02182021 February 18 2021

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS

Local News Weekly

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Vol. 25, Issue 24, February 18, 2021

Postponement of March Break 2021 and Change to April 30 PD Day made by School Boards

O

n February 11, 2021 Ontario's Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, issued the following statement regarding March Break: "In support of our collective efforts to keep schools safe, we are postponing March Break until April 12-16, 2021. This decision was made with the best advice of Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and public health officials, including consultations with many local Medical Officers of Health."

March Break had previously been scheduled for March 15 to 19, 2021, dates which had been jointly approved by the four coterminus Boards in the Algoma and Sudbury Districts including Algoma District School

Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon, Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario and Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board. All four co-terminus boards, as requested by the Minister, will defer March Break 2021 to the week of April 12, 2021.

The approved 2020-2021 School Year Calendar includes seven Professional Development (PD) dates. One of those PD Days is scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2021.

With the Easter holiday scheduled for April 2 to April 5, deferral of March Break to April 12 through 16, and the PD Day landing on April 30, we recognize that there will be eight days that students (whether remote or in-person

learners) will not be in class during the month of April.

As such, the four co-terminus boards, with Ministry approval, have confirmed that the April 2021 PD Day will be scheduled instead on Friday, March 19, 2021.

Report du congé de mars 2021 et déplacement de la journée pédagogique du 30 avril des conseils scolaires

L

e 11 février 2021, M. Stephen Lecce, le ministre de l'Éducation de l'Ontario, a fait la déclaration suivante sur le congé de mars : « En vue de soutenir nos efforts collectifs pour veiller à la sécurité continue des écoles, Long Term nous reportons le congé Forecast de mars à la semaine du Thursday 12 au 16 avril 2021.

High -13 Cette décision repose Low -15 sur les meilleurs Friday conseils du médecin High -6 hygiéniste en chef de Low -14 l'Ontario et des Saturday High -6 Low -15 Sunday High -4 Low -8 Monday High -1 Low -4 Tuesday High 1 5Low -7

responsables la santé publique ainsi que sur Photo KarideLuhtasaari nos consultations avec de nombreux médecins hygiénistes locaux. » La relâche du mois de mars était auparavant prévue du 15 au 19 mars 2021, dates qui avaient été approuvées conjointement par les quatre conseils limitrophes des districts d'Algoma et de Sudbury, y compris le Algoma District School Board, le Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon, Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario et le Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board. Les quatre conseils limitrophes, à la demande du ministre, reporteront le congé de mars 2021 à la semaine

du 12 avril 2021.

Le calendrier scolaire 2020-2021 approuvé comprend sept journées pédagogiques, dont l'une était prévue le vendredi 30 avril 2021.

Avec le congé de Pâques prévu du 2 au 5 avril, le report de la semaine de relâche au 12 au 16 avril et la tenue d'une journée pédagogique le 30 avril, nous reconnaissons que les élèves (étudiant à distance ou en personne) ne seront pas en classe pendant huit jours durant le mois d'avril. À c e t e ff e t , l e s q u a t r e c o n s e i l s limitrophes, avec l'approbation du ministère, confirment que la journée pédagogique d'avril 2021 sera déplacée au vendredi 19 mars 2021.

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 18, 2021

- Page 2

Top ways to keep learning from home

(NC) As we adjust to the impact of the COVID19 pandemic and the new normal, it can feel like time is on pause. But there are so many opportunities just a click or a tap away to keep learning. Turn self-isolation into self-

improvement with these learning sources.

Sign up for an e-newsletter With so much negative news constantly bombarding our T V screens and social media feeds, it can be tempting to step away entirely from sources of information. But one way to keep learning while maintaining some control over what you’re consuming is by subscribing to an enewsletter with curated content. For example, you can sign up for a daily digest of top stories from your local newspaper. If you’re interested in agriculture, you can check out AgriInfo, an online newsletter about industry trends, science innovation and even gardening tips and tricks.

Take continuing education Time in isolation can be an opportunity for self-improvement.

Continuing education courses on a dizzying variety of topics and skills are available online for you to take at your own pace. Many are available for free, but even paying into a program can be a valuable investment in yourself. Services offered through your local library can be a great jumping-off point. Mastering a new skill or area of expertise

can provide an essential feeling of accomplishment at a time when we all need it.

