NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
NEWS/POLITICS/BUSINESS/FOOD/ARTS/SPORTS/FASHION/LIFESTYLE $3.95
Aboriginal Education Students show success
despite the Harper government and First Nations’ conflict
The Ring of Fire
Infrastructure in Northern Ontario
Holiday Gift Guide
The perfect gifts for everyone on your list
www.ottawalife.com
Ottawa’s Orange Gallery * The Law and You * Rail Series * Reason to Smile Series * Belgium
Service Professionalism Safety
PHOTO: CAROL SZABICOT
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 16 • NUMBER 6
25 28 Holiday Gift Guide
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Ready to deck the halls? Get your Christmas shopping started by checking out the OLM gift guide. From tech toys to cozy winter wear, family and friends will be glad you did.
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Baby, it’s Cold Outside
Raise the temperature of Ottawa’s chilly winters with some of this season’s hottest cozy coats and stylish boots.
Orange Art Gallery 14
Sculptures, paintings and metal work line the walls of this unique contemporary art gallery in Ottawa. Co-owner Ingrid Hollander shares why supporting local talent is so important to Ottawa’s developing art scene.
Aboriginal Education
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The Conservative government and First Nations are at an impasse when it comes to Aboriginal education. Students are still able to find success. Nipissing University is one place providing quality education.
Canada’s Ring of Fire
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columns & stories Publisher’s Message ..................... 4 Gallery: Disegno .......................... 9 Savvy Selections ........................... 13 Gallery: Kitigan .......................... 15 Homes ......................................... 19 Health and Wellness..................... 20 Reason to Smile............................ 21 Gallery: Jo Mann .......................... 27 Who are the Métis? ........................28 Pipelines........................................31 Aboriginal Pathways .................... 33 Building a Better Canada: op-ed ... 34 IBEW............................................. 37 Patient Centred Health Care ......... 39
It is hard to imagine areas of Canada without roads, electricity and easily accessible running water. However, very remote parts of northern Ontario face these issues. Infrastructure expert Ellis Kirkland shares her five steps for creating development.
Railway Series: Fatigue on the Job
40
Learn why railway employees are going to work tired and how Paul Proudlock, a representative for Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, says it can be changed.
Take a Getaway
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Experience the Ardennes in Belgium or the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany with OLM. With specialty beers and homemade pasta, these are two trips you will have to add to your list.
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publisher’s message by Dan Donovan
publisher/managing editor
Dan Donovan copy editor/features writer
Jennifer Hartley
Gone Too Soon
In the early years, Ottawa Life Magazine would never have made it without the dedication, loyalty and hard work of Harvey Chartrand. To honour Harvey, we will continue to put him on our Masthead as Editor Emeritus. He would have liked that, as he was so committed to the written word and to Ottawa Life Magazine. Rest in peace Harvey. We will miss you. Another man I want to call attention to is Joe Thomsen. On a regular basis since 1989, Joe put together a Monday night nine p.m. hockey scrimmage at Brewer rink on Bronson Avenue. The core of the group was about 15 guys who would come out each week, along with a few guest skaters and the occasional ringer. Over time we’d start to call it Joe’s Monday nights or ask, “Are you playing on the Monday Night Joe’s?” Joe always took care of booking the rink and made sure we got an additional six weeks in at Tom Brown arena each spring. After each game, like thousands of other “Joe’s” across the region, we’d all go out for beers and wings and talk about work, family, politics, life and anything else. Joe was the epicenter of the group and respected by all. If any hotheads came out he would gently pull them aside and tell them to chill—usually he’d say “Listen, we’re all working tomorrow and this ain’t for the Stanley Cup. It’s about friends having fun, so relax.” That always worked. Joe was one of those rare people that everyone liked. He had a great smile and hearty laugh. He came to Ottawa as a researcher for the Federal Liberal Caucus in the mid 1980 from his cherished Saskatchewan and decided to stay. He loved Ottawa and with his wonderful wife Patricia and two great kids. Joe passed away suddenly while cycling in the Gatineau’s in early July. As his good friend and fellow Monday Night Joe, Mike Pearson said at a recent gathering in his honour, “Joe was the just the best of the best.” Hear hear. To honour Joe, the guys now wear a Monday Night Joe’s hockey jersey. It truly reflects our love for Joe and for our national sport. To all the thousands of other ‘hockey Joe’s’ out there, remember his advice: “We’ve all got to work tomorrow so have fun and don’t be so serious. This ain’t for the Stanley Cup. It’s about friends having fun” Finally, this is the issue where we begin our nine part series on the Métis Nation in Canada. We are excited to bring you the history of one of Canada’s founding peoples. We hope the insights provided by this series will ensure all Canadians support the Métis as they continue to fight for their treatment and rights in the Canadian Federation. Merry Christmas to all. 4 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
Alessandra Gerebizza
art director Karen Temple web & graphics manager
Mariana Fernandez Magnou
web copy editor/features writer
Marie Waine
contributing writers
PHOTO: PAUL COUVRETTE
Two things I really love in life are playing pickup hockey with my pals and working at the magazine. The past couple of months have seen sad events on both counts. Harvey Chartrand, a longtime editor of Ottawa Life Magazine passed away suddenly last month. Harvey was a funny, gentle and generous soul who had a very quirky sense of humor and loved anything old—especially films and the film noir genre. He loved to do impressions and I laugh every time I think of On the Waterfront or The Godfather, because instead of seeing Marlon Brando, I see Harvey doing his impressions of Marlon Brando, same for Pierre Trudeau , Al Pacino and Pewee Herman. He was the only person I ever met who could do a good impression of Meryl Streep (he’d yell the dingo got my bay…by). Harvey was a fine editor and features writer. He struggled with mental health issues (depression) and addiction for many years. His awareness of these challenges made him sympathetic to the plight and pain of others and he wrote many great pieces on these topics.
director of operations
Paul Allison, Richard Auger, Brandelyn Cameron, Caleigh DiNicolantonio, Janice Dickson, Dan Donovan, Heather Eaton, Gary Gannage, Alexandra Gunn, Manal Guirguis-Younger Katie Hartai, Brenda Hollingsworth, Dr. Stacia Kelly, Dr Samuel P. Kucey, Madelaine Manson, Sandra Thiessen, Debbie Trenholm, Candice Vetter, Marie Waine cover photo
Carol Szabicot photographers
Paul Couvrette, Natalie Mireault Photography fashion Alexandra Gunn student intern Madelaine Manson, Katie Hartai,
Sandra Thiessen director of sales info@ottawalife.com accounts Joe Colas C.G.A web developer Ben Chung corporate advisor J. Paul Harquail,
Charles Franklin corporate counsel Paul Champagne editor emeritus Harvey F. Chartrand advertising information
For information on advertising rates, visit www.ottawalife.com call (613) 688-LIFE (5433) or e-mail info@ottawalife.com Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement #1199056. Ottawa Life Magazine, 301 Metcalfe St. Lower Level, Ottawa. Ontario K2P 1R9 tel: (613) 688-5433 fax: (613) 688 -1994 e-mail: info@ottawalife.com Web site: www.ottawalife.com Follow us on Twitter @ottawalifers Like us at www.Facebook.com/OttawaLife Magazine Ottawa Life is listed in Canadian Advertising Rates & Data (CARD). Ottawa Life subscription rates: one year $30.00, includes postage, plus HST (six issues). Two years $50.00, includes postage, plus HST (12 issues). Add $20 per year for postage outside Canada. Subscriber service is 613-688-LIFE (5433) Ottawa Life Magazine is printed in Canada on recycled paper.
BRADDA
PRINTING SERVICES INC. Since 1978
OTTAWA’S LARGEST DOWNTOWN PRINTER
LOCAL RELIABLE DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL INNOVATIVE COMPETITIVE GREEN
130 SLATER STREET OTTAWA ON K1P 6E2 613-238-5433 braddaprinting.com
Shen Yun Returns to Ottawa FOR NINTH SEASON
Meaning “the beauty of divine beings dancing” in Chinese, Shen Yun is an international phenomenon no theatregoer should miss. The new 2015 program allows audiences to experience 5,000 years of hidden Chinese civilization through classical dance, a unique orchestra, colourful costumes and realistic backdrops. “People are inspired not only by the spectacular entertainment but the profundity of the culture,” says Shawn Li, sales manager for the Shen Yun Organizing Committee in Ottawa. Four performances are to be staged at the National Arts Centre between January 2-4. Tickets are expected to sell out fast as they have a number of times in past years. ticketmaster.ca or nac-cna.ca
5 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
the law and you by Brenda Hollingsworth and Richard Auger
Your Car Crash Survival Guide:
8 Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident As accident and injury lawyers, we know how chaotic a car accident can be. We’ve had countless clients come through our doors wishing they had known what steps to take right from the start. Here are some of the major missteps we’ve seen over the years, and how you can avoid them. MISTAKE #1
Not calling police Many people avoid calling the police after an accident because they’re not sure if they meet the threshold. It is rare that your car repair will ever be under $1000, so make the call. Err on the side of caution and make the police report. Secondly, people who are injured tend to feel embarrassed about making a scene or getting the appropriate attention. Don’t let this happen. Calling the police and letting trained professionals evaluate you and the scene is always the best route to take.
you feel any soreness or tenderness whatsoever, get medical attention. Lots of injuries don’t reveal their true character until 24-48 hours later, so get it documented. MISTAKE #6
Talking about your accident on social media When something major happens in our lives we tend to go right to the internet. Most people don’t know this, but after an accident you really should avoid social media. When it comes to injuries, you want expert reports, and quasitheorized social media posts can end up being damaging. Car crashes are one post you don’t want to share!
MISTAKE #2
Not gathering all driver information Get as much information as you can about any other vehicles involved in the accident. Get the driver’s name; the car owner’s name; the make, model, year, colour and condition of the vehicle; the vehicle’s plate number; the driver’s and owner’s addresses; and the name of the driver’s and owner’s insurance company. You’ll find a lot of this information on the police report, so make sure to get a copy.
MISTAKE #7
MISTAKE #3
Taking a settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries Often with a low-grade injury, your insurance company will contact you after the 12-month mark and ask you to settle. Before you accept, speak with a personal injury lawyer about your options. Once you’ve settled, you’ve signed an agreement saying you won’t go back on the defendant, and it is very hard to reopen a case. This is a major issue because if you settle too soon, you may not know the full extent of your injuries and therefore will not be compensated fully.
Not tracking costs From the moment you’ve been injured, start keeping all receipts and expenses related to your accident. This includes medical costs, transportation, housecleaning, and any other equipment or resources you need to help you deal with and recover from your injuries. MISTAKE #8
Forgetting to create a diagram or map of the incident Drawing a rough diagram of how you remember the accident will help jog your memory if you have to make a statement months or years down the line. Record all details such as cross streets, the weather and road conditions, the time of day, and any traffic signals or speed limit postings. MISTAKE #4
Not taking photos of any damage The biggest mistake anyone can make is to not take photos of their injuries or the damages to their vehicle. Photos are vivid evidence of what you have experienced, so don’t get your car patched up before you’ve taken some shots. If you don’t have a camera handy, remember that most phones have a camera. MISTAKE #5
Not seeking medical help After a car accident, you’re probably full of adrenalin, but if 6 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
When an accident happens, injured victims tend to go on autopilot and make mistakes. Be prepared, and order your free Crash Kit for your glove box at PersonalInjuryOttawa.ca or call 613-233-4529. If you’ve been injured, time is of the essence, but getting your questions answered is much easier than you might think. We offer free consultations. So take the step, call us, and get the information you need today n
Freyja’s Wedding, 60” x 48” $6000
Freyja’s Wedding, 60” x 48” $6000
JVeenstraArtist
905-906-3368
www.juliaveenstra.com
7 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
Lynne Morin, hand-felted wool scarves. $80
Bhat Boy, Visitation on Powel, Acrylic on wood. $400
Lynne Morin, hand-felted wool scarves. $80
Bhat Boy, Visitation on Powel, Acrylic on wood. $400
Sterling silver earrings by Erin Wallace. $95
Sterling silver earrings by Erin Wallace. $95
ORIGINAL ARTWORK MAKES A UNIQUE HOLIDAY GIFT
The Ottawa ArtORIGINAL Gallery’s ART Rental and MAKES Sales Gift CertificatesHOLIDAY are available to purchase in the ARTWORK A UNIQUE GIFT strives to promote local contemporary artists amount of your choosing and can be used for through the Art sale,Gallery’s rental and of Sales their Gift purchasing or renting artworks to as well as boutique The Ottawa ARTexhibition Rental and Certificates are available purchase in the work, original photographs, paintings, likeof catalogues, jewellery textiles. strives including to promote local contemporary artists items amount your choosing andand can be used for drawings, sculptures, cards, jewellery and of textiles. through the sale, rental and exhibition their purchasing or renting artworks as well as boutique As an important showcase for established and For more informationjewellery about renting or purchasing work, including original photographs, paintings, items like catalogues, and textiles. emerging sculptures, artists fromcards, the Ottawa-Gatineau area, artwork, please call 613-233-8699 ext. 234, e-mail drawings, jewellery and textiles. revenue generated from this service is split info@ottawaartgallery.ca, visit or thepurchasing OAG in As an important showcase for established and For more information aboutorrenting between the participating artists and the OAG. person atplease 2 Dalycall Avenue. emerging artists from the Ottawa-Gatineau area, artwork, 613-233-8699 ext. 234, e-mail revenue generated from this service is split info@ottawaartgallery.ca, or visit the OAG in between the participating artists and the OAG. person at 2 Daly Avenue.
