11232023 November 23, 2023

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS

Local News Weekly

705 - 864 - 2785

Free to Every Household

Vol. 28, Issue 12, November 23, 2023

705 - 864 - 0911

Nine men from across northeastern Ontario have been fined a total of $8,390 for failing to meet tagging requirements while party hunting during the open moose season in 2022

T

he court heard that on Oct. 19, 2022, a conservation officer inspected a hunting party on an old logging road off Highway 129 near Chapleau.

Daniel Gabcan of Blind River produced a valid cow/calf moose tag which was not notched at the time of inspection, nor was there any mention of a moose being shot,” the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said in a news release.

“The officer continued down the road and discovered a cow moose gutted and covered in brush in one of the logging cuts with no tag attached. Conservation officers attended the scene the next day and found the same hunting party retrieving the moose that was left overnight. The cow moose and tag were seized.”

Justice of the Peace Wade Cachagee heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Chapleau, on Sept. 21.

Gabcan pleaded guilty to failing to invalidate a tag immediately after a harvest, failing to attach an invalidated tag to animal after harvesting it, and unlawfully possessing an animal that was required to have a tag attached to it. He was fined a total of $1,800.

Brett Millroy and William Millroy of Sault Ste. Marie pleaded guilty to being party to the offence of failing to attach an invalidated tag to the animal after harvesting it. Each were fined $870.

David Phillips, Martin Thistel, and Harry Van Amelsfoort of Blind River, along with James Phillips and Robert Comtois of Sudbury, pleaded

guilty to unlawfully possessing an animal that was required to have a tag attached to it. Each were fined $870.

Marc Dupras of Sudbury also pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing an animal that was required to have a tag attached. He was fined $500 and is prohibited from possessing an Ontario hunting licence and engaging in any hunting activities for one year.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667.

You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Indigenous Ingenuity travelling exhibition coming to Chapleau

A

nishinaabewin Maamninendimowin: Pane Gii-Bite (Indigenous Ingenuity: Timeless Inventions), presented by Indigenous Tourism Ontario and Science North, is coming to the Chapleau Community Hall from November 30 to December 6, 2023. Visitors can see the exhibition free of charge seven days a week, with the last entry one hour before the exhibit closes. Hours are 10:00am to 6::00pm Saturday through Wednesday, and 10:00am to 7:00pm Long Term Thursday and Friday.

Forecast Chapleau is one of nearly thirty communities Thursday High -4 in Northern Ontario to Low -16 host the one-of-a-kind Friday exhibition.

High -7 From now until fall Low -9 2024, the exhibition will be travelling across the Saturday High Low

1 -4

Sunday High 0 Low -10 Monday High -5 Low -10 Tuesday High -8 Low -15

north, presenting a clever and novel mix of science and culture intended to stir a sense of pride among First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. The Northern tour of this exhibition will create a significant economic impact in the North through growth and diversification of the tourism sector, as well as job creation at Indigenous Tourism Ontario, Science North, and partner attractions.

The Indigenous Ingenuity: Timeless Inventions travelling exhibition was developed in consultation with the Montreal Science Centre and is proudly supported by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and the Government of Canada. For more information about the Indigenous Ingenuity tour and upcoming stops on its tour, visit sciencenorth.ca/indigenousingenuity.

The Igloo installation in the exhibition is an

original creation by the National Film Board, directed by Dan Thornhill, designed to bring to life the richness of Canadian Inuit culture. For more information, visit NFB.ca/Unikkausivut.

About Indigenous Tourism Ontario Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) is the province's first and only dedicated Indigenous tourism organization that focuses on uniting communities, Indigenous organizations, and industry leaders to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Ontario. Through product developmentand marketing of authentic Indigenous experiences, ITO establishes a platform for Indigenous cultural expression and preservation through tourism.

ITO is recognized by the Chiefs of Ontario (COO), the Government of Ontario and ministries for their work therein. For more information about ITO and their initiatives please visit: indigenoustourismontario.ca

MISSION

MOTORS ofWAWA

61 Mission Road, Wawa, ON, P0S 1K0 Phone (705) 856-2394

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, November 23, 2023- Page 2

UCFO La gagnante du tirage de la couverture tissée et certificatscadeaux est Ashley Paquette. Félicitations!!! Ce tirage et la vente à 1¢ à la Foire d’automne furent un grand succès. Nous tenons à remercier tous ceux et celles qui ont acheté des billets, qui les ont vendus ainsi que fait un don pour la vente à 1¢. Nous sommes très reconnaissantes de l’appui de la communauté.