Get certified New technologies mean new skills, but that doesn’t mean you need a degree to understand them. Many new online tools and programs offer businesses major advantages, and knowing how to use them can give you a significant edge in the job market. Best of all, plenty of companies offer online, learn at your own page certification in their software completely free. All it takes is some time and dedication, and you can not only pick up a marketable new skill, but end with something to show for it.

Play a great podcast Not all material needs you to sit at a computer. It’s a great feeling to take an educational podcast for a walk or learn while you cook. It can open up new topics and provide new perspectives, hands-free. Take The First Sixteen, a new podcast all about the latest breakthroughs and innovations in agriculture and agri-food.

Whether you’re a farmer, a foodie or just curious about the latest and greatest, check out this exciting podcast for a fresh helping of knowledge every other week.

Find news and podcasts about agriculture at agr.gc.ca/agriinfo.

3 things parents should teach their kids about money (NC) Parents have a key role to play in teaching their kids about money and helping them develop good money habits early. Knowledge, skills and confidence when managing money will help young people throughout their life and will contribute to stronger financial well-being as adults.

When your kids reach their teen years, focusing on money matters becomes even more important. Here are a few things you can teach them: 1. Sending and accepting money transfers Treat e-transfers like cash, because they cannot be cancelled once they have been deposited. When sending an e-transfer, your teen should make sure to: -send money only to someone they know and trust, because some scammers may try to get money by e-transfer in exchange for goods, services, or a prize; -choose a security answer that someone cannot easily guess; -safely share the answer with the recipient. This means do not share it in the email notification message.

2. The importance of protecting personal

financial information It may be tempting for your teen to download and use a third-party fintech app to help manage their finances like their student budget, get rewards or check their credit score.

Here are some general principles you can share with them.

It’s their responsibility to keep their personal financial information confidential.

Sharing personal financial information could mean that no matter what security features the app has in place, the financial institution may hold them responsible for any losses resulting from unauthorized transactions.

3. The importance of reading bank account agreements Bank account agreements contain important information, such as fees for certain types of transactions and the steps that your teen must take to protect

themselves from authorized use of their account.

For example, it’s important that your teen read their bank account agreement to know what fees are associated with each type of transaction, such as e-transfers.

As young people enter new life stages, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada provides unbiased and fact-based information you can count on at canada.ca/money.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 18, 2021

Chapleau Moments by

Michael J. Morris In the beginning was the Canadian Pacific Railway. but by 1901 Chapleau had become a municipality with its own council.

Building a transcontinental railway was the Canada-making epic of the late 19th century.

It was not easy. The terrain between Sudbury and the Lakehead baffled the railroad builders with its ageless granite and bottomless bogs. George Evans relates in one of his Snapshots of Chapleau Past.

George wrote that 'They started west from North Bay in June, 1881, and didn’t close the line from Callander to Forth William until May 16, 1885. On November 11 of the same year, the whole line from Montreal to Port Moody on the west coast was officially completed when Donald Smith drove home the “last spike” at Craigellachie, just west of Revelstoke in British Columbia." That is just down the road and a few mountain passes from where I now live in Cranbrook The next year, on June 30, 1886, the first transcontinental train passed through Chapleau on its way to Port Moody. Chapleau rail yard in 1886. Chapleau became a community with a future because the C.P.R. needed places at regular intervals along its track where crews could change, locomotives could be refueled and watered, and mechanics could do maintenance work.

At first, the spot in the boreal forest that was later to be named Chapleau was not on the

- Page 3

Chapleau became Canadian Pacific Railway divisional point by 1886 replacing Biscotasing list of bush communities chosen to be a divisional point. During the construction of the railway, Biscotasing was thought to be a good site for a divisional point and shops and repair houses were indeed built there.

With the opening of the Toronto-Sudbury line, Biscotasing was deemed to be too close to Sudbury. Poulin, a railway siding just east of Chapleau, was considered for divisional point status until it was noticed that the supply of water and fuelwood at Poulin could not meet the needs of the locomotives.