gallery by Sandra Thiessen
DISEGNO FINE JEWELLERY
The Essence of Design amela Coulston is the owner of P Disegno Fine Jewellery, which she launched in 1992. In Italian “disegno”
means more than just “design.” The word also suggests the ability to envision a design and execute the drawing. At the heart of this notion is the discovery of fresh concepts, often from unexpected sources;. It is the perfect name for her work. As a designer, Coulston has a detailed and creative eye and in every piece she makes, be it a ring, pendantor bangle, you can see her obsession with detail and yet, it is not overdone. “The best thing that can be brought to any design, be it jewellery or otherwise, is simplicity. The greatest sin is overdesign”, she says. Jewellery design wasn’t Coulston’s first career choice. She spent more than two decades working as a consultant in International Development. It was while posted with Unicef in Rwanda that she decided to find a way to make creativity a business. Coulston’s first love is drawing and an affinity for jewellery led her to study design at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in California. She has since gone on to study gemology and is midway through diplomas at both GIA and the Canadian Gemological Association.
makes gems ‘pop’ and I love pairing rose gold with unlikely colours of gems, like bright orange spessartite.” Bold urban designs in sterling silver define the Perpetual Emotion Collection and the Chrome Dreams Collection is comprised of motorcycle-inspired argentium-silver
Disegno has a program dubbed “The Gold Bar.” Through it, Coulston redesigns gold jewellery and gives credit for old gold towards a new piece.
LEFT: The A-List is a solid 18k rose gold band set with 12 natural rubies.
pendants. Her Arctic travels inspired the Canada Collection. A menagerie of sculpted sterling silver animals and icons, including polar bears, dominate the design. Her gemological studies are bringing a greater focus on unique, natural gemstones of the finest quality and a preference for Canadian diamonds to her work. While Coulston has a strong jewellery aesthetic, she has quickly become known in Ottawa as a custom designer bringing client concepts to life. Pieces are tailored to budgets and a multistage design process brings ensures satisfaction. Disegno has a program dubbed “The Gold Bar.” Through it, Coulston redesigns gold jewellery and gives credit for old gold towards a new piece. “I really did my homework on this one ensuring I gave top rates for gold credit. What I really love about the redesign process, is the opportunity to bring out the client’s story in the piece of jewellery.” The sentimental value of grandma’s wedding ring can continue for another generation. For ideas on what she can create, visit her gallery of custom designs online. n
The cornerstone of Disegno is the Fine Lines Collection and the Solo Uno Collection both of which consist of fine 18k gold, platinum and unique gems. Coulston works in four different colours of 18k gold. There are the basic yellow and white hues of gold but she brings rose and green into the mix. “I love the way green gold
Pamela Coulston
Thurible is a natural rutilated Quartz, handcarved and set in solid, 18k yellow gold.
Disegno’s boutique in the Byward Market is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. 9 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
best pics holiday gift guide
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1 Don’t want to carry a purse around? The Hip Hugger is for you. Worn like a belt, the extra pockets around your waist free up your hands. Available in an array of colours. With two invisible pockets the Hip Hugger is ideal for travel. $68 petalandstem.com
2 Make a statement with your accessories.
Check out the on-trend bracelets available from HEET. The Crew 2 Unisex is handmade using only premium leather. HEET adds the perfect finishing touch to any ensemble. $68 shopheet.com
3 Stay warm with the Woman’s Split Neck Hoodie from Parks Canada featuring the original beaver logo on the chest. Available at Hudson’s Bay with a portion of sales going towards Parks Canada. $99 thebay.com 10 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
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4 The Bang Mini Speaker is colourful, powerpacked with great sound quality and effortless portability. It provides 8 hours of non-stop music. Quick and easy USB recharger. $25 USD coloud.com 5 Amp up your next holiday party with the
SML385 karaoke machine from Singing Machine. Featuring a top loading CD+G player, two microphone jacks for duets, auto voice control, and even disco lights. Incredibly user-friendly, just plug the SML385 into a power source, pop in one of your favourite CD+Gs, and connect to your TV using the included cable. $49.97 walmart.ca
6 StretchWrite Hero adds a soft grip to any pen or
pencil and turns it into a stylus for a touchscreen. Go from writing to tapping away with ease. $9.99 for a 2 pack. felixbrand.com
7 A traveller’s dream. Rise Gear Luggage has built-in collapsible shelving and organizational compartments so clothing can lay flat and remain wrinkle free. Simply unzip, expand and hang. The easiest unpacking experience. Also available in as a roller bag and a weekend duffle bag. The Rise Jumper retails for $99 risegear.com 8 Unwind with a South African Cabernet
Sauvignon/Merlot. Two Oceans wines are decadent, delicious and produced in an eco-friendly way. $18.95 lcbo.ca
9 The Oil & Vinegar Dipping Plate is a handy gift featuring a bottle of oil, a bottle of vinegar and a dipping plate. A perfect hostess gift! $14.99 shoppersdrugmart.ca
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10 Warm, cozy and lightweight, the Stokke baby sleeping bag gives little ones a comfortable, unrestricted rest. The sleeping bag fastens over the shoulders giving access to the infant’s arms. For newborn to 6 months. stokke.com 11 Snuggle up with a Sunbeam heated throw.
The microplush throw features three heat settings, a three-hour auto-off function, is machinewashable and dryer safe. Available in a wide variety of patterns, colours, and designs. $49.97 Walmart.ca
12 All the necessities for a perfect smokey
eye in a small square palette. Available in different colours to complement individual eye colours. $5 shoppersdrugmart.ca
13 Appaman children’s fashions have a unique
Scandinavian perspective on Ameripop iconic looks. Your kids will stand out from the pack. Shirt $38 Pants $42 appaman.com
14 Treat the woman in your life to some sparkle with Chamilia (a Swarovski Group brand) seasonal customized jewelry. Featuring stunning beads and charms in holiday motifs that can be added to their classic sterling silver bracelets and leather wraps. Bracelets start at $65 camillia.com 15 The Quo Travel Mini Brush Set includes
4 basic brushes in a stylish case for easy transport. A perfect travel companion. $15 shoppersdrugmart.ca
16 Indulge in the safe, toxin-free and hospital-
recommended organic herbal products to support mamas and babies throughout all stages of pregnancy and postpartum living. From lip balms and body butter to so much more, Earth Mama Angel Baby products are a little luxury to go with our little blessings. $19.95 earthmamaangelbaby.com
17 Up and Away's Canadian Snowbirds jacket for infants and children is lightweight, durable, and machine-washable. Featuring the Snowbirds crest, the Snowbirds logo, and Canadian flag, this is the real deal. $44 upandawayjackets.com 18
Take your hair to new heights with Giovanni Eco Chic Cosmetics’ 2chic Ultra-Volume Collection. Enriched with tangerine butter and papaya, this new vitamin-rich formula will nourish and hydrate the scalp without weighing hair down. $7.99-$15.99 giovannicosmetics.com
19 Remote control Ollie is designed to spin, tumble and make sharp turns with ease. It won’t get stuck if flipped over. This two-wheeled robot Ollie is customizable and can be used through an app for interactive play. $99.99 gosphero.com
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20 The Airframe Portable Car Mount for your smartphone can attach to any air vent in your vehicle. Weighing less than an ounce and with an expandable grip, this mount allows for easy, convenient hands-free driving. $24.95 kenu.com
23 Brought to you by Scotland’s favourite
21 The Rapoo A3060 Bluetooth Mini Speaker connects to all bluetooth-enabled devices. For high-quality sound, make the connection by simply tapping your device on the speaker. Available in a variety of colours. $49.99 rapoo.com
24 Sleek, modern, and unique, Phiat4on Chord
22 With 4 LED modes the Satechi RideMate USB Rechargeable Bicycle Headlight ensures safety for cyclists. It features a USB port to charge devices and a micro USB to charge the headlight itself. Installation requires no tools, simply secure the rubber pads around your handle bars. $39.99 satechi.net 12 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
independent brewery Innis & Gunn, Melville’s Ginger Beer is a light and citrusy choice with a big kick. Natural stem ginger is slowly infused into the brew. It’s bold, spicy with a fresh taste. $2.95 lcbo.ca MS 530 bluetooth headphones are loaded with exciting features. Noise cancelling up to 98 per cent of ambient background noise and sound is enhanced with deep, rich bass and added sonic presence. $349 phiaton.com
25 An essential for parents of little ones. Warmmuffs attach on a stroller to keep your hands warm. Ideal outwear for families who won’t let the cold weather stop them. $38 7amenfant.com
26 Manoeuvre around the web like a pro with the T120P Wireless Touch Mouse from Rapoo. Make work easier with user-friendly 4D scrolling and interactive vibration feedback. Available in festive red, fresh green, bright yellow and other vibrant shades, bring some colour to your desk. $29.99 rapoo.com 27 The 8 tools in the Champ Survival Sidekick
Flashlight will have you prepared for any emergency. This flashlight is both easy to use and easy to stow. Hand-crank charging will insure that your battery never dies when you need it most. $24.95 champprepared.com
savvy selections by Debbie Trenholm
Raise a glass - it’s the holidays! However you deck the halls, here are some savvy tips & recipes that will make everything brighter.
Pop those corks! It’s always a nice touch to serve bubbly when your guests arrive. We do this at every Savvy Event. The sound of popping corks sets the mood and the rush of bubbly wine overflowing the flute glasses brings on a smile. Sparkling wine is fun and you don’t need to break the bank by serving French Champagne. Here are some Ontario sparkling wines to have in the fridge for any occasion during the holidays:
Casa Dea Cuvee Rosé $17.95 – a glass of this dry bubbly from Prince Edward County adds wow power with its gorgeous pink colour. Available directly from the winery. Palatine Hills Estates Prestige Sparkling $23 – a crisp, dry bubbly from Niagara-on-theLake that won gold at this year’s Ottawa Wine Challenge – the wine competition associated to the Ottawa Wine & Food Festival. Look for it in Vintages at the LCBO. SOMMELIER TIP: Serve bowls of
potato or vegetable chips laced with sea salt. The salt magically reacts with the bubbles of the sparkling wine making it feel like fireworks in your mouth. Here are a few bubbly cocktail ideas if you want to add some zing.
Sparkling Red Poinsettia Cocktail Makes 8-10 glasses 1 bottle of chilled sparkling wine – either white or rosé
½ cup (125 mL) of either Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, chilled 1 cup (500mL) cranberry juice, chilled Mix all ingredients together in a jug and pour into champagne flutes. Garnish with fresh cranberry or sugared rim. Ginger Snap Makes 8 – 10 glasses 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger ½ cup sugar 1 bottle of chilled sparkling wine – white is preferred In a small saucepan, boil ginger, sugar and ¼ cup of water until syrupy (about 2 minutes). Place a fine mesh sieve over a small bowl. Pour syrup through sieve, discarding solids. (You can store syrup in an airtight container in fridge for a week.) When ready to make cocktails, pour 1 tablespoon of ginger syrup into champagne flute glasses. Top with sparkling wine. Gently stir and garnish with a festive swizzle stick or curl of citrus rind. Shaking it up with craft beer and gin Cocktails made with craft beer & gin are trending high this year. There are over 12 craft breweries in Ottawa and small distilleries are popping up in Prince Edward County & Niagara too.
