03072024 March 7, 2024

PierretteOuellette,RecipientOfAnOntarioSeniorAchievementAward

On February 29, the Ontario government recognized the achievements of 20 outstanding seniors for their contributions to their communities and the province at the 2023 OntarioSeniorAchievementAwards.

Mrs. Ouellette was nominated by the Fédération des ainés et des retraités francophones de l'Ontario (FARFO) for her volunteer involvement in a multitude of activities, including Scouts leadership, assisting at various church functions, accompanying and transporting people to medical appointments, friendly visiting, as well as her involvement with the Club Maria Chapdelaine, Maison Boréal Home, the provincial FARFO, the regionalFARFOGrand-Nord,tonamebutafew.

At a ceremony held at Queen's Park, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Edith Dumont, and the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, the Honourable Raymond Cho, presentedMrs.Ouellettewithaspecialdistinction forhervolunteercommitment.

Jean-Rock Boutin, Chair of the provincial FARFO, was proud to say, "my friend Pierrette Ouellette embodies the values of solidarity, altruismandcommunityservicethataredeartothe FARFO. Her exemplary dedication and significant contribution deserve to be celebrated and honoured. Shehasdevotedaconsiderableamount of time to helping, supporting and encouraging seniorsintheNorth.''(translation)

Long Term Forecast

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Mrs.Ouelletteexpresseshergratitudetoall seniors who give of their time to help others. "During the ceremony, I had next to me all of you who provide so many small services that improvethelivesofthose around you. Although mynamewaschosen,you areallimportantpeople.''

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Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Edith Dumont, Pierrette Ouellette, and the Minister for Seniors andAccessibility, the Honourable Raymond Cho.

De gauche à droite, la lieutenante-gouverneure de l'Ontario, l'honorable Édith Dumont, Pierrette Ouellette,leministredesServicesauxainésetdel'Accessibilité,l'honorableRaymondCho

PierretteOuellette,lauréated'unprixd'excellence del'Ontariopourlespersonnesâgées

Le 29 février dernier, le gouvernement de

l'Ontario asouligné lesréalisations de20 personnes âgées exceptionnelles pour leurs contributions à leurs communautés et à la province lors du ''Prix dexcellence de lOntario pourlespersonnesâgéesde2023.

La Fédération des ainés et des retraités francophones de l'Ontario (FARFO) avait

proposé la candidature de madame Ouellette pour son engagement bénévole envers une multitude d'activités telles que l'animation de scouts, l'aide à plusieurs fonctions religieuses, l'accompagnement et le transport de gens à des rendez-vousmédicaux,desvisitesamicales,son investissement au sein du Club Maria Chapdelaine,delaMaisonBoréal SuiteP.6

From left to right, the Lieutenant

Chapleau Moments

by

MichaelJ. Morris

By 1888 Chapleau had a public library housed in a passenger coach with over two thousandvolumesof"fineliterature",accordingto a handwritten history of the community's first 50 yearsintheRichardBrownleePapers.

The books were provided by Sir William Van Horne, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway,aprojectthatheapparentlyundertookin othercommunitiestoo.

In browsing through the article, I decided to start with the anecdote about the donation by Mr.VanHornewhichshowedhisinterestinmuch morethanjustestablishingChapleauasarailway divisional point with a station, round house, etc. Hisinterestinprovidingreadingmaterialisastory initselfforanotherday.

Back to the railway, the article says the "roundhouse,anecessityinarailroadtownhadno doorsandwhenthesnowpiledup,thesectionmen shovelleditout.Theoilwaskeptoutsideandhad tobeheatedonstoves.Therailroadershadahard winterinthoseearlydaysbuttheywerehardymen

D. O. Payette. who arrived in 1904 put livinginChapleauincontextinthoseearlyyearsin aninterviewwiththearticlewriter.

Mr.Payettecommented:"Atleastonehalf of Chapleau was bush. There were no electric lightsandcoaloilwasusedalmostexclusivelyfor

lighting purposes. The stores and hotels used acetylene gas. The water supply was had from pitcher pumps which drew the water from well pointsdrivenintothegroundatvaryingdepths."

However, Chapleau continued to make progress as did the CPR by enlarging the shops and round house, building station, freight sheds, largeicehouseandbuildingseveraldwellings.

Fast forward to the 1930s and the writers decided to "tell you something of this busy little railroad town. It had become a divisional point whereentiretraincrewswereexchangedaswellas engineswhichfilledupwithcoalforthenextpart ofthejourney.

In1937anadditionwasaddedtotheshops tohousenewenlargedengines.Anewcoalchutes was built at the north end of the Chapleau yards and it was there that all engines were filled with coal.

They added that "Like all such towns its prosperitydependsagreatdealupontherailroad. When the railway is busy, the town booms and a

slump in the 'road' means a slump in the town's commerce".

But railroading was not the only industry andthatisastoryforanotherday.Thanksagainto MargaretRose(Payette)andBobbyFortinforthe loan of Richard Brownlee Papers. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

NOTE Thanks to all who kept me informed about the recent storm, with special thanks to Lee Martin for photos of tree in my old yard on Grey Street. I planted that tree after the forestfireof1948.

CanadianPacificRailwaykeptpacewithChapleauincommunity'sfirst50years

WeatherSummaryforOntario February2024:WarmandDryEndingwithWildVariability

Temperatures

For the third consecutive month, mean temperatures were above normal over the entire province.Temperatureanomalieswerehighestin thenorth,especiallytowardtheinternationaland Manitoba borders with some mean values near 7oC above normal. Over the South, they were somewhatlowerataround3-5oCabovenormal.