Une autre activité que les dames de l’UCFO organisent est une Journée porte ouverte.

Elles ont plusieurs beaux articles à vous montrer et même vendre si vous en voulez. On peut y trouver des couvertures, des nappes, des napperons, des linges à vaisselle, des mitaines, des pantoufles, des foulards, des articles de bébé, des cartes de souhaits et la liste continue. Ça ferait

d’excellents cadeaux de Noël!

Alors, on vous invite à la boutique pour voir ces magnifiques produits artisanaux locaux. Vous ne regretterez pas votre visite. Voici les heures d’ouverture pour les semaines à venir.

La Porte ouverte annuelle aura lieu le vendredi 24 novembre de 2 à 9 p.m. au 40, rue Birch qui est au sous-sol du bureau de poste - porte de côté.

Nous offrons encore un rabais de 15 % si vous achetez quelque chose durant la Porte ouverte!

Les heures d’ouverture de la boutique pour le temps des fêtes seront du lundi au Vendredi de 9:30 à 11:30 a.m. En décembre, la boutique sera ouverte du lundi au jeudi de 1 à 3 p.m. Nous allons ouvrir les samedis (5, 12, et 19 déc.) après-midi de 1 à 4 p.m.

Club Maria Chapdelaine Club Maria Chapdelaine Les activités du club vont bon train. Nous avons eu notre deuxième souper mensuel la semaine dernière. Au menu, rôti de bœufs, légumes, salades et desserts. Nous avons souhaité la bienvenue à quelques nouveaux membres dans le club qui est pour les 50 ans et plus francophones de Chapleau. Un gros merci au club des « Ukélés » qui nous ont fait un court récital après le souper.

Comme activités hebdomadaires, il y a les jeux de cartes les jeudis après-midi les jeudis ainsi que le bingo, le jeu de poches et chant les mardis aprèsmidi. Nous pensons en ajouter dans la nouvelle année comme peinture de céramique, familiarisation avec l’iPad, raquettes…

Si vous désirez être membre, vous n’avez qu’à appeler Lilianne au (705) 864-0516 ou aller sur notre page Facebook.

Le 18 novembre dernier, nous avons célébré notre 31e édition du Bal des chasseurs. Trente-trois personnes ont participé à notre concours de chasse, et nous souhaitons féliciter les gagnants. La grande gagnante de notre Early Bird est Diane Jean. Éric Bazinet a remporté la première place pour le plus gros buck, Suzie Lavoie la deuxième place, et René Guitard la troisième place pour le sien. Drake Synnett a obtenu la première place pour les plus grandes oreilles de femelle. Dans la catégorie du veau, Pierre Couture a remporté la première place avec le veau ayant les plus petites oreilles, et nous avons une égalité pour la deuxième place entre Rose Fortin et Paulo Rodrigue.

Pour le concours de photos de chasse, nous avons reçu 20 soumissions. Paulo Rodrigue a remporté la première place avec 42 "likes", et Nancy Rodrigue la deuxième place avec 40 "likes". Notre tirage 50/50 a également eu lieu ce soir-

là, et le chanceux gagnant est Claude Noël, qui a remporté 359 $. Un grand merci à tous les chasseurs.

Votre participation au cours des 31 dernières années a été extrêmement chaleureuse.

Un IMMENSE MERCI aux bénévoles qui se sont occupés du bar, Gabe, Mya et Dany, ainsi qu'à Dan et Dave pour leur aide tout au long de la journée. Votre temps a été grandement apprécié. Il est également important de remercier tous les membres du conseil d'administration du Centre culturel Louis-Hémon.

Votre présence pendant la planification, la préparation et tout au long de cet événement a été grandement appréciée.

Sans vous, le Bal des chasseurs n'aurait pas été le même ! Sachez que je suis très fière de faire partie de cette belle équipe.

Merci encore une fois à vous tous et à l'année prochaine !

Monique O'Hearn

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, November 23, 2023- Page 3

Hong inducted into Ontario Colleges Athletic Chapleau Heather Association Hall of Fame as Women's Hockey Great Moments by

Michael J. Morris Heather Hong, who made history in Chapleau as the first female to play on Chapleau Minor Hockey Association teams, which until her arrival had only boys on them, has been inducted into the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Hall of Fame.

Heather, better known in Chapleau as "Bubbie" was inducted in 2013 in the newly added hockey section, and I apologize for being a bit late in recognizing her accomplishment as a pioneer in women's hockey.

