ND Times Issue 19 2021 May 19

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The Voice of North Dundas

Vol 2, No 19

Mas 19, 2021

The Inkerman train disaster

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by David Shanahan On March 31, 1941, just eighty years ago, the small hamlet of Inkerman was the scene of a train accident that took the lives of three men and badly injured others.

It took place at the station itself, and the extent of the destruction to the buildings and railway was quite incredible.

A Canadian Pacific passenger train, known as “The Perth Local”, was on its way from Montreal to Perth on the main Montreal to Toronto line, when it pulled into the Inkerman station around 6.30 in the evening. A few passengers and some empty milk cans were the cargo that day, the cans being returned to lo-

cal farmers after their daily milk delivery to Montreal dairies. Just as it was coming to a stop at the station, a freight train heading in the opposite direction was passing through. Most of the freight train had passed the station when an axle on one of the rear freight cars broke, causing 24 of the 68 freight cars to pile up in an enormous crash of wood and iron.

Some of these cars hit the locomotive of the passenger train sideways on, pushing it over on its side in front of the station. The freight cars hit the station building, knocking it around three feet off its foundations, but leaving some empty milk cans still standing,

as can be seen in the photograph. Many of the cars were reduced to matchwood, and the rails were torn up and twisted with the force of the impact. The wreckage was piled 30 feet high in places.

Fred Plato of Smiths Falls, and Wallace Plunkett from Mountain, the crew of The Perth Local, were killed. Witnesses said that Fred, the train’s engineer, tried to escape the cab, but didn’t make it. William Maxwell, a Canadian Pacific Section Foreman, jumped through a window in the station, but was badly scalded by the steam escaping the wreck, and although he was taken to the Ottawa Civic Hospital for treatment, he

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died the next evening.

Another CP employee in the station building, Edward Pennett, the Station Agent, who was sitting in his office when the crash occurred, also escaped through a window, suffering a badly gashed arm and burns to his face. A local farmer, George Suffel, along with his father and a farm hand witnessed the accident from their nearby land, and rushed to help.

George helped Edward Pennett by putting a tourniquet on his arm and cutting away clothing to ease the pain from burns. Edward was treated in Winchester and recovered from the traumatic event.

George and his wife took the photographs that recorded the scene that day.

He could have been much closer to the accident than he was, as he usually waited at the station to retrieve his milk cans on their return from Montreal. But he hadn’t shipped any milk that day, and so was not waiting on the station platform when the accident occurred.

There were some amazing close calls for others who were there at the time.

Asa Hanes was a mailman from Inkerman who was waiting to get mail bags off the passenger train. He was bending over to pick up

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A local author shares her story of survival

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The station building was moved 3 feet off its foundations, but remained intact. The milk cans on the platform are still standing after the impact. some bags when the force of the collision between the trains knocked him over. As he lay there, with wreckage flying around him, a military truck that had been on a flatbed of the freight train sailed right over his head.

Asa walked away without injury.

Danny McDonald, a transient from Montreal, had hidden himself on the tender of the passenger train when it stopped at Chesterville, hoping to hitch an unpaid ride to Smiths Falls, where he was hoping to find work. Even though he

survived the accident with heavy bruising to his legs and needed medical attention, he survived the accident, only to be sentenced to ten days in jail for vagrancy.

None of the 24 passengers on the train were injured, but other crew members received cuts and bruises, broken ribs and burns. A grain store shed around 90 feet from the station was also demolished by a derailed freight car, sending twelve tons of grain showering the scene of the accident. The track was ripped up for 300 feet and

trains had to be diverted for some days before the rails could be relaid.

The total number of deaths was not complete.

The day after the accident, A. J. Logsdail, Dean of the Kemptville Agricultural School, and his wife drove to Inkerman to view the scene. As they walked from their car to the site, Mrs. Logsdail collapsed with a heart attack and died.

The station building was later removed and became a residence in Mountain.

by Joselyn Morley

In 2020, Maria Franciscus decided to write her life story: the good, the bad, and the funny. She explains it as, "a compelling story of a child sexually abused, physically and mentally abused throughout my life, moving into a troublesome marriage that ends in a rocky divorce." She says, "I raised four kids by myself. I have determination, courage, motivation and resolve despite health setbacks and a frugal lifestyle.

Through it all, my faith kept me anchored when all else failed."

Maria had no desire or inclination to write this book until last year. Over the years, she has kept most of her life private. Her son said she should let it go, and leave the past in the past, but she felt inspired by her Higher Power to share her story, in the hopes that it could help someone by inspiring them to get out of an abusive situation. Years of counseling, as well as working as a counselor,

Amputee's story highlights importance of farm safety

Merrill Loeppky lost his right arm in a grain auger accident as a child and today warns of the dangers on the farm.

With farming season here, Merrill Loeppky, a War Amps Regional Representative, is reminding parents to pass on an essential and possibly life-saving lesson to their children - PLAYSAFE! May 9, 2021

Merrill grew up on a farm in Manitoba, and at 3 years old, his curiosity led him to get too close to a grain auger, resulting in the loss of his right arm.

"Accidents can happen in a split second," says Mer-

rill. "I hope my story will prevent even just one child from being injured."

The War Amps PLAYSAFE Program aims to make children more aware of the dangers in their play environment and believes that no one is better qualified to deliver the message than amputees, many of whom have lost limbs in accidents while at play, like Merrill.

"It's important that families and educators help make kids aware of the dangers on the farm," says Merrill. "Kids should never be near grain augers, tractors, lawn mowers or other mean machines.”

The public can access valuable safety resources, including PLAYSAFE: Don't Let It Happen to You, a video featuring young amputees who share their stories about how they lost their limbs in accidents, visit waramps.ca/ playsafe.

has given her insight into the process of growth, and breaking free from the effects of trauma. Maria says life is not easy, and it helps to know that someone else has survived trauma. Even if one person is helped by her story, the writing will have been worth it.

Maria changed the names in her story to protect privacy and chose to use a pseudonym in order to protect individuals from embarrassment and shame.

Her goal is to share her story, and the truth of her experience, not to hurt others. Some of her family members are unaware of what happened, and others have their own interpretation of events and their own experience.

It Is What It Is, is Maria's first book, and currently she has no plans to tackle another subject.

The title is something her grandson says a lot. It encapsulates a lot of Maria's take on life and her experience. The saying, "It is what it is," means that whatever is happening is beyond our control. How we react to events, though, is up to

us. Incidents and events mentioned in the book are simply that: it is what it is.

She explains that the title suggests that actions have names.

In the process of writing, Maria realized that she was able to tell the story without tears or nightmares, which she believes is indication that counselling works. Healing is possible, and does occur. Through writing, she has had the opportunity to look back at her life in awe, thinking of all that she and her children accomplished. She explains that "most times I'm just too busy doing "today" to reflect" on the past. When asked what she hopes that people will take away from her book, she says: "If only one person can relate and make a change to their troublesome life, then I am happy. I sure hope people stop and listen to others and are prepared to support and guide. If one person stops and contemplates their relationship with God, then that is a huge bonus. I truly hope people are not judgmental at any time. Life is a tough journey - tougher for some of us."

Getting her book to print was a challenge. She experienced challenges with publishers, and a good deal of expense in the process. The subject matter added a challenge to publishing, and she says it's not easy or cheap to get a book published. Some supportive friends helped with proofreading. She acknowledges that there are a "few grammatical slip-ups", but nothing to detract from the story. She just hopes to help someone with her story. One of her readers told Maria, "I didn't know whether to laugh or cry!" but Maria maintains that there are many incidents that will leave you laughing. In short, Maria says of her book: "It is not for everyone, and that's ok. It is my life and it is what it is."

Send in your letters, stories, events to editor@ ndtimes.ca 2

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Changes will allow more low-income seniors to access dental care and prescriptions The Ontario government is updating the income eligibility thresholds for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and the Seniors CoPayment Program to allow more of Ontario's most vulnerable seniors to have access to dental care and affordable prescription medications.

Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health said the government is expanding access to more low income seniors to protect hospital capacity and improve the quality of life for lowincome seniors.

In 2019, the Ontario government launched the Ontario Seniors Dental Care program to provide free routine dental care for eligible low-income seniors across the province.

The Seniors Co-Payment Program enables low-income seniors to access the medication they need with no annual deductible and a reduced copayment for each prescrip-

tion.

Starting August 1, 2021, eligibility thresholds for both programs will be updated to reflect cost of living increases in Ontario and align with income support programs for seniors. Income thresholds will be updated for single Ontarians aged 65 and over, from $19,300 to $22,200, and for couples with a combined annual income, from $32,300 to $37,100. This will allow approximately 7,000 more seniors access the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, and 17,000 more seniors to access the Seniors Co-Payment Program in 2021-2022.

The changes are expected to support hospital capacity needs and end hallway health care.

