REPS & ORGS.................... 9-11, 26

Standing up against hate

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Ottawa Centre never ceases to amaze me. From hurricanes to massive floods, from bus crashes to a historic pandemic – I’ve seen our community rise in the face of adversity. In October, it happened again on Broadview Avenue.

A bigot from British Columbia arrived intent on protesting “gender ideology” in our public schools. The previous week he had filmed and photographed children outside Toronto schools while displaying transphobic messages.

These are acts of open violence against queer, transgender and gender non-conforming people. At least half of homeless youth in Ottawa were rejected by their families for their gender identity, and rates of suicide and suicidal ideation among transgender youth denied access to necessary health care are alarmingly high. As my colleague MPP Suze Morrison noted in a crucial private members bill on this issue, we have much more to do.

In this context, a bigot arrived on Broadview Avenue on October 18. He filmed, postured and displayed his hate outside public schools. He told his online followers he’d be back the next day.

But the next day, he wasn’t alone. Rainbow Carleton, a queer/transgender student group at Carleton University, put out a call for a counter-demonstration before and after school.

When I arrived at 8:30 a.m., the intersection of Broadview and Avondale was crammed with people – at least a hundred students, parents and neighbours. When the bigot appeared, we challenged him, told him he wasn’t welcome and asked him to leave.

When he refused, we turned our backs, still blocking his signs. We

Ignoring hate is dangerous.

chanted queer-positive and transgender-positive slogans to drown out the hate. After an hour of this, and a memorable stand-off with Councillor Catherine McKenney (a trans nonbinary elected official), the bigot left and pledged to come back after school with more people. Classic bully tactics.

But this time, the students were ready. Hundreds mobilized to insist the bigots leave, and after 20 minutes they did, but not before inciting violence and shoving at least one student to the ground. But, some might ask, was this the best community response? Why not ignore the bigotry and deprive it of attention?

Alas, history isn’t kind to those who suggest that strategy works. Ignoring hate is dangerous.

As the Southern Poverty Law Center explains, “in the face of hate, silence is deadly. Apathy will be interpreted as acceptance – by the perpetrators, the public and, worse, the victims. If left unchallenged, hate persists and grows.”

Queer, transgender and gender nonconforming folks are proud of the response, and that is a victory in itself. Our community organized against hate, and I was proud to be there as your MPP.

ted r. lupinski

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Collaboration with federal and provincial partners key to Ottawa’s success

By Jim Watson

I am proud of the relationships we have maintained with our federal and provincial counterparts over the years, which have allowed our city to engage in meaningful dialogue to deliver on priority issues.

In order to make real progress on important city building initiatives, all three levels of government must work together with our residents and community groups.

Most recently, these strong partnerships have kept our residents safe and informed throughout the pandemic. Due in large part to our effective collaboration with the province of Ontario, Ottawa boasts one of the highest vaccination rates amongst large cities in Canada and across North America.

With the federal election now behind us, we can once again look ahead to all the work the City has started with our partners at the provincial and federal levels.

The new year will be a great opportunity for us to roll up our sleeves and continue to make headway on key city-building projects like the following, to name a few: • the addition of hundreds of new affordable housing units • continued dialogue and action

to address ongoing public safety concerns • the “Adisōke” net-zero central library • the Chief William Commanda

Bridge for active transportation • our electric bus conversion program • improving internet connectivity for our underserved residents • Stage 3 LRT

I also look forward to working with my former colleague on City Council and the newly elected MP for Kanata-Carleton, Jenna Sudds, to secure funds for Stage 3 LRT, which will bring train service to Kanata, Stittsville and Barrhaven, three of the fastest growing areas of the city. Congratulations on your election, Jenna!

Finally, I am keen to work with our partners at the federal and provincial levels to ensure that Ottawa makes a strong economic rebound in the coming months with another big push on vaccines and a safe return to workplaces – especially in the downtown core – that will give a boost to our small businesses, which have been so impacted over the last 19 months.

Jim Watson is mayor of Ottawa.

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• Preventive Medicine • Vaccination • Assessment and Treatment • Surgery and Dentistry of Injuries and Illness • Nutritional Counseling

Re-engagement Plan 2021

Hand sanitizer, masks and social distancing in our schools are paramount to maintaining a safe learning and working environment. The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) spent millions of dollars to ensure our students, families and staff felt comfortable and confident returning to school. Safety remains our number one priority – this will never change.

Yet, I think we sometimes forget to honour all we have done to ensure our students felt supported and included as they headed back to in-person learning or joined our two new virtual schools this September.

Supporting Inclusion and Belonging

A safe, inclusive and accepting school environment is necessary for our students to succeed. Returning to school following a worldwide pandemic required more than a new pair of shoes. We needed to be honest with our students and address the fact that living through a pandemic was complicated. We will need to work together more than ever. We can do this by listening and acknowledging that not everyone experienced the pandemic in the same way. So what has the Ottawa Catholic School Board done to make the return to school more manageable and better for our students?

Mental Health and Equity

The OCSB is using an asset-based approach in this post-pandemic era. We have created a new role that will allow a counselling psychologist or social worker to be present in 15 of our schools.

Their primary role will be to support principals and partner with educators in promoting mental health concerning cultural sensitivities and associated demands. In the simplest terms, an asset-based approach focuses on strengths. It views diversity in thought, culture and traits as positive assets. Asset-based teaching seeks to unlock students’ potential by focusing on their talents and celebrating what makes them unique.

Extracurricular

Extracurricular activities are sometimes viewed as “nice to have.” While that may be true, these activities breathe life into school for some students and help them develop social skills, collaboration and a sense of community.