Blue Spruce From www.Dillons.ca Makes 1 cocktail 2 ounces of gin (try Dillon’s Unfiltered Gin 22, available at the LCBO or direct from the distillery www.dillons.ca) 1 package fresh blueberries Squirt of simple syrup to taste (or use blueberry syrup/ juice) Juice & rind from lemon wedge
Tonic Water Stem of fresh rosemary Ice Place a handful of ice in a tumbler glass. Pour in gin, lemon (juice & peel), a few blueberries (feel free to gently mash the blueberries), syrup and top with tonic. Stir with a rosemary stem & serve. Festive Fizz From www.drinkcraftbeer.com Makes 1 cocktail 1 part gin 1 part grapefruit juice 2 parts craft beer (try Perth Brewery Hopside IPA, Covered Bridge Brewery Dirty Blonde or Dominion City Brewery Earl Grey & Marmalade Saison) 1 teaspoon simple syrup (adjust to taste) Sprig of mint Wedge of grapefruit Shake gin, juice and syrop with ice. Pour into glass and top with beer. Add sprig of mint and wedge of grapefruit to the glass. With less than a month to go until Christmas hopefully these drink ideas will help soften the stresses of the season and make your guests smile. Savvy Sommeliers & Brew Crew are ready to design a one-of-a-kind wine, craft beer and artisan cheese event for your family, clients & friends. Savvy Selections wine-of-the-month club is the largest in Ontario and Savvy Hip Hops is the only club featuring craft beers brewed in Ontario. The Savvy Hotline is 613-SAVVYCO (728-8926) n Debbie Trenholm is a sommelier and the founder of Savvy Company 13 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
gallery by Madelaine Manson
Orange Art Gallery:
Pushing Boundaries In The Capital Community
F
ollowing a trip to NYC with husband and co-owner Matthew Jeffrey four years ago, Ingrid Hollander felt that Ottawa needed a contemporary gallery willing to take big risks. “We found that galleries here had a much more retail-oriented, commercial focus. We wanted to provide a cool space that could showcase local art at its best,” Hollander says. So they opened Orange Art Gallery. Fast forward to April 2014, they relocated to an historic building that housed the CN rail bank 100 years ago. The new location is off Scott street by the City Centre. “I like to be in an old building that is filled with a lot of history. It brings a lot of character to the space,” Hollander explains. Supporting Ottawa’s local artists is imperative. Orange Art Gallery represents both emerging and established local artists who bring something unique to the contemporary art world. “It always fluctuates a little bit, but we represent about 25 artists – I think a lot of people like to meet the artist in person, which is one of the reasons why we like to represent local artists. 14 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
There is much more of a connection if an art buyer has met the artist.” The gallery represents established local artists Gwendolyn Best and Megan D’Arcy, among many others, but Hollander is always seeking out the next best thing, believing that the development of Ottawa’s art scene is inextricably linked to supporting emerging artists in the community. “There are a number of young artists we represent that are doing quite well. It is very exciting to come across new talent. I look long term, where I can see artists continuing to grow and establishing themselves in the community.” The gallery showcases different types of art, including paintings, sculptures and metal work. Hollander prefers to mix and match styles to create an eclectic vibe.
While it is important that each artist has a unique style, Hollander is drawn towards pieces that complement the gallery as a whole. “I generally put 3 to 5 artists together in a room. Each room has a bit of a theme, whether it’s classical, modern or folksy. This approach separates the styles quite well. Some pieces are more compatible than others.” The historic building that houses Orange is also available as a rental venue for wedding receptions, corporate events or other occasions. “There is a lack of unique, intimate venue spaces for events in Ottawa, so we are finding a niche in that market… art on the walls is a great conversation starter!” What lies ahead for Orange Art Gallery? “Ultimately, we want to continue to rent out the space, develop our artists and keep attracting new, great talent!” Orange is the colour of creativity. It is the perfect name for a cuttingedge gallery that continues to push boundaries in Ottawa’s growing arts scene n
aboriginal pathways by Janice Dickson
The art of Russell Noganosh
Finding himself through art and using it to heal
R
ussell Noganosh set off for Plains Indian Cultural Survival School in his early twenties because he was interested in learning about his culture and language. However, the skills he learned didn’t come from his studies. Instead they came from friendship and art. It was during his stay at the Calgarybased school that he met artist Isaac Bignell who became his art mentor and life-long friend. “Isaac and I hung out. I left school and thought maybe hitting the road would be a great teacher.” Noganosh and Bignell travelled all over Canada and the States selling their paintings and taking in the beauty around them. In fact, Noganosh said his work is inspired by nature and his own experiences. “A walk in the bush, seeing the mountains, participating in powwows and ceremonies, hearing stories from elders — this is what inspires me,” said Noganosh. Some of his work also emerged as part of a healing process. Last year, Noganosh was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer. He said that in the scariest moments of life, it is critical to stay positive and have faith. For him, that included painting. Thankfully, he is in remission. Recently, Noganosh completed three new pieces that portray elements of the universe such as wind, fire, earth and water. “The greatest gifts on earth have been given to us, and to keep on
painting and painting, and I said ‘I’m going to paint through this,’ and I have.Water is the most sacred, it keeps people alive. Treat it like your mother or father or children, with respect… I’m pleased with what I’ve been doing, it directs my focus, it takes my mind off the position I was in,” he explained. “The way I look at it, I am sending a message through my art. Take care of the water, take care of the land take, care of your children, grandchildren and their children,” he said. Noganosh said that he didn’t grow up in a nurturing environment so he expresses his experiences and feelings in his work. “I had one painting that I did a while back that depicted Children’s Aid (CAS) coming and picking up kids, in particular, my brother and me. I put the CAS logo on the side of a 50’s car, one that would drive up to the reserve and apprehend children,” he said.
The artist said that after crying and sharing, he painted black over top of the painting and he painted a healthier picture with richer colours. “Do what you feel and put your heart into it,” he said of the painting and healing process. Noganosh also sculpts and carves stone. He started sculpting as a teen, but he didn’t consider himself a serious sculptor until later in life. A relative taught him the art of sculpting and he created transmetamorphosis pieces — transporting art from stone to a painting, or a painting to stone. “I mutated the carving of a fish. I turned stone into a two-headed fish and then the tail of the fish was a four-point deer antler, and you know the gills — I took two horns from the antler and put it on the side of the fish and then underneath the fish’s chin, I put a turtle shell. I put stone for eyes, stones for a big long mouth and horsehair,” he said. Noganosh described the twoheaded fish as a contemporary and environmentally-aware type of creation. His work is beautiful and unique. “You have to come with your own style,” said Noganosh n 15 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
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Follow Alex on Twitter: @AlexandraGunn Alexandra Gunn is the Lifestyle reporter for Sun News Network.
in search of style by Alexandra Gunn
Baby it’s Cold Outside
Wool Pea Coat $179.99 Winners
We show you how to bundle up in style while braving the cold Ottawa climate.
Express textured Cocoon Coat $228
Take a break from black. Pick a colour that will brighten your mood all winter long.
Ottawa weather can be tough on fashion, especially when a polar vortex makes you want to put on sweats to stay warm. In preparation for the cold weather, pair slush-ready boots with a cozy coat. It’s a match made in fierce weather heaven. This season, make your focus on a solid-coloured coat — the staple to any wardrobe.
Wool and Mohair Coat $149.99 Marshalls
MUST HAVES Smell sweet all night long with a compact fragrance for your purse. Spread the love with a printed sweater. Select double duty-boots that tackle both rain and snow.
p Wool Pea Coat $129.99 Winners p Tweed Coat With Faux Fur Collar $149.99 Marshalls
NEW TO OTTAWA
Christmas Party Fashion
Next time you’re in the Bayshore Shopping Centre, visit the newly-opened Rockport store. It has a bright and airy layout mixed with trendy footwear. It’s a step in the right direction! Stella & Dot Sutton Necklace $138 p
Q A
I’ll be attending a holiday gala and want Tristan to wear a dress that has a bit of sparkle, Party Dress p but nothing over the top. Help!
The ideal Christmas party dress is something that will make you stand out for the evening but won’t make you feel like you’re out of your comfort zone. Avoid anything that’s too short and opt for a dress with a gold or silver hue. If you plan to wear a black dress but want to add some sparkle with jewelry, find a big and bold necklace that will make you feel glamorous all evening long. 17 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
ALL NEW SHOW WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA REVIVING 5,000 YEARS OF CHINESE CIVILIZATION
18 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
homes by Brandelyn Cameron Add some dimension to the space with texture such as natural stone
Drab to Fab EASY STEPS
6
•
• Create an illusion of extra space by taking the tile to the top.
1
Select a Monochromatic Colour Scheme Select a light, monochromatic colour scheme of cool hues. It will make the space appear more expansive while incorporating an element of serenity. Painting everything a unifying colour will make the space visually expand. This reduces the number of transitions, creating a more expansive feel to the room.
2
Feature a Focal Point Stay away from contrasting colour schemes within the small space and limit your variation to an object within the space. such as a low cabinet. This will ensure that the contrasting object is incorporated as a focal point and everything else will diminish and blend together as a back drop. Take the tile in the shower up to the ceiling Rather than having your tile stop 12” below the ceiling, continue the tile right up to the top. By reducing the number of transitions within the space, you create an illusion of enhanced space.
3
4
Eliminate Visual Barriers Textured glass or a shower curtain can make a space feel like it has an extra wall. Although these items may allow light in and have some privacy, they act
PHOTOS: NATALIE MIREAULT PHOTOGRAPHY
Fixtures with clean lines add an element of zen.
as a visual barrier within the room. Eliminate this barrier with a beautiful glass door such as the Maxx Halo featured here from Mondeau Kitchen and Bath.
5
Incorporate Texture When you are working in small spaces, it can be very tempting to incorporate bold paint colours or wall paper as a way to enhance the space. Instead, add some dimension to the space
with texture such as natural stone. By keeping the stone the same colour as the wall you can add big style to a small space.
6
Accessorize Since mirrors have mastered the illusion of added space, select chrome as the accent metal of choice. In the above photos the faucet and bathroom fixtures are from the Pfister Kamato collection and their simplistic clean lines add an element of zen n 19 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
health & wellness by Dr. Stacia Kelly
Consider a Chiropractor FILLING IN THE “CRACKS” ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC
Over 4 million people in Canada, and nearly 2 million in Ontario alone, visit a chiropractor each year. The popularity of holistic medicine climbs, but many still do not fully understand what chiropractic is and how it can help. The Canadian Chiropractic Association states “Chiropractors are extensively educated in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions and associated neurological system, and will recommend a course of treatment to help relieve pain and improve function without surgery or pharmaceuticals, such as manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue therapy, exercise, education, modalities and rehabilitation.” But what does this actually mean and how could they help you?
they may help. These misconceptions may lead to unexplored opportunities for healing. Here are some of them: “Chiropractors are not real doctors.” In fact, most chiropractors do four-years of undergraduate education, followed by a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic, completing over 100 more hours of class time then medical students. “Chiropractic is dangerous.” Side effects of chiropractic are minimal, especially when compared to the side effects of any over-the-counter medication.
Chiropractors are extensively trained to work with all joints and muscles in the body. People often forget that in addition to being specialists of the spine, they can effectively help conditions associated with the feet, hands, knees, shoulders and jaw. The most common reasons people seek chiropractic care are back and neck pain, headaches, strains/sprains, work-related and car accidents. Other reasons such as better posture, sports injuries, flexibility, pregnancy-related back pain, and foot pain are also seen. Many people receive treatment for general restricted movement in joints and muscles, which makes them feel better and ultimately leads to a greater quality of life. Chiropractors often work with other practitioners in a collaborative health-care setting where they can best provide a comprehensive treatment plan for their clients. A number of common misconceptions about chiropractic have surfaced and cause people to dismiss the idea that 20 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
“Chiropractic is expensive.” Chiropractic could potentially reduce time off work and decrease medical expenses, not to mention increase the quality of life. Posture: So why is posture so important?
Good posture contributes to increased energy, better breathing, improved circulation and allows you to move with greater confidence and grace compared to people who slouch. Your chiropractor can help you maintain a great posture all day. Sedentary jobs are increasing and most of us sit at a desk all day. We are not designed to sit. In fact, sitting puts four times more pressure on the lower back than standing and 16 times more pressure than lying down. Such stress and strain also puts pressure on our nerves, which control everything in the body. A problem with the spine can have farreaching effects and cause diverse symptoms such as leg or arm pain or digestive issues. We must “move it or we lose it.” So if you are one of the 8 out of 10 Canadians who will experience back pain at some point in your life, you have an injury, or you just want to feel better overall, give chiropractic a try and you can experience this art of healing first-hand. Most insurance companies allow for chiropractic coverage and can be direct billed in many clinics n
“Once you go you have to go forever.” People may go to a chiropractor frequently because it makes them feel better. However, this is not always necessary and ultimately it is up to you to decide the frequency of your visits.