For the Seniors Co-Payment Program, seniors who are eligible under the new income thresholds are encouraged to apply now in advance of the start of the upcoming

the application that can be found online, or request an application over the phone toll free at 1-888-405-0405 or 416-503-4586. On the first day of the month after an Ontarian turns 65 years old, they are automatically enrolled in the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program, which covers most of the costs of more than 5,000 prescription drug products. Seniors pay the first $100 of their prescription drug costs each year (the deductible) and up to $6.11 for every prescription (the co-payment). The Seniors Co-Payment Program, under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB), allows eligible seniors that are enrolled in the program to pay no annual deductible for their drugs, and a reduced co-payment of $2 for each prescription, improving access to essential drugs that they may not otherwise be able to afford.

benefit year on August 1st, 2021. Applying early will help ensure eligible seniors receive the reduction in their drug deductible and co-payment on time to minimize the chance of out of pocket expenses. Once an application has been submitted, eligibility will be assessed to confirm enrollment for the year.

Eligible seniors can apply at any time online, downloading and printing the application form, or by picking one up at their local public health unit. The form can be submitted online or by mail. For their application to be assessed under the new income thresholds, seniors who are eligible under the new income thresholds for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program can apply beginning July 1, 2021. For the Seniors Co-Payment Program, seniors who are eligible under the new income thresholds can apply now by completing

MP Duncan calls out continued chaos and delays at Canada Revenue Agency

by Lorraine Rekmans The personal income tax deadline this year was set for April 30, just as it has been in the decades that preceded it, with the exception of last year, when the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) moved the income tax filing deadline to June 1 and allowed income tax payments to be deferred to September.

However, the CRA decided not to make any special exceptions for this tax year despite the fact that nearly 1 million Canadians had been locked out of their CRA online accounts and were unable to file electronically. There

were pleas from accountants, small businesses and politicians for the CRA to push the filing deadline to June again this year to accommodate people who were locked out of their accounts and forced to stay home during the lockdown.

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MP, Eric Duncan was part of the effort to push the CRA to grant extra time for filing of personal income tax. MP Duncan indicated that CRA is already backlogged, and his office is being flooded by calls from people who are frustrated with the CRA. People have not been able to complete their taxes or connect with CRA by phone to

obtain the documents necessary for filing.

“With this year's tax deadline now passed, it was absolutely tone-deaf and unreasonable that the government could not have extended the deadline until June 30,” said MP Duncan. “We have had hundreds of panicked phone calls from seniors and those on fixed incomes, who were booked to use our volunteer tax service, and we had to cancel them because they were told to stay home. Not everyone can do their own taxes, or even have a computer or internet. It makes no sense that there couldn’t be an extension to take the pressure off both the tax filers and the

overwhelming calls for help into CRA.” MP Duncan said he expects that the chaos and CRA will continue for months to come and will have a detrimental effect on people who are expecting benefit payments such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Child Tax Benefit, both of which are tied to income tax filing.

MP Duncan said, “If the government can take two years to do their own federal budget during a pandemic, why couldn`t Canadians just have been given an extra two months to file their taxes- especially when they are being told they must stay at home?”

New schedule for the Times

The impact that the pandemic and various lockdowns have had on business in North Dundas has had an effect on the Times also. Dependant as we are on all our revenue from advertising, we have not managed to cover costs for some time. In order to continue, we are changing our publication schedule to an issue every two weeks, instead of weekly. We hope this will enable us to get through the next few months and emerge the other side ready to serve and inform North Dundas as we all get back to normal. This change takes place as of this issue.

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Funding approved for Hallville park

The Township of Hallville has announced that its funding application for the Community Park has been approved.

The application was submitted to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Community, Culture and Recreation Stream. These funds are to support community, culture and recreational projects that help deliver vital services for communities, foster greater social inclusion and improve the quality of life for residents across the province.

The Federal Government has contributed $1,091,477, the Provincial Government has contributed $909,473 and the Township of North Dundas will contribute $727,742 for a total project funding of $2,728,692.

“As the Mayor of the Township of North Dundas, I want to express thanks to both levels of government on behalf of the rest of Council, as well as the residents of North Dundas and especially those living in and around Hallville. The financial support provided by the Federal and Provincial government will allow this planned for and eagerly awaited Hallville Community Park project to break ground in the near future. My thanks to Ms. Meerburg and her staff for preparing the grant submission. Excellent work. Thanks to MPP McDonell for also being a champion of this project. This is an exciting day and once again, thank you to all for supporting this project,” said Mayor Tony Fraser.

The community park will be a multi-purpose park with play structures, picnic tables, paved bike and pedestrian paths, an outdoor rink, accessible swings and tables and a pavilion.

The community will be planning a public meeting for residents to discuss the details of the project and the development options.

BeGrainSafe equipment and training for rural fire departments The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), is pleased to announce that long-time sponsor G3 has committed $45,000 to BeGrainSafe for 2021. G3 is a Safety Champion for the program, the top tier of support. G3 has partnered with CASA since 2016 for BeGrainSafe program development and delivery.

In 2021, G3's commitment will ensure the BeGrainSafe program continues to raise awareness and provide grain rescue training to fire fighters in farming communities.

With the volume of grain May 19, 2021

flows increasing due to advances in technology and production, this program provides education to producers, their families, workers and rural firefighters about the safety risks posed by flowing grain. They deal with topics such as grain entrapment or engulfment which are situations that occur when grain is drawn out from beneath someone present on the surface of the grain; when a void beneath the surface of grain breaks as someone attempts to walk across it; and when a wall of grain collapses onto someone. Grain entrapment

"G3 is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers and neighbours in all the communities we serve," says G3 CEO Don Chapman. The program also provides training to firefighters on grain entrapment rescue.

For more information about BeGrainSafe, including firefighter training, please visit casa-acsa.ca/grain or Contact CASA at 877-4522272 or info@casa-acsa.ca.

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is a national, non-profit organi-

occurs when a person becomes partially submerged in grain and cannot get out without assistance. Grain engulfment occurs when someone is completely buried in grain.

Both situations are extremely dangerous, though engulfments are usually fatal. The BeGrainSafe program centers around grain safety education and training.

In past years, G3's commitment has included the purchase of grain rescue gear for several rural fire departments in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

G3 is making similar donations this year in Manitoba.

3

zation dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families and agricultural workers. CASA is funded in part through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal, provincial and territorial initiative and receives additional support from the agricultural and corporate sectors. For more information, visit www.casaacsa.ca, find us on Facebook or LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter @planfarmsafety.

G3 was created with the vision of building a smarter path from farmers' fields to global markets. Today, G3 is

transforming the way grain moves with an expanding network of facilities that set new standards for fast, safe and reliable operations. We focus on efficiency to create opportunity for our customers across Canada and around the world. G3 Terminal Vancouver, a state-of-the art export facility, is bringing more speed and efficiency to our grain supply chain. G3 is a Canadian company, and is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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Editorial

The North Dundas Times

Consolidation, Globalization and local development

by Lorraine Rekmans When I worked in the forest policy sector, I didn’t at the time realize I was a witness to historic changes in the sector, but in hindsight I realize now that I had a front row seat to some pretty big policy changes that took place as a result of globalization.

History tells us that Canadians have long been hewers of wood and drawers of water, first as a colony, and now as a global player in world trade. Even when Canada was a French colony, French mercantile policy and industrial interests insisted that the colony supply raw

goods only. The people, as a result, were forced to purchase manufactured goods from French industrialists.

The policy prohibited the establishment of companies that would likely compete with those of the mother country. If we consider that we still export raw timber in the form of softwood lumber, and that our manufacturing sector has been eroded to the point where we barely can any of our own food, we can see not much has changed in 400 years.

Global pressures have been bearing down on us for centuries, and as a result what we see is a constant move to reach economies of scale through industrial consolidation.

At one time, our forests were similar to the organizational structures of small agricultural settlements. Mostly, the small towns would grow up around a mill. In the forests, the towns would grow near a lumber mill. In the ag-

ricultural sector, they would grow near grain mills.

There were a lot of small operations milling timber up until the 1970s in northern Ontario. In the 1990's, forest policy changed to allow for larger forest management units, and centralization of milling occurred as wood was moved to larger mills.

This resulted in the closure of the smaller mills and had huge impacts on small rural economies who lost their major employer.

Forest management units increased in size, sometimes tripling or quadrupling the area, in response to industry’s demands that they needed access to more wood in order to be competitive in a global market. As they say, it was a time of “go big, or go home.” At the time, the forest areas were known as Crown Forest Management Units, but provincial policy transferred management authority to industry through a licensing process, and the

areas were then named after the forest company who held the permit.

We as a province have been through numerous policy changes in how we manage our “natural” resources, largely in response to global pressures to provide more raw materials to an increasing world population. We must take more and more resources, more quickly to supply world markets. That is the business model we are currently working with. In fact, the supply of raw timber increased so rapidly that mills had to be retrofitted in response, because the mills were originally designed to accommodate larger diameter older trees. The mills were re-jigged to accommodate smaller diameter trees because tree harvesting cycles started to get shorter.

Gee, I am starting to feel like the Lorax here.

The pressures on agricultural production are similar.

For centuries, family farms

North Dundas Council discusses the future of waste management

by Joselyn Morley North Dundas Council held their regular meeting on Wednesday May 12.

The meeting began with a presentation by Derek Ali, President of DFA Infrastructure International Inc., regarding the Regional Waste Management Study: A Roadmap to Collaboration.

The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry are looking at the possibility of encouraging or facilitating the various townships in SDG to work together in waste management going forward. The purpose of the presentation was to identify opportunities for potential collaboration among the Local Municipalities (LM), including the possibility for SDG and / or Cornwall to be involved, to improve efficiencies and overall service delivery for all communities.