One of Chapleau's first citizens Richard Brownlee, who arrived in the winter of 1885-86, had first lived in Biscotasing but moved to Chapleau and set up his first barber shop in a tent near where the Lady Minto Hospital was located in "Old Chapleau".

Chapleau would have to be the divisional point. And so, in 1885-6, the C.P.R. built repair and engine shops just south of the Kebsquashishing River and moved the maintenance operations from Biscotasing.

The economic basis for a lasting community had been established and took the name of Chapleau.

Running-crews and mechanics built homes ; merchants moved in to supply their physical needs; and churches were built to meet their social and spiritual needs. By 1887 it appears there were six general stores.

George noted that though isolated amidst the forests and

Original CPR station

First store

lakes of the Canadian Shield, the self-reliant inhabitants came together to give themselves a few of the outward signs of 19th-century civilization.

One basic need of the community, a cemetery, had been provided for as early as 1885, when the C.P.R. deeded land for the “Chapleau Protestant Burial Grounds” to Thomas Nicholson and James McNiece Austin. It is still there on the north side of Birch and Grey Streets, although not actively in use for many years. Cont’d on P.5

Mechanics Institute and Library

Chapleau Band

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 18, 2021

- Page 4 An about face on some CERB repayments and a temporary tax credit for working from home REPORT of employers. It also didn’t help, that many of those 46% of Canadians were $200 away from debt. from OTTAWA worrying about paying back the CERB were made Mercifully, over the last year, New Democrats have successfully negotiated and aware of the possibility of that by mail over the Rapport holiday season and being asked to repay by improved key elements of the government’s d’Ottawa pandemic response. Part of that is a feature of a December 31, 2020. by/par Now, the government has listened to minority parliament where negotiations are needed Carol Hughes reasoned arguments and backtracked, announcing to maintain confidence, and part of that is related to Federal member of Parliament that people who accessed CERB based on their the fact that we are all experiencing this unusual Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing gross income instead of net income, if they met the event for the first time – together. It’s been Last week I wrote about how the other eligibility criteria, will not have to return their described as building an airplane as you fly it. government was set to claw back CERB payments CERB payments. Similarly, self-employed Throughout the process, New Democrats have from some Canadians including those self- Canadians who applied for CERB, and who would suggested many ways that programs could be employed who applied for the program in good have qualified based on their gross income, will no improved and implemented with good results. This faith. This was happening after rules had been longer be required to repay, provided they also met CERB adjustment is just another example of that changed mid-stream, making it appear the all the other eligibility requirements. It is worth and is something that Canadians can be proud of, government couldn’t see the folly of their move. noting this policy applies regardless of whether especially when compared to other jurisdictions While most people had applied for the program applicants accessed CERB through the CRA or that haven’t fared as well when it comes to political with the understanding that it was applicable for through Service Canada. Those who meet these cooperation. That said, we will continue to their circumstance, often after confirming they conditions and have already voluntarily repaid their advocate waiving CERB repayments for people were eligible with the Canada Revenue Agency CERB, will have that money returned. with low incomes and for youth aging out of care.

(CRA) , the government was on a path to treat them Finally, there is a new, temporary tax credit While the about face is an important as if they had somehow cheated the program. development, it isn’t unfair to note that it comes for individuals who found themselves working To make matters worse, there seemed to be months late and has placed families in a stressful from home during the pandemic. It allows eligible an element of picking winners and losers based on situation, in an already difficult time. Also, it was employees to claim a deduction of $2 for each day the outcomes from differing pandemic relief out of touch for the government to have threatened they worked from home over a period of a least four programs. While the wage subsidy (CEWS) was people who received the wrong information from consecutive weeks in 2020, plus any other days they flowing to employers, even for those who paid out them to pay back as much as $14,000 during the worked from home up to a maximum of $400. dividends to investors, the claw-back on the self- holiday season. There were individuals looking at There are many costs associated with working from employed hinted that Canada may not value their selling off assets to be able to raise that kind of home and hopefully this credit will help with some economic contribution in the same way it does that money. We cannot forget that before the pandemic, of those.

