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FRIDAY • February 16 • 2024
Hill makes sure Barrhaven’s voice heard at auto theft summit
Barrhaven West Councillor and Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs took part in the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft, which took place Thurs. Feb. 8 in Ottawa. The event, according to Hill, “is an opportunity to foster collaboration and pave way for action. As a city representative, I want to ensure that Ottawa, including Barrhaven, have their voices heard.” The stolen vehicle problem that has been a problem across Canada is continuing to grow in Ottawa. In the city, Barrhaven leads all communities and areas in stolen vehicles. While in the last issue of the Barrhaven Independent it was reported that there were an average of five stolen vehicles in Ottawa each day, early figures for the first month of 2024 indicate that five has grown to six. “Barrhaven is at the forefront of Ottawa’s auto theft epidemic,” said Hill. “Eighteen hundred-plus vehicles were stolen, contributing to $700 million-plus of losses in Ontario. “We need all three levels of government to work together to improve port security, require technology to improve port security, require technology solutions from industry, and get more police presence in our suburbs.” The summit featured leaders from all three leaders of government from across the
country. Discussions held at the summit focused on finding solutions to the growing challenge of auto theft in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his Liberal Government is “considering” tougher punishments against car thieves. “Cracking down on auto theft means bringing law enforcement, border services, port authorities, carmakers and insurance companies together,” the Prime Minister said. He also took a shot at his political rival Conservative leader and former local MP Pierre Poilievre, saying that the car theft problem won’t be solved with a catchy slogan and a two-minute video. Consensus in the room was that it will take all levels of government and other organizations in all provinces to combat the problem. “Addressing this growing problem requires cooperation and actions from across all levels of government, law enforcement and industry. Ongoing collaboration is vital to protect the threat to the safety of Canadians resulting from vehicle thefts. Our government will leverage our existing relationships with industry stakeholders to raise awareness and take concrete actions to help stamp out this scourge,” said FrançoisPhilippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and
Barrhaven West Councillor David Hill and Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs took part in the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft Feb. 8 in Ottawa. (X photo)
Industry. Auto theft is impacting thousands of Canadian households every year, particularly in our urban centres. It increasingly involves organized crime groups, who are using the proceeds of those thefts to fund other illegal activities. Today’s Summit advanced work to keep Canadians safe and prevent auto theft from happening, to recover vehicles that have been stolen, and to ensure the perpetrators
of these crimes are brought to justice. Coordinating efforts across the country, the Government of Canada is taking immediate actions to combat auto theft by: - Increasing the capacity of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) by investing $28 million to conduct more investigations and examinations of stolen vehicles, as well as enhance collaboration on investigations and intel-
ligence sharing with partners across Canada and internationally. This includes exploring detection technology solutions, and exploring the use of advanced analytical tools, such as artificial intelligence. - Pursuing all avenues to ban devices used to steal vehicles by copying the wireless signals for remote keyless entry, such as the Flipper Zero, which would allow for the removal of those devices
from the Canadian marketplace through collaboration with law enforcement agencies. These actions build on the recent federal investment of $121 million to help prevent gun and gang violence in Ontario, including organized crime and auto theft, through the Initiative to take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence (ITAAGGV).
theft
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Page 2 FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
You’re invited Carleton Farmers Appreciation Breakfast on February 24th I hope you can set aside Saturday, February 24th on your calendars for my annual Carleton Farmers Appreciation Breakfast. The event is from 8:30am10:30am at St. Philip’s Parish Hall - 127 Burke Street in Richmond. Come on out and enjoy a great breakfast, learn about our local agricultural industry and the importance it has in the Carleton riding, and most importantly, have a great time, see old friends, and make new ones. It is open to the public, free and everyone is welcome!
Ontario Unveils Back-to-Basics Kindergarten Curriculum
The Ontario government is taking continued action to emphasize backto-basics learning by introducing mandatory learning through clear and
direct instruction in reading, writing and math for kindergarten students. Combined with hands-on and play-based learning, this new kindergarten curriculum will ensure students entering Grade 1 across the province have the foundational skills in literacy and math and intellectual growth that will help set them up for longterm success. All students will soon benefit from evidencebased clear and direct instruction in literacy for the first time to build their vocabulary and instil a passion for reading and writing. New and mandatory learning will include the understanding
of sound-letter relationships, developing phonics knowledge and using specific vocabulary. For example, as children are constructing a house with building blocks and other materials, the educator would intentionally use new words to build student vocabulary. Minister of Education says “it’s critical that our youngest students develop core foundational skills earlier on in their lives. That is why the Government of Ontario is introducing a new kindergarten curriculum that will help to lay the foundation for strong reading, writing and math skills from day one. Our government will continue to relentlessly advance back-to-basics education that restores the focus on academic achievement, common sense and excellence in literacy and STEM disciplines.”
New learning expectations are also being added to the kindergarten curriculum. In math, clear and direct instruction in foundational numeracy skills will be provided to all students in addition to daily opportunities to explore math concepts through regular classroom activities. All students will start to learn about fractions, coding and patterns earlier in their education. These new lessons will build foundational math concepts and skills that are the gateway to the disciplines of science, technology and engineering, as well as construction, skilled trades and architecture. The changes and supports, which will be in place starting in September 2025, are the next step in Ontario’s plan to modernize the curriculum and ensure every student has the skills to succeed in
the classroom and prepare them for whatever path they choose.
Quick Facts
- In September 2023, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released its annual student assessment results that demonstrate encouraging progress in student outcomes. - In April 2023, Ontario Launches Plan to Boost Math, Writing and Reading Skills which invested more than $180 million in targeted supports in the classroom and at home to help students build the math and reading skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. - Early reading intervention is part of the province’s response to the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) Right to Read Report. As
such, the province is focused on modernizing the way reading is taught and assessed in schools to help improve student literacy. Currently, kindergarten students learn from a “program” that was developed eight years ago. To elevate this learning and ensure the curriculum prepares all students for success, Ontario is advancing consistency and enhanced academic rigour for students. The driving force for this reform and focus on boosting literacy is recommended by the 2022 Ontario Human Rights Commission Right to Read inquiry report, which identified that Ontario’s kindergarten program was failing to teach many students to read and promote reading confidence.
goldie
continues on page 3
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FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 Page 3
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT goldie continues from page 2 - The province introduced early reading screening in September 2023, which includes standardized screening tools and supports for training for educators. In addition, up to 700 teachers with specialized expertise in early reading will continue to provide targeted instruction to young students who would benefit from more support. Eligible students in kindergarten through Grade 3 will receive additional instruction one-onone or in small groups if they need help to become stronger readers. - To further support students in the development of early reading skills, the province is investing $65 million over the coming years to support reading intervention. An additional investment of $12.5 million will be directed toward procuring licenses for a ministry-approved, evidence-based early reading screening tool for use
in Year 2 of kindergarten to Grade 2.
