January 29 2026

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CHAPLEAUEXPRESS

OntarioMoreThanDoublingExportsThroughNewBrunswick’sPortSaintJohn

Provinces working together to support increased trade from across Canada to new markets around the globe

Today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt met withrepresentativesfromPortSaintJohn and industry stakeholders to strengthen relationships and celebrate the rapid increase in Ontario goods moving through Port Saint John over the past year. In 2025, the total volume of goods exported by Ontario companies through Port Saint John to international markets increased by 153 per cent compared to the previous year, reflecting the success of ongoing efforts to increase trade across Canada and find new markets for Canadian products overseas in responsetoU.S.tariffsonCanadiangoods.

“The work we are doing to unlock free tradewithinCanadaandgetCanadianproductsto new markets around the world is at the heart of our plan to protect Ontario from tariffs and economic uncertainty,” said Premier Ford. “Ontario is proud to lead the country in tearing down barriers to interprovincial free trade, signing agreements with 10 provinces and territories, including New Brunswick.As we do so, we’re also supporting the construction and expansion of critical nation-building infrastructure such as pipelines, rail lines, highwaysandports,includingvitaltradinghubs likePortSaintJohn.”

TheincreasedtrademovingfromOntario through Port Saint John highlights the growing success of Canadian companies’effortstoreroute supply chains in response to U.S. tariffs, as well as the ongoing work provinces are doingtogethertoprotect

Canadian jobs and keep goods moving to new markets. It also emphasizes the importance of continued investments in critical trading infrastructure,suchasports,pipelines,raillines, highwaysandairports.PremierFordandPremier Holt continue to advocate for the removal of internal trade barriers and improved crossCanada and overseas trade links to build a stronger,moreresilientCanadianeconomy.

“The Port of Saint John is Ontario’s port to the world,” said Premier Holt. “New Brunswick has seen a 153 per cent increase in exportsfromOntariomovingthroughPortSaint Johnandthatmomentumisonlypickingup.New Brunswick is proud to be a gateway to international markets and support free trade within Canada. This partnership strengthens Canada’s economy by connecting Ontario exporters to global markets through a modern, efficient and reliable gateway right here in New Brunswick. It delivers economic stability today while building long-term opportunity for workers,businessesandcommunitiesacrossthe country.”

Thevastmajorityofgoodsmovingfrom OntariothroughPortSaintJohnwereshippedto destinations outside of the United States. Of the 8,083 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs, equivalent to one standard shipping container) shipped from Ontario via Port Saint John, 4,153 TEUs went to destinations in Europe, 1,306 TEUs went to destinations in Asia, 954 TEUs wenttodestinationsintheCaribbean,733TEUs went to destinations in South America and 670 TEUs went to destinations in Central America. MajorcategoriesofgoodsshippedfromOntario throughPortSaintJohnincludevehicles,forestry products,agriculturalproductsandmetals.

“Today’sconversationwithPremierHolt andPremierFordreaffirmedhowPortSaintJohn contributes to Canada’s broader nation-building vision,” said Craig Bell Estabrooks, President and CEO of Port Saint John. “With newly modernized infrastructure and unparalleled connectivity, we’re proud to fuel job growth in SouthernNewBrunswickandofferallofOntario new,reliablesupplychainpathways.”

BuildingonOntario’snationalleadership in supporting free trade and labour mobility acrossCanada,theOntariogovernmentrecently took the next step to breaking down interprovincial trade barriers by publishing a draft regulation for the mutual recognition of goods and services from other reciprocating Canadianjurisdictions.Thiswillreduceredtape and accelerate market access by eliminating the need for businesses to meet multiple sets of regulatory requirements that cost Canada’s economyupto$200billioneveryyearandhave held back Canadian businesses for decades. Ontario has also signed memoranda of understanding with 10 provinces and territories to expand labour mobility, reduce regulatory duplicationandstrengtheninternaltrade.

“Ontariohastakenunprecedentedaction toexpandinterprovincialtradeanddiversifyour international exports, and the rapid increase in Ontario goods moving through Port Saint John demonstrates that our targeted efforts are working,”saidVicFedeli,MinisterofEconomic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As Canadian companies look for new market opportunities, our government will continue to set the standard for interprovincial cooperation andfostertheconditionsnecessaryforamore Cont’donP.7

OntarioWelcomesMassillyNorthAmerica’s$85MillionManufacturingInvestment

TheOntariogovernmenthassecuredan investmentof$85millionfromMassillyNorth America Inc. (Massilly), a leading manufacturer of metal packaging solutions, to establishanewstate-of-the-artfacilitythatwill produce cans for food packaging. Massilly’s investment will sustain 228 existing jobs and create 50 new, good-paying manufacturing jobs,whilebringingnewproductionlinesback to Ontario that will reshore critical supply chains and remove reliance on imported steel packaging,markinganimportantmilestonefor the Canadian food industry to bolster its selfrelianceinthefaceofglobaluncertainty.

