Montreal Times 25 15 December 21 2019 by Montreal Times

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Bogdan Calita Courtier immobilier / Real Estate Broker Profusion Immobilier Inc. Real Estate Agency

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Canada Air Passenger Protection Regulations now in effect L ast May, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) announced the finalization of the 'Air Passenger Protection Regulations', but it was not immediately put

By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca into effect. However, on July 15th they were required to meet some of the new obligations where passengers are compensated including; lost or damaged baggage and transportation of musical instruments, delays on the tarmac, communication problems and overbooking. And now, the remaining obligations are coming

into effect. Here is a summary of the CTA regulations in effect as of December 15th 2019. (You can read the full act at https://otccta.gc.ca/eng/air-passenger-protection-regulatio ns-highlights). FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS: - Minimum Levels of Compensation: Airlines are required to pay passengers compensation for flight delays or cancellations that are in their control and not related to safety. Passengers are entitled to compensation based on the length of delay at arrival at their final destination (CDN $). Large Airlines length of delay: 3-6 hours $400, 6-9 hours, $700 9+ hours $1000. Small Airlines length of delay: 3-6 hours $125, 6-9 hours $250 9+ hours $500. - A passenger has one year to make a compensation claim with

the airline that operated the disrupted flight. The airline has 30 days to respond by issuing a payment or indicating why it believes compensation is not owed. - Airlines have to offer passengers this compensation in monetary form. They can also offer passengers alternative forms of compensation (e.g., vouchers or rebates), but passengers always have the right to select what they prefer. As well, alternative forms

of compensation offered have to be of higher value than the monetary compensation that is required, and can never expire. STANDARDS OF TREATMENT: - After a departure delay of 2 hours, the airline operating the disrupted flight has to provide food and drink in reasonable quantities and a means of communication, such as free Wi-Fi. If a passenger must wait overnight, airlines have to offer hotel or other comparable accommodation free of charge, as well as free transportation to the accommodation. - Rebooking and Refunds: For all types of flight delays or cancellations, the airline operating the flight has to ensure passengers reach their final destination. When a flight is cancelled, or once a delay reaches 3 hours, an airline must also offer alternate travel arrangements in the same class of service and using a reasonable route. The airline must rebook the passenger

on the next available flight operated by them or an airline with which they have a commercial agreement. If the situation is within the airline's control (whether or not it is related to safety) and the next available flight would not leave within 9 hours of the original departure time, a large carrier must rebook the passenger on a flight operated by any airline. If a large airline is unable to rebook a passenger on a flight leaving the same airport within 48 hours of the original departure time, they have to book the passenger on a flight leaving another airport, if there is an option nearby. - For disruptions other than those outside the airline's control, a passenger would be entitled to a refund instead of rebooking if the arrangements offered do not meet their travel needs or there is no longer any purpose to the travel, because of the disruption. Passengers who experience a flight disruption that is within the airline's control but not required for safety and who choose to take a ticket refund instead of rebooking must still be compensated for inconvenience. Large airlines must pay them $400 and small airlines $125. - In the event of a flight disruption outside of the airline's control, a large airline is required to rebook using the services of another

(competing) airline, if the next available flight operated by them or an airline with which they have a commercial agreement does not depart within 48 hours of the end of the event that caused the disruption. If a large airline is unable to rebook a passenger on a flight leaving the same airport within 48 hours of the end of the event that caused the disruption, they have to book the passenger on a flight leaving another airport, if there is an option nearby. SEATING OF CHILDREN: - Under the age of 5: In a seat adjacent to their parent, guardian or tutor. Aged 5 to 11: In the same row and separated by no more than one seat from their parent, guardian or tutor. Aged 12 or 13: Separated by no more than a row from the parent, guardian or tutor. ENFORCEMENT: Airlines are required to follow the obligations set out in the regulations as soon as they come into force and could be subject to administrative monetary penalties of up to $25,000 per incident for non-compliance. In the event of an air travel-related dispute that cannot be resolved directly by a passenger and an airline, the passenger can make a complaint to the CTA.