Mayor Fraser and Deputy Mayor Armstrong both serve on the SDG Council, representing North Dundas, but the other three Councilors in North Dundas do not attend the SDG Council meetings, so this was an opportunity to catch them up on what's been discussed at County Council.

Each township deals with its own waste, and May 9, 2021

each township's approach is different. Each municipality is facing their own challenges, such as the possibility of the Boyne Road Landfill in North Dundas closing in 2022 if an extension is not granted, and the entire region is facing other changes and challenges, such as the banning of organics in landfills and the shift to the producer being responsible for all recycling costs by 2025.

The County Council is expecting a formal response to the presentation within the next couple of weeks. There are many questions and considerations surrounding waste management going forward for our municipality, for SDG, and for Ontario. Challenges include: closing landfills that are reaching capacity; ongoing costs of maintaining landfills once they are closed; high truck maintenance cost; a change to the producer being responsible for recycling, and costly organics programs. Possible benefits to collaboration include: uni-

fied public relations, education, and communications; sharing of equipment and staff, saving money by not duplicating positions; sharing landfill capacity; collective power of accessing private sector disposal; possibility of working with Cornwall; and, consistency across the various municipalities. Council has an opportunity to discuss what their concerns are as they prepare a response to County Council. It is not the mandate of SDG to manage waste, and Deputy Mayor Armstrong, for one, made it clear that any collaboration was not a foregone conclusion, indicating that Mayor and Council will be engaged with the process going forward.

On a another note, Mayor and Council re iterated the importance of hiring students for the summer months, with Mayor Fraser stating that "we do the best we can to provide opportunities for students in our community."

Being that summer throughout Ontario is road-

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Provincial lockdown order extended to June 2

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has extended the Stay-at-Home Order (O. Reg. 265/21) until at least June 2, 2021. All public health and workplace safety measures will also remain in effect.

During this time, the government will prepare to administer the Pfizer vaccine to youth between the ages of 12 and 17, beginning the week May 31, 2021.

Tid Bit Musings work season, tenders and quotations were on the agenda at the meeting. Paving of various roads in North Dundas will cost almost $3 million.

This is for North Dundas roads. SDG maintains their roads. A list of the roads to be re done, with their associated cost, is available in the meeting package for the May 12 Council meeting which can be found on the Township website. Gravel for construction and maintenance of gravel roads will cost $230K this year.

The Community Improvement Plan, and the Regional Incentives Program (SDG) were both accepted.

The Township's new website will be up and running this month.

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Production

were the foundation of our society and economy. But over decades, federal policies, subsidies, and changing technologies have shifted food production from small ecologically-sustainable family farms to giant agribusinesses.

We have seen an industrial consolidation in our food production and supply chains.

When we talked of farming, mostly we were talking about small family farms producing local food, but today we are dealing with what people call agribusiness. This shift has meant we produce more food, more rapidly.

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW Twice a year we set aside a day to honor our parentsMother's Day and Father's Day. Scripturally, we are instructed to honor our parents so our days on earth shall be long. Why we take the separate time to express our appreciation and thanks is not just to create revenue for Hallmark, but to set aside the time in our busy schedules. Niceties get overlooked and relegated to tomorrow.

Parenthood involves so many roles and so many responsibilities by many individuals. We begin the journey being "responsible for" the little ones, then grow into "responsible to" when they fly the nest. We trust the values, ideology, morals tempered with wisdom, guidance and nurturing will guide them along life's journey. When they adopt opposing viewpoints, then you silently acknowledge they have developed independence and are free spirited. They are driving down their own path, wherever it may lead.

To honor someone involves teaching and role modeling.

Did you train your child to honor the other parent regardless of relationship? Some of the respect is demonstrated through osmosis, but if you don't lead by example, then the child falters.

No matter how you were recognized, know that you made the best decisions at the time, with the information you had at that time, as a parent. Hindsight is 20-20!

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"Years of Service" milestones recognizes Township Employees

Laurie Piche-Gibson is recognized by Mayor Fraser for five years of service with the municipality

by Joselyn Morley The Township of North Dundas recently recognized four employees for "Years of Service" milestones, thanking them for their long-term service to the community, and their dedication, hard work, and loyalty.

Robert Durant is a dedicated employee with over 25 years of service with the Township in Waste Management. He achieved 25 years of service in November 2020.

He started as a labourer with the Township of Winchester and has progressed to his current leadership role of Lead

Hand for the Waste Management Department. Robert knows all aspects of the Waste Management Department including landfill, recycling and hazardous waste handling. He is willing to tackle and solve any problem and is always happy to lend a hand to the residents.

Tom Sloane celebrated his 25th year with the Township of North Dundas in 2020.

Tom started with the Waste Management Department in 1995 and helped provide services there for 18 years.

He joined the Recreation and Culture Department in 2014, when he transitioned into the position of Facili-

Baldwin's Birds

Good day faithful readers, I hope that everyone is well and taking good care of themselves and those around them. April left us with a rather windy, stinging blow, thus ensuring that the first day of the new month of May arrived in a cold flourish and a covering of snow! Despite this, the birds have adapted and are busy doing their Spring mating,- regardless.

A pair of Cardinals that I observed in the front garden were showing their affection in a different way. They actually looked like they were May 19, 2021

kissing, as part of the male ritual of feeding seed to his mate. Another thing that he also does, at this time, is change the tune of his singing. If you listen to one singing now, you will notice the real intenseness of it and the constant changes that occur in its pitch and cadence.

Other birds that are having to adapt very quickly, weather-wise on their return to us, are the smallest ones, the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds and the House Wrens. We have both in our garden, so the sugar water

Robert Durant is recognized by Mayor Fraser for his 25 years of service with the municipality. and social opportunities for our North Dundas residents and guests.

Carl Munro achieved 15 years of service with the Township of North Dundas in December 2020. Carl is a dedicated Operator in the Public Works Department.

He spends much of the winter plowing snow and has responded to countless calls in the middle of the night, followed by long hours in a plow during snow storms, to ensure that Township Roads are safe to travel. Carl is a skilled operator who also operates other equipment as required, including the grader during maintenance

ties Operator. In this role, Tom helps maintain the municipality's community halls, parks, open spaces, soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, fire halls, trails and pools.

He is also a part of the team that maintains and operates the Winchester & Chesterville Arenas. Tom aids with special events that are hosted by the Township, as well as events that are hosted in our facilities, including the most recent EOHU coordinated COVID-19 vaccination clinics. His ongoing efforts and dedication to our municipal operations help us continue to deliver a high level of customer service for recreational

Tom Sloane is recognized for his 25 years of service by Mayor Fraser. and road construction, and the backhoe. He is a member of the Public Works team that completes road maintenance including patching, shouldering, edging, sign installation, roadside mowing, ditching and brushing.

Laurie Piche-Gibson joined the North Dundas Team in November, 2015 as an Administrative Assistant in the Administration Department. She is the friendly voice that has greeted many people when they called the municipal office over the last five years and more recently, she has become one of the friendly faces that greet people at the front counter.

Laurie provides exceptional customer service to the public and her co-workers, whether directing calls, answering questions about invoices, receiving payments, issuing marriage licenses, ordering supplies, or trying to find answers to the myriad of inquiries that she receives from the public.

Photos from the website of the North Dundas

Reduced fees for supply has to be kept replenished to help the Hum- Tourism Industry mingbird, in this respect.

The Wren is singing his heart out for hours at a time, from early dawn to dusk, as he tries to lure a mate to come and view any potential nesting place he might have picked out. Of course, it will have to meet her approval before the home making can start, but, he is very patient and persevering in this quest,--not at all like us!

Enjoy all your "resident" and "returning" birds and the other creatures that inhabit your gardens. They are there for you all to see and enjoy and, best of all, they are free, in more ways than one!

Stay safe and well and keep on smiling.

Cheers, John Baldwin

The Ontario government will be waiving and reducing certain land use and licence fees for resourcebased tourism industries in 2021. The value of the relief for more than 300 businesses is $1-million.

The province's continued support for the resourcebased tourism industry will help local businesses that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Ontario's tourism industry continues to be heavily impacted by public health and safety measures related to COVID-19, and this includes the hundreds of businesses that make our provincial parks and conservation reserves vibrant tourist destinations," said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

The Minister said this much-needed relief to these businesses, many of which are family-owned, will help Ontario Parks and support local jobs.

The government will remove 2021 annual land use fees for commercial outpost

Send in your letters, stories, events to editor@ ndtimes.ca 5

camp permit holders, and defer payment of land use fees for commercial youth camps.

Some commercial operators under service agreements in Ontario Parks for 2021, will see reduced fees as well. Resource-based businesses do not need to apply for this relief.

Refunds or invoice adjustments will be automatically provided to eligible businesses currently operating in Ontario's provincial parks and conservation reserves.

This funding builds on the more than $1.3 million in relief provided to resource-based tourism operators at provincial parks

• • •

Vehicle repairs Class “A” Mechanic Sale of Quality Pre-Owned Ve-

and conservation reserves during the 2020 operating season. With these investments, total support from the Ontario government for the tourism, culture, sports, recreation, and heritage industries since the start of COVID-19 now totals $625 million.