“Today’s investment is great news for workers and families in Brantford and across Ontario and will support good-paying jobs throughout our manufacturing supply chain,” saidPremierDougFord.“Ourgovernmentwill continue to cut taxes and red tape to attract investment and create good-paying jobs as we build the strongest, most resilient and most competitiveeconomyinalltheG7.”

Massilly’sinvestmentisastrongvoteof confidenceinOntarioasastableeconomyand one of the most competitive jurisdictions for

manufacturers to invest, create jobs and do business. By expanding their operations to include coil cutting and three-piece can productionlines,Massillywillensureconsumer goods sold across Canada can leverage Canadiansteel,bolsteringOntario’send-to-end supply chain and ensuring the province’s key industries are self-reliant and resilient in the faceofgeopoliticalvolatility.Insupportofthis investment, Ontario is providing $5 million in funding through the Ontario Together Trade Fund(OTTF).

“Our government is continuing to introduce strategic initiatives, dedicated to ensuring Ontario workers and businesses are equippedwiththetoolstheyneedtoadaptinthe face of external pressures,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the OTTF, we areproudtosupportMassillyinthisnextphase ofgrowthandlookforwardtoseeingtheirthreepiece cans and steel coils solidify Ontario’s positionasamanufacturingpowerhouse.”

As part of its plan to protect Ontario’s workers and businesses, the government launchedseveraltargetedfundinginitiativesto

OBITUARY

Leach, Darwin Willard “Spike”

ItiswithloveandgratitudethatweannouncethepassingofDarwin Willard “Spike” Leach, surrounded by family at his home, on Thursday, January29,2026,inhis92ndyear.

Spike was the loving father of Gary Leach (Lynn), Penny Rhodes (late Rick), Brian Leach (Marianne), and Kelly Mancari (Mike). Proud Papa of Falon, Rachel, Nicole, Haley, Amanda, Brennan, Krista, and Ashley, and cherished great-grandfather to 16 great-grandchildren and still growing! Dear brother of Donna Milks (Ron) and Lorna Blimke (late Darryl), and brother-in-law to Betty Leach. Spike will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many dear friends. He is now reunitedwithhissiblingsWilson(Mabel),Clayton,Bill(Doreen),Dalton(Betty),andBerylLeach.

BornandraisedinChalkRiver,Spikebuiltaliferootedinhardworkandgoodhumour.He worked withCPinChapleauandlaterwiththeOntarioNorthlandRailwayinNorthBay,proudly earninghistitleasarailroaderuntilretirement. Spikeknewhowtoenjoythegoodstuff,too.He loved curling, and the thrill of trying his luck at the casino. But his happiest memories were the simple, golden ones -fishing in Chapleau, time spent at the family camp in Chalk River, ThanksgivingweekendsatBissett'sCreek,andhisroadtripstovisithisgrandchildren,whomhe adored.TheywillmissPapa'sspaghettiandhishomemadesalsa.

Spikehadawayofmakingeveryonefeelliketheybelonged-alwaysreadywithalaugh,a smile,andabighug.Truly,thatwasthe“Spikeeffect.”

FamilyreceivedfriendsatMARTYN FUNERALHOME,NorthBayonSunday,January 25th from 6–8 p.m. and again at GATEWAY CHURCH on Monday, January 26th from 10 a.m. until12p.m. FuneralServicefollowedatnoon.Forthosewhowereunabletoattendinperson, you may register to view the funeral service by using the following link: https://event.forgetme notceremonies.com/ceremony?c=cafda3fc-3e4c-47f8-aaf1-57c28497427a.

Adonation to the North Bay Regional Health Centre - Kidney Clinic would be gratefully acknowledged as expressions of sympathy. A special thank you to Jess and the PSWs and healthcareworkerswholookedafterSpikethispastyearwithsuchdignityandrespect. Onlinecondolencesmaybeleftatwww.martynfh.com.

support companies and industries, especially acrosstariff-hitsectors.Todate,theOTTF has supported $120 million in total project investmentswhileprotectingandcreating1,500 jobs.Thefundcontinuestobeinhighdemandas local manufacturers look to pivot production, enter new markets and leverage Ontario-made resourcesacrosstheirsupplychains.