The first half of the month was warmer thannormalprovincewidecontinuinganalready prolongedwarmspellfromJanuary.Thehighest anomalies during this period were recorded on the 9th and 10th with many records broken in southern and northeastern Ontario. The daily maximumtemperaturereached18oCatWindsor Riverside. To begin the third week, cooler air briefly moved across the province. Warmer air then returned, ushering in a second distinct and widespread anomalous peak in temperatures for themonth.Intothefinalweek,acoolspellagain

spread provincewide after which record warmth again returned. This anomalously warm event was extraordinarily strong with daily maximum temperature records in some parts of the southwest more than 7oC higher than the respective previous record values (e.g. Windsor at 21.4oC). Seasonably cold air crossed the province toward the very end of the month. As with all months this winter, cold spells were somewhatrareandratherbrief.

Precipitation

Precipitation for February was below normalovermostoftheprovinceprovidinglittle relief to the dry conditions. Above normal amountswererecordedinpartsofthenorthwest andmostoftheFarNorth.

For northern Ontario, the first week was dry, after which the northwest saw a significant amount of precipitation in the second week. A powerful storm brought significant snow with

mixedprecipitationtypes during the finalweek. SouthernOntariosawaverydrymonthandmany stationsreportedlessthan30%ofmeanmonthly amounts.Verylittleornoprecipitationfellduring thewarmfirsthalfofthemonth.Tostartthethird week,manylocationssawbriefoccurrenceswith amounts of around 5-10 mm. Late in the fourth week, widespread rain and even hail fell accompanied by thunderstorms. Locations in southernOntariosawasmuchas~30mminthe lastfewdaysofthemonth.

Snowfall

Once again, with very warm temperatures, snowfall amounts were generally below normal across most of the province. Two storms dominated the month for snowfall. One affectedboththenortheastandmostofthesouth (except southwestern Ontario) on the 15/16th. The north then received abundant snowfall as Cont’donP.8

from OTTAWA Rapport

d’Ottawa

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

Attheendoflastweek,Canadiansreceived news that a deal had been reached between the governmentandNewDemocratsthatwouldfinally establish a framework for a Canadian pharmacare system.Thisisanhistoricsteptowardauniversal, public pharmacare program that will deliver concrete measures to help Canadians who are struggling with the costs of prescription medication. Continuing progress towards a universal national pharmacare program was one of the foundations of the Supply and Confidence Agreement between both parties. As the only nation that has a universal health care system without a universal pharmacare program, this is a hugedeal.

Thislegislationissomethingthatwillhave a real, measurable impact on people across the country.Itestablishesaplanforauniversal,singlepayer, public pharmacare model that has been called for in the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, chaired by Dr. Eric Hoskins. The plan will establish the framework and allow the Federal government to negotiate the finer details of a pharmacare plan withtheprovincesandterritoriesmovingforward.

So what does that framework look like? It includes a commitment from the government to follow the recommendations of the Hoskins Report, ensures that they are required to consider the Canada Health principles in their negotiations with the provinces and territories, and establishes an implementation council tasked with clarifying the details on the operations of the program. In essence,itsetsupeverythingweneedtoworkout the finer details on a pharmacare plan with our provincialandterritorialcounterparts.

The Hoskins' Report demonstrated that approximately one-fifth of Canadians are falling throughthecracks,andhaveeitherinadequatedrug coverage, or worse, no coverage at all. When the report was published in 2019, one-fifth of Canadians had not taken medication they were prescribed because of the cost. Three million Canadians had stated they couldn't afford one or moreoftheirprescriptions,andofthose,38percent hadprivateinsurancecoverage,and21percenthad publiccoverage,butthroughcopaymentsandlack of coverage, couldn't afford the entirety of their prescriptions. Nobody should do without the prescribed medication they need because they either lack coverage, or their insurance is inadequate.

While the legislation is important to establish how we achieve a single payer, public

TimetoDeliveronTommyDouglas'VisionforPharmacare

pharmacare system, people are expecting results now. This is why New Democrats followed the adviceintheHoskinsReportandpushedtodeliver single-payer prescriptions for contraceptives and diabetesmedicationsasafirststeptowardsuniversal,single-payerpharmacare.

For contraceptives, the coverage will includeprescriptionbirthcontrol,IUDs,hormonal implants, contraceptive injections and emergency contraceptives. Most diabetes medications will be coveredbythisplan,includinginsulin,Metformin and inhibitors. Additionally, there will be a fund thatwillallowtheFederalgovernmenttonegotiate withtheprovincesandterritoriestocoverthecosts ofdiabetessuppliessuchasglucosemonitors, test strips, and pumps. These measures will help millionsofCanadiansintheshortertermwhilewe continue to push for universal, single-payer pharmacare.

While there will no doubt be people who

bemoan the costs of a universal pharmacare program,studieshaveshownitcanactuallyreduce our overall health care expenditures. JAMA(The Journal of the American Medical Association) Health Forum recently published an article tracking health spending of 747 Ontario patients who reported the high cost of drugs left them leaving prescriptions unfilled or stretched out. JAMA covered the drug costs of roughly half of those patients for three years. For those whose drugs were covered, they actually saved the health care system an average of $1,488 per patient per year, mostly through reduced hospital and emergency roomvisits.

Tommy Douglas once stated, “I came to believe that health services ought not to have a pricetagonthem,andthatpeopleshouldbeableto get whatever health services they required irrespectiveoftheirindividualcapacitytopay."Weare nowonestepclosertorealizinghisvision.

Ilesttempsdeconcrétiserleprojetd'assurance-médicamentsdeTommyDouglas

À la fin de la semaine dernière, les Canadiensontapprisquelegouvernementetles néo-démocrates ont conclu une entente qui va enfin établir le cadre de mise en œuvre d'un régime d'assurance-médicaments au Canada. Il s'agit d'un jalon important de la création, au Canada, d'un régime public et universel d'assurance-médicaments qui permettra d'aider concrètement les Canadiens qui ont du mal à payer leurs médicaments d'ordonnance. La réalisation de ce régime national universel d'assurance-médicaments était l'un des fondementsdel'ententedesoutienetdeconfianceque lePartilibéraletleNPDontconclue.Pourleseul pays doté d'un régime universel d'assurancemaladie ne comprenant pas de régime d'assurance-médicaments, il s'agit d'un véritable événement.