Ontario's system of provincial parks and conservation reserves is largely funded through the collection of user fees, including monies collected from resource-based tourism operations. The money collected in Ontario Parks stays in Ontario Parks and is used to offset the cost of operating the entire system.

• • • •

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Running for a Cause Grand Opening

Inside Secure monitored building, climate controlled Secured outside storage Please see our wesite at info@ebstorage.com Or phone 613.774-6161 12054 Main Street, Winchester

By day, Registered Nurse Sean Burnett is a Team Leader at WDMH. By night and on weekends, he's a runner with a cause - throughout the month of May. Sean is participating in the Ottawa Race Weekend virtual event, raising funds for the WDMH and awareness about the impact of cancer.

He has signed up to do the Lumberjack+ event, which includes running the 2K, 5K, 10K and 50K events. On his sponsor page, Sean notes: "In the last 8 months, with all the hardships we have all endured with the pandemic, I have had to say goodbye to my mother, a colleague and then watch my sister endure her own battle. Thankfully,

she's still fighting the fight!

It's been a lot to deal with, to say the least."

Sean goes on to explain what he hopes to accomplish: "I realize running a few kilometres and raising a few bucks is not going to cure cancer. Maybe, though, it will buy a comfortable chair for someone to sit in while they receive their chemotherapy, maybe it will go towards a new x-ray machine that will help make faster, more reliable diagnoses, or maybe it will go towards providing education for nurses in palliative care so that they may provide comfort when it is needed most."

"Sean already gives so much to WDMH and our

For more details or to sponsor Sean, please visit RUN SEAN RUN - For Winchester Hospital - CanadaHelps. And if you see Sean running around his hometown of Embrun, be sure to cheer him on! Thanks so much Sean!

patients every day. We are so grateful that he is also raising funds to support the wonderful care provided here," notes Cindy Ault Peters, Manager of Direct Mail and Events at the WDMH Foundation.

"Sean has completed several half and full marathons, but never completed any "ultra" distances such as the 50K. We know he's up for it!"

Hayley Bedford

Marketing Consultant

Phone: 343-777-2702 Email: hayley@ndtimes.ca www.ndtimes.ca

The Voice of Our Community

Tips from Cyndy and Sarah Budgeting your Vacation/Staycation

by Cyndy Batchelor, B.Com. F i n a n c i a l A d v i s o r, O'Farrell Financial Services Planning your vacation can be fun, yet stressful, if you are working within budgetary or travel restrictions. Many vacationers have turned to camping or have decided to create a backyard oasis, complete with a new in-ground pool. Is this right for you?

Here are a few financial tips to remember when planning your vacation, or if you decide to invest in a camping trailer or complete some backyard enhancements.

1. Plan your vacation according to your budget. Pay for everything with cash (or debit in a pandemic!) and stick to what you can afford.

Do not book the luxe hotel if your budget dictates the 3-star hotel. You could always choose one night at the fantasy location as a special treat.

2. Explore local attractions. Local parks, like the South Nation River, fishing May 9, 2021

sites, like Cass Bridge Conservation, Ouimet Farms in Vankleek Hill, and Golf at Cloverdale Links or Nationview. A day of outdoor family fun can be a great idea for budget friendly ways to spend summer days. 3. Take a road trip and make the drive a part of the experience. Pack your own snacks and entertainment for the trip. For meals, try local establishments rather than chain restaurants.

4. If you are not a camper, but want to try it, rent a rustic cottage for a week. A $1,200 rental is a lot more manageable than spending $30,000 on a new camper.

5. Is it a phase or a lifestyle? If you are contemplating getting a loan for that trailer or taking a second mortgage for an in-ground pool, ask yourself the allimportant question - is this something you can see yourself using for the next 20 years? Or will you be going back to destination travel when the restrictions are lifted?

6. Do not forget the other costs. Pools come with additional monthly maintenance costs for chemicals, accessories and hydro bills. Have you budgeted for this?

7. Remember, whether you are planning a staycation, a vacation, or a day trip, it is about relaxing and making memories, not about the dollars you spend. Have fun and enjoy your family!

Please reach out to us with any questions you may have and follow us on Facebook @OFarrellFinancialServicesInc. YOUR LOCALLY OWNED, LOCALLY EMPLOYED FINANCIAL PLANNING FIRM

North Dundas’ Financial Services Professionals Cynthia Batchelor

Sarah Chisholm

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

877.989.1997 | OFSI.CA | FUTURE@OFSI.CA BROCKVILLE CORNWALL KEMPTVILLE RENFREW WINCHESTER

6

The climate crisis requires resistance and restoration

By Ralph Martin Seth Klein approaches the challenge of the climate crisis as, "A Good War," the title of his new book. He refers to C.D. Howe, our Canadian Minister of Everything during WWII, who revamped government, harnessed industry and ensured that Canada was well equipped to fight Hitler. Klein argues that the Canadian government could similarly fight rising, devastating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

In my opinion, rather than a war, the climate crisis requires dogged resistance, as we dig in for the long haul. Klein is correct to urge us to take steps quickly, and not just baby steps but real adult strides. Our current cumulative emissions may already have flipped climate systems to a new trajectory (https://www.pnas.org/content/115/33/8252 ).

When the Israelites were in Egypt, Pharoah ordered all their firstborn males to be killed. One mother resisted by hiding her baby for 3 months and then placed him in a floating basket among the reeds. Her young daughter, Miriam, watched and eventually saw the daughter of Pharoah approach the basket and open it, with evident compassion for the crying baby. In a remarkable repartee of restoration, Miriam offered to find a nurse (her mama) and then clinched a royal upbringing for her brother, Moses. She dealt with the immediate risk while being strategic in the long game of restoring freedom for her people. The training of Moses would pay dividends.

GHG emissions are harming poor people now and as they accumulate, will increase hardships. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, not only did Canadian GHG emissions fail to trend downward toward our 2030 target, they actually went up (https:// bit.ly/3nEMr9Q ). Canada is the only G7 country emitting more GHGs than we did in 1990; embarrassingly, 21% more.

In 2019 when I was a Green Party candidate, in Wellington Halton Hills, numerous voters expressed urgency about the climate. Grandparents who had always voted Liberal or Conservative, expressed authentic concern about the lives of their grandchildren in a world of floods, droughts and rising sea levels. They wanted to tell me, the Green guy, what they were doing to reduce their footprints.

More than ever, we need a government that will establish an inner climate cabinet of all parties, and like Moses's mama, will authorize a 21st century Miriam to mobilize for immediate risks, in the context of strategic adaptive management for as long as required.

The climate crisis is the predictable reaction of Earth Systems to human patterns of production and consumption.

Humanity is acting like a truculent toddler screaming at Mother Earth "you're not the boss of me." As a matter of fact, she is.

Resistance is required to halt the patterns of production.

For example, let's stop subsidizing the fossil fuel industry, which is well beyond the training wheels stage. It is past time to slow it down. It is also necessary to resist profligate consumption patterns. For example, wasting over 50% of food is tragic and even 'unavoidable' waste with some probing can either be assessed as actually avoidable or much of it can repurposed for animal feed (https://bit.ly/3vSNNjV and https://bit.ly/2RzI0RA ).

Restoring patterns of production and consumption will include green energy, less travel, less material use and discerning needs from wants. It is time to restore the old fashioned word, conserve. Since Earth systems are the final regulator, we should conserve ecological systems and the roles of our numerous relatives, non human creatures.

To conserve recent economic structures is to underachieve. Conserving ecological resilience strengthens a healthy long term economy and associated possibilities.

Restoration is to focus production on what we need, to transform waste to inputs in a circular economy and to consume with care and gratitude. What if resisting the climate crisis restored a better life?

Ralph Martin, Ph.D., Professor (retired), University of Guelph. Information on new book, Food Security: From Excess to Enough at www.ralphmartin.ca www.ndtimes.ca

The North Dundas Times

Ontario offers FREE COVID-19 test kits to essential businesses The Ontario government has unveiled a plan to make rapid COVID-19 testing kits available to essential businesses.

Qualified businesses can have these packages shipped to them free of charge, so they can test their workers. Businesses are encouraged to participate in the program by registering at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/check-your-eligibility-provincialantigen-screening-program. Program eligibility was recently expanded to include any business that is allowed to be open and requires staff to work on-site.

A COVID-19 rapid screening test can be performed anywhere (e.g., on-site, at the place of employment) and does not require shipping a specimen to a lab for processing. It takes about 15 minutes to yield a result.

Businesses with fewer than 150 employees can participate in workplace rapid antigen screening through a program run jointly by the Ontario government and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

gilmer clayworks to shop online

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10% off all in-stock items picked up at the shop.

Curbside pickup by appointment.

10104 Nation River Rd. South Mountain

Maker of the Week Debbie Gilmer, Master Potter I have been making and selling pottery at my current location on Nation River Road, South Mountain for 12 years, and I have been a potter for over 30 years, specializing in functional dishware.

Since 2020, most of my sales have pivoted to online at http://gilmer-clayworks.square.site Hopefully this fall and winter will offer more in-person shows and events which were the backbone of my business pre-covid. In the meantime, my shop is open for curbside pickup and (once the lockdown is lifted) individual appointments will be available to shoppers.