Une volte-face à l’égard de certains remboursements de la PCU et un crédit d’impôt temporaire pour le travail à domicile La semaine dernière, j’ai écrit que le gouvernement était résolu à récupérer des paiements de Prestation canadienne d’urgence (PCU) auprès de certains Canadiens, y compris les travailleurs autonomes qui avaient présenté une demande de PCU de bonne foi. Le gouvernement faisait cette annonce après avoir changé les règles en cours de route, donnant l’impression qu’il ne voyait pas la sottise de sa décision. Bien que la plupart aient présenté une demande de PCU en étant convaincus qu’ils y étaient admissibles, souvent après avoir confirmé auprès de l’Agence du revenu du Canada (ARC) que leur situation particulière répondait aux critères d’admissibilité, le gouvernement s’apprêtait à les traiter comme s’ils avaient fraudé le programme.

Pire encore, il semblerait que la décision ait impliqué de choisir des gagnants et des perdants selon les résultats de programmes d’aide différents.

Alors que la Subvention salariale d’urgence du Canada (SSUC) était versée aux employeurs, même à ceux qui avaient payé des dividendes aux investisseurs, la mesure de récupération de la prestation auprès des travailleurs autonomes donnait à penser que le Canada n’accordait peutêtre pas la même importance à leur contribution économique qu’à celle des employeurs. De plus, beaucoup parmi ceux qui craignaient de devoir éventuellement rembourser la PCU en ont reçu la confirmation par la poste au cours de la période des fêtes et ont été priés de rembourser les sommes dues au plus tard le 31 décembre 2020, ce qui n’arrangeait pas les choses.

Finalement, après qu’on lui a fait entendre raison, le gouvernement est revenu sur sa décision et a annoncé que ceux qui ont reçu la PCU en fonction de leur revenu brut plutôt que de leur revenu net, s’ils respectaient les autres critères d’admissibilité, n’auront pas à rembourser la PCU. De même, les travailleurs autonomes canadiens qui ont présenté une demande de PCU, et qui y auraient été admissibles selon leur revenu brut, ne seront plus tenus de rembourser la PCU, si eux aussi respectaient les autres critères d’admissibilité. Il convient de noter que cette politique s’applique peu importe que la PCU ait été obtenue par l’entremise de l’ARC ou de Service Canada. Ceux qui répondent à ces conditions et qui ont déjà remboursé volontairement la PCU se verront remettre leur argent.

Si cette volte-face est un événement important, il n’est pas injustifié de souligner que celle-ci survient des mois trop tard, un retard qui a placé des familles dans une situation stressante, pendant une période déjà difficile. De plus. Le gouvernement s’est montré déconnecté de la réalité en menaçant des gens à qui il avait fourni des renseignements erronés de les obliger à rembourser jusqu’à 14 000 $ pendant la période des fêtes.

Certaines personnes ont envisagé de vendre des biens afin de pouvoir rembourser des sommes pareilles. Nous ne devons pas oublier qu’avant la pandémie, 46 % des Canadiens étaient à 200 $ près de l’endettement.

Heureusement, au cours de la dernière année, les néo-démocrates ont négocié

efficacement afin d’amélioré des éléments essentiels de la réponse du gouvernement à la pandémie. Ces réalisations tiennent d’une part au fait que le gouvernement est minoritaire et que des négociations sont requises pour conserver la confiance de la Chambre et, d’autre part, au fait que nous vivons tous – ensemble – cette situation inhabituelle pour la première fois. On a comparé ce travail à la construction d’un avion en plein vol.

Tout au long du processus, les néo-démocrates ont formulé de nombreuses propositions pour améliorer et mettre en œuvre les programmes, des propositions qui ont donné de bons résultats. Cette modification à la PCU est un autre exemple de ce travail dont les Canadiens peuvent être fiers, particulièrement en regard d’autres États où la collaboration politique n’a pas été aussi fructueuse.

Cela dit, nous continuerons à lutter pour que le remboursement de la PCU soit annulé pour les personnes à faible revenu et les jeunes qui deviennent autonome de la Société de l’aide à l’enfance.

Enfin, un nouveau crédit d’impôt temporaire a été instauré pour ceux qui ont dû travailler de la maison pendant la pandémie. Les employés admissibles peuvent demander une déduction de 2 $ pour chaque jour de travail effectué à la maison sur une période d’au moins quatre semaines consécutives en 2020, plus tout autre jour de travail effectué à la maison jusqu’à concurrence de 400 $. Le travail à la maison implique de nombreux coûts et, on l’espère, ce crédit aidera à les alléger.