Dr. Stacia Kelly (author) is a chiropractor at Ottawa Holistic Wellness Clinic, located in the downtown Ottawa core. The clinic has over 15 different wellness practitioners. They work as a team, and consider individual health concerns to provide a truly holistic approach. This enables them to identify and treat the underlying causes of your issues to give deep, long-lasting healing.
reason to smile by Dr Samuel P. Kucey, DDS, FRCD(C), Dip. ABOMS
Understanding Dental Implants
I
n 1983, following a successful five-year replication study at the University of Toronto, a new and exciting phase of Canadian dentistry began. For the first time, implants were available to the dental public in North America. These implants were placed by dental specialists, primarily Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS). In the beginning, implants were utilized primarily for patients who had great difficulties wearing lower dentures. The use of implants to anchor dentures permanently or to stabilize them to “click-in” brought many patients huge relief from pain, instability and difficulty with mastication or chewing. As time passed and more scientific and clinical work was studied, over the past 30 years, implants evolved. Implants, which are basically a replacement for a tooth root, are now used for immediate tooth replacement from a single tooth loss to full arch construction with complete tooth loss, often known as “Teeth-in-a-Day”. The unique qualities of the titanium material, which all implants are made of, has allowed for many applications including orthopedic surgery as well as dental implants. So Are Dental Implants For You?
Dentistry offers many options for replacement of teeth, from partial dentures to full dentures to root canal work to bridgework. Conventional dentistry has been used for over 100 years with good success. One of the concerns of patients is that bridgework usually involves grinding down or cutting down natural teeth to suspend artificial teeth between the existing tooth structures. An implant often is a better alternative to this approach to a bridge and should be discussed with your dentist. The vast majority of dental implant work involves a teamwork approach. The
surgeon works with your dentist on the diagnosis and preparation of the sites for implant reception. What Process Should You Expect?
It is estimated that over ten million implants have been placed in North America and that there is an increasing demand and application of this technology, which will double in the next five years. The use of implants is becoming a regular part of the armamentarium of dentists. Your dental specialists are there to help. The general step-by-step approach to treatment is:
may be as simple as local anaesthetic (freezing) or, often, patients desire sedation or full general anaesthetic, depending on the patient’s desires and the extent and significance of the surgery and the patient’s health. Your OMFS can offer you those services; 4. Following implant placement at the surgeon’s clinic, office, or hospital, there generally is a period of monitoring from three to four months as the bone heals into the surface of the implant. At the appropriate time, the implant integration or fixation to bone is checked by x-rays and clinical examination and your surgical office communicates with the dental office and the final application of tooth, bridges, and teeth can begin; 5. A few short weeks after the implants have been determined to be fused to the bone, your new tooth or teeth will be finally delivered. In some cases, a temporary tooth can be put in immediately at the time of implant placement and even a full arch reconstruction (“Teeth-in-a-Day”) can be accomplished in appropriate cases;
BEFORE
AFTER
1. Your family dentist will discuss options for tooth replacement with you when that need is identified; 2. Your dentist often will refer you to a dental specialist (such as an OMFS) for the diagnosis and further development of implant treatment options; X-rays, CBCT scans and computer guided programs. 3. Once a treatment plan has been decided on, the surgical procedure
6. Maintenance of the implants is carried out by the dental office, your own dental hygiene procedures, and annual hygiene examinations, and follow-up through your surgeon’s office. At this point in time, dental implants have been functioning for well over 50 years and the future looks promising. It is a very exciting and promising time for the over 50 million people in North America missing one or more important teeth. Implants seem here to stay n
Case file and images belong to Dr. Hassan Moghadam, DDS, MSc, FRCD(C) The surgery was performed by Dr. Hassan G. Moghadam DDS, MSc, FRCD(C)’ at Argyle associates. 21 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
reason to smile/professional profile by Paul Allison
It’s Time to Include
Dental Health in the Health-Care System Canada’s most vulnerable populations have the highest rates of dental pain, decay, disease and the worst access to care.
T
here are many reasons why some Canadians choose not to go to the dentist, but a new report released recently from the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) found that cost is a major factor – and that Canada’s most vulnerable populations have the highest rates of dental decay, pain and disease, but the worst access to this much needed health-care service. The price tag for hospital care and most physician services is covered through our publicly funded healthcare system, but dental care is largely paid for privately in Canada. The CAHS report reveals that a whopping 95 per cent of dental care is paid outof-pocket or through private dental insurance and is delivered in private dental offices. The remaining 5 per cent is covered through a hodgepodge of public health programs offered federally and provincially, targeting the needs of specific populations, with many falling through the cracks. So what happens when you don’t have dental insurance? The report found that almost half of all Canadians without dental insurance — commonly, new Canadians, the elderly, people working in insecure jobs and for low wages, and their children — avoid visiting a dentist due to costs. In fact, those in the poorest income group were almost four times more likely to avoid the dentist due to costs than the richest group of Canadians. Vulnerable Canadians with difficulty accessing dental care are also those with the most dental pain, the greatest difficulty eating a healthy diet and the ones with the highest levels of gum 22 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
disease, which in turn can increase their risk for general health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In other words, those who need dental care the most are the least likely to be able to get it, and the ones who suffer the most because of it. It may also be costing all of us through increased visits to already crowded emergency rooms and physician offices and valuable time lost from work, school and other activities. There are other reasons that people skip seeing their dentist, such as lack of transportation, fear of dental treatment and the dental office, and misunderstandings between dental professionals and certain groups in the population. These complex issues have complex solutions.
It (Canadians without dental insurance) may also be costing all of us through increased visits to already crowded emergency rooms and physician offices and valuable time lost from work, school and other activities But they cannot be addressed without first addressing equity in access to dental care. The CAHS report finds that inequalities in oral disease and access to dental care in Canada are greater than inequalities in general
health problems and medical care. What might surprise many is that Canada actually provides less publiclyfunded dental care than the United States — and internationally, Canada is among the lowest funders of dental health-care programs. Inequality in access to dental care is but one manifestation of the increasing inequalities in Canadian society and it needs to be addressed. With societal changes such as the increasing proportion of the population who is elderly and the decreasing proportion of the population with dental insurance, difficulty accessing dental care is only going to increase unless we start acting now. All people living in Canada should have reasonable access to dental care. We need to bring dentistry into the general health-care system by having some dental clinics in hospitals and community health centres. We need to explore the use of a variety of dental and other health professionals delivering care in a variety of settings. And we need to explore the financing of dental care for vulnerable groups — including anomalies in tax legislation that help those with dental insurance but not those without. We need concerted professional, government and community action now to begin to address these issues so that many Canadians will get the dental health care they so desperately need n Paul Allison is an advisor with EvidenceNetwork. ca, Dean in the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University, and Chair of the CAHS panel on “Improving access to oral health care for vulnerable people living in Canada.”
reason to smile/oral health series by Marie Waine and Dr. Ian Milne
Million Dollar Smile:
Dr. Jessica Tan Changes Lives of Children Born with Cleft Lip and Palate
A
bout one in every 750 to 1000 children are born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. Clefts can cause problems with eating, speaking, hearing and breathing. Luckily, advancements are constantly being made in research and treatment to ensure a child with a cleft can develop as normally as possible.
to create certain sounds causes delayed speech development. Hearing can also be affected by lack of muscle and development.
One woman working towards changing the future of these children is Dr. Jessica Tan, head of the cleft lip and palate program at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).
Tan works with a group of specialists at CHEO. The cleft lip and palate
“Cleft lip and cleft palate are two separate entities, but often are lumped together as one. The cause is believed to be a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences. In most cases, a definitive cause cannot be determined,” Tan explained. However, there is an understanding as to how cleft lip and palate form. Cleft palate occurs in the utero between eight to 11 weeks, when head and facial structures are developing. Tissues do not fuse completely creating a cleft. It can affect the soft or hard palate, one or both sides of the mouth. “The severity of the cleft depends on when the failure to fuse occurs. The earlier the failure, the more severe the cleft,” said Tan. Cleft lip forms in the utero between four to seven weeks. The right, left or both sides of the lip can be affected when the developing lip structures fail to fuse together. Both clefts are usually detected at the 12-week ultrasound. Cleft lip and palate cause numerous problems hindering normal child development. Babies may not be able to suck properly because of the cleft, causing feeding issues. The inability
Today, numerous treatments are available. “Treatment to repair the defect and correct related conditions,” said Tan.
UPPER LIP
team consists of plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists (ear and throat doctor), nurse co-ordinators, speech pathologists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, dentists, prosthodontists and radiologists. Treatment starts as early as one week of age. Tan works on the nasoalveolar moulding, where a moulding plate is custom-fit to an infant and adjusted weekly to mould the upper jaw into a better position and reduce the size of the cleft. Medical tapes are used to shape the lips into proper position. “This early treatment helps with the lip repair and post surgical healing, thus improving the surgical results achieved,” said Tan. Lip repair and palate repair follow this procedure. “Due to the cleft palate, the teeth are
often affected in the area of the cleft. They can be missing, malformed and extra teeth are common,” said Tan. Patients begin to see the dentist at one year of age to monitor any developing dental needs. Between the ages of eight and 10, Tan said to watch out for a cleft where teeth are present. “Orthodontic treatment to prepare for bone grafting is started. Bone graft fills the hole to prepare HARD PALATE
SOFT PALATE
UVULA
the area for adult teeth which will be growing in once the baby teeth fall out,” she said. Most children will need orthodontic treatment. Braces and surgery to correct jaw or bite problems are common. Any final revisions to the lip and/or nose are considered once the teeth and jaw are correct. Research and technology are only improving the way in which cleft lip and palate can be treated. “Modern surgical techniques to repair cleft lip and palate greatly improve the esthetics and function of the affected structures,” said Tan. “Often there is minimal scarring and the final esthetic results make it difficult to detect the original anomaly.” n
Dr. Ian Milne is an active member and a past President of the Canadian Association of Orthodontists and a member of both the American and World Federation of Orthodontists. He is a former President of the Canadian Foundation of Orthodontics and an active member of both the Ontario and Canadian Dental Associations. His Ottawa Clinic is at 239B Argyle Avenue Ottawa ON K2P 1B8 613-232-4266. www.bracesbymilne.com 23 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
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cover by Marie Waine
Nipissing University Provides Quality Education to First Nations Communities
I
t is a sad statement that in Canada today there are segments of the population for whom access to learning and high-quality teaching is not available. Aboriginal children are such group. Their level of education is well below that of other Canadian children. The high school graduation rate for on-reserve students is abysmally low, approximately 40 per cent in most provinces. Without proper credentials, First Nations youth often miss out on opportunities at post-secondary institutions and jobs. An underfunded on-reserve education system is often cited as a main reason. This is not a new issue. Debates about how to improve Aboriginal education have been going on for years. It is a sensitive and complicated subject as Aboriginal education crosses different government jurisdictions. While education is a provincial matter, Aboriginal affairs are federal. There must be a more organized structured system to implement a better education system to serve Aboriginal youth. Most
recently,
the
Conservative
government unveiled the First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act, or Bill C-33. This bill proposed what was thought to be quality standards for on-reserve education and implementing more control over the system for First Nations. This bill came after a previous plan was rejected by 200 Aboriginal leaders.
