09022021 September 2 2021

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS

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Vol. 26, Issue 1, September 2, 2021

Wahkohtowin Innovation Centre is opening its Doors to Communities in the Northeast Superior Region

I

n late 2019, Ecotrust Canada received a $143,600 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to help its partner, Wahkohtowin Development GPI, purchase a three-story building in Chapleau to house the Wahkohtowin Innovation Centre. The Wahkohtowin Innovation Centre is a gathering place where the communities of Northeast Superior can work collaboratively on economic development and cultural revitalization initiatives to address the significant socio-economic challenges facing the region.

“I was delighted to learn of the substantial support that Ecotrust Canada has received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Northern Ontario is burgeoning with people who possess incredible talents and skills as well as a love for this land,” said Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin. “Who better understands the incredible potential that this region has?”

Mantha went on to explain that his excitement stems from the fact that by teaming up Northerners’ love for our precious lands and resources with Ecotrust Canada’s commitment to building an economy that is devoted to respecting the environment, developing sustainable energy, food, housing and employment is, “A gold Long Term medal winning combiForecast nation if ever I’ve seen Thursday High 19 one.”

Low 8 Wa h k o h t o w i n Innovation Centre will Friday High 20 serve up to 15 different Low 13 First Nations communiSaturday ties and will further High Low

20 13

Sunday High 17 Low 12 Monday High 17 Low 11 Tuesday High 16 Low 11

connect those communities with up to six area municipalities. Funds from the grant were used to make extensive renovations, including upgrading the electrical, heating and air conditioning, and plumbing systems as well as lighting, roof and wall repairs and more. The grant also purchased new kitchen appliances and office furniture.

Ecotrust Canada and the Wahkohtowin Development GPI would like to acknowledge the critical support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which enabled them to complete renovations to create a meeting and administrative space, and accommodations to allow members from more distant communities to participate.

“It is extremely rewarding to see the completion of the renovation at such a critical time of our mandate at Wahkohtowin — there remains much to do related to Climate Change and Action, continuing the growth and richness of our Guardian Program, the Bioeconomy opportunities in our homelands and enhancing the collaborative relationships generated over the last five years,” said David Flood, General Manager, Wahkohtowin Development. “With

sincere gratitude to OTF, Chi-Meegwetch (Big Thank you) for seeing the immediate and longterm value in this project.” “ We c o n g r a t u l a t e Wa h k o h t o w i n Development, and thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation, for establishing a permanent home base from which the creative energies of First Nation communities can be pulled together to implement community-led solutions for the region,” said Chuck Rumsey, C E O and President, Ecotrust Canada.

About Wahkohtowin Development: Wahkohtowin Development General Partnership Cont’d on P.2

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, September 2, 2021

Wahkohtowin Innovation Centre is opening its Doors to Communities in the Northeast Superior Region Cont’d from P.1 Incorporated (WDGPI) was created in 2016 by the member communities of the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs’ forum as a means of advancing regional strategic economic opportunities from a non-political, reconciliation-based approach. Initially headed by an operational vision of Full Participation in the Forest Sector consistent with its 2018-2024 Strategic Plan. www.wahkohtowin .com About Ecotrust Canada: Ecotrust Canada works with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities toward building an economy that

provides for a healthy and resilient natural environment; sustainable and abundant energy, food, and housing; prosperous and meaningful livelihoods; and vibrant cultures and inclusive societies. We call this approach, building an economy that provides for life. Our on-theground work and systems approach is entrepreneurial, partnership-based and relentlessly practical. ecotrust.ca About the Ontario Trillium Foundation: The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last

Natural Food Shortages Increasing Bear Sightings in the Chapleau and Wawa Areas Residents and businesses urged to reduce household and commercial attractants Parts of Ontario are experiencing shortages of natural food sources for bears. Chapleau and Wawa are experiencing sporadic berries.

Human-bear interactions are directly related to the availability of natural foods. Given the current food situation, Chapleau and Wawa are seeing an increase in reports of problem bears, which are searching for alternate food sources.