Chapleau Moments Cont’d from P.3 ..

As a kid I would go and cut the grass at some of the plots including my family's --- on the Morris side.

From the beginning, schooling was a priority with the first instruction being given in a tent (1886), but, by May, 1891, the community had its first school house.

For the entertainment and edification of adults, a Reading Club was formed in 1887, and that evolved into a Mechanics’ Institute (1890).It was located near the Boston Cafe.

The Chapleau Brass Band was established in 1889. The Chapleau Brass Band first met on December 6, 1888, thus establishing the tradition of a Town Band that lasted for over a century. No parade or official event was complete without its presence.

There was a rink on Lorne Street and in 1893 a Chapleau hockey team made a road trip to Sudbury .... the team lost!!

By May, 1893, there was a volunteer fire department in Chapleau.

Before the incorporation of the municipality in 1901, policing seems to have been a hitand-miss thing, with a succession of local men

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 18, 2021 - Page 5 being commissioned by the CPR Yard provincial government to keep the Queen’s peace.

As far as fraternal organizations were concerned, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and the brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers were up and running in Chapleau by 1886, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Missanabie Lodge No. 266 began its long history in Chapleau on May 16, 1888.

On January 22, 1901, the Victorian Age ended with the death of Queen Victoria.. Edward VII churches, schools, a Mechanics’ Institute, a became the King Emperor of history’s largest volunteer fire department, and a town band."

Finally endowed with its own municipal empire. Sit Wilfrid Laurier was Prime Minister government, Chapleau was ready to take on the of Canada.

20th century.' G, B, Nicholson was the first George wrote " None of these great and reeve and served until the end of 1913.. The distant men were aware of it, but, on February 1, 1901, in a remote part of their domains, the town hall was opened in 1914 as was the Lady Municipality of the Township of Chapleau came Minto Hospital.

With thanks to my friend and colleague into being. In the sixteen years that had passed since the railway had cut its way across the at Chapleau High School the late George Evans Canadian Shield, the tiny population had for providing the framework for this column. created a lively community complete with My email is michaeljmorris@ymail.com

ETFO calls on all MPPs to support MPP Peggy Sattler’s Stay At Home If You Are Sick Act The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is urging all Members of Provincial Parliament to support Bill 239, Stay At Home If You Are Sick Act. This Private Member’s Bill would implement seven permanent sick days per year for all Ontario workers, and an additional 14 paid sick days during public health emergencies, like the one Ontario is currently experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This framework provides critical paid sick leave to all Ontario workers, during the pandemic and beyond.

“Everyone knows that paid sick days saves lives. For months, public health experts have been calling for paid sick leave to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” says ETFO President Sam Hammond. “The lack of access to paid sick leave and paid emergency leave has been identified by public health experts as a major gap in the pandemic response in Ontario. Yet, despite repeated calls from workers, medical experts, unions and the public at large, the Ford government has refused to implement this live-saving measure.”

To date, Bill 239 has received widespread support from a growing list of organizations representing workers, employers, and public health experts, including the Ontario Federation of Labour, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Local Public Health Agencies. It is time for the Ford government to listen and to take immediate action to help save lives.

With students and educators now back to in-person learning across the province, the need for paid sick days is higher than ever.

Currently, some educators, including occasional teachers and casual education workers, do not have access to paid sick leave. Ontario workers need to be able to stay home if they are sick or to take care of children who are ill, without worrying about whether they will be able to put food on the table.

Notes Hammond, “Repeatedly, we have heard Premier Ford tell people to stay home if they are sick, but not provide the income protection they need to do so. Families are having to make difficult

choices between survival and risking the spread of COVID-19. As the danger of a third wave is upon us, triggered by more infectious variants of concern, the government must protect students, educators and other frontline workers. Passing Bill 239 is just one of the measures needed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

ETFO represents 83,000 elementary public school teachers, occasional teachers and education professionals across the province. Its Building Better Schools education agenda can be viewed at BuildingBetterSchools.ca.