However, in Chapleau, she played on the boys' teams up to Midget, and at one point was the team captain.

Heather is the daughter of Yen and the late Frances Hong.

Her brother Bill, in sharing a story about how the Hong family likely made hockey history in the 1970s when seven family members all participated in the same game commented, "How do you think I felt with my sister as captain of the hockey team?"

Their cousins Geoffrey, Barry and

Heather back row third from left

Doug were also playing on the team while Jim Hong was the referee and another cousin Murray was one of the linesmen. However, nobody thought to save a copy of the game report. Jim is Heather's uncle.

Heather was a three-time OCAA Championship All-Star with Humber College after graduating from Chapleau High School, according to the college web site.

"Playing defence for the Hawks, Hong was tied for second in league scoring as a rookie in 1980-81, scoring 10 goals while adding 11 assists. She added two playoff goals as Humber advanced to the OCAA final before losing to Fleming."

Heather scored nine goals and assisted on nine others during the 1981-82 season.

Hong and her teammates struck gold at the end of the season as Humber won its first and only OCAA women's hockey championship.

She was limited to just one regular

season game in 1982-83, but played in four playoff games as Humber earned the OCAA bronze medal. She recorded four assists in those four games.

As well as being inducted into the OCAA Heather is a member of the OCAA Women's Hockey All-Millennium team.

Humber College refers to Heather as one of its "Women's Hockey Greats'.

The OCAA says that induction into the Hall of Fame is the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments within collegiate sports in Ontario.

Heather was among 49 college athletes in 2013 selected who were chosen on the basis of athletic skills and abilities, fair play, leadership and individual accomplishments.

Congratulations Heather on being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Thanks to Bill for research assistance. My email is mikejmorris41@outlook.com

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, November 23, 2023- Page 4

Proposed Anti-Scab Legislation Would Give Workers More Power REPORT and Confidence Agreement between the striking or locked out of work, and pits union and from OTTAWA government and the NDP. It's certainly refreshing non-union workers against each other for the Rapport to finally see the government tabling a bill that benefit of CEOs. At the end of the day, anti-scab would ensure workers' rights are respected during legislation gives workers a better chance at a d’Ottawa a labour dispute, given they have had a number of fairer deal. by/par

Carol Hughes Federal member of Parliament Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing

On November 9th, the federal government introduced their long-promised antiscab legislation. This new bill would provide a better opportunity for federal workers to negotiate improved wages and working conditions. While it's been a very long time coming, it's good to finally have a tangible and viable bill that seeks to protect workers' rights.

Bill C-58, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, makes a number of significant changes that would benefit workers in federally regulated industries, and gives them more power to negotiate fair wages and better working conditions. The bill, in its current form, prevents an employer in a unionized workplace from hiring replacement workers, otherwise known as scabs, during a period of a strike or lockout. The bill sets out clear penalties for violating workers fundamental rights to collective bargaining by issuing fines, up to $100,000 a day, to those employers who hire replacement workers with some very specific exceptions. Additionally, the bill also lays out a new process to expedite negotiations between unions and employers to determine which services can continue in the workplace in the event of a dispute, occurring within 15 days of a strike or lockout notice.

This means that unionized workers in federally regulated industries, such as banking, telecommunications, airline & rail, and radio & television broadcasting would have more leverage to negotiate workplace contracts in good faith.

While Bill C-58 applies only to federal workers, it does have the knock-on effect of having provincial legislators consider implementing their own versions of bills that respect workers' rights. Laws banning replacement workers already exist in British Columbia and Quebec. Ontario used to have legislation banning replacement workers, but it was repealed by former Premier Mike Harris in 1995. However, Sudbury MPP and provincial Labour critic Jamie West has tabled anti-scab legislation (Bill 90) in the legislature, that seeks to restore the provinces previous anti-scab law.

There has also been conversations about replacement worker legislation in Manitoba, although nothing has been tabled as of yet.

The bill is a precondition of the Supply

opportunities to support anti-scab legislation in the past, and have consistently refused to do so. In fact. eight anti-scab bills have been introduced in the House of Commons in the past 15 years, and the last time one was brought to a vote in 2016, both the Liberals and Conservatives voted against it.

Anti-scab legislation has been demanded by labour organizations for decades. The current rules give management unfair leverage when negotiating a contract, as they can hire scabs and let strikes and lockouts drag on. The practice applies undue pressure on those workers who are

There does seem to be some degree of consensus surrounding Bill C-58 already as the NDP, Liberal, and Bloc have all voiced their support. It remains to be seen if the Conservatives will do the same.