Our popular Annual Open House and Christmas Sale is Dec 2 to 5 this year, and visitors will be able to book online as they did last year. Details on how to book will be posted on the website in October.

I offer free local delivery and a 10% off coupon at checkout for purchases picked up here at the shop. Half price shipping is also available.

The stoneware pottery is designed and made in a style series. Currently there are two series available. "Hearth and Home" features detailed hand carving on each piece. The Minimalist Series features exposed raw clay, simple lines and pure colour.

Follow me on FaceBook or Instagram for new work and upcoming events.

Fill-a-bag out, nutrition bags in One of the signature events of the year for Community Food Share has become the Fill-a-Bag Food Drive. Unfortunately, that event was cancelled last May and the same thing is happening in 2021. We have so many wonderful memories of the community coming together for our Fill-a-Bag food drive.

Volunteers working together on two consecutive Saturdays brought in thousands of pounds of food to help feed those members of our community who need help. We can't wait to do it again in 2022!

In the meantime, the good news is that we have received emergency funding to provide food for anyone who needs it. Our locations in Morrisburg and Winchester are open and ready to help anyone who can't manage to cover all their expenses and put food on the table. For May 19, 2021

locations and hours of operation, check out our website: https://www.communityfoodshare.ca/.

Student Nutrition Bags Last year, to help families whose children were learning at home, we were fortunate to receive funding to provide food for student nutrition bags. We are pleased to again be able to offer that service to families with school aged children from 4 - 17. Any family, whether they are food bank clients or not, can access this program which runs through the end of August 2021.

All families of schoolage children in Dundas and Stormont counties can access a week's worth of healthy breakfast and snack foods, including oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, granola bars, as well as a variety of cheese, veggies, hummus and pitas.

This program is sup-

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ported by Upper Canada Leger Centre for Education & Training (UCLCET) which administers and distributes funding for breakfast and snack programs in over 225 schools. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UCLCET is diverting funds to local food banks.

Any family with school-aged students may access this program by contacting Community Food Share. To maintain social distancing, an appointment is required to arrange pick up. Please email coordinator@communityfoodshare, or call one of our locations (leave a message) for more information. In Morrisburg, the number is 613 543-0065 and in Winchester, 613 774-0188.

613.371.0962

E S OR Y ST RDA M RM TU 2 P FA N SA M E A OP 10

Seven year old, Ahna Roosendaal submitted this and calls it Tears of Joy.

Welcome to May Makers Month!

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7

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OFA Viewpoint OFA brings the voice of agriculture to policymakers at Queen's Park

Peggy Brekveld, President OFA Queen's Park certainly looked different for this year's Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) virtual lobby day. Many OFA directors fed animals the morning of our meetings, and a few even logged on from their farm shop. Wherever we joined from, our Zoom squares were hopping as we engaged with MPPs and their staff over two days. Meetings like the ones we participated in matter so much. While most farmers were in tractors or greenhouses or working with cattle, growing food for all Ontarians, your elected OFA Board of Directors were sharing how agriculture is managing the COVID-19 crisis and how we will continue to grow food for consumers beyond this pandemic.

Our board is dedicated to ensuring agriculture's priorities and untapped economic potential is at the forefront of the minds of our government policymakers as they move forward on the road to recovery. The key messages brought forward over two days of virtual conversations included addressing

continued rural infrastructure investments, farmland preservation, vaccinations for farmers and agri-food employees, mental health and skilled labour. Board members engaged with a compilation of 22 Ministers, MPPs and government representatives to discuss how we can work collaboratively to create a strong future for the agri-food sector.

Throughout the pandemic, the ability for other sectors to produce goods and services were hindered, with some production lines coming to a complete standstill. However, the agri-food sector remained strong, resilient and continued to feed Ontarians. OFA believes that sound investments in rural Ontario, such as broadband, natural gas and roads and bridges, will boost farming, agri-business and rural growth. In turn, our sector will pay back the investment in tenfold by stimulating the entire provincial economy.

Protecting farmland continues to be a main priority of our organization as we work to secure Farms and Food Forever. The harsh reality is that Ontario farmers cannot farm without farmland. OFA brought forward strategic work plans that guide responsible development and permits growth while protecting productive farmland.

Agricultural lands are a finite and shrinking resource that we need to protect to ensure the family farm exists for generations to come, and to allow consumers the ability

CATERING

to fill their plates with highquality food grown right here at home.

Another pressing issue brought to the virtual table was the continued struggle to find skilled labour. Data from the 2018 provincial agriculture employer survey conducted by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) reported that 46% of Ontario farmers could not find enough workers, and 58% experienced shortages resulting in a loss of sales. COVID-19 has magnified and intensified these workforce challenges.

If the issue isn't addressed, it is predicted that over the next decade more than 2-in5 agri-food sector jobs will remain vacant.

Ontario's agri-food sector is a leading economic driver for the province, contributing $47.3 billion in GDP and employing more than 860,400 Ontarians. Building on the success of our sector depends on our access to a skilled workforce.

Agriculture and the production of food products is essential. The agri-food supply chain produces perishable items and the shutting down of processing plants and delays in the planting and harvesting of crops can have detrimental effects on the supply chain. During OFA's lobby day, our board heavily emphasized the vital need for vaccines for the agricultural community. OFA also encouraged the government and public health units to ensure

the process and portals for vaccine booking are simplified and seamless for farm workers to easily schedule appointments.

The pandemic has brought many changes to our everyday lives and the roller coaster of uncertainties has increased the level of pressure and stress in our families, businesses and on our farms.

We recognize that many of our members are struggling and mental health continues to be top of mind for OFA's advocacy and outreach efforts. We will continue to advocate for the expansion and accessibility of mental health programs and support for the agriculture industry and rural communities.

OFA is appreciative to all government policymakers and staff who took time out of their busy schedules to engage in conversations about strengthening Ontario's agrifood sector. We appreciate your ongoing commitment to ensuring our food supply chain remains strong.

Finally, I would like to give a personal shout out to you - our members - for sending amazing grassroots representatives to join the OFA board for these meetings. Our two guests, Ethan Wallace and Ashley Knapton, were professional and eloquent as they participated in engaging conversations. They each understood the needs of Ontario farmers, and spoke well on your behalf. The entire team was amazing. I am proud to be a part of our OFA team.

School Bus Driver Retention Program will continue As part of ongoing efforts to provide students with continued access to safe and reliable transportation, the Ontario government announced that it will continue the School Bus Driver Retention Pilot (DRP) program in the 2021-22 school year.

To ensure reliable transportation service throughout the pandemic, the Ontario government had extended the DRP program in the 2020-21 school year, supporting driver retention and recruitment.

The DRP program rewards school bus drivers who stay on the job throughout the school year, with the intent to reduce driver turnover leading to service stability for students and families by minimizing delays and disruptions.

May 9, 2021

The DRP program has been in place for the past four school years, and has helped provide stability and reliability in the student transportation system across the province. The extension to the upcoming school year will continue to provide eligible drivers with up to $2,000, based on continuous employment during the school year.

It is estimated that this will benefit approximately 18,000 drivers across Ontario who provide transportation to over 830,000 students every day.

“Our commitment is to ensure students can get to schools safely with a caring, reliable and motivated group of school bus drivers,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.

The Ontario government

will continue the DRP program by providing total funding of over $40 million to support school bus drivers and support service reliability for families in rural and urban settings across the province.

The program is being continued for yet another year, to ensure consistency in driver supply. “School bus drivers perform an incredibly important role each and every day, and they deserve our thanks,” said Nancy Daigneault, Executive Director of School Bus Ontario.

The pandemic has created serious disruptions in the labour market, and many school bus operators are having trouble finding qualified staff.

The DRP program provides a financial incentive for school bus drivers to stay on the job.

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More than 18,000 drivers have been benefitting from this program each year over the last four school years. It provided eligible school bus drivers up to $2,000 based on continuous employment in the school year.

As of May 6, all eligible education staff province-wide are eligible to register for vaccination appointments and this includes school bus drivers. The student transportation sector will also benefit from the continued provision of required personal protective equipment (PPE) and critical supplies and equipment (e.g., cleaning supplies) through the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and the pandemic stockpile.

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OPP News

Canada Wide Warrant issued in connection with 2015 Homicide Suspect charged with second degree murder The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has now obtained a Canada Wide Warrant for the arrest of an eastern Ontario resident more than five years after the murder of Frederick "John" HATCH. Frederick "John" HATCH was last seen alive on the afternoon of December 16, 2015 in the area of West Hunt Club Road and Merivale Road in Nepean.

His body was discovered 450 kilometres away near the Town of Erin, Ontario, in the early morning of December 17, 2015.

The OPP has obtained a Canada Wide Warrant for the arrest of Danick Miguel

BOURGEOIS, aged 29 years of St. Albert, Ontario. The accused is charged with Second Degree Murder and is urged to surrender to the nearest police service immediately.

A $50,000 reward remains in effect for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Frederick "John" HATCH. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Danick Miguel BOURGEOIS is urged to call the OPP's dedicated tipline toll free at 1 833 517 8477, their local police service, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477 (TIPS) if they wish to remain anonymous.

If anyone sees BOURGEOIS, do not approach him directly call your local police service.