Need help understanding federal pandemic relief programs like the temporary tax credit for those who worked from home during 2020?

Call or email my office and my staff and I will be happy to assist you.

Avez vous besoin d’aide à naviguer les programmes fédéraux de soutien lié à la pandémie, tel que le crédit d’impôt temporaire pour ceux et celles qui ont travaillé à domicile en 2020?

Vous pouvez communiquer avec mon bureau et il se fera un plaisir de vous aider.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 18, 2021

- Page 6

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 18, 2021

FORMATIONPLUS Au centre d'éducation francophone pour adultes...

L'équipe à FormationPLUS souhaite à toutes et à tous de bien se porter durant cette deuxième vague de la pandémie.

La persévérance et la patience sont de mise jusqu’à ce que les restrictions soient pleinement levées. Depuis quelques semaines, nos bureaux demeurent fermés au public, et ce, jusqu'à avis contraire, mais nous offrons quand même des cours de façon virtuelle. Pour plus de renseignements, n’hésitez pas à communiquer avec nous au 705-864-2763.

Au plaisir de vous revoir bientôt! De toute l’équipe de chez FormationPLUS, Andréa, Monique et Luc

Centre culturel Louis-Hémon Kelly Bado est une auteure-compositrice bilingue qui vous fait voyager avec ses chansons. Avec des paroles inspirées par l'amour, l'espoir et l'égalité sociale, et un son qui marie la pop avec R&B/Soul mêlés avec ses origines africaines, on ne peut qu'être séduit par sa voix magique.

Soyez des nôtres virtuellement le 25 février, 2021, à 19h30. Le coût des billets est par donation. Nous avons 10 places disponibles pour assister au spectacle sur le tableau blanc au Centre culturel Louis-Hémon (ceci peut changer si la fermeture à l'échelle provinciale est encore en vigueur) ou procurez-vous un billet et recevez un lien pour regarder le spectacle dans le confort de votre salon.

Pour obtenir vos billets, communiquer avec Monique au 705864-1126, par courriel: hemoninc@gmail.com ou sur notre page Facebook : Centre culturel Louis-Hémon.

Voici les activités que Connect Aînés vous propose pour

le mois de février.

Pour détails et inscriptions, veuillez visiter: https://farfo.ca/connectaines/

- Page 7

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 18, 2021

- Page 8

Okay folks, trivia time. Can you name the longest running daytime gameshow on network television? I'll give you a hint by asking, “Where were you in 72?” That was the year of the first episode. I was just a babe in arms back then…. What do you mean, “Ya, right?!' Okay maybe I was a lad. Anyway, if you guessed The Price Is Right show, you're a winner. But no need to 'come on down'.

I ask this trivia question because I was thinking, you know who would be a fabulous contestant on the show? Doug Ford. Why? Well, if you have ever been a fan of the show you will know how entertaining it is to watch contestants franticly trying to come up with the correct answer/price, but who are totally oblivious of cheers and suggestions from the audience, some of whom undoubtedly knew the answer. When I was a kid I'd watch the contestants and think it was so funny.

That was a game show way back then.

Now we are facing questions in the real world of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's painful to watch Ford and his ministers struggling to make the right decisions but continually ignoring the advice from the very professionals who are paid to provide the advice and support that our government needs to keep us all safe.

Without exception, all of us want to see all children safely back in school full time.

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 18, 2021 - Page 9 Clearly that is what is best for them. But to open and dooming us to repeat the cycle of sickness our schools without first ensuring they are safe is and shut-downs.

We need to get things right this time. just plain irresponsible. The other day when Education Minister Stephen Lecce said that our Ontario's re-opening should be slow, and come children are heading back to class, he didn't with new protections like paid sick days, inexplain how the government made its decisions workplace COVID-19 testing, in-school testing, about reopening schools, and he sure didn't and more capacity to contact trace.

Also a part of Ford's mixed messaging is announce the kind of safety measures parents, staff, experts have all been calling for. The NDP the news that the residential eviction ban is being says that we should be capping classes at a lifted. The government will allow all evictions to maximum of 15, providing a comprehensive in- be enforced again within days. Families all over school testing program with clear targets and the province have lost their income, their job, or funding, working now to improve ventilation, their business through no fault of their own as a and provide paid sick and family-care days so result of the pandemic. They are still in the thick that all parents can afford to keep potentially-sick of this pandemic, and it's not safe to force people to find shelter, apartment hunt, crash with friends little ones at home.