The use of replacement workers during a strike or lockout significantly diminishes the power of workers in the collective bargaining process. The introduction of anti-scab legislation is an important victory for the entire labour movement. There is still time to strengthen the bill. This includes reducing the 18-month delay for the bill to come into force should it pass.

La loi anti-briseurs de grève proposée donnerait plus de pouvoir aux travailleurs Le 9 novembre, le gouvernement fédéral a présenté le projet de loi anti-briseurs de grève qu'il promettait depuis longtemps. Cette nouvelle loi permettrait aux fonctionnaires fédéraux de négocier de meilleurs salaires et de meilleures conditions de travail. Il est bon d'avoir enfin un projet de loi concret et viable qui cherche à protéger les droits des travailleurs, même si on l'a attendu pendant longtemps.

Le projet de loi C-58, Loi modifiant le Code canadien du travail et le Règlement de 2012 sur le Conseil canadien des relations industrielles, prévoit un certain nombre de changements importants qui profiteront aux travailleurs des secteurs sous réglementation fédérale et qui leur donneront plus de pouvoir pour négocier des salaires équitables et de meilleures conditions de travail. Le projet de loi, dans sa forme actuelle, interdit à un employeur d'un milieu de travail syndiqué d'embaucher des travailleurs de remplacement, également connus sous le nom de briseurs de grève, pendant une grève ou un lock-out. Il prévoit des sanctions sans équivoque en cas de violation des droits fondamentaux des travailleurs à la négociation collective, notamment l'imposition d'amendes pouvant aller jusqu'à 100 000 dollars par jour aux employeurs qui embauchent des travailleurs de remplacement, à quelques exceptions près. En outre, le projet de loi prévoit une nouvelle procédure pour accélérer les négociations entre les syndicats et les employeurs qui visent à déterminer, dans les 15 jours suivant un avis de grève ou de lock-out, les services qui peuvent être maintenus en cas de conflit.

Ainsi, les travailleurs syndiqués des secteurs sous réglementation fédérale, comme les banques, les télécommunications, l'aviation et le transport ferroviaire, ainsi que la radiodiffusion et la télédiffusion, auront plus de poids pour

négocier de bonne foi des contrats de travail.

Bien que le projet de loi C-58 ne s'applique qu'aux fonctionnaires fédéraux, il a un effet d'entraînement en incitant les législateurs provinciaux à envisager de mettre en œuvre leur propre version des projets de loi qui respectent les droits des travailleurs. Des lois interdisant les travailleurs de remplacement existent déjà en Colombie-Britannique et au Québec. L'Ontario avait une loi interdisant l'utilisation de travailleurs de remplacement, mais elle a été abrogée par l'ancien premier ministre Mike Harris en 1995. D'ailleurs, Jamie West, député provincial de Sudbury et porte-parole en matière de travail, a déposé un projet de loi anti-briseurs de grève, le projet de loi 90, qui vise à rétablir l'ancienne loi anti-briseurs de grève de la province. Il a également été question d'une loi sur les travailleurs de remplacement au Manitoba, bien que rien n'ait encore été déposé.

Le projet de loi est une condition préalable à l'entente de soutien et de confiance conclue entre le gouvernement et le NPD. Il est certainement encourageant de voir enfin le gouvernement déposer un projet de loi qui garantirait le respect des droits des travailleurs pendant un conflit de travail, puisqu'il a déjà eu l'occasion à plusieurs reprises de proposer une loi anti-briseurs de grève et qu'il a toujours refusé de le faire. En fait, huit projets de loi anti-briseurs de grève ont été présentés à la Chambre des communes au cours des 15 dernières années, et la dernière fois qu'un tel projet de loi a été soumis au vote, soit en 2016, les libéraux et les conservateurs ont tous deux voté contre.

Les organisations syndicales réclament depuis des décennies une loi anti-briseurs de grève. Les règles actuelles donnent à la direction des moyens injustes pendant la négociation d'un Cont’d on P.7

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, November 23, 2023- Page 5

Ouverture de l'exposition itinérante Génie autochtone à Chapleau Anishinaabewin Maamninendimowin : Pane Gii-Bite (Génie autochtone : Des inventions toujours actuelles), présentée par Indigenous Tourism Ontario et Science Nord, sera à la Salle communautaire de Chapleau du 30 novembre au 6 décembre 2023.