Ontario Government Measures Will Protect Students and Improve Integrity of Ontario’s PostSecondary Education
The Ontario government will introduce a suite of measures to protect students and improve the integrity of Ontario’s postsecondary education. To protect the integrity of postsecondary education and promote employment in critical sectors like health care and the skilled trades, the government’s measures will include the following:
Colleges and Universities
- Institute a review of programs offered by postsecondary institutions that have a sizeable amount of international students to ensure that program quality protects Ontario’s reputation as a world leader in educa-
tion and meets Ontario’s labour market demands. - Ensure that programs being offered are meeting the needs of the labour market so that students can build a life in Ontario once their education is complete. - Introduce a moratorium on new public college-private partnerships while further work is done to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure the quality of existing partnerships. - Implement measures to improve the response rate to student outcome surveys that will help ensure the best academic outcomes are being achieved. - Require all colleges and universities to have a guarantee that housing options are available for incoming international students.
Career Colleges
- Better integrate enforcement efforts across ministries to strengthen
oversight of career colleges, including enhanced data management, documentation processes, and the efficacy of compliance investigations, ensuring timely responses to concerns and complaints. The Ontario government will also work with sector partners and the federal government to explore ways to further crack down on bad-actor recruiters who take advantage of international students and make dubious claims of employment and citizenship. The government is also continuing to evaluate the recommendations on postsecondary financial stability that were submitted by the blue-ribbon panel late last year. As this review process continues, the government will work closely with the sector to reach an outcome that provides stability and certainty for postsecondary institutions and students alike,
with further details to be announced by the end of February. As the Ontario government takes the necessary action to protect students, it will work jointly with the federal government to protect the stability of post-secondary education across the province and country.
Quick Facts
- Postsecondary institutions are important sources of job creation, skills training, research, innovation and commercialization, making them leading contributors to Ontario’s overall economic growth. - Every $1 invested in postsecondary education generates a positive economic return on investment estimated at $1.36. - In March 2023, Ontario created a blue-ribbon panel of experts to provide advice and recommendations for keeping the postsecondary education sector finan-
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cially stable and focused on providing the best student experience possible. - Ontario provides oversight of the career college sector through the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005. - The Ministry of Colleges and Universities ensures that institutions and programs in the career college sector are of high quality and that student protections are in place, through inspections, investigations, and appropriate enforcement actions. Office Notice: My office is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. If you require assistance on any matter, please contact me at any time. My staff and I will be happy to assist. Even if it’s not a provincial issue, I’ll make sure to connect you with the proper office. Goldie Your voice at Queen’s Park
Page 4 FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT theft continues from page 1 “We have heard the message from Canadians: all orders of government: Federal, Provincial and Municipal, must work together with police, the auto industry, the insurance sector, and stakeholders to deal with auto thefts. I am grateful to everyone who took part in today’s summit. We did more than talk shop. We came away with a plan to take on the criminals who are compromising the safety of our communities,” said Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. Locally, police say that many of the vehicles that are stolen in the community are driven to Montreal and quickly loaded onto ships and quickly sent on their way to various overseas locations. Canadian vehicles often end up in Haiti, the Middle East and Africa. “We’re implementing a robust action plan by working with the auto industry, ports, and railways to protect Canadians from auto theft. We will review our vehicle theft protection standards and strengthen port security to fight organized crime,” said Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant. Additionally, the Government of Canada is using the tools and authorities it has to further curb auto theft: - The federal government will establish a means of better information sharing between local police and railway police, including through the use of advanced data tools, to identify and find stolen cars before they get to ports. - Public Safety Canada, the CBSA and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will work with partners across Canada and internationally to increase collaboration and in-
formation sharing. - Transport Canada will modernize the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to ensure they consider technological advancements to deter and prevent auto theft. The Department will also work with public safety partners to identify cargo handling vulnerabilities through targeted security assessments of port facilities. Based on the assessments, the Department will work with port facilities on corrective actions and to implement updated security plans. - The Department of Justice Canada will examine potential amendments to the Criminal Code to further strengthen the legal framework related to auto theft, including by reviewing existing offences and penalties. - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) will work with Canadian companies, including the automotive industry, to develop innovative solutions to protect vehicles against theft. At the conclusion of the Summit, participants endorsed a Statement of Intent, committing to work together to combat auto theft, and to finalizing an action plan that will be released this winter. “Auto theft is not only having an economic impact, there’s a real cost to the wellbeing and safety of Canadians. As we take on a whole of government approach to solve this multifaceted issue, I look forward to our continued collaborative efforts with all partners to combat auto theft and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone,” said Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board. Quick Facts - The Government of Can-
ada has been engaging with industry and other stakeholders on auto theft, including port authorities, rail and shipping companies, as well as manufacturer associations and the insurance industry, as part of our collective effort to combat this crime. - Investigations into auto theft are led by local police. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are working together in integrated task forces to target organized crime, including those groups involved in stolen vehicles. - The CBSA responds to 100% of referrals from police of jurisdiction to examine outbound containers at points of export that may contain stolen vehicles and identify criminal activity within the supply chain. - Nationally, the CBSA has increased its efforts, intercepting 463 stolen vehicles in 2018 to more than 1,800 interceptions of stolen vehicles in 2023. The CBSA’s actions have resulted in a 290% increase in stolen vehicle seizures over the past five years. - Canada has strong laws in place to address auto theft
According to police, most stolen vehicles end up on ships headed to Africa and the Middle East, while some end up in Haiti.
at various stages of the crime. These include offences that address conduct that precedes the theft the theft itself, possession and trafficking (including exporting) of stolen property, and tampering with Vehicle Information Numbers (VINs). Offense-related property and proceeds of crime can also be confiscated under the Criminal Code. - The Criminal Code also includes comprehensive laws to target organized crime, including specific offences and enhanced investigative tools and sentencing, as well as strong penalties for violent acts including assault, assault with
a weapon, intimidation and the use of a weapon (for example, a firearm) in the commission of an offence. - Rates of vehicle theft rose by 50% in Quebec, 48.3% in Ontario, 34.5% in Atlantic Canada and 18.35% in Alberta in 2022, as compared to the previous year. - Transnational organized criminal groups are believed to be involved in the export of stolen vehicles from Canada, however, most vehicle thefts involve lower level threat groups, with violent street
gangs being the most prevalent. - The majority of stolen vehicles exported are destined for Africa and the Middle East. Some stolen vehicles also remain in Canada enabling other crimes to be committed with the vehicles and are destroyed afterwards. - Police services in the GTA have observed a combined 104% increase in carjackings from 2021 to 2022 according to a recent report from the Criminal Intelligence Service of Canada.