Cette mesure législative aura des effets concrets et mesurables sur la population. Elle définira le plan de mise en œuvre du régime d'assurance-médicaments public, universel et entièrementfinancéparl'Étatqueréclamaientles membres du Conseil consultatif sur la mise en œuvre d'un régime national d'assurancemédicaments et son président, le Dr Eric Hoskins. Le cadre ainsi établi permettra au gouvernement fédéral de négocier les menus détailsdurégimed'assurance-médicamentsavec lesprovincesetlesterritoires.

Enquoiconsistececadre?Enl'adoptant, le gouvernement s'engagera à donner suite aux recommandations du rapport Hoskins et à tenir compte des principes établis par Santé Canada dans ses négociations avec les provinces et les territoires. Ce cadre créera aussi un conseil chargé de préciser les modalités de fonctionnementdurégime.Bref,ilétablittoutcedontnous avonsbesoinpournégocierlesmenusdétailsdu

régime d'assurance-médicaments avec les gouvernementsprovinciauxetterritoriaux. LerapportHoskinsnousaapprisqueprès du cinquième des Canadiens passent entre les mailles du filet et ne sont pas suffisamment couverts,ounesontpascouvertsdutout,parun régime d'assurance-médicaments. En 2019, l'annéedelapublicationdurapport,lecinquième desCanadiensneprenaientpascertainsmédicamentsquileurétaientprescritsenraisonducoût. Eneffet,3millionsdeCanadaontdéclarénepas avoirlesmoyensdeprendreaumoinsundeleurs médicaments prescrits. Parmi ceux-ci, 38 % étaientcouvertsparunrégimeprivéet21%par unrégimepublic,maisenraisondesquotes-parts et de l'insuffisance de la couverture offerte, ils n'avaient pas les moyens de se procurer tous les médicamentsprescrits.Or,personnenedevraitse priver de médicaments dont ils ont besoin parce quelacouverturedeleurrégimeestinsuffisante ouinadéquate.

Il est certes important de définir les conditions de réalisation d'un régime d'assurance-médicaments entièrement financé pardesfondspublics,maislapopulationveutdès maintenant des résultats concrets. Suivant les conseilsdurapportHoskins,lesnéo-démocrates ontdoncpressélegouvernementdecommencer par instaurer le remboursement par l'État des ordonnances de moyens contraceptifs et de médicamentscontrelediabète.

Ce régime couvrira les moyens contraceptifssuivants:lescontraceptifsd'ordonnance, lesstérilets,lesimplantshormonaux,lescontraceptifsinjectablesetlescontraceptifsd'urgence. Il couvrira aussi la plupart des médicaments contrelediabète,dontl'insuline,lametformineet lesinhibiteurs.Ilyauraaussiunfondspermettant SuiteP.11

AlgomaDistrictSchoolBoardWelcomes StudentTrusteesfor2024/2025SchoolYear

The Algoma District School Board (ADSB)approvedtheappointmentofthreenew StudentTrustees for the 2024/2025 school year. TheyareAddyMcEachrenfromChapleauHigh School,CameronCiottifromWhitePinesC&VS andGeorgia-JuneAbelfromWhitePinesC&VS as our Indigenous Student Trustee. All appointments become effective as of August 1, 2024.

Addy McEachren is currently a Grade 10 student at Chapleau High School. She is an integral part of the Student Senate at her school and has taken on several leadership initiatives that have made a strong impact on the student bodyasawhole.Lastyear,AddyledChapleau's Senate group in updating the school's Student Success Room. After talking to students who utilized this room on a regular basis, Addyson and the team devised a plan to update the furnitureandaddinspirationalquotestothewalls tobrightenthespace.Thenewdesignallowedfor more conversations amongst staff and students andmadethespacemoreflexibleforthedifferent types of learners in the room. Addyson was central to the design and implementation of this project, as well as ensuring student voice was heardandrecognized.

Addy not only planned events and activitiesforherschoolbuthassupportedseveral initiativesinthecommunityofChapleauthrough her volunteer work. She is actively involved in

the local dance studio where she assists the instructor in teaching younger dancers, many of whom look up to her as a role model.Addy has also been involved for several years with the community'slocalFirefighterAssociationwhere she volunteers to raise money through pasta dinners and hosting events for kids. Academically, she is a very motivated, hardworking student. She uses her time effectively and strives for continuous improvement each timesheapproachesatask.

Cameron Ciotti is currently a Grade 10 student at White Pines C&VS. Cameron's leadership skills inside the classroom as well as his extra-curricular interests demonstrate his strength of character, kindness, his compassion, and his effectiveness as a positive role model to his peers. He is a successful and integral part of White Pines' student body and Sault Ste. Marie community.

WhileatWhitePines,Cameronhasbeen an active member of the Cross-Country Ski Team,TrackandFieldteam,representedADSB as a School Ambassador, sat on Student Senate and Student Council for two years and played a pivotalroleinorganizingtheWhitePines'school PepRalliesandschoolassemblies.Cameronalso spearheaded a grant writing proposal to secure

funds for the school's Ontario Students Against ImpairedDriving(OSAID)chapter.Despitehis very busy schedule, Cameron always prioritizes his academic studies, resulting in the highest academic standing over all in each of his two yearsatschool.Heisnotafraidtoaskforhelpand can always be seen in his spare time either workingonhisassignments,planningworkshops orhelpingotherstudents.