The graduation rate for on-reserve students is low across the country, around 40 per cent in most provinces. Although the revised Bill C-33 intended to be better, it led to the resignation of Shawn Atleo, former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. One of the major reforms of the bill was to better align on-reserve and off-reserve provincial standards of education. However, many First Nations leaders opposed the bill,
saying it ignored Aboriginal rights. The federal government was also seen as gaining too much control in the system. Atleo resigned after facing backlash from First Nations leaders for supporting Bill C-33. Now it is back to the drawing board for the federal government and Aboriginal leaders to create fair education reforms. For the meantime though, First Nations youth are trying to access the education available to them. One place they can go is Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario. Nipissing offers the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives, which provides resources, programs and support to students. The goal is to assist students in successfully completing their degree at Nipissing University, while providing an enriching experience. “The Office of Aboriginal Initiatives is a focal point for our aboriginal students here on campus. It gives us an opportunity to reach out to the community,â€? says Mike DeGagnĂŠ, president and vice-chancellor of Nipissing University. 25 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
The Power of Learning The Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) in Saskatchewan is a place for Métis students to experience the power of learning. Its number one focus is to promote the renewal and development of Métis culture. With Métis-specific educational programs and services, the Gabriel Dumont Institute offers unparalleled training. GDI conserves Métis history and culture and is trusted source for Métis-specific information throughout the world. High-quality programs are offered to improve education and employment outcomes. There are basic education, university-based and skills training classes available. Each class focuses on incorporating a Métis cultural component. Students at GDI are welcomed with open arms. They are provided with countless resources and services within an understanding environment. GDI wants to see its students succeed; it will even help with job training and seeking. Métis students are encouraged to engage in the school community and reach out for help when needed. With the publication and development of Métisfocused literature, a virtual museum of Metis history and culture with over 11,000 files, GDI provides access to limitless resources for learning outside of class. GDI is committed to creating the best possible environment for its students.
“We want (Nipissing)to be a place students feel they can succeed and we want to help retain and graduate aboriginal students.” The Office hopes it can do just that through specific program offerings. One of these offerings is the Aboriginal Advantage Program, run by Elders, Student Success coordinators and faculty. The program celebrates students as Aboriginal individuals by working with them one-on-one in the academic, personal and cultural areas of their lives. “The people that you speak to who have utilized the program find it very, very helpful,” says DeGagné. The program offers workshops for writing, grammar and computer skills, as well as counselling options to help manage stress. Cultural needs are fulfilled with sharing circles with Elders and guest speakers. The Office creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels at home. Another prominent program is the Aboriginal Mentorship Initiative. Student volunteers from Nipissing go and visit high school students in North Bay to talk to them about education and encourage Aboriginal cultural development. “We have an established network with First Nations communities in the area, so the Office acts as a way regionally to reach out to even young children, to talk not just about university, but about education in general,” says DeGagné. The focus on education for young children is one of the unique aspects of the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives, DeGagné says. The Office aims to reach out and share the values of education to children at a young age, in hopes of creating success for a student over the long term. “The biggest hope for the program is that its outreach to the community helps Aboriginal students in this region
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access education,” says DeGagné. “It is also concerned with student success. We want students to attend here. We want it to be a place they feel they can succeed and we want to help retain and graduate Aboriginal students.” It is with hope other universities in Canada can learn from Nipissing University. Perhaps others can look to the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives for tips on how to create a feeling of community for Aboriginal students. “The Aboriginal students here have a place to go to study, to ask questions, to get help academically and it provides a sense of community within the school, which by all accounts helps out a great deal,” says DeGagné. Even in today’s struggle for Aboriginal education, with underfunding being a prime cited cause, it is proven that students, like those at Nipissing University, are able to pull through and attain a high level of education. “The Office of Aboriginal Initiatives is another avenue for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students to get the support and help they need, if they need it,” says DeGagné. As the publicity winds down from Bill C-33, and leaders consider whether or not they will make amendments to the bill, it must be kept in mind that children are being affected by every decision. “Bill C-33 was intended to improve elementary and high school education for First Nations. All that education preparation is critical to succeeding in university. So we would have loved to see the bill succeed,” says DeGagné. When it comes to opportunity and quality education, everyone in Canada should have the same chance to succeed n
gallery by Sandra Thiessen
hen it comes to seeing artistic W possibilities in the ordinary, Jo Mann is unparalleled. Mann’s artwork is in fact unique and is a style completely her own. She acknowledges. Her canvas is not stretched fabric but the most Canadian of objects. Ironically, while deeply Canadian she found inspiration through travels and through connections with others. Mann’s experience with a surrounding community of artists and her many friends that are artists has been positive, both for herself and the nature of her work. She has voyaged all over North and Central America, with a working stint in a Mexican tourist resort town. And then she also has found meeting and connecting with other artists to be motivating. “You work together and then you develop your own style,” she explains. Seven years abroad have had an undeniable influence on her artwork and have even spurred Mann on to new endeavours. She spent some time on Vancouver Island but when she came back to Ontario she didn’t have any canvases to paint on. She came across some canoe paddles in
her garage and sanded them down and began using them as her canvas.
Bancroft, Ontario. This was a new challenge for her.
Mann has now been painting paddles for over 30 years. “I like working with lost and found objects, making something interesting out of them and revising them,” she explains.
The commission was a combination of planning and Mann’s own creativity. Mann and the owner of Grail Springs had several talks about the design of the teepee and what they wanted it to look like “and then she let me go with it,” explains Mann.
The paddles are some of her most popular pieces and are known around the world. She admits, “the hardest part about the paddles is keeping them one of a kind, keeping them unique.” However, it is because of her care and attention to detail that the paddles can remain that way, “never the same,” as Mann describes them. Mann’s creativity flows in part from the “ongoing process of renewing creative memories from cultures past and present”. That includes the history of First Nations. She captures it beautifully. In fact, in the summer of 2012, Mann was commissioned to paint a teepee at Grail Springs Retreat Centre in
Not a typical canvas, Mann had to figure out how to work with the different parts of the teepee in a manageable way. “It was quite a job,” Mann explains. She began by laying out the pieces of canvas on the ground and applying a faux finish to them. She then applied her designs onto the canvas and began painting. Mann’s biggest challenge was being at the mercy of the weather. While painting the teepee, she experienced everything from scorching heat to pouring rain. Nonetheless, she persevered and the finished product, Thunderwolf Ceremonial Teepee, now stands tall at Grail Springs. Mann’s creativity spills over into all of her work. Influences of one piece can also been seen in other pieces, yet all while she keeps each piece one of a kind n www.jo-mann.com
Artist Jo Mann
27 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
métis series by Katie Hartai
Who are the Métis? or generations, the Métis Nation F has struggled for recognition and justice in the Canadian federation.
In 1982, the existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights of the Aboriginal peoples in Canada were recognized and affirmed in s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. This was a watershed for the Métis Nation, with the explicit recognition of the Métis as one of the three distinct Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Since 1983, the Métis National Council (MNC) has represented the Métis Nation nationally and internationally. It receives its mandate and direction from the democratically elected leadership of the Métis Nation’s governments from the five westernmost provinces. Its key goal is to secure the position of the Métis Nation within the Canadian federation. The current leader of the Métis National Council is Clément Chartier. First elected in 2003, Chartier is currently serving his fourth term as leader. A citizen of the Métis Nation, he was born at Ile a la Crosse in Northwest Saskatchewan and raised in the nearby Métis community of Buffalo Narrows. He is a lawyer, writer, lecturer and activist and has served in both political and administrative capacities with numerous Indigenous peoples organizations nationally
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and internationally. Chartier is best known for his work on Métis and Indigenous rights. Like Louis Riel and the other Métis leaders before him, Clement Chartier has pushed the Métis Nation’s rights agenda and has strengthened the Métis Nation from its core. His goal during the next few years is to move the Métis Nation closer to settling outstanding Métis rights to land and self-government. The Métis story is as fascinating and complex as the Métis themselves. Just who are they? The MNC defines the term Métis as “A person, who selfidentifies as Métis, is of historic Métis Nation Ancestry, is distinct from other Aboriginal Peoples and is accepted by the Métis Nation.” Think of it this
These trying times, however, did not kill Riel’s vision of the Métis Nation. The Métis would rise again but the process would be long, bitter and hard fought. way. The Métis heritage is a result of the coming together and fusion of two very distinct cultures, European and First Nations.
People of mixed ancestry began appearing in Canada following the first interactions between eastern Indigenous peoples and Europeans. Samuel de Champlain told First Nations leaders, “Our young men will marry your daughters and we shall be one people.” Marital unity between the two cultures quickly became a part of state and church policy to assimilate the Aboriginal population. However, while there were mixed marriages in the eastern parts of Canada, it was on the western plains where the Métis people emerged as a New Nation during the latter part of the 18th century. In the fur trade settlements of the historic Northwest, the Métis married amongst themselves and developed a unique culture of their own that combined European and Aboriginal traditions. Their knowledge of both languages and familiarity with both cultures made them essential intermediaries and key players in the early fur trade economy of western Canada. The commercial fur trade organized a transport system that moved commodities and food supplies across the grasslands, parklands and the northern bush, with eventual export of furs to the world market in London. The Métis were the backbone of this trade, serving as traders, boatmen, freighters, farmers, interpreters and buffalo hunters.
In 1811, the Hudson’s Bay Company granted land to Lord Selkirk from Scotland to colonize in the Red River Valley of today’s southern Manitoba. The Métis feared that the Scottish settlers would disrupt their economy and displace their people. Efforts by the new colonists to restrict Métis hunting and trading practices eventually led to the colonists’ defeat in 1816 at the Battle of Seven Oaks, where the victorious Métis led by Cuthbert Grant, Jr. unfurled the flag of the Métis Nation. In 1821, the amalgamation of the Hudson’s Bay Company and its rival, the North West Company, caused many Métis to lose their jobs. Many Métis families living at various abandoned trading posts migrated to the Red River Settlement. As of 1869, a recorded 5,720 French Catholic Métis, 4,080 English Protestant Métis and 1,600 whites made up the population of Red River, one of the largest settlements on the plains of North America west of the Mississippi and north of the Missouri. As a people conceived on the western plains, the Métis believed that they, along with the First Nations, were their true owners. They argued the Hudson’s Bay Company was not respecting their rights. With this, they challenged the company’s monopoly by starting an underground free trade, opening export industries of their own and gaining access to the American market. The company responded with oppressive measures. In 1869 the Hudson’s Bay Company sold Rupert’s Land to the Dominion of Canada without consent from the Métis. This caused great concern for the Métis people as they did not possess clear title to their land. Louis Riel formed a Métis National Committee, declaring itself a provisional government to negotiate the land transfer terms with Canada. The government drafted a List of Rights for the Métis which reflected their three primary concerns: political status, language and land. Most of their demands were recognized in the 1870 Manitoba Act.
Louis Riel (1844-1885) was an influential Métis leader involved with the Manitoba and Saskatchewan Métis governments. He played an important role in Manitoba joining Confederation in 1870. Riel was also behind uprisings against the government for encroaching on Métis lands like the Red River and North-West Resistance. Ultimately, Riel’s fight to protect his people resulted in his execution at the age of 41. Gabriel Dumont (1837-1906) was a Métis hunter, merchant, ferryman and political leader. He is remembered by historians for being Louis Riel’s military commander during the North-West Resistance in 1885.
Canada agreed the Red River Settlement would enter Confederation as the new Province of Manitoba (about 20,000 square kilometres in the southern part of today’s province), with representation in the House of Commons and Senate. It was also agreed that Manitoba’s official languages would be English and French and denominational schools would be preserved. Louis Riel was elected as the MP for the new riding (Provencher). Shortly after Manitoba became a province, 1,200 troops were dispatched to the region by the federal government. The soldiers along with new settlers from Ontario were hostile and harassed the Métis. Riel was forced to flee for his life and never made it to his seat in the House of Commons. He was re-elected twice in absentia. The federal government took more than a decade to carry out the Métis land grant promised by the Manitoba Act and most Métis were displaced. Manitoba’s population dropped from 83 per cent Métis in 1870 to seven per cent in 1886.
commander of the second Métis Provisional Government, Gabriel Dumont, led a series of battles against the Canadian government known as the North-West Resistance. The Métis fought against federal troops until they were ultimately outnumbered and defeated at the Battle of Batoche. Riel surrendered himself a few days later. He was found guilty of treason and was executed in Regina on November 16, 1885. In response to the uprisings, the federal government distributed grants to the Métis in the form of scrip, a coupon denominated in dollars or acres that could be applied to the purchase of surveyed Dominion lands opened for homestead purposes. The process for claiming their grant proved to be complicated and lengthy and most Métis sold the scrip for a fraction of its value to speculators who traveled with Ottawa’s scrip commissioners.
Most Red River Métis relocated west into the South Saskatchewan River valley where they joined or formed Métis communities. In 1885, under the leadership of Riel, the Métis created the Provisional Government of Saskatchewan which had similar demands to its predecessor in Manitoba.