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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
Transit Commission receives report on OC Transpo fares, safety
The City of Ottawa Transit Commission received a report on the Focused Fare Compliance Initiative which is focused on assessing fare compliance and promoting safety on the transit system. The initiative began on January 5 and will run until the end of April at various bus and OTrain stations across Ottawa’s transit network. Results from the initiative will provide OC Transpo with
updated information to inform appropriate measures to address fare compliance while optimizing public safety. Staff will provide an update at a future Transit Commission meeting. The Commission also received an update on the Bus Maintenance Action Plan to address fleet maintenance backlogs, recruitment, and heavy workloads. Staff are exploring several short- and
long-term solutions including a proposed pilot project to increase staffing, improve employee engagement and review workload and recruitment. In response to community feedback, 14 additional bus shelters were installed at Tunney’s Pasture Station to improve customers’ travel experience and provide weather and shade protection. Nine additional shelters are also be-
ing installed at Hurdman Station. OC Transpo continues to welcome feedback and explore permanent shelter solutions for customers. The Transit Commission received an update on service performance for December 2023. O-Train Line 1 service delivery was at 99.6 per cent, bus service delivery was at 97.7 per cent and OC Transpo ridership was at 6.2 million trips. Para Transpo ridership
was at 64,400 total customer trips for the month of December 2023. Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of the International Association of Public Transportation (UITP), joined Commission members to discuss its role in the global, sustainable public transport industry. As UITP President, OC Transpo General Manager Renée Amilcar collaborates with UITP members
to advance sustainable urban mobility goals and gender equality within the public transport sector. The Transit Commission also recommended that Council approve adjustments to Transit Services’ capital budget. The net adjustment of $26.5 million would include a $20.2 million contribution to the transit capital reserve as well as funds to reduce transit debt.
Applications are open for the Ottawa Humane Society’s board of directors until March 22, 2024. The board will play a key role in supporting the OHS as it embarks on its five-year strategic plan in supporting Ottawa’s pets and their people. The OHS is recruiting for three board positions whose
term will begin in September 2024. The board of directors is crucial to the work of the OHS, providing oversight for the organization to be successful in being a community leader for animal welfare, creating opportunities for young people to learn about animals and compassion, and
providing a safe haven for Ottawa’s homeless animals. “Our board members contribute specific skills to help us advance our mission and reflect varied lived experiences in our community,” said Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO. “Individuals’ unique perspectives and talents together provide the
OHS with direction on how to meet the needs of our community.” The OHS board of directors serves many purposes. The board helps create the OHS’s mission and purpose, supports and evaluates the President & CEO, participates in strategic planning, monitors and strengthens the
OHS’s programs, and many other duties. Successful candidates will serve on the board for six years. For more information or to apply, visit the OHS’s website or email ceo@ottawahumane.ca. The Ottawa Humane Society is a registered charity founded in 1888. The society
works in and with the community to provide leadership in the humane treatment of all animals, to address the causes of animal suffering, to encourage people to take responsibility for their animal companions, and to provide care for animals who are neglected, abused, exploited, stray, or homeless.
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Page 6 FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
Remembering our staycation at the non-inclusive YOW resort
INDEPENDENT Editorial
Where do we stand?
Enough is enough. What is happening in the world is horrible. It’s horrible in Ukraine; it’s horrible in Gaza; it’s horrible in Israel; it’s horrible in Iran. It’s horrible in Afghanistan. But it’s not supposed to be horrible in Canada. And it’s not supposed to be horrible in Barrhaven. We have been trying to be driven by common sense in our coverage of local events and reaction to these local events. Unfortunately, our inbox is getting continuously polluted by those on both sides who feel our coverage is biased and unfair. Our objective has always been to unite the community. We are not the only ones who have had that objective. Rabbi Menachem Blum of the Ottawa Torah Centre in Barrhaven and Imam Dr. Zijad Delic of the South Nepean Muslim Centre have worked together, arm in arm, since before Oct. 7 and even before COVID-19 to bring the community together as one. They have been bringing communities together in Barrhaven and were accomplishing things in our community that couldn’t have been accomplished in 1,000 years in the Middle East. They have probably done more to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia together than any two people in Canada. But then October 7 happened. And here is where we stand: The murder and slaughtering of 1,200 Jews at a music festival and the horrific actions of Hamas terrorists triggered this conflict. It was done in secrecy on a Jewish holiday. We feel that parades and marches celebrating this attack in Barrhaven, Riverside South and Ottawa have no place in Canada. Hamas is a terrorist organization. Their mandate is to annihilate Israel and kill all Jews. Hamas took over Gaza in 2007. Israel then imposed a blockade on Gaza, restricting movement of people and goods in and out of the territory in what they said was a necessary step to keep the group from developing weapons. We are confused and disgusted that many leaders of OPSEU, a union representing public sector workers in Ontario, would weigh in and side with Hamas in this conflict. OPSEU’s job is to negotiate contracts for their employees. Stay out of politics. When we listen to someone ramble on about colonialism, well, why are they still in Canada then? Sadly, the actions of a few pro-Palestinian extremists have increased the level of Islamophobia in Barrhaven and in Ottawa. They have selfishly nullified the important voices of members of our community who have family suffering in Gaza. For generations, people came to Canada for a new life. Nobody in Canada wants anyone to bring their conflicts with them. Because of all of this, we will no longer be printing letters to the editor on the topic. They would only further divide our community. We may be Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or any other religion. But we are all Barrhaven.
