10122023 October 12, 2023

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS

Local News Weekly

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Vol. 28, Issue 6, October 12, 2023

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Wab Kinew becomes Canada’s 1st First Nations premier of a province

M

anitoba is the first Canadian province to elect a First Nations premier.

Wab Kinew becomes premier after the New Democratic Party (NDP) he leads won the provincial election on Oct. 3.

“This is a great victory for all of us in Manitoba,” he said after the NDP was projected to win.

“We can do amazing things when we stand together as one province.”

Heather Stefanson, leader of the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party, lost to Kinew. She served as Manitoba’s premier since 2021.

Stefanson was Manitoba’s first woman premier.

“I hope that your win tonight inspires a future generation of Indigenous youth to get involved in our democratic process,” she said in her concession speech.

Kinew’s party platform included promises for health care, tackling homelessness and the high cost of living.

Kinew was born in Long Term Kenora, Ontario, and Forecast lived on Onigaming First Thursday Nation before his family High 9 moved to Manitoba’s Low 4 capital, Winnipeg, where Friday he went to elementary High 9 school.

Low 5 He is Anishinaabe.

Saturday High 8 Low 4

Sunday High 8 Low 3 Monday High 8 Low 3 Tuesday High 7 Low 2

His father, Tobasonakwut Kinew, was a residential school survivor.

Before getting involved in politics, Kinew was part of a rap group called the Dead Indians.

He also worked as a reporter with the CBC and was the University of Winnipeg’s first director of Indigenous inclusion.

In 2015, Kinew published a book about his life, titled The Reason You Walk.

In the book, he apologizes for some of his past behavior, including criminal charges that he was pardoned for.

He was first elected to the Manitoba legislature in 2016.

“I believe that because I’ve been able to make good on a second chance at life ... that I have something to contribute in how we can improve things,” Kinew told The Canadian Press last month.

Kinew is the first First Nations premier of a province but he is not the first First Nations premier in Canada. Richard Nerysoo takes that title. He was the premier of the Northwest Territories from 1984-1985.(CBC.ca)

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 12, 2023- Page 2

Algoma District School Board Welcomes Student Trustees for 2023 / 2024 School Year The Algoma District School Board (ADSB) welcomes three new Student Trustees for the 2023/2024 school year. They are Casey Bouvier from Chapleau High School, Andrew Vair from Superior Heights and Desirae Schell-Migwans from Superior Heights as our Indigenous Student Trustee. All appointments became effective as of August 1, 2023.

Casey Bouvier is a Grade 11 student at Chapleau High School. She is a hard-working student who has demonstrated collaboration and commitment to completing tasks. She is dependable, organized and reliable and these qualities have been demonstrated in her classroom studies, during school events, and within the community of Chapleau where Casey volunteers her time with the Chapleau Ski Club and the Chapleau Arena.

Casey has identified several priorities she would like to focus on during her term as Student Trustee. One is making sure that the voices of all students are heard and recognized, including those of different racial backgrounds, identities, religions and beliefs. She also hopes to help her peers build confidence to find their voices. Casey recognizes that students can be reluctant to share their views and opinions for fear of being criticized. She hopes to help eliminate that resistance and will lead by example, using her voice to speak up on behalf of those who are often under-represented and who do not feel heard. Finally, Casey would like to ensure that students are excited about coming to school every day and would like to prioritize student

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involvement in school and board wide events. She wants to ensure that students feel safe and welcomed by and in our school communities.

Casey joined Student Senate in her Grade 9 year and has since been part of organizing and participating in a variety of Senate events including Bon Soo Olympics and the Student Senate Grand Opening and end of year Galas. Casey also played an instrumental role in activities held at Chapleau High School including a Halloween painting event, a Christmas door decorating contest and painting a mural to represent donations collected for a food bank event.

Andrew Vair is a Grade 12 student at Superior Heights C&VS. In his time there, Andrew has been involved in Student Senate, Student's Council and Link Crew. As a member of Student's Council, he is one who staff turn to when they need help with technology and getting the students involved as he is a natural leader.

Andrew has identified several areas that he believes are crucial to the success and well-being of students. He would like to increase student participation in school and board activities, suggesting that perhaps students be required to try out for a team, club or volunteer at their school at least once prior to graduation. He is also eager to address vaping in school washrooms. He hopes that Student Senate can continue to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and taking steps to prevent it. He has discussed the issue with his school's Senate team and together they have put some ideas and plans together for moving forward.