“Thisprojectisatestamenttoourbelief in Canadian manufacturing,” said Garnet Lasby, President at Massilly North America. “By combining Canadian steel with our technicalexpertise,we arecreatinga ‘Madein Canada’solutionthatbenefitstheenvironment, theeconomyandtheconsumer.”

Since 2018, Ontario has landed a historic $213 billion in investments from foreign and domestic companies and has createdmorethanonemillionnewjobs.Asthe province continues to navigate the impact of U.S. tariffs, the government remains united in its determinationto reduce costs, drive growth and foster the conditions that encourage companies like Massilly to cement their operationsin Ontario and contributeto a more self-sustainingnationaleconomy.

The Ontario Together Trade Fund is a part of Ontario’s broader strategy to support advanced manufacturing and trade-impacted communities, launched as part of the 2025 OntarioBudget.

In response to increased demand from tariff-impactedbusinesses,thegovernmenthas announced an additional $100 million investmentintotheprogram,bringingthetotal fundingto$150millionoverthreeyears.

UndertheOTTF,thegovernmentisalso providingcomplementarysupportsandservices to help businesses navigate regulatory requirements, connect with skilled talent and access government programs that accelerate projectsuccess.

The manufacturing sector accounts for over800,000workersacrosstheprovinceandis a driving force behind Ontario’s economic strengthandglobalcompetitiveness.

CheerstoSpike-theman,themyth,thelegend.

CHAPLEAU

Fromthearchives of Chapleau

Moments MichaelJ. Morris

The1973-74 wintersportsandrecreation activities seemed to start all at once prompting MargaretCostello,writingintheSaultDailyStarto quip, "Who says there is nothing to do in Chapleau?"

Maggie,asshewasfondlyknown,pointed out that "Until fairly recent times in the younger groups the boys have had the best of the winter activities...minorhockey."

But the times were changing, she wrote, withtheformationoftheChapleauFigureSkating Clubsomeyearsearlier,"withtheblessing"ofJ.M. 'Jack' Shoup, when he was chair of the Chapleau Recreation Committee. I believe Maggie was referring to the establishment of the club, as there hadbeenfigureskatinginChapleau,atleastbackto the1930s...maybeearlier!

Forthe1973-74season,thefigureskating instructor was Patricia Poulin of Timmins. Miss PoulinhadanimpressiverecordincludingtheGold Medal for ice dancing from the Canadian Figure SkatingAssociation.

The club had 100 members who would be working hard in preparation for the annual figure skatingshow.

Now, a new activity had appeared on the local scene which was beginning its first season under the direction of Lucille Pilon. The lessons includedballet,tapandotherdances.

There were also dance classes held at the MoooseHallwithGiselleMickofTimminsasthe instructor.

TheChapleauCurlingClubhadstartedits seasoninNovember1973andthemen'sandmixed leagueswereinfullswing.

Minor hockey was underway and Maggie commented that "youngsters in hockey uniforms are becoming a familiar sight at almost any time duringtheday."

The Chapleau Junior "B" Huskies of the InternationalJunior"B"HockeyLeaguehadstarted itsninthseasonwithEarleFreebornasmanagerand GeorgeSwansonascoach.

Touching on skiing, Maggie noted that although there was not enough snow yet, the club

Fullagendaofactivitiesforallagesin Chapleauduringwinterof1973-74

members were planning and preparing for the season, which she added "should be just around somecornerorother".

Bowling was also popular in Chapleau, in fact there were so many bowlers, there was not a single open night at the alleys. Bowlers also includedseniorcitizens.

Although Maggie doesn't mention them, therewerealsoveryactivebroomballandmercantile hockey leagues in Chapleau in the 1970s, as well as an Intermediate hockey team that played annually in the Northern Ontario Hockey League playoffs. The Intermediate "A" Huskies of the Northland Intermediate Hockey League were foundedin1975.

Meanwhile, the Chapleau Sentinel was reporting that renovations were underway at the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena with a Local Initiatives Program grant from the federal governmentledbyPrimeMinisterPierreTrudeau. The arena would also be introducing special programs for senior citizens and handicapped persons. Earle Freeborn had been named part-timearenamanagerearlierin1973.

Yes,Chapleauwasaverybusyplaceinthe Winterof1973-74--planswerealsobeingmadefor theChapleauWinterCarnival.