If you have any information on the above investigation or any other incident, please contact Grenville County OPP on 1 888 310 1122. To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 (TIPS) 8477 or submit your tip online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers does not want your name, you don't go to court, and you could earn a cash reward.

Hayley Bedford

Marketing Consultant

Phone: 343-777-2702 Email: hayley@ndtimes.ca www.ndtimes.ca

The Voice of Our Community

8

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The North Dundas Times

UCDSB names Ron Ferguson as Director of Education

Trustees of the Upper Canada District School Board are pleased to announce that Ron Ferguson has been selected as the new Director of Education and Secretary to the Board for the Upper Canada District School Board.

Ron has been a student, teacher and principal within the UCDSB, and currently holds the position of Superintendent of Human Resources, with School Superintendent responsibilities to the South Grenville family of schools.

"The Board of Trustees was impressed with the qual-

ity of applicants we had for this position," says Chair of the Board John McAllister.

"A Director of Education needs to have a high level of personal and professional integrity, have a student first mindset, be collaborative, compassionate, decisive and accountable. Ron has demonstrated these qualities time and time again through his teaching and progressive leadership with our board. We are confident that with Ron at the helm of the organization, we will be able to effectively navigate through the rest of

Upper Canada District School Board Trustees’ Meeting Student Trustees wrap up with Annual Review UCDSB Student Trustee Jordan Evans provided trustees with a final report before he and his counterpart, Tain Hughes, wrap up their school year serving as the two school board student trustees. Jordan reviewed what's been accomplished this year, including the feminine hygiene initiative, as well as requesting a student survey for feedback on this year's academic and social experiences for our students. The two secondary school students are set to graduate this spring with plans to pursue post-secondary degrees. Newly elected student trustees Bradford Ward and Eshal Ali will join the UCDSB Board of Trustees in September for the 20212022 school year. Chair John McAllister thanked Tain and Jordan for their dedication as student trustees, particularly during such an unconventional school year.

UCDSB passes 2021-2022 School Year Calendar Following the Ministry of Education directives as well

this pandemic and continue to prepare all students for a successful life."

Ron spent 18 years with the UCDSB and has won several awards of distinction during that time for innovative teaching practices and going above and beyond for his students. He taught in multiple schools within the school board before moving into leadership roles in the Perth and Almonte area schools as a Vice Principal in 2010 and then Principal in 2011. In 2017, he joined the UCDSB senior leadership team as a Superintendent of Schools where his portfolios have spanned from equity and inclusion, school operations and safe schools, special education and wellness, to currently, human resources.

"The UCDSB is at the core of who I am. I've learned from our teachers, I've worked side by side with our principals and our senior leadership team, and I've had great guidance along the way,"Ron says. "I'm looking forward to taking all that I've learned and to continue to provide innovative, transparent and effective leadership to our organization."

Ron Ferguson will take over the role of Director of Education from Stephen Sliwa, who is retiring on June 30, 2021.

May 19, 2021

age everyone to start their own Thankful Thursday and look out for ours on the school Facebook page.

Last Friday, May 14, we had our second virtual spirit day: Tie Dye and Concert T shirt Day. Students and staff participated by emailing a photo of themselves to school administration or sending them to the Student Council Instagram. This spirit day saw more participation than the first one, and we hope that this enthusiasm continues to grow.

This week will be our first environmental challenge! Inspired by the beautiful weather and spring growth, we challenge you to go outside and take a picture of a plant.

to support the COVID-19 response.

Grants for student needs highlighted Following the May 4 provincial government announcement of funding for school boards, staff outlined the projected financial supports coming from the Grants for Students Needs, COVID-19 funds and Priorities and Partnerships Funding (PPF) and what it means for the school board for the 20212022 academic year. The Ministry continues to instruct boards to plan for continued COVID-related impact to instruction and operations for at least the first half of the 2021-22 school year, and has provided financial supports accordingly. PPF funding will be focused on specialized areas including mental health and well-being, special education and Indigenous education. Staff are working on finalizing the 2021-22 school year budget and an update will be presented at the May 26 board meeting.

Ontario to modernize and streamline apprenticeship training The Ontario government is introducing new measures to help tradespeople get their certification from one reliable, streamlined destination through a new Crown agency, Skilled Trades Ontario, that would replace the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT).

Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, introduced the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, legislation designed to make the province's skilled trades and apprenticeship system more efficient, accessible and easier to navigate.

Under the proposed legislation, Skilled Trades Ontario would become the province's industry-informed training authority to lead the promotion, research and development of the latest apprenticeship training and curriculum standards. It will also provide a seamless one window experience for services including apprentice registration, issuance of certificates and renewals, and conduct equivalency assessments all in one

Students and Staff at NDDHS are staying connected virtually Jamie Wilson For the last two weeks, we have had "Thankful Thursday." Each Thursday, the Student Council and some of our staff members hop on to social media to share what we are thankful for, accompanied by some cheerful photos!

I am delighted to say that we have had many people sharing what they are thankful for in the comments. Remembering the things that you enjoy and the things you are grateful for is an excellent way to maintain a positive attitude when times are tough.

Over the last two weeks, we have seen that there are still so many things to enjoy while we are all stuck at home. We encour-

as reviewing public feedback, UCDSB staff presented its 2021-2022 School Year Calendar to trustees. Staff received 200 survey responses from the staff and families about the proposed school year calendar. Once the calendar receives approval from the Ministry of Education, it will be posted to the UCDSB website.

Staff Review Capital Project Plans and Proposals The UCDSB provided an outline of proposed and ongoing capital projects across the school district. Staff outlined the proposed approach to submit seven Capital Priorities business cases to the Ministry of Education for consideration, including a new facility build for Carleton Place High School and Caldwell Street Public School as well as a new build for the Perth & District Collegiate Institute.

Staff also outlined current capital projects for the 2021 construction season, which tallies at $54 million. That investment in capital projects also includes more than $10 million in improvements

This can be your favourite spring flower or, better yet, a plant you do not recognize. Can you find out what it is called? Students and staff have all week to complete this task and can send in their photos just like they do with spirit days by sending them to the Student Council Instagram. Just remember to not touch any plants that you are unfamiliar with as they could be irritants to the skin or trigger allergies.

Our planet has so many beautiful things to discover; we hope to encourage everyone to get outside and be curious about the world around them.

9

place with many services offered digitally.

"Skilled trades workers are the engine of our economy," said Minister McNaughton. "Under the current system, responsibilities are shared between OCOT and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, causing confusion and added burden for people wanting to pursue a career in the skilled trades, which leads to employers struggling to find qualified skilled trades workers. That is why our government is building a skilled trades system that attracts more people into well-paying and meaningful careers that are truly life-changing."

Ontario will streamline and simplify the apprenticeship system by establishing a new Crown agency. The Ministry will provide system oversight and be responsible for regulatory decisions, financial supports and take on responsibility for compliance and enforcement of the skilled trades, building on existing expertise, best practices and a

robust inspector network that is already in place across the province.

"We heard loud and clear from apprentices, journeypersons and employers alike that OCOT is not working," said Minister McNaughton. "Following our expert Panel's recommendations, we are taking a thoughtful and measured approach by launching Skilled Trades Ontario, a new agency that will put the trades first."

These initiatives are part of the government's Skilled Trades Strategy, which includes reducing the stigma related to a trades career, simplifying the apprenticeship system, and encouraging business participation. For details click on link here: https://news.ontario.ca/ en/release/1000078/ontarioto-modernize-and-streamline-apprenticeship-training

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CROSSWORD

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Beth, my spouse of over 50 years is threatening to make Black Tango Pie once again and I can’t wait. It’s a great addition to your spring menu, along with rhubarb pie, which will be front and centre before too long. I love this pie icy cold with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, the one with the vanilla beans in it. You are going to love it!

Black Tango Pie Ingredients for the pie 2 cups of raisins (your favourite kind) 1 cup of orange juice ¾ cup white granulated sugar 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour A pinch of salt 1 cup of sour cream 1 egg (beaten) 1 unbaked pie shell (or make your own, if you prefer) Ingredients and Preparation the Crumble Topping (Streusel) 2 cups of rolled oats ½ cup of flour ¾ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon of cinnamon Soft butter Combine the dry ingredients and keep adding soft butter till the mixture turns “crumbly”.

Preparation for the pie 1. Bring the orange juice and raisins to a boil.

2. Combine the sugar, flour and salt.

3. Add the sour cream and egg and beat till smooth.

4. Add the combination to your raisin and orange mix and gently cook till thickened.

5. Pour into your pie crust and top with crumble.

6. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes, chill and serve.

Folks have been keeping in touch during this latest lock-down. If you have a few moments, mail me to let me know how you are doing with the recipes at: pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

HEAPHYS CLEANING SERVICE

ACROSS 1. Trades 6. Decorate with gold leaf 10. Coagulate 14. Braid of hair 15. Pearly-shelled mussel 16. Unusual 17. Comment to the audience 18. Anagram of "Rave" 19. Norse god 20. Relax 22. Blackthorn 23. Fly high 24. Not present 26. Smooch 30. Ensign (abbrev.)