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It’s been 10 years since we vowed we would at the staff, demanding to know what they are gonever travel with Sunwing again. Yet, here we ing to do for her. How about ship her back to the go, heading to the Ottawa airport and lining up at Crayola display in the hair aisle at Jean Coutu. 10:31 p.m. – One of the employees melts the counter like Pavlov’s dogs. down and starts screaming at the customers. The last time we flew Sunwing was exactly 10from “It’s not my fault,” she yells with tears in her years ago. The first two days of our trip to Cuba the other didn’t quite go as planned. It went a little some- eyes her nose running. I had a You Tube flashback. “Leave Britney alone!” thin’ like this: Another moron decides to be 8:35 a.m. – The Diva and I arrive at the voice of the passengers. the airport. I am a bit stressed because “It’s not youse guys’s fault. our flight to Cuba is at 10:20 a.m. and If there’s no crew, youse guys we are less than two hours early. can give me the keys and I’ll 8:39 a.m. – After my failed attempt, fly it.” the Diva piled our luggage efficiently 10:47 p.m. – With the cops now present and in the little cart. We get into the Sunwing line-up. As we are entering the maze, an employee com- the first employee not in sight but assumed to be ments to us that “there will be a slight delay with lying under the counter in the fetal position, we are told that Sunwing has not cancelled the flight the flight.” 8:43 a.m. – It was our turn at the Sunwing yet and they can’t give us our luggage back. 11:45 p.m. – We are told the flight is leaving at counter. We check our bags, and because of the weight restrictions, I had to open them all up and noon the next day, even though the website says start playing three shoe monte, moving things 4:50 p.m. We all crowd around the carousel at from one bag to another to another to another to baggage claim. 12:13 a.m. – I see our bags. I make a move the carry on, until the somewhat fed up lady at the counter is finally pleased. As she hands us for them but I am shoved. I step on the toes of our passes, she says, “Your flight has been de- a woman who is on her cell phone and tells her layed until 6:15 p.m.” The Diva looks at me with friend that “nobody here cares about me and that “do something about this” look. We are each some BIG OAF just stepped on my foot and he given a food voucher, good for $10 off food pur- doesn’t even care enough to apologize.” Sorry chases at any of the airport’s restaurants. What Princess. 1:09 a.m. – Moe the taxi driver drops us off will $10 get you at the airport? Skittles? 8:56 a.m. – We sit at the restaurant for break- at our front door. It’s minus-20 and we have fast. Our paper table cloth is stained, so the wait- no coats. Day 1 of our Cuban vacation is in the ress comes over and casually flips it over rather books! 7:15 a.m. – The alarm clock goes off. It’s Day than replacing it. “There,” she says. “Good as new.” I hope she gave us clean plates and didn’t 2. We’re not in Cuba. This is so Groundhog Day. 7:55 a.m. – I see our neighbour as I bring in just lick the ones left on the table by the last the recycling bin. It’s minus-28. “I thought you group. 11:29 a.m. – After walking the strip a few times were in Cuba?” she says, puzzled. “I am,” I said. and stopping in every store, we head to the duty “It’s our second day here. It feels just like home.” 8:20 a.m. – The Diva gets on the Sunwing free shop. I had a Seinfeld flashback and started annoying the Diva by singing, “I like to stop at website to check our flight. It doesn’t seem to the duty free shop,” over and over again. After exist. Then we find another flight that is listed for about the millionth verse, she finally looked at the previous day leaving at 3:45 p.m. We aren’t me with defeat in her eyes, and responded with, sure what to think. 10:06 a.m. – After a call to the travel agent and “Oh dear Jesus, what time does the bar open?” 1:20 p.m – We finally decide to use our $10 confirmation that our flight leaves at 3:45 p.m., food vouchers and eat at Darcy McGee’s. The the Diva decides that a morning of Chopped on winners of the family competition of the Annoy- the Food Network is a better way to spend time ing Olympics were there. Judging by the baby’s than to needlessly be sheepled around from gate mood, he wasn‘t any happier to be ice stormed in to gate to gate for another full day at the YOW. 1:48 p.m. – We get to the YOW and check in. at the YOW than we were. Yet, his proud Grandpapa took him to every table in the restaurant to The guy next to us is losing it. He and his teenage visit and say hi and show off his bundle of screech son are going on a fishing trip. Sunwing has lost 5:45 p.m. – Our flight has been delayed again. their fishing rods. I’m sure, deep down, they care. 3:08 p.m. – Our flight has been delayed. Who It will now leave at 7:30 p.m. Allegedly. 7:13 p.m. – Our flight has been delayed until saw that one coming? 3:37 p.m. – We head back to the duty free 9:35 p.m. Shocker. Back to the bar. 9:28 p.m. – The angry mob is gathered at Gate shop. I know better than to start singing. The 13, which the Diva had predicted that morning Diva has had enough of me by this point. 4:12 p.m. – We are shocked to learn that our was a bad sign for the trip. There are no Sunwing flight has been delayed again. The new departure employees in sight. 10:04 p.m. – With the increasingly angry mob time is 9:15 p.m. 5:50 p.m. – We head back to the bar. congregated at Gate 13, a passenger loudly pro7:08 p.m. –I decide to go and strike up a conclaims that the flight has been delayed until 4:50 versation with the lifesize cut out of Jose Bautista p.m. the following day. 10:27 p.m. – Two employees representing at the Booster Juice kiosk, kind of like how Tom Sunwing appear and are immediately mobbed by Hanks would have long chats with Wilson the the frustrated and impatient crowd. The angriest volleyball. of the mob is an elderly French woman with an other side orangeurgendyurple brushcut. She is bellowing continues on page 7
side
FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 Page 7
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Letters to the Editor welcome at manotickmessenger@gmail.com
Misguided conspiracy theory exposes Barrhaven’s need for a Giant Tiger The Editor, I’m not sure if our local backbencher MP Chandra Arya is looking over his shoulder more and more as time ticks toward the next election, but he should be. It’s not because of anything Arya has or has not done since being elected to represent our riding nine years ago. It has more to do with Arya getting elected while perched high on the crest of the Trudeau wave of popularity, and
now Trudeau and his political ally Jagmeet Singh are hanging MPs like Arya out to dry in the wind. The deal breaker for me happened this week when Singh and Trudeau attacked MP Scott Reid because his family owns Giant Tiger. Apparently, all grocers are evil, at least if you listen to the ruling federal government and the messages they have been feeding the Toronto Star, the CBC, and any other little
beaks in the nest reaching up for some worms from their momma bird. Team Trudeau is in serious back pedal mode, and if this is the latest scandal or ethical faux pas they are trying to pin on Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives, well that was a slapshot that whiffed and missed the puck completely. The Reid family is not the Weston family. Loblaw is a massive grocery chain that has proven that their model
for profit comes more from sources other than food. They make money off things like clothing and household items which are also available at their stores. Giant Tiger, which started as a small family business and has grown to a chain of more than 250 stores nationally, is hardly screwing Canadians. Our nearest Giant Tiger store is in Manotick, and our family is makes a trek out to the GT Boutique at least once or
twice a month. Singh called out Reid on X and tried to turn it into an ethics commissioner scandal, but then it was revealed that it was Reid who disclosed his family ties to GT to the ethics commissioner and then complied with excusing himself from a vote on Singh’s bill to lower grocery prices. It’s clear that Singh has likely never stepped foot in a Giant Tiger store. It’s also likely that the silver spoon
that was in the mouth of our prime minister when he was born has never touched a microwave ramen noodle, a staple for my kids and for many other Barrhaven families. The bottom line is that this has brought attention that Barrhaven needs a Giant Tiger. With Arya’s business background, maybe he can get a franchise if he loses the next election. Cindy Ferguson
ing around wanting to chat. The Foghorn Leghorn starter kit who volunteered to fly the plane the previous night was back, still holding court. 7:47 p.m. – The Diva told me she was really hoping that all these people weren’t at our resort. 9:27 p.m. – Our crew arrives, walking to our gate. I am not sure if the loud applause was sarcastically thunderous,
or thunderously sarcastic. 9:50 p.m. – We get on the plane. The Diva gets her sunglasses. 10:03 p.m. – We are in the air. Babies crying, floppy microwaved pizza pockets, people yelling and drinking. This wasn’t a flight. It was a trailer park with wings. 2:04 a.m. – We arrive in Santa Clara, Cuba. We get our bags. I make sure I don’t step
on anyone’s feet. 2:17 a.m. – We are put in lines at Cuban immigration. The Diva went to the window rather than waiting at the red line on the floor. Our tiny little Cuban immigration friend was not in her best mood, and she kind of went Mel Gibson all over the Diva and told her to wait at the red line like an obedient little Communist. One minute later she was all
like, “Welcome to Cuba, may I help you?” 2:33 a.m. – We get through customs and we are on our bus. 4:14 a.m. – We arrive at our resort, the Royalton in Santa Maria. It was a 44-hour journey since we had left our home. The resort is beautiful, and the staff is wonderful. 4:55 a.m. – We get to our rooms but need a glass of
water. We head to the 24-hour restaurant. We opt for a cerveza, deciding that happy hour can be at either 5 a.m. or 5 p.m. 5:40 a.m. – Daylight is about to break. We are ready for Day 3 of our Cuban vacation! Fast Forward 10 years – We are ready for our first Sunwing vacation. Yikes. As Dak Prescott would say, “Here we goooo!”