Andrew believes that by encouraging more student participation in activities and promoting student engagement, we can create a positive and supportive environment for students that fosters personal growth and development.

Andrew excels in academics taking AP courses on top of his already demanding course load and French Immersion. Andrew is a wellrounded student who exemplifies good character, sportsmanship and responsibility. He is a role model for his peers and all those around him as he leads with integrity.

Desirae Schell-Migwans is a Grade 12 student at Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School. She served as Vice Chair of the ADSB Northern Indigenous Youth Council (NIYC) for the 22/23 school year and now continues as the ADSB Indigenous Student Trustee and NIYC Chair for the 23/24 school year.

Desirae lives in Sault Ste Marie, her band is from M'chigeeng / Manitoulin Island and her clan is eagle. She works hard to achieve her goals and is a reliable team player. In her time as Vice Chair, Desirae expressed an interest in helping to

Casey Bouvier, Chapleau High School eliminate racism within schools, spreading the knowledge about her culture to staff members and other students, and making a better environment and community for schools in the Algoma District School Board. She plans to continue this work and advocacy moving forward in her role as Chair of the NIYC. She would like to continue to host cultural events in schools, inviting in more elders to share stories and teachings. She hopes to have students from different cultural backgrounds working and collaborating together on these kinds of school events.

Her priority is to make students feel more comfortable to embrace their culture all the while enjoying a safe, happy environment. Desirae has been described as a strong mediator within her peer group. She exemplifies the characteristics needed for the position of Chair of the NIYC as she has shown her commitment to her culture, her advocacy work and has demonstrated her leadership qualities both in her school and the community.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 12, 2023- Page 3

Chapleau Chapleau Public School from church Moments to tent to home on Pine Street Sudbury Star ((for which he wrote) to our house every day for my grandmother, (Edith Hunt) and mystery novels for my mom. Mostly Perry Mason by Erle Stanley Gardner and I read them all too!!!! He also helped many of the people on Elgin Street where he lived by shovelling snow and otherwise helping out.

by

Michael J. Morris

First School circa 1890s Elementary school education was made available for children in Chapleau from the earliest days of the community, according to a document prepared by the late J.M. "Jack" Shoup, the longtime principal and Grade 8 teacher at Chapleau Public School.

U P D AT E D O N August 5, 2014.

Chapleau Public School is being demolished.

Students were moved to Chapleau High School a couple of years ago.

Mr. Shoup noted that the first school was founded in 1886 in the vestry of the Roman Catholic Church and all children were welcome.

Attendance ranged between 15 and 20 students who used home made desks and benches. Slates rather than exercise books were used.

In 1889 a Mr. Hager taught school in tent, but by 1893 the first organized public school was established. Miss Charlotte Weller who became the wife of G.B. Nicholson was the teacher in charge with an enrolment of one hundred students. It became a two-room school and with it came factory made double desks, and by 1902 a four-room school was built when the staff increased to three teachers.

In 1921 a ratepayers meeting empowered a board to select a site for a new public school and it gave the decision to locate the school on the site where it is today on Pine Street.

V.T. Chapple, W.R. McAdam, and George Young (the father of Dr. G.E. "Ted" Young) selected plans and a new seven room building was erected with classes beginning in it on February 19, 1923, according to Mr. Shoup's

document.

It is interesting that in Chapleau's early years two school principals defined education for so many students who attended Chapleau Public School and Chapleau High School. Mr. Shoup was principal from 1927 to 1939 and then took leave of absence to serve in World War II. He had also served in World War I. He returned in 1945 and retired in 1958. He greatly influenced so many students, as did John "Mac" McClellan, who was at CHS down the street!

Mr. Shoup was also a long serving member of Chapleau council and had a particular interest in the beach area. He was actively involved on July 1 celebrations as a member of Branch Number 5 of the Royal Canaian Legion where he was also one of its presidents, and Beach Day in August as Chair of the Chapleau Recreation Committee. The recreation committee was first established in 1948.

Chapleau Public School On a personal basis my mother Muriel E. Morris, worked with Mr. Shoup for many years and he was a close personal friend of our family.

In fact, he brought the Financial Post and

After Mr. Shoup retired and Foy Wright became principal, increased enrolment caused the board to build an additional four rooms which were ready in 1964, and another four rooms including a library and gymnasium were added in 1972.