Les visiteurs peuvent voir l'exposition gratuitement sept jours par semaine, avec la dernière entrée une heure avant la fermeture de l'exposition. Les heures d'ouverture sont de 10 h à 18 h samedi jusqu'à mercredi et de 10 h à 19 h jeudi et vendredi.

Chapleau est l'une de la trentaine de collectivités du Nord de l'Ontario qui accueillera cette exposition unique en son genre. À compter d'aujourd'hui jusqu'à l'automne 2024, l'exposition parcourra le Nord, pour présenter un ingénieux mélange novateur de science et de culture, en vue de créer un sentiment de fierté parmi les communautés des Premières Nations, des Inuits et des Métis. La tournée du Nord de cette exposition générera

d'importantes retombées économiques dans le Nord grâce à la croissance et à la diversification du secteur touristique, ainsi que la création d'emplois à Indigenous Tourism Ontario, à Science Nord et aux attractions partenaires.

L'exposition itinérante Génie autochtone : Des inventions toujours actuelles a été élaborée en consultation avec le Centre des sciences de Montréal et est fièrement appuyée par la Société du Fonds du patrimoine du Nord de l'Ontario, l'Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Nord de l'Ontario et le gouvernement du Canada. Pour en savoir plus sur la tournée Génie autochtone et ses arrêts à venir,visitez sciencenorth.ca/fr/ expositions/genie-autochtone.

L'installation d'igloo qu'offre l'exposition est une création originale de l'Office national du film, réalisée par Dan Thornhill, conçue pour animer la richesse de la culture inuite canadienne. Pour en savoir plus, visitez onf.ca/Unikkausivut.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, November 23, 2023- Page 6

Last weeks solutions MOMENTS IN TIME

On Dec. 10, 1901, the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace. The prizes are funded from a reserve created after the death of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite and other high explosives.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, November 23, 2023- Page 7

Northern Lights Ford Sales Andrew G. McKenzie Travis Gendron

ALLEMANO, FITZGERALD PASCUZZI & BERLINGIERI Barristers and Solicitors

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

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

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

Monday to Friday

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

La loi anti-briseurs de grève proposée donnerait plus de pouvoir aux travailleurs Cont’d from P.4 contrat, puisqu'elle peut embaucher des briseurs de grève et laisser les grèves et les lock-out s'éterniser. Cette pratique exerce une pression indue sur les travailleurs en grève ou en lock-out et dresse les travailleurs syndiqués et non syndiqués les uns contre les autres au profit des PDG. En fin de compte, la loi anti-briseurs de grève donne aux travailleurs une meilleure chance d'obtenir un contrat de travail plus équitable.

Le projet de loi C-58 semble déjà faire l'objet d'un certain consensus, puisque les néo-démocrates, libéraux et bloquistes ont exprimé leur soutien à son égard. Il reste à voir si les conservateurs feront de même.

BERRY’S FREIGHT SERVICES

Le recours à des travailleurs de remplacement pendant une grève ou un lock-out diminue considérablement le pouvoir des travailleurs dans le processus de négociation collective. L'introduction d'une loi anti-briseurs de grève est une victoire importante pour l'ensemble du mouvement syndical. Il y a encore du temps à renforcer le projet de loi, notamment en réduisant le délai de 18 mois avant son entrée en vigueur s'il est adopté.

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!

FOR QUALITY SERVICES AT

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

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

NNADAP Worker @ 864-0174 info.

CHADWIC HOME, FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE. Offers shelter, emotional support, and information for women and their children who are in crisis situations. We have a Toll Free Crisis Line which is staffed 24 hours a day. We can arrange for free transportation to the Centre for women who live in the Algoma/Chapleau area. We also offer support to women who live in the communities of Chapleau, White River, Dubreuilville, and Hornepayne through our Outreach Program. Our Outreach Worker travels to those communities to meet with women who need emotional support as well as information about their rights and options. If you need to speak with the Outreach Worker when she is in your community, you can call the Centre at any time to set up an appointment. You do not need to be a resident of the Centre in order to use our services. If you need someone to talk to or if you just need someone to listen, call our Toll Free Crisis line at 1800-461-2242 or you can drop in at the Centre. We are here for you.

Call 705-864-2579

Ads can be emailed to chaexpress@sympatico.ca

...

Vehicle Decals Safety Signage Posters 705-864-4376 jnsigns@gmail.com

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

Your Propane Refilling Station

705-864-0781

New at the Library Library Hours Monday 1-5 pm Tuesday & Wednesday 1-7 pm Thursday & Friday 1-5 pm Website : www.chapleau.ca Follow us on facebook for more info!