other side continues from page 6 7:40 p.m. – We head back to Gate 13. Same miserable people. Groundhog Day. Yoda’s older sister from Gatineau with her unfortunate choice of hair was still bellowing on and demanding justice. Fishing trip guy was still steaming. Girl with her wedding dress was panicking – she was about 15 hours away from her destination wedding. Drug cartel-looking guy kept hang-
What is your child doing this March Break?
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world. And even when temporary, the difficulties can leave the child frustrated and disengaged long after the loss has resolved, needlessly impacting their ability to achieve their full potential. In addition to academic struggles, children with hearing loss can also experience trouble socially because communication, which requires both verbal and auditory skills, is vital to social interactions and peer relationships. Consequently, much like your children have a dentist, they should also have an audiologist. The Audiologist, the only healthcare professional qualified to assess children’s hearing abilities, can confirm your child’s hearing levels every five years as well as whenever there is a shift in attention or behaviour. The good news is that your audiologist is also able to assist your child in overcoming hearing loss if need be. Should your child
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Page 8 FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
City of Ottawa cannot create a two-tiered planning system Back in November 2023, Katasa Group, a Gatineaubased residential and commercial rental property developer, and manager, sought approval for a zoning by-law amendment to construct two buildings at the southwest corner of Carling and Bronson. The company proposed construction of two buildings, nine storeys for one and twenty-two storeys for the other, totalling 278 residential rental units. Planning Committee approved the rezoning application in November, but at the end of that same meeting, Councillor Menard introduced a notice of motion for the next Planning Committee meeting in January.
East Barrhaven Ward Report Wilson Lo, Councillor
The motion directed staff to sign a memorandum of understanding with the developer to accept their voluntary contribution of $300,000—$100,000 for traffic calming measures and $200,000 for affordable housing, locally in Capital Ward, with no specific and costed projects identified. It was a blank cheque for $300,000 for Capital Ward. At the Council meeting of January 24th, one Councillor amounted it to extorting a developer in exchange for a re-
zoning approval, while another backed up the contribution as a developer’s goodwill where they hope to be building. Regardless of how the Councillor and Katasa reached the agreement, and regardless of Katasa’s history, my worry is accepting contributions like these opens the door to a two-tiered planning system favouring developers with deeper pockets. While current planning staff and Councillors may be good and fair with managing and separating contributions from the planning process, there’s nothing stopping someone in the future from corrupting the process (and themselves). That’s why I voted against accepting the contribution and
why I voted in favour of the creation of a formal policy about these contributions. I’m hoping the policy, once approved, will deny future voluntary contributions, and redirect developers to a pending updated Community Benefits Charge (CBC) By-law process instead. Previously, the provincial Planning Act, which forms the framework that governs municipal planning, included a Section 37 which permitted municipalities to impose community benefits charge to fund, construct, or improve local amenities when a developer requests a zoning amendment. The section of the Act allowed municipalities to request such benefits when the
development increases a site’s density by 25 per cent or more. Section 37 uniquely allowed benefits directed to the immediate community where the development is located. Bill 23, passed in October 2022, significantly modified Section 37. Basically, Section 37 was a density bonus no longer enshrined in provincial law. Instead, individual municipalities now have the authority to pass a local CBC by-law to achieve comparable results. Most notably, that authority comes with a cap of four per cent of the property’s value and requires the city to identify and cost specific local projects. Section 37 covered this sort of contribution, though I am
aware previous councils have accepted smaller voluntary contributions ad-hoc in the past. The city enacted an early CBC by-law shortly around the time of Bill 23, but it is now undergoing a fulsome review and update by city staff for discussion and vote by Council this year. In the interim, staff, rather than a local Councillor, will distribute these contributions citywide, with the possibility of dedicating the funds to the hyper-local needs of the immediate area. Ultimately, Council voted 15-to-10 in favour of accepting Katasa’s contribution, but as of January 29th, the developer had withdrawn their offer.
FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 Page 9
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
Black History Month to be recognized and celebrated in by OCSB
The Ottawa Carleton Catholic School Board will be commemorating Black History Month throughout February. Last year, the OCSB Black History Month 2023 centred on the theme ‘Black Joy: Inspiring Change.’ This year, the OCSB is evolving its focus to embrace a new theme: ‘Boldly Me, Diverse We: Shaping Our Collective Future.’ This powerful theme empowers Black students, encouraging them to embrace their unique identities proudly. It highlights the rich diversity within Black communities and underscores the importance of working together to create a bright, inclusive future. As February unfolds, the OCSB invites everyone to join in a journey of reflection, celebration, and hope. Black History Month is more than a commemoration; it’s a vibrant celebration of the triumphs and positive influences of Black Canadians. It’s a time to acknowledge Black communities’ resilience and strength and foster a vision of the future where diversity is recognized and cherished. The theme ‘Boldly Me, Diverse We’ encourages us to embrace our individuality while recognizing the strength in our diversity. It’s a call to action to build a future grounded in unity, empathy, and shared achievements. By standing together, we can forge a tomorrow that is not only brighter but also richer in its inclusivity. Let’s commit to this journey together, celebrating
each step towards a future where every voice is heard, every identity is respected, and every individual is valued.