Bears rely on berry crops to fatten up for hibernation and will travel great distances to find alternate food sources when natural foods are poor or unavailable. As a result, Ontario is urging residents in the Chapleau and Wawa areas to take extra care to not attract bears to their homes and neighborhood by: · Storing garbage securely in an enclosed storage area and only putting out garbage on the morning of collection · Cleaning food residue and removing grease from outdoor barbecue grills after each use · Putting away bird feeders until the winter · Keeping pet food indoors · Picking ripe fruit from trees and off the ground.

Food service operations, such as restaurants or businesses with commercial dumpsters, are encouraged to: · Empty garbage and grease/fat containers frequently · Use bear-resistant containers · Lock dumpster lids every night · Avoid stockpiling garbage or grease/fat · Clean garbage containers frequently and thoroughly, using a strong disinfectant to eliminate odors.

Removing these attractants can help keep bears out of the area and help keep communities safe.

If a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911 or your local police. · For advice on reducing bear attractants, call the Bear Wise reporting line toll-free at 1-866-

514-2327; Hearing Impaired (TTY) 1-705-9457641. You will be connected directly with a live operator during bear season (April 1 to November 30). · What to do in emergency and none m e r g e n c y s i t u a t i o n s : https://www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-bearencounters-bear-wise . · Read more about bears: ontario.ca/bearwise.

OBITUARY Reginald “Reg” Bouillon Passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday August 25, 2021 at the age of 74 years. Cherished son of the late Thérèse and George Bouillon. Loving brother of Lea Bouillon, Eugene Bouillon (Shirley Ranger), the late Father Lucien Bouillon, the late Aline Bouillon, the late Eric Bouillon, the late Patrice Bouillon and the late Alain Bouillon. He will be missed by his nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Friends may visit at Sacred Heart Church, Chapleau on Thursday September 16, 2021 from 11 a.m. to time of the Memorial Mass that will be celebrated in memory of Reg and his sister Aline at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend Herve Sauve officiating. Interment of their cremated remains will take place following the mass at the Chapleau Municipal Cemetery.

Memorial donations made to Chapleau Health Services Foundation or to Sacred Heart Church would be appreciated by the family.

(Arrangements entrusted to the Kerry Funeral Home Ltd., Wawa, 1-800-439-4937). www.kerryfuneralhome.ca

year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

For more information: David Flood – General Manager, Wahkohtowin Development C: 705-622-9581 | wdgpi.gm@wahkohtowin.com OBITUARY Aline Bouillon Passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 31, 2019, at the Golden Manor in Timmins, at the age of 79.

Aline was born in Chapleau to the late Thérèse (Lamarre) and George Bouillon. She graduated from St. Mary's School of Nursing in Kitchener in 1968 and spent most of her nursing career caring for children in Toronto, Saudi Arabia and then Easter Seals in Timmins. Prior to her retirement, she was a Medical Adjudicator for CPP. Aline will be lovingly remembered by her siblings Lea and Eugene (Shirley ) and her nephews Darren(Kathy), Mike and Chris (Florence) and niece Tricia along with their children. Her cousin Thérèse will have fond memories of their times together. Aline will be dearly missed by her friends Anne & Kian Jensen and Norma & Wayne Corstorphine. Predeceased by her parents Thérèse & George Bouillon, her brothers Lucien, Eric, Reginald, Patrice and Alain. Her family and friends extend a special thank you to all the staff at Chateau Georgian and the Golden Manor for the excellent care Aline received over the years. Friends may visit at Sacred Heart Church, Chapleau on Thursday September 16, 2021 from 11 a.m. to time of the Memorial Mass that will be celebrated in memory of Aline and her brother Reginald at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend Herve Sauve officiating. Interment of their cremated remains will take place following the mass at the Chapleau Municipal Cemetery. Memorial donations made to the Sacred Heart Church, Chapleau or to the Alzheimer Society, Timmins and District would be greatly appreciated by the family. (Arrangements entrusted to Kerry Funeral Home Ltd. Wawa, 1-800-439-4937). www.kerryfuneralhome.ca

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, September 2, 2021- Page 3

Chapleau Moments by

Michael J. Morris In 1963, after returning to Chapleau as principal of Chapleau High School, Dr. Karl A. Hackstetter spoke at the public school graduation ceremonies, directing his remarks at teachers, parents and students.