31. One time around 32. Doing nothing 33. Stair 35. Correct 39. Marksman 41. Pyrogenic

ALL NATURAL PRODUCTS

43. Heroic tales 44. Sea eagle 46. Keg 47. Letter after sigma 49. Poetic dusk 50. Large N. Amer. deer (plural) 51. Cosmetics 54. Casino game 56. Ends a prayer 57. Prodigious 63. Not a single one 64. Metal fastener 65. Alcoholic 66. Not gals 67. By mouth 68. Go in 69. Historical periods 70. Lacquered metalware 71. Thigh armor

DOWN 1. WW1 plane 2. If not 3. Nonclerical 4. Adriatic resort 5. Stalks 6. Warranty 7. Reciprocal 8. Untruths 9. A type of fin 10. A transverse brace 11. Soup server 12. Heavenly hunter 13. Basic belief 21. Verse 25. Farm building 26. Children 27. Bright thought 28. Smelting waste 29. Solemnity 34. A tropical American fruit 36. Objective 37. Shuck 38. Sounds of disapproval 40. Brother of Jacob 42. Style 45. Declination 48. Outcome 51. A skin disease 52. French for "Love" 53. East African country 55. Beginning 58. Tropical tuber 59. Spanish lady 60. In baseball, 3 per inning 61. Functions 62. Arid

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

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Solution to last week’s Crossword

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The North Dundas Times

Erika Karoline Hedwig Brockmann (neé Schlotmann) August 11, 1929 - May 11, 2021

Beloved Woman, Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Motherin-Law, Aunt, Tante, Oma, UrOma, Textile Artist and Teacher, Friend. Peacefully at Woodland Villa Nursing Home, Long Sault Ontario, with children Ingrid and Greg as conduits for her family through video calls, surrounded by the love of all who knew her.

Most loving and beloved wife of Tony (predeceased 2007) and mother of Wilfred, Barbara (John Craig), Christine (Michael Coughlan), Peter (Anne), twins Monica (Mark Schultz) and Louise Scheid (Nando Favaro), Annette (Bill Huitema), Gregory (Kathy Lajeunesse), Norbert (Heike Sauerwein-Brockmann), twins Karen (Neil Szeryk) and Erica (Chris Hall) and Ingrid (Chris Sylvestre).

Cherished Oma of Ben Brockmann (Laura Veska) and Deanna Babington Brockmann (Ryan Babington); Aidan and Kathleen O’Keeffe; Erich (predeceased 2002), Jacob, Brennan, Shantel Coughlan; Margaret (Seth Miller); Tina (Tony Filardo), David (Erin), Paul (Elana) Brockmann; Annika, twins Katrina and Karl Schultz; Elyse Scheid; twins Erin and Sarah Huitema; Brian and Charlie Brockmann; Andrea and Kevin Brockmann; Maddie and Ellie Szeryk; Matthew Hall (Jenna Frey), Mckenzie Hall (Eric Donaldson) and Rachel Hall; Samuel, Alexandre and Anthony Sylvestre.

Mutually adored Ur-Oma of: Alice and Valerie Brockmann;

Celeste Brockmann Babington; Phoebe Miller; Everett and Noelle Filardo; Delia Brockmann.

Loved and loving Tante of her German nieces and nephews: Elisabeth Eidens (Susanne Supplieth); Christoph Eidens (predeceased 2005); Johannes Eidens (Gunhild Trieschmann); Hildegard (Ulrich Hecker); Matthias Eidens (Amari); Brigitta Eidens; Ansgar Eidens (Sonja Niemann).

Regarded with deep affection by her living Canadian in-laws: Josephine Holtermann, Mary Brockmann, Mary Welder, Ralph (Anne) Brockman and many nieces and nephews across the continent.

Fondly remembered by Michael O’Keeffe, Joanne Brockmann, the Scheid family and many friends.

The details of Erika’s life only hint at the reality of this energetic woman and her prodigious talent, who courageously forged a life of love that benefitted us all. A 52 year happy marriage to Tony; 12 children; 30 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; expression as a textile artist and teacher; a faith-filled life as a community minded Catholic.

German born in 1929 to Erich and Hildegard Schlotmann and raised with her sister Hannelore (d. 1974) against the harsh backdrop of WWII, Erika made an independent choice in opposition to her parents’ wishes, to become engaged to a Canadian soldier on NATO posting whom she had only known for six weeks. While

in 2003 when her family (Chris Sylvestre and baby Samuel; later joined by Alexandre and Anthony) moved to Hallville ON, bringing Tony and Erika along with them. Brockmanns are especially grateful to the Sylvestres that Erika’s final years were enjoyed in a family setting where jam making, raisin bread, crumb cake, shortbread cookies, rommé card games and especially love were shared in a fully integrated household. To her many talents Oma added ministick hockey playing - Oma versus Anthony. In her final months Erika referred to her youngest child as “my mother.”

When asked about this, Erika responded, ”She looks after me just like a mother.” The highest possible praise.

Erika created rituals that had Catholic faith at its core.

Within the St. Daniel the Martyr (South Mountain, ON) community, Erika initiated a Prayershawl Ministry where knitters gather and make shawls for the sick while praying. At last count, 125 shawls had been sent out. Erika, after having made countless herself, received one which she gratefully wore in her final months.

Another way she lived her Catholic faith: she was an informed life-long reader with a caring regard for the dispossessed; she was aware of current events and always voted.

Here is the concluding paragraph where the loose threads are woven in: the way Erika loved to polka with Tony and dance with the young crowd at family weddings; her love of performance and music which found its way to all her children and grandchildren; her willingness to try new things; her encouragement for all we did; her fierce determination when faced with hardship; her direct manner that was always true to her; her infectious laugh; her tenderness; her warm hugs; her glad and radiant smile.

We carry you in our music, our dancing, our baking, our knitting, sewing, weaving and creating. In the generations here and yet to come. We experience both grief and grace; and are grateful for your life.

We love you Mom, Oma, Erika.

this love story was the central feature of the story Erika told about herself, it was the use of her energy and talents to do loving things for her family and community that was key to the abundant life she made for all. Her guiding force was the artistic urge to create - whether it was babies, textiles or baking - and to generously share her creations with others.

Erika’s ability to communicate with small humans cannot be underestimated. Mothering infants in a 20 year span; being an engaged, baking-ready, card-playing, book-reading Oma; recently beaming at the youngest great grandbaby Delia - still meant there was room for one more at the table. Nephews and nieces from Germany, neighbourhood children, cousins from Belle River, Ontario were welcome.

As those small children grew, Erika engaged in relationships with an understanding of who they were and what they needed, sometimes before they recognized it in themselves. She was a woman ahead of her time, a feminist with an inclusive mindset who encouraged her children to work to their full potential. The only preconceived notion she held onto for what her children needed to be was educated.

Her granddaughters in particular are influenced by her emphasis on education and her bad-ass attitude.

Trained in Germany as a textile engineer, Erika designed and sewed, knit and crocheted (often without actually looking at the complicated patterns being formed underneath her fast-moving hands) throughout her life. Her artistry was evident in the intersection between the idea of the beautiful yet practical thing; the needs of the person it was meant for and the selection of the right textile to bring it to life. In the early 1970’s Erika studied weaving at Fanshawe College, London. Recognizing her quick talent at both learning and teaching, she was invited to take over the beginner class the following term. This launched her 20 year part-time teaching career. What to do with Ingrid, her twelfth child?

Just bring the baby to class!

Ingrid returned the favour

Many thanks to the kindness and care of the Woodland Villa Retirement Home, Long Sault ON especially Holly, Kelly, Bailey, Alex and Sherry where Erika lived the final 1.5 years of her life.

A private wake and funeral was held, in accordance with the COVID-era requirements. on Monday May 17, 2021 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Erika’s two favourite charities. Sisters of the Precious Blood can be found at http://www.pbsisters.on.ca/monasteries/london/ The Ottawa Mission can be found at https://ottawamission.com/ Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral home, South Mountain (613 989-3836) Online condolences may be made at: www.byersfuneralhomeinc.com or www.donohuefuneralhome.ca

Levere, Lyall Freddrick

Suddenly at home on Wednesday May 12, 2021.

Lyall Levere age 78 of Mountain. Beloved husband of Jane (Nee Spruit).

Loving Dad of Connie Milne (Gary), late Tom Levere, late Bill Levere (Ann), Patty Thompson (Wade), Jay Boyle (Victoria), Christine VanDenBroek (Eric) and Andrew Levere (Frances). Cherished Grandpa and Papa of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dear brother of the late Lois Cronin, late Dawson Levere (Shirley), Doreen Smyth, Pauline Fisher (Wally), Lylla Miller-Mackie (Doug), and the late Oscar Levere.

Predeceased by his parents Pearl (Holmes) and Dawson C. Levere and his first wife Verla Levere. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, friends and the Spruit Family. A Private Graveside Service will be held at the Maple Ridge Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Memory of Lyall may be made to the Lung Association.

Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain, (613-989-3836).Online condolences may be made at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.com

THANK YOU We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who reached out to us following the tragic loss of our son-in-law, Peter Verspeck.

Your prayers, comforting words and thoughtful gestures were truly overwhelming and much appreciated.

We are so blessed to be part of this great community.

Brian and Audrey Enright.

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AL'S WINTER-SPRING CLEAN UP Hayley Bedford

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Gardening: No Mow May

by Joselyn Morley No Mow May began in the UK, but quickly took off anywhere people were worried about the decline in pollinators, and the decline in the plants and flowers that sustain them. No Mow May is a movement that asks you to leave your lawnmower alone for the month of May. Don't cut your grass. Let the wildflowers in your lawn grow for the month, leaving the nectar

available for the pollinators.