8mm & Super 8 mm FILM

SLIDES

PHOTOS

NEGATIVES

SCANNING

705-864-4376

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, November 23, 2023- Page 8

The Ford government has some political potholes to fix for Northern Ontarians Here in the North, we all face one fundamental reality – distance and travel are important in our lives. Highway travel is almost an absolute necessity for practically all Northerners at some point in our lifetime, be it for employment, school, shopping and even healthcare. Because it is an integral part of our lives, Northern Ontarians understand the importance of year-round highway maintenance. We understand that if we want our loved ones to return home safely when they travel we must keep our roads in top-notch condition all year round. This includes keeping our highways clear of snow and ice.

Without question, almost anything we do here in the North involves some amount of travel on a provincial highway. As the MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, I am very aware of this and spend much time personally following up on concerns in my travels. The responses in the Legislature or letter often begin by reminding me that safe roads are paramount to the Ford government. Yet I can't help but think that if what they say is true about safety being paramount, how do they explain that the most common complaints my office receives from constituents are about road concerns?

It seems that the government's statement does not align itself with reality.

A prime example of this can be found in Macdonald, Merideth and Aberdeen Twp. in Echo Bay at the junction of Highways 638 and 17. During heavy rainfall or the spring melt, the curved access/exit for Hwy 17 floods several times a year. And when I say floods, I mean water goes right up as high as the rims of a pickup.

My office has consistently pressed the government to act on this problem since 2015.

And lately, the team has noted a significant rise in constituent complaints about this.

As evidence of the problem, my office has shared multiple videos taken by constituents of what is locally known as the Echo Bay Car Wash. You should see the colossal spray thrown up by vehicles trying to drive through it. The water sprays everywhere, including on vehicle windshields, which poses a safety issue. Who knows how deep the water is ahead or if the road base has been washed out? This could result in severe and preventable accidents.

The problem is that the roadbed has been

sinking year after year, so it is now below the flood level of the surrounding land. The ground is so soft in that area that when they were building the 4-lane road, the construction company is said to have lost an entire bulldozer that just sunk right out of sight.

My office raised the flooding issue again in early September of this year, asking for the Ford government plans to address this ongoing safety issue and when constituents can expect it to be resolved. And keep in mind, we have been raising this issue since 2015.

Disappointingly the government replied that, in their view, it is just a drainage problem. They plan to hire an engineering consultant to conduct an environmental assessment. The data will be used to generate alternatives for consideration.

“As such, the earliest commencement date for construction work is estimated to be in 2026.”

Does this reflect a responsible, safety above-all-else attitude by the Ford government?

I think not. This response is anything but satisfactory as it entirely discounts the well-being of Northern Ontarians who travel the TransCanada in this region.

Another example of the government not taking steps to ensure the good repair our highways here in the North can be found on Hwy 638 heading north from Bruce Mines through Rydal Bank and over to Echo Bay. 638 was resurfaced just a couple of years ago. Even so, the road is already riddled with potholes.

From what I have learned, it seems that before resurfacing 638, the road was in bad shape. A contractor was hired to resurface the road. However, it seems the contractor was not directed to address the original damage. The problems were quite literally just paved over. What happens if you don't repair and prime a wall before repainting?

The problems just come right back to haunt you. The same is true if you don't fix a roadway before resurfacing it.

I should also point out that my

team gets many complaints throughout the riding. We have heard from constituents in all corners expressing frustration of wasted tax dollars. They complain that after mere months since repair; some roads need further attention in the same spots due to spotty workmanship; potholes forming on highways that were resurfaced from end to end just months earlier; 1metre tall tree stumps along the roads that were cut in deep winter snow that should have been completed in the fall or spring; to name but a few.

How is it that the Ford government can find $8 billion or more to build Hwy 413 in Southern Ontario (which studies have shown will do nothing to improve traffic problems), but they can't find a tiny fraction of this amount to fix the highway problems Northerners have been putting up with for years?

This Conservative government knows the right things to say to convince voters they care deeply for our safety and well-being. But, when it is time to put their money where their mouth is, suddenly, what they say is just all meaningless talk and empty promises. They want Northern Ontarians to believe they are busting a gut for us, and we just have to wait our turn and be patient.

But while we are “waiting our turn,” how many lives will be compromised or lost?

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

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705-864-4376 jnsigns@gmail.com