As an aside, I wrote this column about Winter activities in Chapleau from Orlando, Florida.

EXPLORE CANADA THIS WINTER

StevePrusky,GlenCappellaniandJamieDoylewinJunior"B"Huskiesawardsin1973-74 season

Newyear,smarterwaystosaveenergyathome

(NC) A new year is a natural time to rethink everydayhabits,includinghowweuseenergyat home.AccordingtoNaturalResourcesCanada, 64 per cent of the average home’s energy consumption goes toward space heating. While that’sexpectedduringCanadianwinters,energy use from air conditioning is also rising during hottersummers.Makingafewsmart,efficiencyfocusedupdatescanhelpreducewaste,manage costsandcreateamorecomfortablehomeyear-

round.

Hereareafewtipsfor a smarter, more efficienthome: Take a fresh look atyourinsulation.Your AC and furnace work hard to adjust the temperature of the air throughout your home. Don’t let all that work—and energy—go to waste. Without proper insulation, the air in your home will equalize to theoutsidetemperature just through contact withthewallsandceiling.Makesureyouhavea barrier to prevent this, so that your HVAC systemonlyneedstomakesmalladjustmentsto keepthetemperaturewhereyouwantit.

Eliminate wasteful airflow. Any draughtsorbreezesyoufeelinsidearetheairin your home leaking out, and the outside air leaking in to replace it. Use caulking and other sealants around every window and check your

exteriorwallsforanypotentialgaps.Putweatherstrippingaroundallyourexternal-facingdoors tokeepairfromflowingthroughthedoorframe, andconsiderusingitoninternaldoors,too.This can especially help in multi-story homes where coldaircansinktobasementlevel,andwarmair canoverheatupstairsrooms.

Makesomesmartupgrades.Smarthome technologyhasimprovedtothepointwhereyour home itself can help you manage your energy use. Smart home platforms like Samsung’s SmartThingscanhelpyoumonitorandmanage your devices’ energy usage, create customized energy-saving routines and give you tips to reduce your overall consumption. For instance, ratherthantryingtomaintainonehometemperaturethoughtheday,aconnectedthermostatcan sensewhenyouwakeuporarrivebackhomeand adjusttheairwhenit'sneeded.

All it takes are some simple upgrades focused on efficiency to regain control of your energy use. Smart investment in insulation, weatherstripping and a responsive home environmentwillpaydividendsinsavingsaswellas convenience.

Learn more about how you can save energyatsamsung.com/ca/smartthings.

Lastweekssolutions

MOMENTS IN TIME

OnFeb.15,1961,theentire18memberU.S.figureskating team was killed in a plane crash in Berg-Kampenhout, Belgium, while on their way to the 1961 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Investigators were unable to determine the exactcause of thecrash,thoughmechanicaldifficultiesweresuspected.

OntarioMoreThanDoublingExportsThroughNewBrunswick’sPortSaint

Cont’dfromP.1 resilientnationaleconomy.”

To support trade within Canada and abroad,Ontarioisinvesting$30billioninroads, highways and other transportation infrastructure toensuregoodscanreachnewtradegatewayslike Port Saint John while ensuring manufacturers, resource producers and shippers have the infrastructure needed to reach markets across Canadaandaroundtheworld.

In 2024, Ontario shipped 3,198 TEUs throughPortSaintJohn.

Through the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within CanadaAct, 2025, Ontario is taking decisive action to reduce regulatory barriers, open markets and strengthen domestic supplychains.

Ontario is Canada's largest market for interprovincialtradeanditspurchasingpowerper capitaisamongthehighestintheworld,withtwowaytradeingoodsandservicesbetweenOntario and other provinces and territories worth over $324 billion in 2024. Ontario will continue to work with its federal, provincial and territorial partners through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and other trade-enhancing initiativestofurtheradvanceinterprovincialtrade acrossCanada.

NDP:DougFord’scutsareputtingour healthcaresystemonthebrinkofcollapse

While Ontario’s public hospitals are on the verge of collapse as historic deficits, staff shortages, and overcrowded emergency rooms push the health care system past its breaking point, Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP are demanding immediate action from the Ford government to stop the erosion of public health care:

"Hospitals and health care workers are sounding the alarm, but Doug Ford is sleeping through it. His cuts have left Ontario's hospitals with "no easy choices", meaning that we'll lose even more of the burnt-out health care workers whoareholdingthissystemtogetherasitbuckles.