Who are these pollinators?

They are the bees, birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, and some small mammals. They drink the nectar and eat the pollen of flowers and other plants, and as they travel from flower to flower, and plant to plant, they transport pollen from one flower to another. Without this, a good number of our plants would not get fertilized. Pollinators are in decline because of climate change, loss of habitat, loss of native plants, and pesticides that kill virtually all the food for the pollinators.

If you must mow, there are things you can do to help pollinators. Delay mowing as long as you can in the spring.

Mow less often. Mow more slowly. This will literally give some of the pollinators, insects, frogs, and other wildlife a chance to get out of the way. Set your mower height as high as possible. Let the flowering plants grow up in your grass. Add some white Dutch clover into your lawn.

The North Dundas Times

Other ground cover such as violets will grow low to the ground. Increase the diversity in your lawn. We need to support nature in our lawns.

As the season progresses, think about how you can make your yard a bit more friendly to birds, bees, insects, and butterflies. Leaving grass clippings in the lawn encourages decomposition and beneficial bugs. It is like free food for your lawn, because grass clippings contain the same nutrients, such as nitrogen and potassium, as lawn food. You are recycling nutrients back into your lawn.

Contrary to popular myth, leaving grass clippings in your lawn does not cause thatch. Many birds eat seeds that we put out, but they will also eat seeds from flowers later in the summer. Leaving a bit of decaying plant matter, such as some leaves or mulch, will encourage insects that many birds need.

Dandelions are very often the first flower of spring. They bloom before many others.

Dandelions as we know them

evolved about 30 million years ago in Eurasia. We have used them for medicine and food for much of our history.

They were brought to North America with settlers as a food source and as medicine.

Back before we started trucking vegetables around the continents, dandelions were one of the first green foods.

Imagine how good dandelion greens would taste after no fresh food all winter. The leaves are high in vitamins A, C, and K, and contain iron, potassium, calcium, and manganese. Every part of the dandelion is edible.

The petals of the flowers make dandelion jelly, or syrup or "honey." People make dandelion flower fritters, dandelion flower pickles, and dandelion tea from either the roots or the leaves. You will find dandelion infused oils in many creams, salves, or soaps. People make tinctures or vinegars with the roots.

Give nature a hand, and mow less often.

Spraying Clearview Herbicide & Gateway Adjuvant

by Joselyn Morley The Township of North Dundas, as well as the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SDG) began spraying roadsides with pesticides to control noxious weeds on May 10. Both the Township and the United Counties are using the same pesticides on their respective roadways, and both are using Green Stream Lawn and Vegetation Management Inc. The pesticide used is ClearView Herbicide, with the active ingredients Aminopyralid, present as potassium salt, and Metsulfuron-methyl (Reg #29752), and Gateway Adjuvant, with the active ingredients Paraffinic Oil, Llkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactants emulsifable concentrate. (Reg #31470) The Gateway Adjuvant is used to increase the effectiveness of the herbicide.

According to the Township and SDG, the noxious weeds targeted for spraying are: wild parsnip (often known as poison parsnip), Canada Thistle, ragweed, and wild chervil. There are 25 plants currently classified as noxious weeds as outlined in the Weed Control Act. By definition, a plant is designated as a noxious weed if it is: difficult to manage on agricultural land; reduces the yield and quality of a crop; or, May 9, 2021

negatively affects the health and well-being of livestock or agricultural workers.

According to Dow AgroScience, ClearView Herbicide is a "selective herbicide for post-emergent control of annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, invasive plants and shrubs on rangeland, permanent pasture, rightsof-way, industrial and other non-crop areas of Canada."

ClearView kills a great deal more than what is being targeted. It kills many species required or favoured by pollinators, including milkweed (the only plant that can sustain Monarch Butterflies), red clover, wild rose, wild sage, brown-eyed Susans, native thistles, buttercups, chamomile, tansy, lambs quarters, dandelion, mallow, hawks beard, ox-eye daisy, sweet white violet, wild colombine, yellow foxtail, evening primrose, knapweed, shepherds purse, bottle gentian, bloodroot, wild strawberry, chicory, hawk weed, buckwheat, toadflax, wild oats, wild carraway, wild willow, cinquefoil, New England Aster, Canada anemone, and wild sarsaparilla. Spraying kills everything but grass. It kills every plant that the pollinators need. This opens up the area for extremely invasive grasses like phragmites.

Biodiversity is essential to survival. ClearView leaves

gardens through compost, hay mulch, and manure is all-too common. ClearView has a minimum 60 month impact on legumes such as clovers and alfalfa. Legumes are "nitrogen fixers," and are essential to healthy soil. Legumes are food sources for pollinators.

The Gateway Adjuvant is toxic to aquatic organisms, According to Corteva agriscience, the makers of Gateway Adjuvant, it "contains aromatic petroleum distillates which are toxic to aquatic organisms." Corteva's warning says," Do not contaminate any body of water by direct application, cleaning of equipment or disposal of waste. Do not apply directly to water or wetlands.

Do not apply when weather conditions favour drift or run-off from areas treated."

In addition to the active ingredients, both ClearView and the Gateway Adjuvant contain non-active, or inert ingredients. ClearView contains 45% inert ingredients.

These ingredients do not need to be labelled, and inert does not mean non-toxic. Any of these inert ingredients may be toxic.

The rapid decline of pollinators results in the loss of food sources, namely all the plants targeted by Aminopyralid and ClearView. At this moment, organizations such as the David Suzuki Founda-

roadsides with no plants such as goldenrod or asters, both plants that can compete with wild parsnip. Native trees and shrubs are damaged or killed.

Roots of trees, cedars, and fruit-bearing trees and shrubs are sprayed and die or are damaged. Without all these plants killed by spraying, there are no birds, bees, or butterflies. There are also no insects that feed birds or bats.

Aminopyralid, the active ingredient in ClearView is in the picolinic acid family of herbicides. This family includes clopyralid (banned in several US states, and known for its ability to persist in dead plants and compost and has accumulated to phytotoxic levels in finished compost), picloram (extremely toxic to trees when applied in their root zone), and triclopyr (highly toxic to fish, aquatic plants, and aquatic invertebrates, and toxic to birds).

Aminopyralid is particularly concerning to growers of vegetables because manure can contain long-lasting residue of the herbicide, allowing it to enter the foodchain. Aminopyralid affects beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and potatoes, causing deformed plants and little to no yield. Aminopyralid contaminated compost or manure has contaminated gardens in the US, the UK, and Canada. This contamination of home and market

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Family financial literacy more important than ever

COMMUNITYWIRE Over the past year Canadian families have seen COVID 19 impact everything from their physical and mental health to their children’s education and their personal finances. With many families doing home-schooling and spending more time at home, the time to address the family’s financial literacy together has never come at a better time.

The economic impact of the pandemic has caused many families to live on a reduced income, which can lead to added stress and ultimately have an impact on children. According to the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, parents who worried about money were more likely to have hyperactive and anxious kids compared to those who didn’t worry about money.

Talking to children about financial literacy during times of crisis provides an opportunity to equip them with the skills they need to prepare and thrive in emergency situations.

Luckily, ABC Life Literacy Canada has just released a new workbook from its HSBC Family Literacy First program that helps families do just that. The workbook, entitled A Trip to the Amusement Park, is part of the Numbers & Cents series that focuses on family financial literacy. The workbook is available in English, French and Simplified Chinese.

A Trip to the Amusement Park can be downloaded for free at FamilyLiteracyFirst.ca and covers basic math such as addition and fractions, as well as timely topics such as financial setbacks and planning for unexpected expenses.

In addition to the downloadable workbook, several short instructional videos on each of the activities will be available.

The videos will be recorded by HSBC employee volunteers who will walk families through each of the activities, providing a more interactive learning experience.

“It’s never too early to start talking to your kids about money and give them the confidence they need to live a financially secure life,” says Mack Rogers, Executive Director of ABC Life Literacy Canada. “We once again thank HSBC Bank Canada for their continued support of this program, which has proven to be more important now than ever.”

The HSBC Family Literacy First program was created in 2015 to bring together parents and children to have fun while learning as a family. A Trip to the Amusement Park is the 15th workbook in the program which includes more than 80 stories and activities, all of which are written in clear language. The workbooks cover a variety of family literacy activities and are ideal for families with children aged six to 11.

The HSBC Family Literacy First program has reached families in each province and territory and the materials have been downloaded and distributed more than 835,000 times.

Hundreds of HSBC employees from coast to coast continue to participate through in person and virtual workshop facilitation.

To learn more about the program and to access the workbooks, visit FamilyLiteracyFirst.ca.

tion have launched efforts to increase the number of pollinators through programs such as the Butterflyway Ambassadors, which challenges individuals, businesses, and the townships, to plant pollinator gardens and Butterflyways of native wildflowers, yet we are spraying Aminopyralid

and ClearView directly onto the very plants that sustain the pollinators. One in three bites of food are dependent on pollinators. In Canada, $2 billion in crops are dependent on insect pollination. Globally that number jumps to $217 billion. www.ndtimes.ca