In addition, Cameron has been an active volunteer with Christmas Cheer, MADD, and TheWolverineClawset(wherehehashelpedsetupandorganizeacommunityclosetforfamilies inneed).Cameronhasdevotedalargeportionof histimetogivingbacktothecommunityandthe school. Through his actions he has provided an exampleforourstudentsandcommunitytoknow thatonepersoncanmakeadifference.

Georgia-JuneAbel is currently a Grade 10studentatWhitePinesC&VS.Georgia-June's spiritnameisEverlastingSkyandsheisfromthe Craneclan.SheisfromManitoulinIslandandis OjibweandMohawk.Georgia-JunewastheVice ChairoftheNorthernIndigenousYouthCouncil (NIYC)forthe23/24schoolyearandispleased to move into the role of Chair and Indigenous Student Trustee for the 24/25 school year. She Cont’don P.7

PierretteOuellette,lauréated'unprixd'excellence del'Ontariopourlespersonnesâgées

SuitedelaP.1

Home, de la FARFO provinciale et régionale du GrandNord,pourn'ennommerquequelques-unes.

Lors d'une cérémonie organisée à Queen's Park, la lieutenante-gouverneure de l'Ontario, l'honorable Édith Dumont, et le ministre des Services aux aînés et de l'Accessibilité, l'honorable Raymond Cho, ont remis à madame Ouellette une distinction spéciale pour son engagementbénévole.

Jean-Rock Boutin, président de la FARFO provinciale, étaitfierdedireque«monamiePierretteOuelletteincarne les valeurs de solidarité, d'altruisme et de service communautaire qui sont chères à la FARFO. Son dévouement exemplaire et sa contribution significative méritent d'être célébrésethonorés. Elleaconsacréunequantitéconsidérable de temps à aider, soutenir et encourager les aînés du Nord».

MadameOuelletteexprimesagratitudeenverstoutesles personnes âgées qui donnent de leur temps pour venir en aide aux autres. « Pendant la cérémonie, j'avais à côté de moi, vous tous et toutes qui rendez tellement de petits servicesquiaméliorentlaviedesgensquivousentourent. Bienquecesoitmonnomquiaétéchoisi,vousêtestouset toutesdespersonnesimportantes».

Backrowfromlefttoright:SharonFraserRichards,FlorenceRiehl,IsadoreJohnLaba,LindaM.Carnegie,LorenzB.W.Kelo,ChristopherR. Howlett, Kidambi Raj, PeterDavid Pellier, Pierrette Ouellette, Sharon Ruth Livingstone and Gary H. Martins. Front row from left to right: NorineBaron,CathyHecimovich(SelectionCommitteeChair),JosephJamesParks,ArleneBrown,theHonourableEdithDumont,SheilaP.K. Barker,theHonourableRaymondCho,JoyceEvelynJeanMarshallandKathleenB.Cox. Rangéearrièredegaucheàdroite:SharonFraserRichards,FlorenceRiehl,IsadoreJohnLaba,LindaM.Carnegie,LorenzB.W.Kelo,Christopher R.Howlett,KidambiRaj,PeterDavidPellier,PierretteOuellette,SharonRuthLivingstoneandGaryH.Martins.Premièrerangée,degaucheàdroite: Norine Baron, Cathy Hecimovich (Selection Committee Chair), Joseph James Parks, Arlene Brown, the Honourable Edith Dumont, Sheila P. K. Barker, the Honourable Raymond Cho, Joyce Evelyn Jean

Degaucheàdroite,RéjeanOuellette,PierretteOuellette,lalieutenante-gouverneure del'Ontario,l'honorableÉdithDumont,Jean-RockBoutin,présidentdelaFARFO provinciale, Sylvie Sylvestre, invitée, Michael Manta, député provincial d'AlgomaManitoulin

Individual Charged WithUtteringThreats

One person is facing criminal charges after causing a disturbance at a residence in Chapleau. On February 22, 2024, shortly before 3:00 p.m., the Superior East Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to a threats occurrenceonPineStreet.

As a result of the investigation, Darryl HIGHAM, 36 years-of-age, of Cloyne, Ontario wasarrestedandchargedwith:

· Uttering Threats to Cause Death or BodilyHarm

· Mischief

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario CourtofJusticeonApril16,2024inChapleau.

YouthChargedWithDomesticAssault

Ayouthisfacingcriminalchargesfollowing aphysicalaltercation.OnFebruary17,2024shortly after2:00a.m.,theSuperiorEastDetachmentofthe Ontario Provincial Police responded to a domestic disturbanceonMartelRoadinChapleau. As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old from Chapleauwasarrestedandchargedwith:

· Assault-Spousal

· AssaultwithaWeapon-Spousal

· Uttering Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm-Spousal

Theyouthwasreleasedfromcustodyandis scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in March 2024 in Chapleau. The identity of the accused is being withheld due to the domestic nature of the incident, and as it is protected under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

Drugwarning:Increaseinsuspecteddrugpoisonings(overdoses)

The Community Drug Strategies have received reports of an increase in the number of drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions from the use of substances in the Sudburyanddistrictsarea.

While we cannot confirm the substance(s)causingtheoverdoses,thissituation serves as an important reminder to the

TheAlgoma District School Board is now accepting applications for the following position: ELEMENTARY/SECONDARY PRINCIPAL POOL CENTRAL, EAST AND NORTH (Job Posting #2023-24 ESP01 Elem/Sec Principal Pool)

Preference will be given to applicants who currently hold their Principal Qualifications Program (PQP) parts 1 and 2.

The Algoma District School Board's Principal Selection Procedure provides to successful candidates a placement in the Principal 'ready to hire' pool. Candidates in the pool will receive ongoing leadership development. Candidates will remain in the pool for up to three years; after which the candidate may be requiredtore-apply.Shortandlong-termneedsofthesystemmaynecessitatechangesinthenumberof leadershippositionsavailable.