#ocsbBlackHistoryMonth Video Contest
The OCSB is proud to announce the third annual #ocsbBlackHistoryMonth video contest. This contest is a platform for OCSB students to show what celebrating their Black Identities means to them. The deadline to submit a video is Friday, March 8th, at 5:00 pm. This year’s winners will be unveiled during a ceremony in late April.
Recognizing Champions of #ocsbBlackExcellence
At the heart of the OCSB school community are the dedicated staff members – educators and non-teaching personnel – who tirelessly champion Black excellence. Their commitment ensures that every student feels acknowledged, listened to, and valued. In recognition of these vital contributions, they are excited to announce the return of the OCSB Champions of Black Excellence Nominations. This is your opportunity to shine a light on those exceptional OCSB employees who consistently go the extra mile to nurture and promote #ocsbBlackExcellence. Nominate someone who makes a real difference in our community, and remember to give them a public shout-out on social media using the hashtag #ocsbBlackExcellence.
Please submit your nominations by Friday, March 1st, 2024.
Highlighting Black Voices in Our Community
The ‘Amplifying Black Voices’ initiative at the OCSB is dedicated to showcasing its Black students’ and staff’s experiences and perspectives. This effort aims to strengthen our sense of community, understanding, and unity by sharing diverse personal narratives. Promoting the lived experiences of Black students and staff fosters an equitable learning environment and increases affirming representation, which aligns with our Board’s commitments in the declaration on the UN decade for People of African Descent, our EDI framework, Ontario’s AntiBlack Racism Strategy, to name a few. It opens the door to respectful conversations between different student groups, encouraging a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. By focusing on shared humanity rather than differences, we build connections and foster empathy, ultimately breaking down barriers and creating a more united community. Please share your stories by 5:00 pm on Friday, March 1st, as we celebrate the rich diversity of our educational environment together. For more information, visit https://www.ocsb. ca/2024/01/31/celebratingdiversity-ocsb-black-history-month-2024/ .
OCDSB hosting Black History Month event Feb. 24 in Barrhaven
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board will be hosting a special event commemorating Black History Month in Barrhaven Sat., Feb. 24. The OCDSB will host the Black History Showcase:
Honouring Black Excellence at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School. This event is sponsored by the OCDSB’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team, in collaboration with Future Paths Net-
Love your ears
work, V2V Project, and the Somali Centre for Family Services. This in-person event, celebrating Black culture and achievements will be held between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at LDHSS.
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Page 10 FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
OCDSB chair grilled over Riverside South high school delay Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari put Ottawa Carleton District School Board Chair Lynn Scott on the hot seat during the Ontario Government Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting in Ottawa Wed., Jan. 24. Ghamari was critical of the board on a number of issues, particularly how long it has taken to build public high schools in Riverside South and Stittsville. The opening of the Stittsville school has a domino affect as it will free up space at South Carleton High School. With the housing growth in Manotick and Richmond, having the Stittsville school open will have a major impact for the Carleton riding beyond that community. The Riverside South school also has a domino effect. In the past, Riverside South’s public high school students have been bussed to South Carleton, Merivale, and Longfields-Davidson Heights in Barrhaven. Scott was one of the presenters at the Ottawa meeting. She was the chair of the board for several years until unseated by Lyra Evans. In the fall, Scott regained the seat after a tie vote between Scott and Evans was settled with a deck of cards. In her presentation, Scott claimed that funding from the province was a factor in the construction of new schools.” Ghamari said. “You received the funds to build Stittsville’s public high school in 2018.” She asked Scott about the opening of the school, and was told it was opening in September. “So it takes the school board six years to build a public high school,” Ghamari replied. Ghamari then asked Scott about the public high school in Riverside South. “The communities were fighting for that,” Ghamari said of the school, adding that residents of Riverside South residents have been wanting a school for more than 10 years. “When I was elected it was one of my local campaign promises. I secured funding for Riverside
South Public High School – the first public high school in the community – in 2020.” According to Scott, that school will be open in 2025. “So six years for the first one, five years for the second one,” replied Ghamari. The Carleton MPP was then in attack mode over the lack of haste in building a badly needed second elementary school in Findlay Creek. The first school built there, Vimy Ridge Elementary School, had 23 portable classrooms before the OCDSB prioritized the building of a second school. “Instead of the school board prioritizing building a second public elementary school there, the school board decided to prevent students from attending and have them go elsewhere,” Ghamari said. “I had to work with the community on creating a local petition to prioritize building a second elementary school in Findlay Creek.” The panel learned that the second Findlay Creek school would be opened in the fall of 2025. Six months before the OCDSB received its funding, the Ottawa Catholic School Board received funding from the province for the construction of a Catholic elementary school in Findlay Creek. Ghamari attended the groundbreaking for that school in the late summer. “That school is slated to be open in September 2024,” Ghamari said. “Even though (the OCDSB) received funding six months after the Catholic school board, I haven’t even been invited to the groundbreaking ceremony for that, and the school’s going to be open at least one year after. To me that says something.” Ghamari said that the Ottawa Catholic School Board gets schools built in a timely manner while the OCDSB has not been able to. “Our province gives (the Ottawa Catholic School Board) funding, and schools pop up like weeds,” Ghamari said. “And that’s a compliment. They have their act
Funding for the Riverside South public high school was secured in 2020 but the school will not open until 2025.
together. They know what they’re doing.” Transportation Problems Ghamari then questioned Scott over the problems that the Ottawa School Transportation Authority (OSTA) has had during the 2023-24 school year. “Let’s be clear,” said Ghamari. “The regions that were mostly impacted by the school bus cancellations were heavily in my riding – the vast majority were in my riding. If Stittsville’s public high school would have been built on time, that would have been 1,500 students that wouldn’t have had to have been shipped to South Carleton in Richmond or another school. If Riverside South’s public high school had been opened, that would have been another 1,500 students that wouldn’t have to be bused to South Carleton in Richmond, or somewhere like Merivale. “Could you imagine the efficiencies that you could have with your school bus routes, if you actually built schools on time, like the other school boards. That’s 3,000 students right there that you are unnecessarily moving around, and I’m not even speaking about the elementary schools. I’m just speaking about two public high schools that you have had funding for for six years now, and we’re still waiting to get those built.” Ghamari said the prob-
lems the board is having have nothing to do with funding. “How does this have anything to do with provincial funding when we have four school boards in Ottawa and there’s only one that’s constantly making it in the news? Everyone is suing everyone. (Former OSTA General Manager) Vicky Kyriaco was let go or dismissed or whatever, is suing OSTA right now. You have one of your board members who is taking (the OCDSB) to the human rights tribunal. Meanwhile, it’s the children who are suffering. It’s the children who are not getting the education that they need because instead of focusing on the basics, instead of focusing on route planning, instead of focusing on building schools, instead of focusing on education, the trustees are so busy fighting with each other and focusing on all this unnecessary stuff that nothing is getting done. “How does throwing more money at your particular school board fix that issue.” Scott responded by saying the board was not looking to have money thrown at one particular school board. “We believe that there are many school boards in the same situation that we are,” Scott said. Ghamari was blunt with her reply. “Not the other three in Ot-
Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari was critical of the Ottawa Carleton District School Board during the province’s prebudget consultation meeting in Ottawa Jan. 24.
tawa,” she said.
