuliers afin de les aider à tenir le coup. Ainsi est née la Prestation canadienne d'urgence, ou PCU comme la plupart l'appellent maintenant.

Une fois les conditions établies, les particuliers ont été encouragés à demander la prestation. Selon des critères relativement simples, la plupart des personnes ayant gagné 5 000 $ dans les 12 mois précédents étaient réputées admissibles. Au départ, il semblait que la prestation était offerte aussi bien aux salariés qu'aux travailleurs autonomes. Puis, à la fin de 2020, des lettres ont commencé à être envoyées pour informer certaines personnes qu'elles n'étaient peut-être pas admissibles à la prestation qu'elles avaient reçue.

Manifestement, le gouvernement changeait les règles du jeu en cours de route, surtout au détriment

des travailleurs autonomes.

Aujourd'hui, certains se font dire qu'ils devront rembourser la PCU qu'ils ont reçue. Dans bien des cas, ces personnes avaient pourtant dès le départ obtenu la confirmation qu'une demande de prestation était indiquée dans les circonstances.

Pour compliquer les choses, à la fin du mois d'avril, le gouvernement a accepté de prendre des mesures pour éviter ce scénario, en appuyant la motion néo-démocrate proposant « que les personnes ayant présenté une demande de prestations de bonne foi et ayant reçu des paiements au titre de la PCU ou d'autres programmes pour subvenir à leurs besoins en cette période de crise ne soient pas pénalisées injustement ». En plus de changer les règles, le gouvernement manque à sa parole. De toute évidence, il est tout aussi à l'aise de s'en prendre aux plus petits qu'il est réticent à mettre au pas les plus importants acteurs de notre économie. Évidemment, la PCU n'a pas été le seul programme conçu pour la pandémie. La Subvention salariale d'urgence du Canada (SSUC) a été mise en place afin de tenter de maintenir les employés en poste pendant la pandémie, dans toute la mesure du possible. Au départ, le gouvernement a cru qu'une subvention de 10 % suffirait à maintenir les travailleurs en poste. Les néodémocrates ont plaidé de façon persuasive pour une augmentation substantielle de la subvention à 80 % afin d'aider les entreprises, particulièrement les petites et moyennes. Tout en appuyant l'adoption

d'une subvention convenable, nous formulions aussi des mises en garde contre d'éventuelles fraudes de la part des plus grands employeurs.

Ces craintes étaient fondées sur les mesures de stimulation de 2008 qu'ont acceptées les entreprises, avant de verser de généreuses primes à leurs cadres. Les néo-démocrates ont donc averti le gouvernement qu'il conviendrait d'établir des mesures de protection contre l'usage abusif de la SSUC. Le gouvernement a choisi de faire fi de cette suggestion, de sorte que ce à quoi l'on s'attendait s'est produit. Dans un article, le National Post indique que 68 sociétés cotées en bourse ayant reçu la SSUC ont aussi versé des millions de dollars en dividende à leurs actionnaires. Ce qui signifie que les contribuables subventionnent indirectement des paiements à des actionnaires alors que le gouvernement demande à certains prestataires de la PCU de rembourser des sommes dont ils ont fait la demande en toute bonne foi.

La différence ne pourrait être plus marquée.

Alors qu'ils s'attaquent à des personnes qui peinent à survivre à la pandémie, les libéraux refusent de s'en prendre à de grandes entreprises qui ont reçu la subvention salariale, ont fait des profits et ont versé d'énormes dividendes à leurs actionnaires. Les néo-démocrates croient que ce n'est pas juste et demandent au gouvernement de s'en tenir à sa décision initiale de ne pas punir ceux qui ont été encouragés à demander la PCU, avant de changer les règles d'admissibilité.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 11, 2021

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OPSBA statement on March Break “We are tremendously grateful for the incredible dedication and resilience of healthcare workers, frontline workers in long-term care and elsewhere, and indeed for all essential workers during the pandemic. In our sector, we are particularly grateful for and proud of the work that all those working in public education have done for our students.

The past 11 months have been a period of constant change and uncertainty for the education system. Whether it was transitioning to online learning, finding innovative ways to provide the support that is so essential to the mental health and well-being of our students, or implementing new health and safety protocols, teachers, education workers, and school board staff have repeatedly risen to the challenges caused by the pandemic. Parents, guardians, and

of course students, have all had to adapt to extremely challenging circumstances and our school communities are tired and stressed. The regularly scheduled March Break would provide a much-needed time to rest and recharge, and would help ensure that our staff, students, and school communities are best-positioned to face the remainder of the school with a renewed focus.