Asaneffectiveeducationalleader,youwillhavedemonstratedabilityinthefollowingfivedomains:

! Setting Directions (ie. building a shared vision, fostering the acceptance of group goals, sets and communicateshighperformanceexpectations)

! BuildingRelationshipsandDevelopingPeople(ie.fosteringgenuine,trustingrelationshipswithstaff, students,families,communitiestoworkinthebestinterestsofallstudents)

! Developingthe Organization(ie.buildingacollaborativeculturethatconnectstheschooltothewider environment)

! LeadingtheInstructionalProgram(ie.settinghighexpectationsforlearningoutcomes,monitoringand evaluatingtheeffectivenessofinstruction)

! SecuringAccountability (ie.creatingconditionsforstudentsuccess,ensuringstudentsbenefitfroma highqualityeducation,accountabletogoalsintheschoolimprovementplan)

Thesuccessfulcandidatewillalsodemonstrateastrongcommitmenttothemission,visionandvaluesof the Algoma District School Board. A full knowledge of Ministry and Board initiatives is expected. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated leadership and/or who currently hold a leadershippositionwithaBoard.

Candidates wishing to apply for the position are asked to request a copy of the Principal Selection ProcedureandPackageassoonaspossible,toensurethattheyprovidethemselveswiththenecessary timetosubmitthePrincipalapplicationpackagebythe3:00p.m.Friday,March22nd,2024deadlineby emailing:

Zephora Naqvi, Confidential Secretary naqviz@adsb.on.ca

ThePrincipalPoolApplicationPackagewillbeacceptedfromqualifiedapplicantsuntil3:00p.m.Friday, March22nd,2024.

communitythatstreetdrugsmaybecutormixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Frontline workers warn that more toxic substances may be circulating locally, including a potent bluish-green looking substance being referred to as “down”. Workers reportwitnessingheavy“nods”accompaniedby longperiodsofsedation.

Anoverdoseoccurswhenapersonusesa substance and their body is unable to handle the effects.Asaresult,thebrainisunabletocontrol basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Overdosescanbefatalandnon-fatal.

Cont’dfromP.5 believes strongly that students, especially Indigenousstudents,needtohaveasolidsenseof identity. She sees the importance of students havingopportunitiestobecomeinvolvedintheir schoolandtheircommunities.Shehashelpedin thisareabyteachinganddemonstratingpowwow dancing,alongwithhercousin,tostudentsather school. At White Pines, workshops have been held in art class to learn beading and painting of small headdresses. Georgia-June sees the importance of these kinds of activities for Indigenousandnon-Indigenousstudentsalike. Georgia-June also looks for ways to ensureallstudentsarecomfortableintheirschool environments. She recognizes the importance of cultureroomsandhopesthatovertime,allADSB schoolswillhaveone.Similarly,herschoolhasa Gay-Straight Alliance to support LBGTQ+ studentsandtheiralliesandagain,shehopesthat thesekindsofspacescanbemadeavailableinall schools.

Herpriorityistomakestudentsfeelmore comfortabletoembracetheircultureallthewhile enjoying a safe, happy environment. GeorgiaJune exemplifies the characteristics needed for thepositionofChairoftheNIYCandIndigenous Student Trustee as she has shown her commitment to her culture, her advocacy work and has demonstrated her leadership qualities bothinherschoolandthecommunity.

LUCIA REECE ALGOMA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD JENNIFER SARLO Director of Education

Chairperson

AlgomaDistrictSchoolBoardWelcomes StudentTrusteesfor2024/2025SchoolYear

WeatherSummaryforOntario

February2024:WarmandDryEndingwithWildVariability

Cont’dfromP.3

another system traversed on the 27/28th. Lake effect snow developed downwind of the Great Lakes(afterbothsynopticevents)onthe18thand then in the final days of the month as colder air movedacrossthewaters.Attheendofthemonth, snowdepthamountsatnearlyallthemonitoring stations were below normal, especially in the south(<50%).

SignificantEvents

February 15: Brief but Heavy Snowfall

PackedaPunchinSouthernOntario

Anarrowbandofheavysnowhadabrief but significant impact on travel as it moved eastward across southern Ontario from east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and just north of the North Channel, right into Quebec. Snowfall rateswereashighas5cm/handsnowfalltotalsof 6 to 10 cm were reported from the Greater TorontoArea(GTA)toOttawa.Significantroad closures occurred along Highway 402 near London,Highway401nearIngersoll,Highway6 inHamilton,Highway11betweenNorthBayand Marten River, and Highway 17 in Bruce Mines.

TheAlgoma District School Board is now accepting applications for the following position:

ELEMENTARY/SECONDARY VICE-PRINCIPAL POOL CENTRAL, EAST AND NORTH

(Job Posting #2023-24 ES_VP01_Elem/Sec Vice Principal Pool) PreferencewillbegiventoapplicantswhocurrentlyholdtheirPrincipalQualificationsProgram(PQP)parts 1and2.ApplicantswhohavenotyetcompletedtheirPQPQualificationsmustcommittocompletingpart1 bySeptember2024andPart2bySeptember2025

TheAlgomaDistrictSchoolBoard'sVice-PrincipalSelectionProcedureprovidestosuccessfulcandidates aplacementintheVice-Principal'readytohire'pool.Candidatesinthepoolwillreceiveongoingleadership development. Candidates will remain in the pool for up to three years; after which the candidate may be requiredtore-apply.Shortandlong-termneedsofthesystemmaynecessitatechangesinthenumberof leadershippositionsavailable.