After the hanging of Riel through to the mid 20th-century, the Métis Nation was hit with poverty, demoralization and racism. They had no title over their land, faced a rapid decline in the fur trade economy and were swept away by immigrating populations. Many chose to hide and disassociate themselves with their heritage in fear of prejudices associated with being a 'half-breed'. These trying times, however, did not kill Riel’s vision of the Métis Nation. The Métis would rise again but the process would be long, bitter and hard fought n
Frustrated with denied rights and continued misrepresentations of the Canadian government, the military
Next issue: OLM will examine the next chapter in the fight for Métis rights and legislation to protect the Métis Nation. 29 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
pipelines people and progress by Marie Waine
When it Comes to Pipeline Safety, Collaboration Matters hen it comes to protecting W the environment, people and communities, pipeline companies are choosing to work together.
The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) established the Integrity First® program. Members actively work together to not only define and implement best practices, but to also challenge each other to improve overall operations. CEPA is the industry association for the transmission pipeline industry, representing companies operating 115,000 kilometres of pipeline in Canada. One of the association’s key area of focus is to guide companies’ participation in Integrity First, developing guidelines and ensuring they meet program standards. “The pipeline industry is highly regulated, but this program isn’t the result of regulation. It goes above and beyond and is the outcome of an industry that is truly committed to working together to be safe, responsible and transparent,” says Coral Lukaniuk, director of Integrity First. The program formally started in 2012. When members agree to the principles of Integrity First, they commit to enhancing emergency procedures, improving employee safety, managing impacts to land, PHOTOS: COURTESY CEPA
developing landowner relationships, providing economic benefits to communities and more. “As an industry, we must do everything we can to be as safe as possible, limit our impact on the environment and build strong relationships with local communities,” Lukaniuk says. Safety first Safety is the number one goal of Integrity First. Pipeline incidents are rare. In fact, 99.9995 per cent of liquid product transported by CEPA’s members was moved safely between 2002 and 2013. However, if a spill does happen, the results are serious.
“The overall goal of the industry is zero incidents. Absolutely none,” says Lukaniuk. There are many aspects to pipeline safety, according to Lukaniuk, including prioritizing safety within organizations and communities, preventing damage on pipelines and to responding effectively and efficiently to emergencies. Members of Integrity First discuss safety requirements and technology options, analyze company and industry practices and report on safety measures and operations in an effort to define and implement the best practices for the industry.
“This year, our members worked together to develop and finalize guidance documents. Now companies are assessing themselves against these documents,” Lukaniuk says. “Our intent is to share the results of the assessments with the public. We want the public to understand our practices, so we can have meaningful conversations with them about being safe, environmentally-friendly and transparent.” Sharing the results publically for the first time is the next major milestone for CEPA Integrity First, explains Lukaniuk. It is a step towards creating more credibility between the industry and Canadians. It is critical that Canadians’ interests are represented in the program, which is why an external advisory panel consisting of people from various stakeholder groups, including Aboriginal peoples, academia, media and landowners, are involved in Integrity First. They give their perspective on the program’s priorities. “At the end of the day, we must improve Canadians’ trust and confidence in the pipeline industry,” says Lukaniuk. “Being safe and responsible and building strong relationships with local communities is non-negotiable. Integrity First is our way of demonstrating this.” n 31 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
i belongatNipissingU.ca
aboriginalprograms@nipissingu.ca 705-474-3450 ext. 4441
N O R T H
B AY
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M U S K O K A
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aboriginal pathways by Candice Vetter
Aboriginal Initiatives at Nipissing University The Aboriginal Initiatives Program at Nipissing University provides an opportunity for Aboriginal students to receive post-secondary education and stay in touch with their own culture and heritage. The goal is to help these students gain success then bring that success to other students in similar situations. Bryan Bellefeuille was always very
good at mathematics, and while attending St. Joseph-Scollard Hall High School, his teachers pushed him to enter math competitions (some of which Nipissing U hosted) and go on to university. Until then, he didn’t consider university as an option. Growing up in the Nipissing First Nation, he feels most people there saw public service, labourer work or traditional research as career options, but not academia. “I didn’t think it was feasible,” he says. “But teachers encouraged me and my father would say, ‘be a teacher or a nurse,’ which meant getting some kind of post-secondary education.” Furthermore, the university’s outreach
in local elementary and secondary schools helps as it connects with and encourages future students. He now has a degree in mathematics and one in geology with a specialty in freshwater hydrology. Next he will go to graduate school to study an Aboriginal educational topic. “There are many directions,” he says. “I’d like to help create a model for First Nations schools in Ontario and rewrite the current course descriptions for First Nations’ schools with a First Nations’ prospective.” He believes a curriculum should include culture and tradition along with academics. “We can learn math from nature,” he says, “civics and
Nancy Shipman is an undergrad student in the Criminal Justice Program at Nipissing University. Since she was a young child she knew she wanted to go into law enforcement. Her three-year degree will be followed by one year of Police Foundations at Canadore College, then she plans to start in police work. That’s not her only goal though. “Eventually I’d like to develop programs for juvenile delinquent rehabilitation that includes cultural healing and identity.” She points to the Aboriginal youth who end up stuck in the justice system. “The struggle with identity at a young age often leads to criminal activity. Helping Aboriginal youth with collecting identity through cultural healing, such as the healing lodge and talking circles, not throwing what they did wrong at them, but saying here’s what’s wrong and
careers from traditional governance, and utilize Aboriginal literature in the English courses.” His culture teaches him to raise the next generation better than the present one. “I want to focus on youth-atrisk and Aboriginal youth,” who he says are often lumped together but are not always the same. He was recently invited by the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo to be part of a round table about a possible institution for Aboriginal students of mathematics. “It was very positive,” he says and he hopes to carry that positivity forward to the youth coming behind him, including his newborn son n
here’s what you can focus on now… this can provide a pathway leading out of a criminal life. Shipman was raised on the Walpole Island First Nation reserve in the delta of the St. Clair River in a large tight-knit family. She feels fortunate that she could attend school from prekindergarten to Grade 8 on reserve, but admits that going to nearby Wallaceburg for non-Aboriginal high school, after leaving her sheltered environment, was a shock. “But it may have better equipped me for leaving home for post-secondary education,” she says. She loved the beauty and nature of Northern Ontario. She had often travelled in the area and had planned to move there, but the first year far from home was hard. “I was so homesick I almost quit.” However, she learned something from it. “I proved you can leave your community to achieve goals.”n 33 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
building a better canada op-ed by Gary Gannage
DEFENDING WORKERS’ RIGHTS
While Advocating for a New Approach
H
ow do we determine value in Ontario? This question typically drives the development of economic policy, but in today’s Ontario, it also frames labour relations. If one were to listen to some politicians, lobby groups and thinktanks, one would assume that workers in this province were overpaid, underworked and slacking off. The value of work, under this framework, is only understood through the narrow lens of economics and “productivity”. Did you know that the Government of Ontario already pays less per capita for our public service compared with every other Canadian federal and provincial jurisdiction? In spite of operating such a lean enterprise, politicians and others continue to demonize public sector salaries, pensions and benefits as extravagant and unaffordable. Even more outrageous is the myth propagated by many that a bloated, greedy public service was a significant factor contributing to the current provincial government deficit. Such a view ignores the fact of the 2008 recession and the need for governments to step in with public spending to save the economy. Public services are among Ontario’s greatest assets, and the people who deliver these services are relied upon by citizens to make these services work.
For the past 22 years, the Association of Management, Administrative Profession Crown Employees of Ontario (AMAPCEO) has represented the
interests of professional public service workers in Ontario government ministries, offices of the Legislative Assembly, crown corporations and public agencies. We advocate on behalf of 12,000 public sector workers in over 130 communities across the 34 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
province and in 11 cities outside Canada. In addition to performing the traditional roles of a union, (collective bargaining and dispute resolution), AMAPCEO has tried to engage government, employers and other decision makers in a broader discussion about the value of public service and the importance of the work that is done by the employees who deliver those services. AMAPCEO-represented employees are professionals who “make government work”. We are nonpartisan public servants who provide policy advice and supervise programs regardless of which political party forms the government. Members include policy analysts, program supervisors, auditors, education officers, IT architects and specialists, mediators, arbitrators, racing judges, psychiatric patient advocates, chaplains, inspectors, investigators and scientists – to name just a few. Our members’ work directly impacts the quality of life of everyone who lives in Ontario.
A new approach to labour relations… must start with collaboration and not capitulation. What's needed is a mindset shift. We recognize that governments need to get their fiscal houses in order, but most public sector employees have contributed significant “cost savings” in recent bargaining, including years of zero salary increases for those working directly for government. Our members feel they have more than paid their fair share towards reducing costs. Further attacks, including attempts to extract non-
monetary concessions that contribute nothing to the bottom line, are why unions such as AMAPCEO have to push back. By definition, labour unions collectively unite employees to defend rights, uphold standards, improve working conditions for all, and advocate for human rights. Without organized labour, who would stand up and fight for workers? Who else would argue for the long-term value of a living wage, good benefits, retirement provisions and job security – for everyone in society, not just those who happen to belong to a union. If we are to envision a new approach to labour relations and reframe the construct of “value”, it must start with collaboration and not capitulation. What’s needed is a mindset shift that acknowledges the workers that make this province function. Considering the current labour relations climate, there is an even greater need to continue to promote and expand labour rights and unions for everyone. The new Ontario government, indeed all governments across the country, have an opportunity to adopt a different, collaborative approach in labour relations – an approach that is long overdue. In the meantime, AMAPCEO and other unions will continue to defend workers’ rights, to stand up for our workplaces and those who deliver the valuable public services that Ontarians expect and rely on every day n Gary Gannage is the President of the Association of Management, Administrative Profession Crown Employees of Ontario (AMAPCEO), which represents over 12,000 workers throughout Ontario. In the 19 years since Gary was elected President, AMAPCEO’s membership has almost tripled, to eight bargaining units in the broader public sector.
building a better canada by Marie Waine
The Ring of Fire:
anada is at a turning point when C it comes to infrastructure and development. In the James Bay Lowlands, approximately 5,120 square kilometres of land remains untouched. There are no power lines, roads, trains, docks or internet. Yet, there are First Nations communities dispersed throughout this land trying to live. Imagine yourself in this condition. It is remote and it is untouched. This is Canada’s Ring of Fire.
The Ring of Fire holds a large landscape of untapped resources. Mining companies are eager to dig down and use the area to its full capability. This would mean diversifying the Ontario economy, as well as implementing appropriate infrastructure for developing the area. Ellis Kirkland of Kirkland Capital Corporation has been working with the First Nation communities in the Ring of Fire for over a decade. She is an unparalleled expert when it comes to infrastructure planning and development. In order to safely and effectively create a mining economy, begin tapping resources and bring infrastructure to the Ring of Fire, Kirkland says balance is the key. Each party working in the area comes to the table with different needs. It takes responsible, accountable partners engaging with each other to bridge the gap and create a paradigm shift in creating infrastructure, she says. Kirkland created five key points to consider when looking at infrastructure and the Ring of Fire.
The Big Picture: All key players (stakeholders, community leaders, companies) must sit and talk about their needs before anything is done. With the level of development seeking to be implemented in the Ring of Fire, it is imperative to have a vision. Most, if not all, of the needs must try to be represented in the big picture. It takes time to work with everyone to establish a common vision. This vision must be developed and encompass the entire scope of work with the possible outcomes.
It takes responsible, accountable partners engaging with each other to bridge the gap and create a paradigm shift in creating infrastructure. Ellis Kirkland, Kirkland Capital Corporation
The Big Table: This requires verifying all key players involved in the project feel their needs will be satisfied. Balance and fairness must be maintained in order to bridge the gap between different cultural perspectives. Big Standards: The goal of development and infrastructure in the Ring of Fire is to create the best possible results for Canada as a country. First Nations communities in the Ring of Fire have come forward expressing a concern of a third-world living situation. There are people in extreme poverty living beside land rich in resources. This is
PHOTO: MARTIN FORTIER
Infrastructure and Development
an opportunity for Canada to come forward and correct the situation. Canada must bring the best possible standards to the development to become a showcase for the rest of the world. This will create poverty reduction and wealth generation. Big Needs: The communities within the Ring of Fire call for a lot of attention. They need all-season roads, trains, rails, power lines, internet, water and more. Canada has the resources and capabilities to bring leading edge technology to the area. With the opportunity to improve the life of locals and access financial resources, an economic boom is within reaching distance. Big Review: As mentioned, high quality standards are imperative to high quality developments. When reviewing the vision for the Ring of Fire, it is essential to ensure the mitigation and protection of the communities and surrounding environments. This high quality work, however, must remain cost competitive. By stepping back and looking at the big picture, all processes can be accommodated while removing redundancies and contradiction in goals.