"The Ford government is quick to throw moneyathisvanityprojects:multi-billion-dollar spas and tunnels, while Ontarians stay stuck on waitingliststoseedoctorsandnurses.The NDP createduniversalhealthcare,andwe'llbetheones toprotectit.”

NDP Shadow Minister for Health MPP FranceGélinas(NickelBelt)isalsowarningthat without urgent intervention, emergency rooms and hospital services across the province face imminentfailure:

“Emergency rooms are already overwhelmed, staff are burned out, and patients arewaitinglongerthaneverwhileDougFordsits on his hands.” said Gélinas. “These growing hospitaldeficitsaretheblueprintforafullhealth carecollapse.Thiscrisisisnotaccidental.Itisthe resultofdeliberatedecisionsmadebyDougFord and his Conservative government to starve our publichealthcaresystem,sotheycansay:itdoes notwork,weneedasolution,andthesolutionwill be for-profit health care. If this trajectory continues, Ontarians will see services disappear, ERs close, and lives put at risk more than they alreadyareunderthisconservativegovernment.”

OntarioisthefirstjurisdictioninCanada to remove all its party-specific exceptions under the CFTA and remains the only province or territorytohavedoneso.

Ontario exported nearly $187 billion and imported nearly $137 billion in goods and servicestoandfromotherprovincesin2024. Internal trade accounts for 27 per cent of Ontario’sGDP.

Ontariohassignedeconomiccooperation MOUs with 10 provinces and territories, advancingregulatoryalignment,improvedlabour mobilityandstrongerdomestictradepathways.

Troisfaçonssimplesderéduirelesdéchetsàlamaisoncetteannée

(EN) Une nouvelle année est souvent l’occasion derevoirseshabitudesquotidiennes,ycomprisla

quantité de déchets que nous produisons à la maison. Sans qu’on s’en rende compte, les déchets ménagers peuvent s’accumuler rapidement. Quelques petits changements intentionnels peuvent aider à réduire ce qui finit à la poubelle tout en rendant les routines quotidiennes plus efficaces. Voici trois façons simples de réduire les déchets à lamaison.

Cuisinez plus intelligemment, pas plus difficilement. Jeter des ingrédients périmés est particulièremen t dommage, car vous n'avez mêmepaspuen profiter. La gestion de vos stocks et la planification des repas sont essentielles pour réduire le gaspillage alimentaire, mais cela peut être difficile à soutenirlorsque vous avez un emploi du temps chargé. Les appareils électroménager s intelligents, comme les options Bespoke AI de Samsung, peuvent vous aider dans cette tâche. Un réfrigérateur intelligent peut balayer les articles qu'il

contientpourtenircomptedecequevousavez.Il peutmêmevoussuggérerdesrecettesenfonction decequis'ytrouveafind'assurerquevousutilisez toutcequevousavez.

Soyezpluscritiqueenverslesemballages. Les excellentes choses ne viennent pas toujours dans de petits emballages. Lorsque vous achetez des articles, tenez compte de la quantité de plastiqueutiliséeettransitionnezvosdécisionsen conséquence.Évitezd'acheterlapluspetitetaille d'unarticle,enparticuliers'ils'agitd'uncontenant liquideenplastique,commelesavonàvaisselle. Les grands contenants utilisent moins de matériaux et durent plus longtemps. Envisagez d'utiliserdepetitsdistributeurspourcesarticlesà la maison et réapprovisionnez-les à partir de grands contenants que vous pouvez stocker à l'écart.

Réutiliser, recycler. Il est presque impossible d'éliminer les emballages plastiques devosalimentsetautresarticlesdemaison.Mais ce n'est pas parce qu'un fabricant a conçu un contenant à usage unique qu'il doit nécessairementêtrejeté.Ilexistedenombreuses façons de donner une nouvelle vie aux articles « jetables».Conservezlessacsenplastiquepourles déchets qui ne peuvent pas être jetés avec les ordures ménagères, comme les carcasses de poulet ou les peaux de poisson. De nombreux contenants à emporter peuvent être lavés et réutiliséspourconserverlesrestesoumêmepour lestockage.

Pour éliminer les déchets, il suffit de se bâtir de bonnes habitudes et de les respecter. Lorsquevousmettezenpratiquevosastucespour réduirevosdéchets,avecl'aidedelatechnologie appropriée,vousverrezlesrésultatsseconcrétiser aufildutemps,cequiesttrèsgratifiant.

Pour en savoir plus, allez à samsung.com/bespoke-maison.