Asaneffectiveeducationalleader,youwillhavedemonstratedabilityinthefollowingfivedomains:

! Setting Directions (ie. building a shared vision, fostering the acceptance of group goals, sets and communicateshighperformanceexpectations)

! Building Relationships and Developing People (ie. fostering genuine, trusting relationships with staff,students,families,communitiestoworkinthebestinterestsofallstudents)

! DevelopingtheOrganization(ie.buildingacollaborativeculturethatconnectstheschooltothewider environment)

! Leading the Instructional Program (ie. setting high expectations for learning outcomes, monitoring andevaluatingtheeffectivenessofinstruction)

! SecuringAccountability(ie.creatingconditionsforstudentsuccess,ensuringstudentsbenefitfroma highqualityeducation,accountabletogoalsintheschoolimprovementplan)

Thesuccessfulcandidatewillalsodemonstrateastrongcommitmenttothemission,visionandvaluesof theAlgomaDistrictSchoolBoard.AfullknowledgeofMinistryandBoardinitiativesisexpected.Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated leadership and/or who currently hold a leadership positionwithaBoard.

CandidateswishingtoapplyforthepositionareaskedtorequestacopyoftheVicePrincipalSelection ProcedureandPackageassoonaspossible,toensurethattheyprovidethemselveswiththenecessary timetosubmittheVicePrincipalapplicationpackagebythe3:00p.m.Friday,March22,2024deadlineby emailing:

Zephora Naqvi, Confidential Secretary naqviz@adsb.on.ca

The Vice PrincipalApplication Package will be accepted from interested applicants until 3:00 p.m. Friday March 22nd, 2024.

Numerous collisions were reported in Brant, Norfolk County, Oxford County, Hamilton, the GTA, Nottawasaga, Northumberland County, and across eastern Ontario. Delays affected Toronto school buses and GO Transit while Pearson Airport experienced cancellations for somedeparturesandarrivals.Tragically,aheadon collision nearAlexandria claimed one man's life.

February 18: Snow and Blowing Snow make forSlipperyRoadsNortheastofLakeOntario Snowsquallsledtosignificantimpactson travel on Highway 401 northeast of Lake Ontario. Whiteout conditions were reported between Kingston and Brockville, resulting in numerous collisions. Notable incidents on Highway 401 include a transport truck that skiddedintoaditchthatresultedinafuelleakand longdelays,acollisionofatleast5vehiclesthat resulted in minor injuries, and a 3-hour closure eastofBrockville.

February 27: A Winter Storm and SummerLikeThunderstormstheSameDay

Whilesnowandblowingsnowimpacted travelinnorthwesternOntario,muchofsouthern Ontario experienced thunderstorms, hail, and record-breaking high temperatures. Over 5,500 Hydro One customers were without power in southwestern Ontario due to lightning striking sometreesandpowerlines.InLondon,lightning alsostruckseveralhouses,meltingpotlightsand ruining appliances. Toonie-sized hail was reportedinSt.Jacob's,quarter-sizedhailinErin and nickel-sized hail in London. Meanwhile, dangerous driving conditions led to closures of Highway 17 between Dryden and Vermillion Bay, while disabled vehicles partially blocked Highway599northofSavantLakeandHighway 17 east of Ignace. School busses were cancelled inKenora,SiouxNarrows,EarFalls,RedLake, VermillionBay,Dryden,SiouxLookout,Ignace, and Upsala while Fort Frances declared a Significant Weather Event. Ogoki Post, Fort Frances, Armstrong, and Pickle Lake each reported 22, 18, 17, and 14 cm of snow, respectively.

February 28: Winter Storm Continues to BringaWholeLotofVarietytotheProvince

A strong low pressure system with a vigorous cold front raced through the province, bringing snow and blowing snow to areas north of Lake Superior and the northeast, flash freeze conditions to northeastern, central, and eastern Ontario,andstrongwindstosouthernOntario.In southern and portions of northeastern Ontario, Cont’donP.9

LUCIA REECE ALGOMA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD JENNIFER SARLO

Director of Education

Chairperson

WeatherSummaryforOntario February2024:WarmandDryEndingwithWildVariability

Cont’dfromP.8

the day started with record-breaking high temperatures and more thunderstorms. Meanwhile, snow and blowing snow resulted in numerous road closures in northern Ontario, including Highway 17 between Wawa and TerraceBay,Highway144betweenTimminsand Cartier (just north of Sudbury), and Highway 11 North Bay and Calvin Township. Most areas reported sharp temperatures drops, with Ottawa plummeting from 16oC to -13oC in 8 hours, which can potentially lead to months of pothole repairwork.Schoolbusseswerecancelledacross northeasternOntarioandproactivelycancelledin Sudbury, North Bay, Parry Sound, Muskoka, Haliburton,KawarthaLakes,andSimcoeCounty.

Strongwindgustsupto90km/hcausedscattered power outages throughout southern Ontario, leavingover47,000customerswithoutpower.

IceConditionsintheGreatLakes

Icecoverageremainedwellbelownormal forthemonthofFebruary,infact,settingarecord lowtotalicecoverageforthemonth.Icecoverage slowlydeclinedthroughthefirsthalfofFebruary beforespikingbrieflyaroundmid-monthduringa short period of near normal temperatures. This briefspikeoccurredduringthesameweekthatthe climatological ice coverage peaks for the Great Lakes before declining due to warming temperatures and the arrival of the first springlike storms, especially over the southern lakes. Following the climatological trend, ice coverage

declined in the final week of the month. In addition to 2024 setting the record low ice coverageforthemonth,thesecondandlastweeks also set record low weekly ice coverage for February. Normally, ice coverage would stay between27-34%;however,itdidnotsurpassthe mid-monthpeakof12.4%.

