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Provincial grant to benefit life-skills program for disabled Steph Willems steph.willems@metroland.com
EMC news - A one-time grant from the Ontario government will help bring new opportunities to Ottawa residents with developmental disabilities. Ottawa West-Nepean MPP Bob Chiarelli visited the Col-
onnade Road offices of the Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OCAPDD) on March 8 to deliver a cheque for $37,000. The money, sourced from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, will help the association train instructors and deliver new program-
ming aimed at fostering independence for the individuals it serves. A total of 60 adults with developmental disabilities are taking part in the Life-Skills Program, which was created in February. “Projects like this improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents,” said
Chiarelli. “I’m pleased this funding will also provide the training necessary to continue and expand this program.” The association is run by a volunteer board with strong ties to the community. The approach the organization takes towards bettering its clients’ lives is a holistic one.
Its functions include individual service planning, community participation planning, advocacy for clients and the services they use and other issues relating to achieving personal independence. “We are moving forward on building a good life for people with developmental disabilities,” said Bill Cowie, the as-
sociation’s chairman. “This funding will help us achieve that, as we help them to better plan for themselves.” Special projects selected for funding by the province are vetted through a competitive process, with applicants required to demonstrate their ability to improve services and supports for their clients.
EDDIE RWEMA/METROLAND
More than 800 police officers from across the country including Ottawa police chief Charles Bordeleau, third from right, march down Sussex Street on March 9 for the funeral of slain officer Steve Déry.
Hundreds mourn officer Steve Déry Eddie Rwema eddie.rwema@metroland.com
EMC news - A somber mood fell over Ottawa as more than 800 police officers from across Canada gathered at Notre Dame Cathedral March 9 to mourn the death of Const. Steve Déry. Déry, a police officer who grew up in Orléans, attending Garneau high school, had his life and career cut short abruptly on March 2 when he was shot while on duty in Kuujjuaq, northen Quebec. The 27-year-old was working with the Kativik Regional Police Service when he was shot when he and his partner responded to a domestic violence call in the community. A letter from Déry’s father Gilles, read by a friend, described his son as a “hero and a great police officer.” “I’m so proud to have had you as a son. I will think of you until we meet again,” Gilles wrote. His death touched close to home for many in Orléans, who remembered Déry from his hockey and lacrosse days as a teenager, and his early days growing up in Rockland. Mixed with the sadness
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and sense of loss, Kativik’s police chief, Aileen MacKinnon, told the gathering how she was the last person to say goodbye to Steve in the hospital before he died. “I lost one of my boys,” she said. Déry s brother Benoit described him as a definition of a perfect brother and best friend. “I was always so damn proud to call him my brother,” said Benoit. “All I can say Steve – is thank and I love you brother.” Other speakers included Déry s best friend Greg Désirier. “We were inseparable and I can’t think of my best memories without thinking of Steve,” said Désirier. “He was my go to guy, best friend and a brother I never had.” Déry had been a member of the Kativik Regional Police Force since 2009, starting his career in the community of Kangirsuk before being transferred to the community of Kuujjuaq in 2010. Ottawa police chief Charles Bordeleau said Déry’s tragic death serves as a difficult reminder of the dangers officers face every day. Ottawa West News EMC - Thursday, March 14, 2013
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