I am most interested in hearing from you about Dr. Hackstetter's remarks.

As schools prepare to open for another year in 2021, I found it interesting to reflect on Dr. Hackstetter's observations as reported by Margaret Costello in the Sudbury Star and think about their relevance to education in the 21st century. I will leave it to the reader to decide.

Dr. Hackstetter first taught at Chapleau High School from 1954 to 1957, left and returned as principal in the Sixties. Although he was involved in the planning of the new high school, he left before it opened in 1966.

Referring to public school teachers, he said he felt they were more important than any others.

Dr. Karl A. Hackstetter

Dr. Karl A Hackstetter directs remarks at teachers, parents, students after returning as CHS principal in 1963 "You (public school teachers) can still mold what is given to you -- your personal example is imitated. We of the high school are technicians, specialists in the field of education. It is my sincere belief that your job is more difficult than ours. Also, if you fail, the consequences are more disastrous."

He also said it was rather sad that the high school teachers do not seem to have much in common with the public school teachers adding that when he suggested the two staffs meet together, he was told that such a meeting would be Dr Hackstetter walks off CHS field, far right "frowned upon."

During my 20 years as teacher at For a time, St. John's tennis court was used then he Chapleau High School , I do not recall us ever managed to rent a vacant room above the old meeting with elementary school teachers.

Dominion store later Bank of Montreal building at Addressing parents, Dr. Hackstetter said Young and Birch, installed ping pong tables and (and remember this was in 1963), "today - both inside and outside of school - are in no way comparable with what confronted them when they started high school or a job."

He added: "This means that you have to insist on the control of homework. Do not let yourself be talked into 'we have no homework today.' This is never true. There may be no assignments for a particular day but there is always homework..."

He felt that weekends should be kept for recreation except for a couple of hours on Sunday night to prepare for Monday. “Remember," he told the parents, "you are educating with us and don't shrink from this responsibility. If you parents fail you will have ruined your child's future and can blame no one but yourselves."

To the students, Dr, Hackstetter told the Grade 8 graduates that. "the toughest part of your CHS teachers 1957 Gerald Mino, George life starts in September. Today you will have to give Lemon, (principal), Miss Riordan, Mrs. an honest day's work when you come to high Bowles, Clarence Fiaschetti, Dr. Hackstetter school. Laziness, disregard of discipline will not be given the kid glove treatment, and the sooner this is everyone played.

Dr. Hackstetter taught me when I was in learned the better.

Grades nine and ten, and as I reflect back over the "Each one of you is just one of 250 next years and all the teachers I ever had, he was among year. You must realize the 250 will pull together in one direction toward a better life, and don't you dare the very best. The last time I visited with him was to slow down249 just because you don't want to pull when he returned to Chapleau in the seventies in hard. We would like you to remember that, we, who charge of a Ministry of Education reading van. I know a little bit about life, always have the best for was teaching at CHS, and pouring myself a cup of you in mind. I hope you believe that." He made this coffee in the staff room with my back to the door comment when there were a lot more students at when suddenly a voice from the past, instantly Chapleau High school. (There were 250 students in recognizable, shouted, "MORRIS" and I froze -just like old times., but somehow I managed not to the school at that time) spill the coffee.

When Dr. Hackstetter first arrived in At the public school graduation ceremony Chapleau in 1954, there were about 120 high school students. About 10 years later, it had doubled and a where Dr. Hackstetter spoke in 1963, Ted Eveline new school was needed.I believe there are about 60 was presented with the new best school citizen students in the high school at Chapleau Elementary award by Mrs. Olive McAdam, noble grand of Sincerity Rebekah Lodge. Comments most and Secondary School now. welcome.

During his time as principal, the school had no gymnasium as it was being used for classrooms. My email is mikejmorris41@ outlook.com

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, September 2, 2021- Page 4

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, September 2, 2021- Page 5

Ontario Further Extending Temporary Wage Increase for Personal Support Workers Government Continuing to Support Health Care Workforce as Part of COVID-19 Response The Ontario government is investing an additional $169 million to extend the temporary wage increase for personal support workers and direct support workers for the third time since its initial investment last year. This increase will continue until October 31, 2021 and will help stabilize staffing levels and support our frontline health care workers to ensure the province is prepared to respond to any scenario as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve.