OutlookforMarch

In terms of precipitation, northern Ontario,includingtheFarNorth,isexpectedtobe wetter than normal. Southern Ontario shows no clear signal towards wetter, drier, or normal precipitation. In terms of temperature, the entire province is expected to be overall warmer than normal, with high probabilities in southern and northeasternOntario.

ÉSCTrilliumstandstallat NSSSAAfinals

The Coyotes from École secondaire catholique Trillium (Chapleau) have outdone themselves once again! Proud hosts of the North Shore Secondary Schools Athletics Association

(NSSSAA) championship finals on February 13 and 14, the school's three sports teams played with a great deal of passion and demonstrated exceptional teamwork. During the volleyball competition, the Senior girls from ÉSC Trilliumclaimedthesilvermedalwhilethe Junior girls won 1st place, earning themselvesthegoldmedalandthecoveted banner. During the NSSSAA basketball competition, the Junior boys from ÉSC Trillium missed the bronze medal by only two points, finishing 4th in the league. Congratulations to all athletes for your great sportsmanship!

We are very proud of you! The school warmly thanks coaches, parents and friends for their great support.

LesCoyotesdel'ÉSCTrilliumbrillent auchampionnatdelaRiveNord

Encore une fois, les Coyotes de l'École secondaire catholique Trillium (Chapleau) se sont démarqués au niveau des sports!Étanthôtesdesfinalesdel'AssociationathlétiquedelaRive Nord(NSSSAA)les13et14février,lestroiséquipessportivesde l'ÉSCTrilliumontbienreprésentél'écolelorsdelacompétitionpar leur jeu d'équipe et passion sportive. Au volleyball, les filles seniorsontremportélamédailled'argentalorslesfillesjuniorsont remporté la médaille d'or ainsi que la bannière qui sera affichée avecfiertésurlemurdugymnase.Aubasketball,laformationdes garçonsjunioratoutjustemanquélamédailledebronzepardeux points,terminantau4erangdelaligue.Onfélicitetouslesjoueurs pour leur bel esprit d'équipe tout en remerciant vivement les entraineurs, les bénévoles, les parents et les amis de leur appui soutenu.

Last

weekssolutions

MOMENTS IN TIME

On March 18, 1971, a 100-foot tsunami, caused by a massive rock avalanche that crashedintoLakeYanahuanifromaheight of1,300feet,destroyedaPeruvianmining campandkilledhundredsofpeople.

Travis Gendron

Highway

Wawa, ON. P0S 1K0

Business 705-856-2775

Fax 705-856-4862

tgendron@northernlightsford.ca sales@northernlightsford.ca

Ilesttempsdeconcrétiserleprojetd'assurance-médicaments

SuitedelaP.4

au gouvernement fédéral de négocier avec les provinces et les territoires la couverture des fournitures pour diabétiques, comme les glucomètres, les bâtonnets diagnostiques et les pompes. Ces mesures permettront ainsi d'aider des millionsdeCanadiensàcourttermependantque nouscontinueronsdepresserlegouvernementde mettreenœuvrelerégimeuniverselpublic.

Il y aura sans doute des gens qui se plaindront du coût de ces mesures, mais les études prouvent que la création d'un régime universel d'assurance-médicaments pourrait réduirelesdépensesglobalesdansledomainede lasanté.LeForumsurlasantéduJournalofthe American Medical Association vient de publier un article qui analyse les dépenses en santé de 747 patients ontariens ayant déclaré que le coût élevé des médicaments les empêchait de se procurercertainsmédicamentsoudeprendreles quantitésprescritesparlemédecin.LeJournala payélesmédicamentsdeprèsdelamoitiédeces patientspendanttroisans.Leremboursementde ces médicaments a ainsi fait réduire annuellement de 1 488 $ par patient le coût des soins médicaux, surtout grâce à une diminution du nombredevisitesàl'hôpitaletàl'urgence.

Tommy Douglas a déjà dit ceci : « J'en suisvenuàcroirequelesservicesdesanténesont pasuneaffairedecoûtsetquelesgensdevraient pouvoirobtenirtouslessoinsdontilsontbesoin, quels que soient leurs moyens. » Nous nous rapprochons donc encore plus de la concrétisationdesavision.

ALCOHOLICS

CHADWIC

forwomenandtheirchildrenwhoarein crisissituations.WehaveaTollFreeCrisisLinewhichisstaffed24hoursa day.WecanarrangeforfreetransportationtotheCentreforwomenwho liveintheAlgoma/Chapleauarea.Wealsooffersupporttowomenwholive in the communities of Chapleau, White River, Dubreuilville, and HornepaynethroughourOutreachProgram.OurOutreachWorkertravels tothosecommunitiestomeetwithwomenwhoneedemotionalsupportas wellasinformationabouttheirrightsandoptions.Ifyouneedtospeakwith the Outreach Worker when she is in your community, you can call the Centre at any time to set up

MIKE C.ALLEMANO -

Tobeaneffectivepolitician,youcan'tbea shrinking violet. You need to demonstrate the willingnessandabilitytolisten,reliability,andthe abilitytolearnandadapttonewinformationand situations.Ofcourse,oneofthemostcriticaltraits toconveyisasenseofself-confidence.Now,I'm not saying that every politician must exactly exude self-confidence. However, you have to have a bit more than your fair share if you are goingtodoagoodjobandsurvive.

I raise this issue here because Ontarians areseeingwhatmightbeconsideredanunprecedentedanddisturbingdisplayofover-confidence inPremierFordoflateregardingtheappointment ofjudgestothebench.

Thejobofanygovernmentistoensurethe protectionandrightsofcitizensandkeepsociety safethroughthecreationoflegislation.Itisthejob ofpoliticianstocreatethelegislationandpassitso itbecomesthelawoftheland.Ourjudicialsystem must apply those laws to disputes taken to the courtsforadecision.Foreachindividualcase,the judges consider all the facts and evidence, then interpretandapplythelawandofferfair-minded decisions, including possible penalties and restitutionifnecessary.