With that said, OPSBA has repeatedly stated throughout the pandemic that decisions such as these should be made by public health experts. These decisions must be made with the goal of minimizing the risk of exacerbating the pandemic, however, it is essential to also consider the impacts to student and staff mental health and well-being. We know that whatever decision is made, our member school boards will continue to do their best to support their students

and staff through these challenging times.

The importance of our public education system has never been clearer. As we’ve said previously, school boards need sufficient resources and local flexibility to implement programs that will continue to close learning gaps and provide opportunities to promote student achievement and well-being.

Accordingly, we encourage the provincial government to make the necessary investments in areas like child and youth mental health and special education to ensure that our system is best-equipped to meet the needs of our students during these uniquely challenging times.

We encourage everyone to follow public health guidelines to ensure that we are able to safely return to traditional, in-person learning.”

Cathy Abraham, President

Public Health Sudbury & Districts achieves major milestone in bringing COVID-19 vaccine to the most vulnerable Public Health Sudbury & Districts has achieved an important milestone in the journey to protect the area’s most vulnerable from COVID19. By immunizing all consenting residents of area long-term care and highrisk retirement homes in addition to residents and staff of Elders’ lodges, Public Health has met the provincial target date of February 10. Through extensive planning and partnership with homes and area paramedics, a total of 1729 individuals were immunized with their first dose of the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine.

“We have a long way to go but it is a joy to celebrate this milestone. As we see ongoing outbreaks in these vulnerable homes and as we witness the emergence of the more transmissible variants of COVID-19, we are all energized by the vaccination program,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “I want to thank everyone involved—thank you for your patience with us as we work our way through the vaccine supply challenges. This is an unprecedented effort, requiring extensive planning, coordination with many partners, and the ability to quickly change course to adapt to new circumstances. I know that all involved are motivated by the singular purpose of getting vaccine in arms as soon as possible,” said Dr. Sutcliffe.

In addition, residents of the Wikwemikong Nursing Home, the first people in Public Health’s service area to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, have now also received their second dose of the vaccine. The second doses for all other residents will be scheduled over the coming weeks in accordance with second dose requirements.

“As more vaccine is expected to arrive in the coming weeks, we are dependent on the Province to provide us with those vaccines to continue to immunize our community,” said Dr. Sutcliffe. “Direction around which priority populations are next in line to receive the vaccine will also come from the Province. We are ready and eager to continue our efforts.”

Despite the recent vaccine delays announced federally and provincially, Public Health remains dedicated and continues to adapt its plans to be ready to offer vaccinations to identified groups as efficiently as possible. The vaccine is a safe and effective tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and protecting our communities, including the most vulnerable.

Public Health will communicate the availability of vaccine for specific groups as the province provides additional direction.

Vaccinations will be offered on an appointment basis for eligible

recipients, and details of clinics will be shared publicly when plans are confirmed.

To prepare for local vaccination efforts, Public Health released the Public Health Sudbury & Districts COVID-19 Vaccination Program Playbook (PDF, 4 MB). The Playbook outlines local vaccination efforts and details local plans. To meet the needs of the community and efficiently offer the vaccine in a timely manner, Public Health’s short- and long-term vaccination efforts could include on-site clinics, such as in congregate settings for specific populations, community-based clinics where the vaccine is available at local sites, and in health care provider practices and venues like pharmacies.

The status of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is evolving rapidly. As new developments about vaccine availability and distribution are known, Public Health remains committed to providing timely updates. For more information or if you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 11, 2021

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Last weeks solutions MOMENTS IN TIME On Feb. 28, 1993, in Waco, Texas, federal agents launch an unsuccessful raid against the Branch Davidian compound as part of an investigation into illegal possession of firearms and explosives by the Christian cult. On April 18, U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno approved a tear-gas grenade assault on the compound. A fire erupted and at least 80 people died.

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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.

Adult Mental Health (16yrs and up) and Addiction Services (all ages) offered at Turning Point. Located at 6 Broomhead Rd. For professional, confidential services, please call 705-864-1919. Open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to noon and 1pm to 4:30pm.

Services de santé mentale pour adultes (16 ans et plus) et les services de toxicomanie (tous les âges) offerts à Point décisif. Situé au 6, chemin Broomhead. Contactez-nous au 705-864-1919 pour des services professionnels et confidentiels. Les heures ouvrables sont de 8 h 30 à midi et de 13 h à 16 h 30.