“Since the outset of the pandemic, personal support workers and direct support workers have

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been critical in supporting some of our most vulnerable patients,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “As we head into the fall, ensuring Ontario's personal support workers are supported will ensure patients continue to receive the high-quality care they need.”

The government is extending the wage enhancement for over 158,000 workers who deliver publicly funded personal support services or direct support services in hospitals, long-term care, home and community care and social services until October 31, 2021. This includes: · $3 per hour for approximately 38,000 eligible workers in home and community care; · $3 per hour for approximately 50,000 eligible workers in long-term care; · $2 per hour for approximately 10,000 eligible workers in public hospitals; and · $3 per hour for approximately 60,000 eligible workers in children, community and social services providing personal direct support services for the activities of daily living.

This latest temporary wage increase builds on the government's previous wage enhancement extension on June 11, 2021, which was set to expire on August 23, 2021. Since October 2020, Ontario has invested $841 million and, with this additional $169 million, will have invested over $1 billion for personal support workers and direct support workers. The province will continue to review the wage increase to inform its next steps to ensure this important investment will bring the greatest stability and support for Ontario's personal support workers and direct support workers.

This wage enhancement

extension recognizes the vital work and significant sacrifices that personal support workers and direct support workers continue to make to keep Ontarians, including our most vulnerable, safe and healthy,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, President of the Treasury Board. “We will continue to make historic investments to improve home and community care, longterm care, public hospitals and the social services sector throughout the province as part of our fight against COVID-19.”

Our government is committed to rebuilding and repairing long-term care in Ontario,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Further extending the wage increase will help us continue to attract and retain personal support workers who provide residents with the care they need and deserve everyday.”

To protect vulnerable patients and staff in settings where the risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19 and the Delta variant is higher, on August 17th the Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a directive mandating hospitals and home and community care service providers to have a COVID19 vaccination policy for employees, staff, contractors, students and volunteers, including personal support workers. This is similar to the vaccination policy requirements currently in place for long-term care homes. Vaccination policies will also be implemented in other higher-risk settings where personal support workers and direct support workers provide care, including licensed retirement homes, congregate group homes and day programs for adults with developmental disabilities, children's treatment centres and other services for children with special needs, and licensed children's residential settings.

“We remain grateful for support workers who, throughout the pandemic, have continued to provide vital services to individuals with developmental disabilities and complex needs,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Personal and direct support workers across the province have been instrumental to ensuring our loved ones receive the quality care they need, and the temporary wage increase is meant to recognize and celebrate their important work.”

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, September 2, 2021- Page 6

Last weeks solutions MOMENTS IN TIME

On Sept. 19, 1893, New Zealand becomes the world's first country to grant national voting rights to women. The United States granted women the right to vote in 1920, and Great Britain followed in 1928.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, September 2, 2021- Page 7

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, September 2, 2021- Page 8 record high of 100,300, up more than 56 per cent from the previous year. It was reported that emergency departments and intensive care units are disproportionately affected.” This fact was backed up with even more recent statistics by Canadian Medical Association (CMA) president Katharine Smart in the August 24th edition of iPolitics. Smart stated, “In the past four months, the number of Canadians working in health care has fallen in every province except Manitoba, Sometimes I wonder if people from other according to Statistics Canada.”

This means that those who are on the job lands and cultures see Canadians and Americans are overextending themselves. No one can as pretty much interchangeable, kind of like a family with identical twins. Sometimes it is afford to take time off to re-energize, connect almost impossible, at least from an outside the with their families and do the stuff that helps family perspective. But for family members, the keeps us grounded. The incredible heavy work differences are written all over their face….well, load is breaking them down to their socks. In the you know what I mean. The differences are day same article, the Star reported that 95.7 per cent of nurses responding to a survey indicated that and night is a better way to describe it.