Fast forward to 1978 when Mansel Robinson was board chair and members included Anne McGoldrick, W.D. Jardine, Scott Thomson, and Richad Lapp. Mr Wright was principal.

The teaching staff in 1977-78 was Wilma Schmidt, Dianne Gendron, Opal Simpson, Jeannette Gjoni, Sally Landry, Jane Ritchie, Cheryl Boucher, Mary Campbell, George Swanson, Shane Wright, Lillian Robinson, James Broomhead, Gerry Boucher and Duncan Rogerson. Louise Coulter and Lucy Boucher were the French language teachers. How many do you remember?

I include the staff from 1977-78 because I got some of the material for this column from a feature on Chapleau Public School called Chapleau's People and Places in the Chapleau Sentinel of March 9, 1978.

Just a note to thank everyone who is sending me emails at mj.morris@live.ca and special thanks to former Chapleau resident George Tremblay for sending me a copy of his book “Break at Nine.”

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 12, 2023- Page 4

REPORT from OTTAWA Rapport d’Ottawa by/par

Carol Hughes Federal member of Parliament Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing

There seems to be this persistent yet false idea that working to protect our environment comes with unintended negative consequences for our economy. A large part of this may be fear driven by those industries whose financial stake is driven by their ability to pollute, such as the fossil fuel industry. However, this has always been a false choice.

The clean energy and renewable sectors are growing. The International Energy Agency, an intergovernmental organization established in 1974 that provides policy recommendations and analysis on the global energy sector, released a report last week that details the rapid growth of clean energy technologies in the past two years.

Solar energy expanded by 50 percent worldwide, electric car sales increased by 240 percent, and costs associated with the development of clean energy tech, including solar PV, wind, heat pumps and batteries, fell by an average of 80 percent since 2010. These are promising developments. However, beyond the clean energy sector, if we are to further mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, we must also look towards ensuring that the materials we use for building material are also environmentally sustainable.

There has been an encouraging development on this front from recently passed legislation. Bill S-222, a Senate bill that was originally introduced by the NDP in the House of Commons in 2017, encourages the use of more environmentally sustainable materials in public buildings. The bill passed unanimously in both the House of Commons and the Senate, showing broad support across party lines.

This legislation stipulates that the when the government is building federal infrastructure, the Minister of Public Works “shall consider any potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and any other environmental benefits and may allow the use of wood or any other thing — including a material, product or sustainable resource — that achieves such benefits.”

Essentially, it requires the government to assess all building materials' environmental benefits before approving their use in government buildings and encourages the use of sustainable materials such as wood where possible.

It's a simple bill that could have a significant impact on Canada's sustainable materials industries. It would be a boon to our softwood lumber industry, one that's been struggling to deal with tariff disputes from the

We Can Bolster Local Economies and Protect the Environment This at billthe Same Time also inadvertently encourages United States for almost two decades now. This bill would certainly do much to bolster the forestry industry domestically and would create good-paying jobs. It would also encourage other industries, such as concrete and steel, to reduce their carbon footprint in the manufacturing process.

One such product that's been gaining steam in recent years, particularly in BC, is mass timber. Mass timber is created by gluing, nailing, or doweling wood products together in thick layers. It can be used similarly to steel Ibeams or load bearing concrete but has the added benefit of both sequestering carbon and using less energy to manufacture than more common building materials. Because mass timber is designed to be thick, early analysis indicates that it can be quite fire resistant but is also significantly lighter than traditional building materials.

life cycle assessment analysis for any construction materials that would be used in federal construction projects. It's the sort of datadriven analysis that would examine the carbon footprint of building materials throughout production and construction, but also for energy efficiency over the longer term. It would make no sense to use building materials that produce a low-carbon footprint if it means the use of those materials don't properly insulate the building, and results in higher energy use to heat it over the course of its life cycle.

Governments can use procurement policy to create better-paying jobs in our communities. Bill S-222 represents a simple, yet effective policy that can bring significant economic benefits to home-grown Canadian industry while also helping to reduce our carbon footprint.

Il est possible de stimuler les économies locales tout en protégeant l'environnement Selon un préjugé tenace mais faux, il semblerait que la protection de l'environnement ait nécessairement des effets néfastes sur l'économie. Pour une bonne part, cette crainte serait alimentée par les industries dont les intérêts financiers reposent sur leur capacité de polluer, comme l'industrie des combustibles fossiles. Il s'agit là pourtant depuis toujours d'un faux dilemme.