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 11, 2021

Well, I must say that it was nice to hear that Ontarians recently received some wonderful news that all can agree is good news, no matter their political outlook. The world famous Wiarton Willie proclaimed that Ontario can look forward to an early spring. This is one of those traditions that I hope will never be set aside. It's good to have something to smile about in the middle of winter, knowing that the promise of green is just around the corner once again.

As I contemplated our rodent prognosticator's declaration over my coffee, my thoughts of returning to spring veered off in the direction that it is also time for MPPs to get back to Queen's Park. There already was a list of issues that was too long even before Ford called an early recess before Christmas. There is work to be done and the People of Ontario have been patient long enough.

In recent weeks the NDP caucus has been considering Ontario's current situation in this ongoing pandemic. As a result, Andrea Horwath reorganized the caucus critic portfolios to take advantage of the growing strengths of our team. I am also pleased to note that special emphasis was made on assigning important new critic roles specifically to help Northern families get through this pandemic — including a new portfolio created to focus on northern roads and transportation challenges.

Sudbury MPP Jamie West is now the critic for Northern Infrastructure, Transportation and Roads and Timmins MPP Gilles Bisson is the new critic for Community Safety and Correctional Services. Timiskaming-Cochrane NDP MPP John Vanthof remains the Deputy Leader and critic for Agriculture and Food, Rural Development.

And Nickel Belt's France Gélinas continues to shine as the NDP Health critic. I am honoured as well to continue with the Northern Development portfolio and now have assumed duties as the critic for Tourism. Northerners understand that tourism

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The tourism industry has been devastated during this pandemic and the Ford government has done little to help. One of my goals is to ensure that our tourism sector is front and centre at Queen's Park and that it gets the attention it needs right now.

As a caucus, we are excited to get back to the Legislature and well are prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.

New Democrats have always maintained that the best way to ensure the health and safety of Ontarians is to listen to and follow the advice or our medical and public health professionals.

There is no room for political games in such matters. That's why the recent revelation by the Globe and Mail that Doug Ford is crossing this line and is endeavouring to cover his tracks. They reported that premier Ford personally phoned the CEO of the William Osler Health System in an attempt to muzzle a physician who had spoken to media about COVID-19. Clearly his efforts to stop doctors from speaking out are incredibly dangerous and not in the best interest of protecting Ontarians. That's why Andrea Horwath has called for an independent investigation to look into Ford's actions.

Recently Andrea stated, “People need and deserve honest, truthful health information so they can make informed decisions, and physicians have a right to share their professional medical opinion — even if it doesn't match the Ford government's spin.” In truth we should be thanking the doctors and scientists helping us all stay safe during the pandemic. Doug Ford's choice to let politics come into play. He muzzles and bullies our dedicated professionals which are not only wrong but also downright dangerous.

Dr. Brooks Fallis was the interim medical director of critical care from the William Osler Health System. According to the Globe and Mail report, Fallis said: “Dr. Mohammad, our CEO, had received an angry phone call from Doug Ford about my comments. And I was instructed on our phone call to stop all media activity.” According to Fallis, he was repeatedly told that the hospital was worried Ford would slash its funding. The hospital terminated Fallis' role as medical director of critical care as a result.

It is not difficult to identify that there seems to be a pattern of health experts, doctors and scientists who being critical of the Ford government's choices are undermined, targeted or harassed. Actions such as denying facts and attacking Dr. Fallis, Dr. David Fisman and other officials indicates that Doug Ford is treating this pandemic like a public relations battle, and doctors and scientists like the enemy.

Unfortunately there is a parallel situation with Ontario's Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission being forced by the Doug Ford government to shut down its work prematurely --

right in the middle of the second wave. The deadline for making a submission to the commission closed January 31 and the commission is working towards an April 30 deadline for its final report. Despite the fact that the very issues the commission is investigating are still unfolding, the Ford government refuses to grant an extension to December 31, 2021 so that it can actually complete the job they were assigned to do.

Hundreds of seniors are sick. Hundreds of homes are in outbreak, causing anguish and terror among seniors and their families. Now even more contagious variants of COVID-19 are knocking at the door of long-term care homes. And Doug Ford's slow and sloppy vaccine roll-out means some seniors in long-term care are still waiting for their first shot.

It is clear that Ford is playing politics once again as evidenced by his dodging and stonewalling the commission as well as his refusal to extend the committee's time to, “do the job right – the first time.”

The job of all MPPs is to bring the voice of the people to the Ontario Legislature. My colleagues and I are looking forward to getting back in the trenches and challenging the Ford government to act in the best interest for the health and safety of all Ontarians.

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 by phone at 705-461-9710 or Toll free 1-800-831-1899.

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