Even before our nation was officially created, Canadians understood the need to separate church and state. Similarly, our country was constituted on a system where the judicial system is independent of the legislative and executive branches of government. In fact, the Government of Canada website on the judiciary states,“Judicialindependenceisacornerstoneof the Canadian judicial system.That is why, under the Constitution, the judiciary is separate from, and independent of, the other two branches of government, the executive and the Legislature. Judicialindependenceguaranteesthatjudgeswill be able to make decisions free of influence and based solely on fact and law. Nothing is more important in our judicial system than having independentjudges.”

To ensure this happens, we have implemented safeguards to keep the judicial system at arm's-length of politicians. Here in Ontario, we have what is called the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee (JAAC). The JAAC was designed to develop a non-partisan model for appointingjudgestothebenchinOntario.Itwas first introduced in 1988 by the Liberal David Peterson government and finally passed by the BobRaeNDPgovernmentin1995.

Inthelegalworld,itissaidthatOntario's judicialselectionsystemhaslongbeenconsidered the gold standard in design. Ontario's judges are

PremierFordisn'tjustdoublingdown;he'striplingdown!

well-vetted by the province's most learned, experienced and wide-ranging professionals. They are chosen by people who know the law fromtheinsideout.Forthe JAAC,ensuringthat politicians and politics are kept at arms-length is paramount.

Atthistime,Ontariohassomeupcoming judicial vacancies to fill. It was announced that twoformerConservativestafferswereappointed to the selection committee. But, given the apparent bias, whether real or perceived, of the selection of former staffers, the legal community was alarmed,expressingoutrageattheimproprietyof theappointments.

Whenaskedifheapprovedoftheappointments,theTorontoStarquotedPremierFord,who said,“OnehundredpercentIam!We[Conservatives] got elected to get like-minded people in appointments … I'm not going to appoint some NDP or some Liberal. I've made it very clear where I stand with judges … The justices of the peaceandjudges,they'relettingcriminalsout… I'm putting like-minded people that believe in whatwebelievein,keepingthebadguysinjail.”

In truth, while many may be outraged, Ontarians should not be overly surprised to hear such comments, given the changes Mr. Ford has broughtaboutsincehewasfirstelectedin2018.In 2021, Attorney General Doug Downey changed how the JAAC operates to make it easier for the government to get its own choices named to the bench.

In the March 11, 2021, Toronto Star reporter Jacques Gallant quoted Daniel Brown, vice-president of the Criminal Lawyers Association, who said, “We're particularly concernedwithhowfuturegovernmentsmayuse thesechangesbecausethesechangeswouldbring back patronage appointments and undermine the high quality of judicial candidates being appointedtotheOntarioCourtofJustice.”

Such comments, made publicly, coming from any premier, are beyond shocking.Well, so muchforkeepingthegovernmentandpoliticians at arms' length from interfering with the judicial system.Thisisanactofunabashed,in-your-face patronage.

It is important to note that Premier Ford said that he plans to put people in power who “believe what we believe in.” He has used the cover of being elected by the people as justification. Now, I know I said above that a politician, especially a Premier, must demonstrate selfconfidence.However,Ithinkitistheultimateact ofhubristointerprethisgovernment'smandateas carte-blanche authority to go against our established norms in a democratic society. An independent judiciary must be entirely that... independent.Notjustaftertheyareappointedbutfrom the outset of the process to ensure we get the highestqualitycandidateonthebench.

Ontario Bar Association president Kelly McDermott commented that Ontarians shun the American-style judicial system in which politicians directly appoint judiciary. She is quoted saying, “The U.S. experience is a frequent reminderoftheneedtoprotectacourtsystemthat canbereliedupontomakedecisionsonthebasis of the law, rather than ideology or partisan politics.Thisisfundamentaltotheruleoflaw.”

Onecan'thelpbutnoticehowintenseand explosiveDougFord'sreactionshavebeenwhen questioned on this issue. After the story hit the papers,themediareportedPremierFord“double downed” on his position, offering very pointed responses.ButwhentheLegislatureresumed,and hewasquestionedontheissuebytheleaderofthe opposition, Ford heatedly responded, “I'm sick andtiredofjudgeslettingthesepeopleoutonbail. We'regoingtohiretoughjudges,tough(justices ofthepeace.)That'swhatwe'redoing.”

To emphasize his point, Ford went on further, telling the Legislature, “We're going to triple downonmakingsurecommunitiesaresafe.We're goingtotripledownongettingjudgesthatbelieve in throwing someone in jail when they kick the doors in, put a gun to people's heads, terrorizing theirkids.”

WeallknowthatDougFord'sexperience comes from involvement in running the family sign-makingbusiness.Hehasnolawdegree,legal background or judicial qualifications. So it is disconcertingtowatchourPremierdemonstrating his overconfidence, purporting that he knows moreabouthowOntario'sjudicialsystemshould run than the combined expertise of the JAAC. What makes him think he knows better? His commentsandviewshavebeenheavilycriticized by law school legal experts, bar associations, Federation of LawAssociations, prominent legal firms,andaplethoraofothergroups.

When Ontarians vote to elect a governmentandPremier,theywillnaturallyfactorinthe foresight and planning of the leader, who must exhibit strong leadership and confidence. While confidenceisclearlyagoodthing,asweallknow, youcanhavetoomuchofagoodthing.

Canadian journalist and author Malcolm Gladwell wisely wrote, “Incompetence annoys me.Overconfidenceterrifiesme.”

As always, please feel free to contact my office about these issues or any other provincial matters.Youcanreachmyconstituencyofficeby emai at mmantha-co@ola.org or by phone Tollfreeat1-800-831-1899.