Canadians have long had a reputation for their stress level was either high or very high. As exhibiting more subdued pride in our country, a result, those who have been on the job for a history and achievements than our good while are taking early retirement while they still neighbours to the south. And let's get this straight have their health intact. This serves to exacerbate right up front so there's no debate – Canadians the problem and puts incredible stress on younger OWN hockey. But over the last ten years serving nurses and recent graduates who lack the as MPP, I have come to the conclusion that there knowledge and skills that only come with is strong evidence that, next to hockey in pride experience. When people are tired or rushed, and importance is our public health care system. they make mistakes. And in healthcare, when Rightly we are proud of our public health care mistakes are made, the results can be tragic and services. People must get the right care, when irreversible.

The truth of the matter is that our public they need it and as close to home as possible, health care system must meet the constantly including in rural and Northern Ontario areas.

Without any doubt, one of the longest and changing needs of Ontarians. As our population ongoing complaints that my office receives is grows and ages, health care services must be able lack of access to doctors here in Northern to meet new demands, adopt innovative Ontario. The shortage of doctors here has been practices, educate and train health care an issue that so many successive governments professionals and respond quickly and have brushed aside. And to be sure, the pandemic e f f e c t i v e l y t o c h a n g i n g n e e d s i n o u r has truly obviated this shortage. My office gets communities.

Here in Northern Ontario, as we many calls and letters from individuals who can't desperately try to recover from the economic get onto a physician's roster whether it's because they are new to the area or because their doctor impact of the pandemic, we too hope to be part of has retired or just packed up and moved south for the big comeback to our economy. We are various reasons. It is important to note that hearing and seeing new industry developments among the most common reasons is doctor and expansions in mining and forestry. This means we will see an influx and shifting of burnout because their rosters are overloaded. populations in some towns and therefore the I would be remiss in writing this column if I neglected to point out that the shortage of healthcare needs for those communities will be nurses in Northern Ontario is of equal concern. affected. Sitting back and waiting for a crisis to The problem is two fold in that there is a shortage happen is not a good game plan. We need to be of both program openings as well as clinical proactive, because health and lives are on the placements to produce the number of nurses line. Communities need support from the required. Despite the fact that there is a government to help them adapt to changing noticeable surge in interest in registration in needs. Leaving folks mired in healthcare woes is nursing schools, it is feared that the number of just not acceptable. We need to be sure necessary graduating students will be far exceeded by the funding and support is in place to keep people healthy and safe. demand all across the country.

Some patients who can't find a doctor in As it stands today, nurse burnout is at a crisis level. The April 13, 2021 edition of the their own community resort to trying to find one Toronto Star reported that, “At the end of 2020, in a neighbouring town. The problem is that, here job vacancies in Canada's health care sector hit a in the North, the same problem exists

everywhere. Even if they do find a doctor out of town, and if they are fortunate enough to find a way to travel there, an appointment that might normally take a person an hour in town ends up being 3, 4 or even 5 hours away. And if you are elderly or unwell, such travel demands may just not be safe or practical.

NDP MPP health critic France Gélinas has worked extensively on this issue and has pressed the government to take meaningful action to resolve nursing and doctor shortages in the north. She has pointed out time and time again to the Minister of Health that Northern Ontarians are grossly underserved. She has encouraged the minister to go through any number of northern hospital and family health team websites and tally up the number of doctor and nurse job postings. Some are new jobs, but most are in response to retirements of our aging northern doctor population or are vacancies because doctors are burned out because their rosters are overflowing and they just can't keep up to the growing demands up here. As a result they pack up and head south.

France stated in a recent CBC radio interview that she has risen in the legislature on more than 40 occasions to challenge the Ford government on the inequality of healthcare services between Northern and Southern Ontarians. She said that almost every time the response is how much the government is doing or investing in Southern Ontario medical facilities to address such issues.

Andrea Horwath and the NDP believe that delivering quality public health care is the most important responsibility that a provincial government has. It's time to start moving forward again, so Ontarians can expect more from the health services we have built together.

So where is Doug Ford's plan to resolve this situation?

So, the good news is, Canada still reigns supreme in the hockey world and we continue to hold the all associated bragging rights. Canada does, and always will, own hockey. Of equal good news is that, aside from hockey, our generally demure sense of pride and characteristic swagger remains as discernable as ever from that of our southern friends. But be aware that we must be ever on guard for our precious healthcare public system.

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@ndp.on.ca or by phone at 705-461-9710 or Toll free 1-800-831-1899.

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