Les secteurs de l'énergie propre et des ressources renouvelables sont en croissance.

L'Agence internationale de l'énergie, un organisme intergouvernemental fondé en 1974 qui produit des analyses et des recommandations sur le secteur mondial de l'énergie, a publié la semaine dernière un rapport dans lequel elle fait état de la rapide croissance du secteur technologique des énergies propres depuis deux ans. L'énergie solaire s'est développée de 50 % dans le monde entier, les ventes de voitures électroniques ont augmenté de 240 %, et les coûts associés au développement des énergies propres, dont la technologie solaire photovoltaïque, les éoliennes, les thermopompes et les accumulateurs, ont diminué en moyenne de 80 % depuis 2010. Tout cela est prometteur, mais audelà des énergies propres, si nous voulons atténuer davantage les pires effets des changements climatiques, il faudra aussi nous tourner vers les matériaux de construction respectueux de l'environnement.

Une mesure législative ayant récemment été adoptée s'avère d'ailleurs encourageante à cet égard. En effet, le projet de loi sénatorial S-222, que le NPD avait d'abord présenté à la Chambre des communes en 2017, veut nous inciter à

utiliser des matériaux écologiques dans la construction des édifices publics. Ce projet de loi, qui a obtenu l'adhésion des différents partis, a été adopté à l'unanimité à la Chambre des communes et au Sénat.

Lorsque le gouvernement construit des infrastructures fédérales, le projet de loi prévoit que le ministre des Travaux publics « tient compte de toute réduction potentielle des émissions de gaz à effet de serre et de tout autre avantage pour l'environnement et peut autoriser l'utilisation du bois ou de toute autre chose, notamment de matériel, de produits ou de ressources durables, qui offre pareil avantage ».

En somme, il oblige le gouvernement à évaluer tous les avantages environnementaux des matériaux de construction avant d'approuver leur utilisation dans les édifices gouvernementaux et il cherche à favoriser l'utilisation de matériaux durables lorsque c'est possible.

Il s'agit d'un projet de loi tout simple qui aura une incidence considérable sur les industries canadiennes des matériaux durables. Ce sera une bénédiction pour l'industrie du bois d'œuvre, qui est en butte à des différends avec les États-Unis depuis presque vingt ans au sujet des droits de douane. Le projet de loi contribuera sans doute beaucoup à stimuler l'industrie forestière du Canada et créera des emplois bien rémunérés. Il incitera aussi d'autres industries, comme celles du béton et de l'acier, à réduire l'empreinte carbone de leurs procédés de fabrication.

Le bois massif a d'ailleurs le vent en poupe ces derniers temps, surtout en ColombieBritannique. Ce matériau est créé à partir de couches épaisses de produits Suite P.7

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 12, 2023- Page 5

Ontario Raising Minimum Wage October 1 to Support Workers Increase to $16.55 an hour follows passage of government’s third Working for Workers Act this week David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, issued the following statement on the minimum wage increasing and the passage of the Working for Workers Act, 2023: “Starting Sunday, October 1, Ontario’s minimum wage will increase from $15.50 to $16.55 per hour, helping more than 900,000 hardworking men and women across our province earn more take-home pay for themselves and their families. ` This 6.8 per cent raise means up to $2,200 more in workers’ pockets every year and brings Ontario to one of the highest minimum wages in the country.

Our government is continuing to deliver steady and predictable annual increases, helping families offset the rising cost of living while also providing certainty to businesses by announcing this increase six months in advance.

Minimum wage jobs should be for the start

of a worker’s career, not the end. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are giving workers a hand up to even better jobs and bigger paycheques.

Earlier this week, our government continued our mission of introducing commonsense changes to protect workers and prepare them for the future of work through passing our Working for Workers Act, 2023.

For those who think health and safety is just the cost of doing business, we passed the highest health and safety fines in the country, along with new penalties for those who try to abuse vulnerable temporary foreign workers by withholding their passport or work permit.

Ontario is also the first province in Canada to ban unfair or discriminatory Canadian work experience requirements in more than 30 regulated professions and trades to help newcomers work in the fields they trained for. This will ensure more immigrants are getting a fair shot. In December 2023, all unfair or discriminatory requirements for

Canadian experience in these professions will be gone.

We’re also making job-protected leave for military reservists the most flexible and comprehensive in all of Canada and protecting remote workers during mass layoffs.