Ghamari wants Munster school reopened
Ghamari was also critical over the fact that former board vice-chair, Trustee Justine Bell, has been attending meetings virtually while living in Mexico for the past several months. When asked if Bell was still in Mexico, Scott said she “believed so”. “A lot of challenges that the Ottawa Carleton District School Board is facing relates to lack of facilities, and that’s because you guys can’t build schools fast enough, like the other three school boards” Ghamari said to Scott. “I want to make this very clear. This isn’t a comment on the staff or the Director of Education. I know that the current staff at the school board are working hard. While Scott mentioned in her presentation that the board is looking into using its existing facilities, Gha-
mari asked her if there has been reconsideration into re-opening Munster Elementary School. Scott said “there has been no immediate consideration, however, we are looking at doing a massive review of our elementary programming, which could result in our elementary programming, which could result in some reconfiguration of schools, particularly if we change our program structure in ways that would make it viable to reopen the Munster school.” The school in Munster was closed after the board dropped the school’s French immersion program, which Ghamari said disincentivized parents from enrolling their children in the school. “I know the board tried to sell the school to the city sometime in 2019,” Ghamari said. “I personally stopped that because I did not want to see the school being sold for private use. I would like to see it re-opened, as would the community.”
FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 Page 11
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
CHEO named Canada’s second best place to work by Forbes The hundreds of Barrhaven residents who work at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario can commute to work each day knowing that they work for one of the very best employers in the country. CHEO has been recognized as Canada’s secondbest employer and the top employer in Canadian
health care among Forbes’ annual Best Employers in Canada. The 2024 list of Canada’s top employers listed CHEO behind only chocolate maker Hershey, but it’s sweet news as CHEO has been identified as the top health-care employer, top hospital and top pediatric health-care organization.
“This is a silver medal worth celebrating because it belongs to every staff, medical staff, learner and volunteer here at CHEO. Thank you everyone for bringing heart, skill and dedication to the work you do for kids and their families,” says Alex Munter, CHEO President and CEO. “It’s a time to celebrate CHEO’s 50th anniversary and I want to recognize our staff, medical staff and learners,” adds Dr. Lindy Samson, CHEO’s Chief of Staff and Chief Medical Officer. “We are so proud of our staff and are constantly inspired by how they care about our patients, their passion and their can-do spirit which is part of CHEO’s secret sauce.” 2024 is a time of significant growth at CHEO, which includes the con-
struction of a new integrated health centre, 1Door4Care. CHEO is also hiring and you can check their website for the latest openings. This is not the first time that Forbes Magazine has recognized CHEO as one of Canada’s Best Employers. The Forbes Best Employers in Canada is a prestigious, employeeled recognition based on survey data compiled by Statista. Some 40,000 participants at organizations of more than 500 employees were asked to assess aspects of their employer, such as working conditions and potential for growth.
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Page 12 FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
CLUES ACROSS 1. River in Tuscany 5. A way to represent 8. Rocker’s guitar 12. Civil Rights group 14. Brew 15. Scratch 16. W. Asian country 18. The Eye Network 19. Clarified butter 20. Part of the Cascade Range 21. Downwind 22. A way to steer 23. Loop 26. Not ingested 30. Swampy coniferous forest 31. Musician 32. Signing 33. Containing iron 34. Part of a theorem or proof 39. Veterans battleground (slang) 42. Of enormous proportions 44. Italian city 46. Come before 47. Balm 49. Undergarments
50. Male parent 51. Ropes 56. Ear part 57. Investment vehicle 58. Dictator 59. Cain and __ 60. A type of code 61. Border river along India and Nepal 62. It’s what’s for dinner 63. Consume 64. Christian __, designers CLUES DOWN 1. Cuckoos 2. Skin issue 3. City in central Japan 4. Sorrels 5. Twinned diamond 6. Canadian province 7. Monetary units 8. Head honcho 9. Goddess of wisdom 10. Part of a play 11. Get rid of 13. Applicant 17. Bowling alleys have many 24. Explosive
25. “The Say Hey Kid” 26. Ultrahigh frequency 27. No (Scottish) 28. Make a mistake 29. Credit card term 35. Keyboard key 36. Woman (French) 37. In the middle of 38. Score perfectly 40. Coat a metal with an oxide coat 41. Deadly disease 42. A place to dock a boat (abbr.) 43. Belch 44. Member of U.S. Navy 45. “In __”: separate from others 47. Examine extensively 48. Adjust 49. Tattle 52. Actor Pitt 53. Gulls 54. Within 55. Exceptionally talented performer
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 Page 13
Page 14 FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
National Capital Secondary School winter sports scores Senior Boys Basketball
Jan. 9 – Maurice Lapointe 74 Pierre-Savard 70 Jan. 10 – John McCrae 63 St. Pius X 36 Jan. 10 – LDHSS 76 Earl of March 69 Jan. 10 – Paul-Desmarais 77 St. Mother Teresa 27 Jan. 10 – St. Francis Xavier 67 Leaster B. Pearson 65 Jan. 11 – Pierre-Savard 51 Redeemer Christian 33 Jan. 15 – AY Jackson 94 LDHSS 86 (OT) Jan. 15 – St. Joseph 78 Woodroffe 73 Jan. 15 – St. Mother Teresa 59 Holy Trinity 48 Jan. 17 – Woodroffe 85 John McCrae 69 Jan. 17 – Sacred Heart 69 St. Mother Teresa 65 Jan. 17 – St. Francis Xavier 89 Mer-Bleue 79 Jan. 22 – St. Joseph 75 LDHSS 51 Feb. 5 – St. Joseph 76 Woodroffe 61 Feb. 5 – St. Mark 73 St. Mother Teresa 51 Feb. 5 – St. Matthew 65 St. Francis Xavier 61 Feb. 7 – All Saints 79 LDHSS 47 Feb. 7 – Mer-Bleue 65 St. Francis Xavier 60 Feb. 8 – Earl of March 90 John McCrae 57
Feb. 8 – Pierre-Savard 50 Pierre-de-Blois 32
Boys Curling
Jan. 9 – John McCrae 4 Paul-Desmarais 3 Jan. 9 – Pierre-Savard 9 Franco-Ouest 4 Jan. 10 – LDHSS 4 Holy Trinity 0 Jan. 11 – St. Paul 6 St. Joseph 2 Feb. 6 – Pierre-Savard 5 John McCrae 3 Feb. 7 – Merivale 8 LDHSS 1
Girls Curling
Jan. 9 – John McCrae 3 St. Francis Xavier 2 Jan. 10 – South Carleton 14 LDHSS 0 Jan. 11 – St. Joseph 9 St. Paul 1 Feb. 6 – John McCrae 5 St. Mark 0 Feb. 7 – St. Francis Xavier 10 LDHSS 5
Girls Hockey
Jan. 10 – St. Mark 3 St. Joseph 1 Jan. 10 – LDHSS 6 Bell 0 Jan. 11 – LDHSS 11 Sir Robert Borden 0 Jan. 11 – St. Mother Teresa 8 John McCrae 0 Jan. 11 – St. Peter 5 St. Francis Xavier 1 Feb. 7 – Louis Riel 3 St.