These five steps revolve around the inclusivity of all stakeholders. Mining companies and aboriginal communities must work together to develop the rich resources in the area while enriching local communities with their needs, says Kirkland. Balance, fairness and accountability are essential in ensuring Canada becomes a model development with this fiery ring n 35 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
It’s not power lines that keep the lights on. It’s not cables that keep the communication flowing. It’s people. Hardworking highly skilled workers. We’re the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. IBEW for short. Today, we represent over 65,000 members from coast to coast to coast – in every province and territory. And we’ve come along way from our electricity focused origins. We now represent members in all kinds of industries, including utilities, manufacturing, construction, telecommunications, cablevision, radio and television, shipyards, railroads, pulp and paper mills, mining, and government. When disaster strikes. When blackouts happen. When everyday life gets interrupted. We’re there for you to get things back on track, safely and efficiently. IBEW has been there for Canada since 1899. And we always will be there. To find out more about what we’re doing out there, go to www.ibewcanada.ca. 36 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
building a better canada by Marie Waine
REPRESENTING CANADIAN WORKERS
IBEW member Francis Vaillancourt rancisVaillancourt works as a project F manager in procurement for the Department of National Defence. He
joined the government in 2006, and enjoys every minute. “I love my job. It’s the best one I’ve had in my life,” Vaillancourt says. He was hired as a specialist for missiles and naval guns. He earned a degree in aerospace engineering and for a time worked in the aerospace industry. Vaillancourt says his previous jobs gave him the expertise he needed to pass the technologist exam. Now he works to manage equipment for national defence as a technical expert. “Believe it or not, the hard part is not the technical portion, it’s the workload,”
says Vaillancourt. His answer to making sure everything stays on track? “I think about the end user. I try to figure out what they need the most, and that becomes my priority,” he says. “It’s important to support the system, but the most important is the end user.” Vaillancourt’s work can get challenging at times, but he says he would not want it any other way. It is part of what makes his job so great. “I’m in charge of a system and the whole life of that system depends upon me. But at the same time, there is a great international support network.” Vaillancourt is referring to other people in the NATO countries that do the
same job. “The system is highly valued and shared among a high number of NATO countries. I can phone anybody in NATO to exchange expertise and best practices.” It is the unique camaraderie of this community that he also loves. “I get to meet a lot of people with the same background and job that I have. We share information and build relationships and that is the part I appreciate the most.” n To learn more about the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Canada, go to www.ibewcanada.ca
Presented by
Leading Canadian health care organizations have established Digital Health Week (November 10 – 14, 2014) to recognize how digital health is transforming health care in Canada. To learn more, visit www.BetterHealthTogether.ca/Digital-Health-Week
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38 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
patient-centred health series by Candice Vetter
Better Health Together – How Technology is Transforming Health Care Dr. Ewan Affleck is a physician practicing in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The remoteness of communities, the vast distances and the inhospitable climate all make health care access a special challenge there.
Leaving charts in that facility, with its issues of security and privacy, was impossible, so he carried boxes of charts on a trolley. “I thought to myself, there has to be a better way.”
“Last year we moved 27 per cent of our patients for health-care purposes,” he says. “The question is, can we move information to the patients to provide better care, rather than moving the patient?”
He and his team set up a universal patient-centered clinical charting system to share. For example, a person discharged from a NWT hospital can have hospital providers communicate with caregivers at home, including family physicians, homecare providers, and mental health services.
So Dr. Affleck deployed a digital charting system that now serves over half of the Territorys’ residents. It is also attracting attention of healthcare networks worldwide. He started with health informatics at an outreach clinic he runs at a women’s shelter.
The NWT has 42,000 people and 33 remote communities. “There’s a real lack of equity of care for those in rural and remote locales,” says Dr. Affleck. “We’re moving people over long distances when what we really need to do is share information
over long distances. With things like diagnostic imaging, labs, ongoing expert support, and support tools we can begin to design information systems that allow groups of service providers to furnish services both in person and virtually.” They plan to put the entire region on this charting system and most health-service divisions. The model can also work in urban centres. Says Dr. Affleck, “It’s not unique to remote settings; it just becomes more compellingly evident in a place like this.” n For information visit HealthCareTransformation. ca, and for more stories about e-health, visit betterhealthtogether.ca or its facebook page.
More and more Canadians are enrolling in Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) programs, which give them the ability to monitor their chronic conditions and interact with their health care team virtually – all from the comfort of their own home. What does this mean for Canadian health care? Care is closer to home, emergency department visits and hospital stays are avoided and Canadians are happier. Learn more about RPM and its potential for Canadian healthcare at www.infoway-inforoute.ca/resources .
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railway and safe transit series by Candice Vetter
Fatigue on the Job is a Killer
It has been known for decades, probably centuries, that working while tired can impair productivity, and that working in dangerous occupations like driving, loading or handling heavy equipment should not be done while tired. So why do railway companies seem determined to risk so many of their assets by asking employees to work while fatigued? According to a leaked Canada Transport Safety Board document, fatigue among railway workers has been linked to accidents, including loss of life and extensive property loss, since the Hinton, Alberta train collision which killed 23 people and injured 95 back in 1986. That same report states that federal work/rest rules date back to 2001, that a working group established in 2009 created regulations for a fatigue management plan to be enacted by 2011, and that an assessment of the fatigue management plans for the Big Three (CN, CP, VIA) showed significant gaps. The stories from employees on fatigue are particularly revealing. Altering work schedules despite driver exhaustion, too short a break between shifts are only two examples of problems. Vehicle drivers are not suppose to drive while impaired by fatigue, so why engineers should and conductors be mandated to do so? 40 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
When a railway schedule is thrown out of whack, staff are told thy have no choice but to work even if they have not slept. If they don't, they are marked down as “refusing to work,” which means they would be taken out of the next shift rotation, or penalized in some other fashion. “In 2009 I was up until about midnight one night, because I was scheduled to be running a freight train the next afternoon and should have had a normal night to sleep and the
The dispatcher told him that if he answered the phone he had to go… He was then told that regardless of having had only two hours of sleep, he had to take the shift or be investigated, and possibly given demerit points, for refusing duty.
morning to eat,” says Paul Proudlock, an engineer who has spoken out about the dangers of crew fatigue. “Then I was called at 2:15 a.m. by a dispatcher and told to run a GO Transit passenger train in three hours.” Proudlock told the dispatcher he was unfit to work and wanted to stick to the rotation for the next afternoon. He says the dispatcher told him that if he answered the phone he had to go. Proudlock refused and asked to speak to management. He was then told that regardless of having had only two hours of sleep, he had to take the shift or be investigated, and possibly given demerit points, for refusing duty. Proudlock’s story is common, and sometimes railway workers who are afraid of losing their jobs don’t declare themselves unfit to work even though they are. As a result everyone is put at risk. Freight trains can be as much as 16,000 tonnes in mass, can travel at up to 100 kilometres per hour, and frequently run through communities close to residences and businesses. The Teamsters Canada Railway Conference union of railway workers has been asking that the science of fatigue be incorporated into agreements with railway owners. “The science on sleep patterns can be
used to prevent bad scheduling,” says Proudlock. But it doesn’t take a Ph.D. to realize that sleep is essential to proper functioning, and it is well-known that shift workers (which includes most railroaders) have a hard time with constant readjustments to sleep patterns. To have a wrench thrown into their schedules at the last minute is not only cruel, it’s dangerous. The rules also appear inadequate. For example a “back to back” schedule means eight hours of work, eight hours off, then another eight hours of work. During the eight hours off period the employee has to go home, sleep, eat, prepare for the next shift, do whatever they need to do on a
daily basis, then go back to work. In that time there may be a chance to sleep for four or five hours, and that’s if the worker can fall asleep instantly when wanted, which is unlikely. Another issue frequently mentioned is an unpredictable “on call” system. It is often a consequence of a problem called inaccurate line-ups, which the TCRC has begun documenting. The TCRC website states, “It is a common occurrence to see extreme variations in train line-up times.” Incorrect train positioning sometimes causes crew changes, which aggravates the scheduling issue, which aggravates the number of fatiqued workers. Since
at
least
1995
Transport
Canada has recommended fatigue countermeasures, the first one being that railways provide regular and predictable duty periods, which is what workers have been asking for. Recommendations also include rest after outbound night runs and prior to overnight return runs, implementing napping strategies which includes exempting napping crews from train inspection responsibilities, and training rail traffic controllers and dispatchers, yet situations like Proudlock’s are still happening today. Isn’t it time the railways, the union and the government all got on board? Protect their assets, protect their workers, and protect the public at large by realistic scheduling, and maybe they’ll protect some lives too n
profile
Paul Proudlock
Paul Proudlock has been a railway man for almost 25 years. For the last several years he has also been an outspoken proponent of increasing rail safety, and one of his biggest concerns is fatigue among railway workers.
He is presently an engineer for CP Rail and is also a special representative with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. Some of his duties with the TCRC include publicly addressing safety issues, but that can cause some friction. In 2009 he spoke out about being asked to run a GO Train on a couple of hours of sleep and he later joked, “I was surprised I still had a job after that.” However, running something as large, fast and dangerous as a train on tracks that go through highly populated communities is no laughing matter. He compares it to driving impaired and makes a good point. It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle if impaired by any means, including lack of sleep, so it seems logical to extend that requirement to engineers, conductors and anyone else
working with running stock. He is a passionate speaker on the subject and his fiery delivery matches his red hair. His passion extends to his job, as does most railroaders, and he would prefer not to be confrontational, but also feels that ignoring the problem is a disservice to the entire industry. “It’s great if the railway corporations do well, but we and they have to make sure our jobs are done right and done safely.” Concern for co-workers who have witnessed horrific accidents and been involved in near-misses is a constant motivation for him, one that has been increased by recent rail accidents. His philosophy is, “If staff say they’re too tired to be out on a train, then they are. The working people are the answer. Listen to them.” n 41 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
The Ardennes in Belgium PHOTO: JL FLÉMAL
he interest in the exploits and sacrifices of Canadian soldiers and other allied veterans on the battlegrounds of Europe is increasing as the veterans of WW2 continue to shrink with each passing year. We wanted to take a trip allowing us to spend a week leisurely travelling through the wonderful valleys and forest of the Ardennes in Belgium and visit many of the WW2 historical sites in the region. When planning a trip for a family or small group, it is worth contacting the Time Travel Company in Belgium. Most tour operators specialized in WW tours offer a maximum number of activities in a minimum amount of time. The Time Travel Company is focused on ensuring visitors discover other things and get in the heart of Belgium. They offer "all in” packages, including hotels, restaurants featuring special regional meals, guides and site and museum visits, while keeping bus travel time to a minimum. The distances between the sites are short and allow you to really enjoy the tour. Their guides are selected to ensure your experience is memorable and pleasant and their tour groups are limited in size so you feel comfortable. Our tour guide was a local resident named Michael Baert, who has studied the Ardennes Offensive in detail since 1994 and has walked the woods and 42 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
ABOVE: Much of the Ardennes is covered in dense forest. It was the location of the Battle of the Bulge, Germany’s last great offensive of WW2.
talked to veterans for years. He is recognized as a true local expert on the Ardennes history and the Battle of the Bulge. While our tour was historical in nature, we also had lots of opportunities to learn about local cultural heritage and languages (Dutch, French German, Flemish, Walloon), enjoy delicious local cuisine, drink famous Belgian beers and spoil ourselves with Belgian chocolate. Our trip began with a direct flight from Toronto to Brussels. We checked into the very snazzy Atlas Hotel in the heart of Brussels. Brussels has so much to offer with its restaurants, museums, bars and nightlife. We did the tourist thing and strolled around the city, stopping for beers and a nice dinner at a local pub.
PHOTO: M. DONOVAN
T
One of three American cemeteries in Belgium, 7 992 American soldiers are buried in the 57 acres of the Henri-Chapelle American cemetery.