Finally, to complement our legislation, we are requiring women’s-only washrooms on construction sites and protective equipment that actually fits them, and we have expanded cancer coverage for firefighters who run into burning buildings while everyone else runs the other way.

All these changes build on measures our government passed in our Working for Workers Acts, 2021 and 2022, which are already changing lives and improving working conditions for millions of workers and their families.

In the coming months, I will be introducing more legislation as part of our plan to make Ontario the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family."

Stay healthy this fall: get your COVID-19 and flu shots for protection Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) will follow a phased approach to offer COVID-19 and influenza vaccines locally, in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance (PDF, 454 KB).

Beginning next week, an updated COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine will be available for select high-risk individuals. Public Health is planning to offer COVID-19 and flu shots to the general public beginning later in October.

Individuals are encouraged to book their COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot appointments as soon are they are eligible.

“Staying up to date on vaccines is especially important heading into fall and winter,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “As we gather indoors for work and school, it is important that we do as much as we can to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Remember, stay home when you feel sick, wash your hands often, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Consider wearing a mask, particularly if you are at higher risk of severe infection,” said Dr. Sutcliffe.

Booking your appointment

Email us at chaexpress@sympatico.ca

Public Health will begin COVID-19 vaccine clinics the week of October 2, 2023, for those at high risk. The latest vaccine provides greater protection against the currently circulating Omicron XBB subvariants. The XBB.1.5-containing mRNA vaccine is Health Canada-approved for people aged 6 months of age and older. Individuals 6 months and older are considered up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines if they have received a fall 2023 COVID-19 dose. For those 6 months to 4 years of age who are not previously immunized, two doses are required.

Throughout October, C O V I D -19 vaccination in Ontario is prioritized for: -hospitalized individuals and hospital staff; -long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers; and -individuals at high-risk for COVID-19 related complications or hospitalizations (Ministry of Health, PDF).

As in previous years, the flu shot will also initially be prioritized for high-risk populations.

C O V I D-19 and influenza vaccination opportunities will be available to those aged 6 months and older, beginning later in October.

Participating pharmacies and primary care providers may also offer the COVID-19 vaccine. The influenza vaccine will be available at many locations such as local pharmacies and health care providers’ offices. Check with your local pharmacy or health care provider about COVID-19 and influenza vaccine availability.

It is strongly recommended that eligible

individuals book an appointment for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this fall. It is safe and convenient to receive both the COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time.

To book your COVID-19 appointment, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or call 705.522.9200 (toll-free: 1.866.522.9200). The call centre is open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and is closed on statutory holidays. In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Public Health Sudbury & District offices will be closed Friday, September 29. For those interested in booking a flu shot only, please call 705.522.9200, extension 0. Where possible, Public Health plans to offer opportunities for clients to receive both COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines at the same time.

Visit our website for up-to-date clinic details, including the clinic times, locations, and eligible groups at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccineclinics or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 12, 2023- Page 6

Last weeks solutions MOMENTS IN TIME

On Oct. 25, 1955, Tappan sold the first microwave oven, a large, 220-volt model priced at $1,295. Only 34 units were produced that year, and didn't sell well. But by 2000, the ovens could be found in 90% of American homes.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 12, 2023- Page 7

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Il est possible de stimuler les économies locales tout en protégeant l'environnement Suite de la P.4 du bois collées, clouées ou goujonnées ensemble.

Il peut servir à peu près aux mêmes usages que les poutres d'acier bétonnées, mais il a en plus l'avantage de séquestrer du carbone et d'exiger m o i n s d ' é n e rg i e q u e l e s m a t é r i a u x d e construction plus courants pour sa production.

Selon les premières études, en raison de son épaisseur, il pourrait être assez résistant aux incendies, en plus d'être considérablement plus léger que les matériaux de construction traditionnels.

Le projet de loi incite aussi indirectement à effectuer des analyses du cycle de vie de tous les matériaux de construction qui seraient utilisés dans les projets de construction fédéraux. En plus d'évaluer l'empreinte carbone des matériaux de construction pendant la production et la construction, ces analyses axées sur les données permettent aussi de déterminer leur efficacité énergétique à long terme. En effet, il serait illogique d'utiliser des matériaux de construction dont l'empreinte carbone est faible si, pendant leur cycle de vie, ces matériaux engendraient une plus importante consommation d'énergie parce qu'ils n'isolaient pas suffisamment les édifices contre le froid.