Right now test results are proving that or family, or survive on the street while the virus more contagious variants of covid-19 are is still running rampant. It's putting people at risk spreading in Ontario. At least one COVID-19 of catching and spreading COVID-19. Yet, Ford variant of concern has been detected with the is going ahead with firing the starting gun on North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, a evictions.

The eviction ban was full of loopholes — clear indication the variants are moving northward. It is clear that more proactive action but Doug Ford should be fixing it, not scrapping needs to be taken to keep students safe, prevent it. For those who have lost income due to the more missed school days, and save parents, pandemic, a rent subsidy and legislated eviction students, teachers and education workers from ban are absolutely as necessary as ever.

Just like the flailing contestants on the having to scramble to adjust to yet another Price Is Right show, Ontarians will continue to change of plans.

We have already learned that juggling pay the price for his refusal to listen to kids and working from home was exhausting for professional advice, choosing to keep making the parents, learning online was a struggle for same mistakes. He didn't want to invest in longstudents and teachers, and we simply can't afford term care, so the second wave claimed more lives to shutter classrooms again. No one wants to be than the first. He didn't invest in more testing, sent home and sent scrambling to make online tracing and public health protections, so learning and work from home work for a third businesses have opened only to be forced to shut time, without warning, and if we want to keep down again. He didn't invest in safer schools, so students in school, full time, we need to do more they reopened only to have to close again. He to protect the re-opening. It's not good enough keeps refusing to give people paid sick days, only for the government to cross its fingers and hope for experts to reveal again and again that for the best. We need to do it right – the first time. workplaces are driving the spread.

Doug Ford needs to wake up and realize Doug Ford's recent move to end the State of Emergency and re-open the province within he is not a contestant on the Price is Right. He two weeks without providing any new public needs to listen to the experts behind him telling health protections is sending a dangerous him to put public health before money. He must message that it's time to go back to business as stop guessing wrongly and repeating the same mistakes so we can stop the cycle of sickness and usual.

“People deserve hope that this time, when lockdowns. we open, we're opening for good,” said Horwath. As always, please feel free to contact my office “We've been stuck in a cycle of one step forward about these issues, or any other provincial and two steps back. We're paying the price matters. You can reach my constituency office because Doug Ford keeps making the same by email at mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca or by phone at 705-461-9710 or Toll free 1-800-831-1899. mistakes again and again.

Last March Break Ford urged everyone to travel. On Mother's Day he himself held a family gathering. At Christmas he delayed the lockdown so people could shop and get together for the holidays. By ending the State of Emergency now and announcing that it's time to start re-opening — without investing in new Call 705-864-2579 protections — he's repeating the same mistake chaexpress@sympatico.ca again, sending a message that it's time to let up,

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 18, 2021

- Page 10

Last weeks solutions MOMENTS IN TIME On March 3, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signs a bill creating the Freedman's Bureau. The federal agency oversaw the transition of African Americans from slavery to freedom. The bureau was given power to dispense relief in the South, provide medical care and education, and redistribute "abandoned" lands to former slaves.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 18, 2021 R.T.

24 Aberdeen St. S. P.O. Box 214 Chapleau, ON P0M 1K0 Download our APP

Rita T. McKee-Gavan Broker of Record www.rtmckeerealty.com Email: rita@rtmckeerealty.com

ALLEMANO, FITZGERALD PASCUZZI & BERLINGIERI Barristers and Solicitors

Andrew G. McKenzie Travis Gendron 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

BERRY’S FREIGHT SERVICES TIMMINS - CHAPLEAU - TIMMINS Monday to Friday: 1 lb. to 10,000 lbs

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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

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New/Free digital e-resources have been added to the Library's Website for your reading enjoyment while the Library is closed.

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

Local MARKETPLACE

chapleau.olsn.ca 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.

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!

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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- Page 11

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

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, February 18, 2021

- Page 12

Tiny home trend: How to create a storage container vacation home

(NC) With most of us continuing to spend more time at home, we could all use a bit of an escape.