The next morning our Time Travel tour guide picked us up and we took a leisurely drive out of Brussels towards the beautiful Ardennes Forest. As we traveled through the Belgian countryside, I was struck by the beauty of the small towns with pretty chapels and storybook stone exterior homes with well-manicured lawns. The Ardennes is a peaceful and serene place surrounded by miles of farmland divided by four to eight foot hedges acting as natural fences for livestock. We then checked into the Hotel Spa-Balmoral. Located on the hill of Balmoral, surrounded by trees, in perfect harmony with the generous natural landscapes of the Belgian Ardennes, the Hotel Spa-Balmoral offers a panoramic view of the valley and Lake Warfaaz, one of the most beautiful locations in the region. It features a Well-Being and Beauty Centre, including a Finnish sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, steam room, solarium, covered swimming pool, massages, beauty treatments, cardioweight machines and a free shuttle to the Thermes of Spa, and to a golf course (less than three k.m. away). If you want to go to a spa hotel in Belgium, this is the place. The rooms were comfy and BIG, and we had a great view from our terrace of the
PHOTO: JOSEPH JEANMART
travel by Dan Donovan
Spa valley! The exceptional Belgian breakfast served here is a great way to start your day! Next up was a visit to the cemetery of Henri-Chapelle where 7992 Americans are laid to rest. Most died during the U.S. advance into Germany. The American cemeteries in Europe are honored hallow spots and the grounds and buildings housing them are immaculate. They provide a true honour to the soldiers who lives were lost. If you are visiting The Ardennes, one of the most unique stops you will encounter is the Remember 45 Museum located four km from HenriChapelle in Thimister-Clermont. This privately-run museum has a powerful human dimension. Marcel Schmetzes established it in an old barn and the 110 First Infantry Division soldiers left most of the artifacts on the Schmetzes’ farm during the war. The museum is dedicated to showing the gratefulness of the Belgian people “to all G.I.s who came, at the risk of their life, to give us our freedom back.” The next morning began with a walk through the woods near Hollerath. This is where the German Battle of the Bulge offensive began in the Ardennes. The surprise German attack on the American soldiers almost changed the course of the war. There were some atrocious acts carried out against American soldiers and Belgian civilians by the Gestapo during the Battle of the Bulge. Belgians still revere and hold the American military in the highest regard in this area. This is no more evident than when visiting the site of the massacre of several U.S. prisoners in Baugnez, in December, 1944. Nearby in La Glieze sits a King Tiger tank, serving as a reminder of the horrors of war. One can only imagine the fear the locals felt when dozens of tanks came barreling through their small towns destroying everything in their path.
in middle of lush farmlands close to La Glieze. The owners transformed their farm into a small Belgian microbrewery, with aspirations to brew the highest quality ale. The Melba Hotel in Bastogne is a great place to use as a home base to explore the area. Located a block away from the town square, the Melba offers comfortable rooms with a variety of services, including hearty healthy breakfasts and wifi. The hotel restaurant and bar feature local Belgian beers and exceptional dinner meals highlighting local fare. Another great local restaurant is the Wagon Leo. The front part of the restaurant was in an old train car that was extended into a larger restaurant. The food, service, atmosphere and staff were exceptional. The restaurant is one block from the Bastogne town square. In March 2014, the new Bastogne Museum opened, providing an important interpretation and context for the causes and significance of WW2. Using up-to-date displays, film and interactive exhibits, the museum
tracks the years leading up to WW2, the war itself and how cataclysmic events led to a final and desperate bid by Hitler and the Nazis to push the Allies out of Europe. This was a bold and violent attack in the Ardennes forest between December, 1944 and January, 1945. The Battle of the Bulge was the largest, most murderous and bloody battle of WW2 between the Germans and Americans. The British and Canadians were involved in the fight on the periphery. Over 610,000 American forces were involved in the battle, which included over 19,000 Americans killed, 100,000 German casualties and 30,000 killed. Tourists can also visit the German cemetery near the small village of Recogne where 6807 Germans are buried. The Bastogne Museum sits next to the Mardasson monument, a new memorial centre dedicated to the WW2 and its soldiers who fought and died at the Battle of the Bulge. When visiting the Battle of the Bulge sites it is best to start at the Bastogne Museum. Spend half a day there and then take a short drive through the beautiful Belgian countryside to visit Schumann’s Corner. This is where many historians say the U.S. troops “went into hell” in beating back the pounding and violent German offensive. There is a memorial at the spot and a trail taking you through the foxholes in the woods where much of the fighting took place. It is worthwhile to visit the Museum of Bras, which is eight km from Bastogne. It transports you back to 1944 with its destroyed houses, first aid stations and images of shellshocked and war weary citizens. The final stop was a visit to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE), where we were given a briefing on NATO by a NATO military expert. The Time Travel Company arranged this unique outing and it was one of the highlights of the tour n
We toured the Bellevaux Brewery, set
Upcoming Time Travel Company excursions for 2015 include Vimy Ridge, Flanders Fields (The Somme) and excursions for the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo near Mons, Belgium in 2015.
RIGHT: The Belgium town of Malmedy, Belgium. The Germans used approximately 600 Panzer tanks in the Battle of the Bulge. Taking a break to enjoy the Bellevaux Brewery. PHOTOS: M. DONOVAN
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travel by OLM staff
Italian Retreat
When we think of Italy urban centres like Florence, Rome and Milan probably spring to mind. But leave the hustle and bustle behind, slow down and soak up life and the beauty and tranquility of Italian bvillage life.
Tranquil Tuscany Located 15 minutes from the medieval city of Siena, there’s a property ideal for travellers looking to experience authentic Italian living.
Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, the Montestigliano Estate is a fully functional agritourisim farm that has three thousand olive trees, fig trees and other seasonal crops. The beautiful 18th-century, renovated farm home Villa Pipistrelli has multiple rooms, each with its own washroom and a separate annex, linking it to other bedrooms, a kitchen and a sitting area. Of course, there is wi-fi. The view of the Sienese countryside is breathtaking. In the morning, you can enjoy an espresso while looking at the mist rising from the hills. A short 10-minute walk and you can see the rest of the estate and its restored farm houses of different sizes that are also available for rent. Near the main courtyard, there is a kitchen and hall large enough to hold everyone staying in the properties. Proprietors, the Donati family, host dinners here complete with music and dancing. 44 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
Take a guided tour of the farm and see the olive orchard from which the family makes the most delicious olive oil. See how the olives are picked and saved before being pressed to make the “Montestigliano” brand of olive oil — which is on the table at every meal. Massimo Donati, the farmer in the family, offers olive oil tastings. Somewhat like a wine tasting, savour the different flavours and complexities that high-quality olive oil possesses. The property is so beautiful, you could spend the whole time exploring its 2500 acres. However, there are nearby towns to visit and experience. One such village is Stigliano. Here you can meet with local farmers and producers who are happy to share the history of farming in the area. Farmers markets have been struggling here for a long time but recent regional government support is giving them new hope. Make sure to stop at La Bottega di Stigliano which sells only local
products. From jams, marmalades to honey, cured meats and different breads, this market/store may be small in size but it has plenty of variety. The restaurant upstairs serves only local products and makes its pasta. In fact, you can watch being made. Meat lovers will enjoy the variety of cured meats while listening to staff explain the unique process of how each cut is made. One of the local suppliers, Spannocchia, raises the Cinta Senese pig which is native to this region and is famous for its tenderness. Siena is only a short drive away and is perfect for a day trip. Quaint, with lots of gelato shops, cobblestone roads, vespas and large piazzas, it is also steeped in history much like the rest of Italy. Siena-based author, Dario Castagno, offers tours that explain the history of the town, which dates back to the year 900 BC and the different “contrada” or neighbourhoods that make up the city.
TOP OF PAGE: Montestigliano is a privately -owned agritourism estate that offers 18th-century holiday rentals with easy access to some of the most beautiful countryside in Tuscany.
Siena has 17 of them. Each is named after an animal or symbol and each has its own crest, chapel, trade and history. The contrada are more like large families. Members take part in weekly dinners, pitching in to set up, cook, serve and clean. The contrada are individually represented in the Palio, a famous horse race which happens once in July and again in August of each year. The
17 contrada take turns competing in the race. The horses and jockies race around the Piazza del Campo three times and the winning contrada takes home a hand-made banner and bragging rights until the next race. A Renaissance Experience To experience the peace and authenticity of Renaissance Italy, plan a stay at Palazzo Donati in the small town of Mercatello sul Metauro,
located in neighbouring Le Marche region, the land of white truffles. The home housed nobility in the 1600s. The kitchen in the basement is a highlight. It’s big and beautiful with an open fire pit for cooking and keeping food warm. Remarkably, it’s authentic to the Renaissance time. Proprietor, Luisa Donati is happy to share the history of the small town and her house which is situated on the main square. The town is small but includes many hidden gems including beautiful chapels and women making tombolo (a kind of lace) as well as the little butcher shop (there is only one). It is a short drive to nearby towns where friends of Luisa are eager to share their businesses and stories with you. In Carpegna, Emanuel Francioni and his grandfather run Antica Stamperia, an ancient fabric stencil and print-making operation. They carve out stencils and make the print paste themselves before stamping it onto different fabrics for tablecloths, runners, aprons, etc. Back at Palazzo Donati, Lina, a local expert, can show you how she makes tagliatelle pasta by hand. Every year there is a pasta-making competition in the main square, and every year, Lina wins (even the one year, British chef Jamie Oliver competed).
ABOVE: The main sitting
room of Palazzo Donati. The basement kitchen with its fire-burning oven. Lina makes her award-winning pasta. Emanuel Francioni discusses how to handstamp fabric.
Luisa Donati offers all-inclusive “Discover Artisan and Foods Traditions of Italy” vacations. You can sign up on your own or organize your own group of 6 to 8. Guest learn to shop for their ingredients in ‘Italian Express’ and then cook it up. Wine tasting and museum visits are also incuded in the program. Slow down and soak up rural Italian life at the Montestigliano then indulge yourself in a foodies dream vacation by visiting Palazzo Donati. Enjoy superb cuisine, outstanding quality of life — an authentic Italian experience n www.montestigliano.it www.lemarcheholidayvilla.com 45 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
by Heather Eaton and Manal Guirguis-Younger
INTEGRATIVE EDUCATION:
The Ethical Citizen T
he usefulness of a Humanities and Social Sciences education has been questioned by students, the media, and the government. The criticism is the lack of specific, jobdriven training. In the eyes of some, the purpose of education is to provide a graduate with an advantage with respect to the job market. We, at Saint Paul University, regard education to be more than just preparing graduates for the work force . Our approach is an integrative model to education. We consider the Humanities and Social Sciences to be crucial for personal and societal development, and to be the basis of democratic processes. In fact, they offer the development of intellectual skills necessary for a democratic and engaged society capable of assessing ethical choices and sustainable futures. These fields emphasize critical thinking, principles of analysis, and, methods of decision making. This is not a simple “content-transfer� learning model. It requires training the mind to evaluate in depth, to weigh positions, and to propose alternatives. Issues of ethics, values and meaning are embedded into the thinking modalities. Such intellectual training allows people to reason more clearly, perceive unintended consequences, and to understand in depth the rationale for complex decisions. These intellectual skills provide a way of being, where
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good judgement is practiced in the everyday world. Instead of asking what job this leads to, we could ask what kind of person develops with this educational focus. The best result is a thoughtful, careful person who uses her or his intellectual capabilities to understand what is meaningful in a difficult situation, to weigh options, and to make ethical judgements regardless of their job. This is the power and effectiveness of integrative education. The Humanities
Humanities and Social Sciences‌ allow for the development of individuals with critical thinking skills necessary to understand and evaluate a complex world, with the ability to tackle the profound challenges of the present and future and Social Sciences educate a person to become a socially responsible, ethical and engaged citizen. Communities are essentially built by members who are educated in
Heather Eaton
Manal Guirguis-Younger
more than just the specific skills of their daily occupations. To put it concretely, we need doctors who are compassionate and humane, engineers who are aware of the impact of urbanization on animal habitat and the environment, farmers who understand ecology and the impact of political systems and markets on food securities and insecurities, and, computer engineers and web designers who understand the impact of rapidly changing technology, as well as the ethics of privacy, communication, and basic rights to safety and respect. We require politicians and leaders who understand the value of transparency and accountability in policy and governance. The list could be longer. It is the Humanities and Social Sciences that allow for the development of individuals with critical thinking skills necessary to understand and evaluate a complex world, with the ability to tackle the profound challenges of the present and future. These individuals can then become the engineers, doctors, and teachers who can apply these specific skills competently, and who have the courage and awareness to make responsible and ethical decisions within their occupational domains n Heather Eaton is a professor and Manal Guirguis-Younger is the Dean in the Faculty of Human Sciences, Saint Paul University.
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