Les gouvernements peuvent ainsi avoir recours à des politiques d'approvisionnement pour créer des emplois bien rémunérés dans notre société. Le projet de loi S-222 est une politique simple, mais efficace qui pourrait avoir d'importantes retombées économiques sur une industrie d'ici tout en contribuant à la réduction de notre empreinte carbone.

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

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 12, 2023- Page 8

Northern Ontario's most resilient economic stabilizer – small business fasteners and the very broad coverage.

It makes total sense to rely on the Northern Ontario’s most resilient combined strength of many rather than just a economic stabilizer – small business few nails that may be larger and stronger The other day, I stopped by to help a individually but do not distribute the power friend construct some trusses for a garden shed widely. I certainly am not an engineer or he was building. He asked for a hand because carpenter, so I learned something new that day. he knew it was getting late to have the shed in As I write this week’s column, we are place before winter set in. He had some of the approaching Small Business Week in Ontario, pieces cut and ready to assemble. I had during which we salute the thousands of small expected him to use spikes or large nails to business entrepreneurs across the province. hold the 2x4s in place, but instead, he pulled Unequivocally, small business is the backbone out a bunch of truss plates to be hammered on. of not only Ontario’s but all of Canada’s I looked at the metal plates and was surprised economy. Federal government statistics to see how small the “nails” punctured into the indicate that small businesses collectively plate were to fasten the wood. I asked my employ 67.7 percent of the private workforce. friend how he could trust the truss to be strong Further, an article published in June 2023 by enough with such puny little nail fasteners. He Shaw & Associates reports that 97.7 percent of explained that using a lot of small “nails” was all businesses in Canada are classified as small by far stronger than using larger nails or spikes businesses. that could even split the wood. He explained Who’d a thunk it? that the strength came from the number of Shaw & Associates went on to say, “Let that sink in—small businesses are not the occasional momand-pop corner store. Small businesses are what business in Canada is all about.” They quoted the Government of Canada, writing, “As of December 2020, there were 1.22 million employer businesses in Canada. Of these, 1.2 million (97.9 percent) were small businesses, 22,725 (1.9 Take advantage of our BOOST percent) were medium-sized businesses and 2,936 (0.2 in online traffic! percent) were large busiSince the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, people have nesses.” increasingly turned to their local newspapers for reliable When I read this, my information. In just a few weeks, the number of readers of our digital version of the newspaper has increased by 55%. friend’s lesson about building WE ARE REACHING MORE PEOPLE solid and reliable trusses came THAN EVER BEFORE! to mind. The strength of If you want to benefit from this Ontario’s economy is not found surge in web traffic, in the medium and large size NOW’S THE TIME TO ADVERTISE. businesses. Our economic stability relies upon the strength of our small businesses. If we put all of our eggs Email us with your needs at into one “big business” basket, chaexpress@sympatico.ca the damage to the economy is or call us at 705-864-2579 severe and hard to recover from THANK YOU FOR YOUR if it falls. On the other hand, if a CONTINUED SUPPORT! small business falls, the strength of the small business

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS

network can pick up the slack with minimal impact on the overall economy.

This past week, I had the pleasure of meeting with representatives of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. It was a most profitable meeting in that they helped convey the many challenging struggles that small businesses are experiencing these days. And they also helped me better understand the particular challenges facing Northern small business operators.

Northern Ontario has a rich culture of entrepreneurs working to bring something unique to their home communities, be it the tourism industry, local food and beverage producers, restaurants and cafes, or artists and craftspeople.

But from all my travels back and forth across the riding this summer, I heard almost daily that many businesses in the North are struggling. With high inflation, out-of-control cost of living and uncertain economic times ahead, Ontario’s government must not forget independent businesses in the North.

With CEBA (a support measure from the pandemic days) loan repayments coming up in January, many businesses in AlgomaManitoulin are telling me they are worried about making ends meet through the winter.

Northern Ontario’s heightened operating costs also continue to hamstring the growth of local business because, as we all know, Northerners pay more for everything from fuel to electricity to basic goods.

And, just to compound the challenges for small businesses, labour shortages continue to hit Northern Ontario harder in part because necessities like adequate healthcare, housing and infrastructure are being ignored in our region.

The North is a unique place with unique issues and circumstances. I encourage the government to listen, particularly to Northern communities, business owners and associations, so that the Province can effectively help them address their challenges to ensure that businesses and our economy can continue to grow and prosper in these difficult times.

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.