Joseph 0 Feb. 7 – St. Joseph 2 Glebe 2 Feb. 7 – Nepean 4 St. Joseph 2 Feb. 7 – Earl of March 6 St. Francis Xavier 1 Feb. 7 – St. Francis Xavier 2 All Saints 1 Feb. 7 – St. Francis Xavier 4 West Carleton 0 Feb. 8 – St. Mother Teresa 4 Pierre-Savard 0
Senior Girls Volleyball Jan. 9 – Pierre-Savard 3 Sacred Heart 0 Jan. 9 – LDHSS 3 PaulDesmarais 2 Jan. 10 – Bell 3 John McCrae 1 Jan. 10 – St. Mother Teresa 3 Holy Trinity 1 Jan. 11 – Pierre-Savard 3 Nepean 0 Jan. 11 – LDHSS 3 St. Joseph 1 Jan. 15 – Pierre-Savard 3 De La Salle 0 Jan. 16 – Maurice Lapointe 3 St. Joseph 1 Jan. 16 – John McCrae 3 Kanata Montessori 0 Jan. 16 – Bell 3 St. Mother Teresa 1 Feb. 6 – Franco-Cite 3 Pierre-Savard 1 Feb. 6 – LDHSS 3 Nepean 0 Feb. 7 – John McCrae 3 Bell 2
Ismail Amadon of the Earl of March Lions drives against John McCrae defenders Roth Mohring, Luke Popplewell and Omar Mandour during the Lions’ 90-57 win in the JMSS gym Feb. 8.
The St. Mother Teresa Titans buzz around the Pierre-Savard net during their NCSSAA girls hockey shutout win Feb. 8.
Feb. 7 – St. Mother Teresa 3 St. Pius X 1
Feb. 8 – De La Salle 3 Pierre-Savard 1
Feb. 8 – LDHSS 3 PaulDesmarais 1
FRIDAY, February 16, 2024 Page 15
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
MPP tells hearing OCDSB school board meetings ‘better than Netflix’ Sometimes there is yelling and screaming. Sometimes the trustees accuse each other of being racist. Sometimes a trustee will shut down a parent’s presentation and call him transphobic. And three times last year, the board had to call in the Ottawa Police to restore order at their public meetings. This, of course, happened after the same board banned the same officers from being at schools while in uniform. Many parents and other members of the community have discovered the live streaming of the board’s meetings through a link on their website. One of the regular viewers is Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari, who watches the meetings to monitor what is going on with the school board in her riding and throughout Ottawa. “I tune in to the OCDSB trustee meetings because it’s better than watching a Netflix reality TV show,” Ghamari said during the Provincial Government’s Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting Held in Ottawa Jan. 24 . “It really is. There’s always some sort of drama, there are always some sort of allegations, there are always some sort of accusations.” The Ottawa Carleton District School Board has been in the news a number of times in the last year. However, rather than being about education or building new schools, the news has been about disruptions and in-fighting at their board meetings, suspensions, lawsuits, and the thousands of families who have had no school bus transportation for their children to get to school. The majority of those students have been in Ghamari’s Carleton riding. “In speaking with my constituents and people from all across Ottawa, the one message I get is that they have lost confidence in the school board
trustees,” Ghamari told the hearing in response to a presentation made by OCDSB Trustee and Chari Lynn Scott. “That’s why it’s so important for people to pay more attention to municipal elections. People think ‘it doesn’t impact me’, but for those of you who have children in the public education system, your school board trustee is one of the most important politicians in your day-to-day lives. They’re the ones who directly impact the quality of your children’s education.” Ghamari was critical of the lack of communication from the OCDSB. Included in that lack of communication is that Zone 10 Trustee, Justine Bell, has been living in Mexico for more than half a year, including several months when she was vice-chair. Before Ghamari’s questioning of Scott on the issue, the board had never publicly acknowledged that Bell is representing her ward from Mexico. Bell makes no mention of being in Mexico on her website. “I can only sit back and imagine if the OCDSB had been more concerned with getting proper updates from Vicky Kyriaco and OSTA, for example, during the summer months, on the plan for how they were going to provide bus routes for students, maybe there wouldn’t have been a fiasco,” Ghamari said. Ghamari, like many parents in the western and rural areas of the Carleton riding, did not know that OSTA had failed to obtain a contract with a school bus transportation company for the area until just days before the start of school. “The only way I heard about the school bus cancellations was on the radio prior to the long weekend before the first day of school,” she told Scott at the hearing. “As a provincial MPP that’s how I found out about the
thousands of (students affected by) school bus cancellations which heavily impacted my riding. No one bothered to reach out to me. Not you, anyone. For me to get the news about the school board trustees from the radio is a little bit shocking,
it shows the disconnect. Even though I’ve constantly tried reaching out, it’s very frustrating.” Ghamari ended that part of the hearing by telling Scott that she still wants to work with the board, but added that the board needs to focus on its
priorities. “I would say the take away here is I am willing to work with you and I’m willing to work with the school board trustees, but what I would like to see is some seriousness, some dedication, maybe not have school trustees in
Mexico for half the year or longer, maybe focus on building schools, maybe have a plan to get those schools built, and maybe focus on re-opening Munster Elementary School and providing a little more quality education to rural schools,” she said.
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