That is why the OCSB established an Outdoor Education local program to

Wishing You Happy Holidays from the Glebe Christmas Tree Lot

We are pleased to announce that The Glebe Tree Lot will be returning to the Kunstadt Sports’ parking lot, located at 680 Bank St., the weekend of November 27th . We understand that this year is not normal. As a result, due to the daily challenges we are all facing, we will be offering a new service for those required or choosing to self-isolate. Free of charge, this service will allow you to place a simple phone call to our staff with your tree requirements. Our staff will pick a tree of your choice and deliver it right to your front door. If you are interested, please CALL or TEXT Richard or Judy at 613-266-8979 to arrange for your delivery. We wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. The Glebe Tree Lot

be deployed to a few of our schools to support extracurricular activities. The schools chosen share common traits that include: • low EcoSchool Program uptake • limited green space on their schoolyards • limited access to community parks.

The hope is that by creating a space for extracurricular activities, students will feel a sense of community, belonging and wellbeing.

English Language Support

The OCSB will be initiating an individualized and centred approach to support Grade 7 and 8 English Language Learners in five different schools. An ELL teacher will monitor literacy and language acquisition while building relationships with families.

Addressing Learning Disruption

Two high schools will offer additional sections to address learning disruptions that happened during the pandemic. Some students found it more difficult to learn online. As a result, OCSB has created smaller/personalized class sizes to support re-engagement in two of our high schools.

Indigenous Community Partner Support

As a board, we understand that community outreach and supporting families are privileges and responsibilities. Students do better academically and emotionally when there is a positive relationship between school and home. We have attempted to develop this partnership by hiring a temporary Indigenous Community Partner. They will help Indigenous students create school engagement pathways on the road to graduation.

Black Community Partner Support

We also recognize that we need to build better partnerships with the Black community. To do this, we are supporting a new program called Program Village. This program will be offered in eight of our schools and include tutoring, sessions on financial literacy and Black business supports.

Together We Can Build Back Better

“Build Back Better” is a phrase being used by community leaders around the world. And it is one I take to heart. We must learn from the pandemic. The measures I outlined above are just a few of the strategies underway at the OCSB to ensure everyone in our community has a voice.

We as education leaders must now listen so we can build on what we learned during the pandemic. Wouldn’t it be amazing if what comes out of this worldwide tragedy is that we are a more faith-filled and kind society?

Lyra Evans, Trustee, OCDSB The Glebe Report has not received a report from the Trustee for Zone 9 of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.

Getting the immune system ready for the winter

By Emilie Paradis

As the leaves fall and the trees are left bare, it is a sure sign that the cold season is upon us. Just like we prepare the backyard, our wardrobe and the car for the coming winter, we should do the same with our body.

The immune system is a wonderful and complex body defense that adapts to its internal and external environments. It warns us of the state of our health. Paying attention to signs and symptoms can help slow down and maybe prevent certain illnesses.

Because we cannot always get all our nutrients through food, taking supplements from a reputable brand can help maintain and strengthen the immune system. Below are some supplements proven to do just that. Although supplements are usually very safe, it is always important to talk with your health-care provider to make sure that they are safe for you.

Vitamin C is a great antioxidant and increases immunity. Vitamin C supplements are best taken on an empty stomach. When using capsules, be careful to get a non-ascorbic form. Many supplements on the shelf are ascorbic acid from synthetic GMO corn crops. One of the best supplement sources of Vitamin C is Camu Camu powder.

Vitamin DThe best source of Vitamin D is obviously sunlight! However, living in Canada, we suffer a sunshine shortage during the winter and cannot soak up enough rays. Vitamin D is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and it is a precursor for many other hormones and calcium that helps to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.

Researchers from the University of Geneva found a clear correlation between geographical latitude and hip fractures, one of the main consequences of osteoporosis, meaning that in the northern countries the incidence is higher than in the sunnier south. There are a few options to replace the loss of sunshine – we can fly to the sunny south during the winter, or we can supplement with Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is fat-soluble which means it is best absorbed

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with food. Select a liquid or gel capsule for better absorption.

Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system and is also beneficial for the skin and neurological growth; it is a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mineral. It is best taken on an empty stomach. Studies show that Zinc picolinate is more easily absorbed.

Probiotics Much research demonstrates the connection between our gut and our mental and physical health! Probiotics are known to nourish and increase the growth of the good gut bacteria which results in positive effects on the body. Probiotics can be taken in supplement form but are also easily found in fermented food sources like kimchi, sauerkraut and natto.

It is not only about taking supplements, it’s also important what else you do! Adopting good habits and a healthy lifestyle also benefit the immune system. Fresh air Breathing fresh air can strengthen your immune system, increase oxygen in your body and boost energy and mental clarity. During the winter season, opening the window in the bedroom for an hour or so can help to oxygenate the room and make it cooler for a better night of sleep. Sleep Many studies show the health benefits of sleeping between seven and nine hours a night. Not only does it have positive effects on the immune system, it also helps to prevent weight gain, regulate hormones, improve your mood and increase productivity, performance and memory.

Water Our body is more than 60-percent water, so we need to drink water. It helps to carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and it removes toxins. How much should you drink? Depending on your size, activity level and where you live, it is recommended to drink ½ to 1 oz of water per pound of body weight each day. The colour of your urine can be a great indicator of your hydration level. Don’t wait to be thirsty to drink water!

Be healthy, be happy!

Emilie Paradis is co-owner of InStep on Bank Street, where she is a holistic nutritionist, personal trainer and mobility coach.

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