Enter the tiny house trend – an affordable, creative way from homeowners to enjoy a “vacation property.”

Interested but feeling intimated or don’t know where to start? Here are some tips and ideas that can help you feel confident tackling this

p o p u l a r h o m e improvement project.

Understand pros and cons Shipping containers have many benefits – they’re durable, weather resistant and watertight. Best of all, they’re a more affordable alternative than a cottage.

Recycling a used container is also great for the environment. Plus, they’re secure, stackable and just look really cool.

One thing to consider is the indoor climate, as shipping containers can get very hot and very cold.

You’ll also want to double check with your municipality to see if you need a permit.

Decide on your vision What do you want your tiny home to be – a rustic cabin with a country feel to replicate your favourite cottage vacation? A luxury hotel room with tropical colours inspired by a treasured

Caribbean getaway? A cartoon characterdecorated spot for the kids to remind them of theme-park vacations past? The possibilities are endless, so dream big and plan small. Pinterest, blogs and social media are great sources for inspiration.

Prep for life in Canada Whatever function your shipping container will serve, you’ll need the right materials so it’s cozy year round. Subflooring is essential for keeping floors soft, comfortable and feeling warm even in freezing weather. Most floors of shipping containers are cold metal, so you’ll want to find ways to make them soft and warm. Try affordable premium subfloors from Dricore, with easy-to-install floor panels that are perfect for DIYers.

Know when to call the pros There’s plenty you can do yourself when it comes to converting a shipping container into a tiny home, including the insulation, subfloors, framing and decorating. But it’s smart to work with a professional for more technical tasks, like the electrical wiring, cutting holes for doors and windows and creating the foundation. Do things right the first time and you’ll save on money and stress in the long term.

More Canadians are looking to buy Canadian since pandemic, FCC survey shows Canadians are more likely to look for Canadian food in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic according to a new survey by Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

“The events of the past year have shown us that in times of crisis, the Canadian agriculture industry continues to provide safe and reliable food,” said Marty Seymour, FCC’s director of industry relations.

“Canadians have noticed and are responding with appreciation for the agriculture and food industry’s ability to adapt, even under difficult circumstances.”

In the survey conducted between January 8 and 12, 2021, there is evidence of an emerging shift in what Canadians are doing and thinking about when it comes to buying their groceries.

When asked if their behaviour has changed since the start of the pandemic, six out of 10 people or 58 per cent said they are more likely to buy Canadian made or grown food, 56 per cent are more likely to look for Canadian made or grown food when they buy groceries and 50 per cent are more likely to think about how their food is grown.

“On February 23, we will be celebrating Canada’s Agriculture Day. Each year the national event celebrates the contributions of Canada’s agriculture and food sectors, sharing the importance of understanding where our food comes from with all Canadians,” Seymour said.

“This year’s fifth anniversary celebration is even more meaningful given the challenges producers and processors have faced in the past

year,” he said. “We see these survey results as an endorsement by Canadians for the continued support and celebration of a strong agriculture and food industry.”

According to the same survey, eight in 10 Canadians believe Canada’s food system and agriculture sector responded well to the pandemic.

Most of the respondents (94 per cent) say they are strong supporters of Canada’s agriculture sector and 91 per cent agree Canadian farmers are underappreciated.

“It is encouraging to see such a strong endorsement for the efforts of the women and men across Canada who are committed to this unique and valuable industry. The vast majority of Canadians agree that it’s important we have a strong agriculture and food sector to ensure we can continue to be a source of safe, reliable and affordable food,” Seymour said.

The survey was conducted for FCC with 2,000 Canadian residents. The margin of error is +/2.17 per cent, 19 times out of 20. The data was weighted according to census data to ensure the sample matched Canada’s population.

FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, with a healthy loan portfolio of more than $41 billion. Our employees are dedicated to the future of Canadian agriculture and food. We provide flexible, competitively priced financing, management software, information and knowledge specifically designed for the agriculture and food industry. As a self-sustaining Crown corporation, we provide an appropriate return to our

shareholder, and reinvest our profits back into the industry and communities we serve. For more information, visit fcc.ca.

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705-864-2579