Lauren Marks Vesely

010-051020

Wishing for YOU at this holiday time Peace, Love and Happiness

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December 21, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘

Bogdan Calita Courtier immobilier / Real Estate Broker Profusion Immobilier Inc. Real Estate Agency

514.582.8348

bcalita@profusion.global http://en.profusionimmo.ca/courtier/bogdancalita/79106

Vaping posing serious health risks for our youth By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca

eing a teenager is a memorable times of our lives. Whether the experiences are good, bad or somewhere in between - it is an integral part of our development into adulthood. Each generation brings its own set of ideologies, as well as peer pressure to be part of something or identify with. It is no different with teenagers today. Adults who attempt to force their own ideologies on their children, albeit with good intentions, often find themselves at a loss - a 'no win' situation at best. Don't try to be 'cool', that's old, just 'chillax' instead. However, what can you do if your teenage son or daughter is taking part in an activity with the potential to seriously harm them? Vaping, the inhaling and exhaling of a vapor created by an e-cigarette or other e-smoking device, was promoted as a way to help people quit smoking cigarettes when it first came on the market. Being a difficult challenge for many smokers who were trying to quit, it slowly grew in popularity. Vaping devices use car-

tridges filled with a liquid (or 'juice') with most containing nicotine, flavorings and even other chemicals. They do contain less nicotine than the highly addictive ingredients in tobacco which often makes it so difficult to quit - but what is alarming, depending on the size of the cartridge and how many are used in a day, the nicotine amount could be equal to smoking more than a pack a day of cigarettes. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development into the early to mid-20s. It can affect memory, concentration, learning, selfcontrol, attention and mood. Because the liquids contain nicotine, e-cigarettes can also lead to smoking cigarettes and addiction. Some users are even vaping with cannabis or THC oils.

Health experts are reporting serious lung damage in people who vape, including deaths. Even e-cigarettes without nicotine have chemicals in them with the potential to damage lungs. Teenagers are being targeted with professional marketing strategies, enticing them with flavoured liquids and images showing young and healthy people vaping. Here in Quebec, it is illegal to sale any vape products to anyone under the age of 18 and a photo ID is required to purchase any products. Online sales are also illegal to minors and vaping is banned in the same places where tobacco smoking is banned. Excluding the advertising of vaping products in magazines and newspapers with an adult readership of 85% or more, advertising anywhere else is forbid-

den. It also forbidden to display e-cigarettes and vaping products in stores that are accessible to minors and windows must have frosted glass to keep people viewing what is inside. But our youth are wise to the ways of circumventing regulations. Getting somebody over the age of 18 years to buy vaping products for them in stores or online is not that difficult. A recent Health Canada survey showed that 23% of students in grades 7 to 12 have tried an electronic ciga-

rette. As of December 10th 2019, 14 cases of vaping-associated lung illness have been reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada: British Columbia (3), New Brunswick (2), Ontario (4) and Quebec (5). Eleven of those people required admission to a hospital and all but one were recovering at home - with the ages of three of those cases being 15 to 19 years old. People are getting sick and even dying from vaping. As of November 20th 2019, a total of 47 deaths linked

to vaping products were confirmed in the US. It is not only time, but it is imperative adults speak to their children and make them aware of the dangers associated with the use of vaping products. Talk to them about the reports of serious lung damage and deaths. They might not want to hear it, but hopefully your words will echo in their minds when they are faced with pressure from their peers. It can become a 'win-win' situation for everyone.

Free Report Reveals How to Avoid Getting Stuck Owning Two Homes MONTREAL - West Island - Every month, thousands of homeowners are faced with the stressful dilemma of whether to buy first or sell first.You see, if you buy before selling, you could run the risk of owning two homes. Or, just as bad, if you sell first, you could end up homeless. It's what insiders in the industry call the Real Estate Catch 22, and it's an extremely anxious position to find yourself in. This financial and emotional tightrope is one you usually have to walk alone because most agents have no way of helping you with this predicament. But one local realtor is using a unique Guaranteed Sale Program which solves this dilemma. This program guarantees the sale of your present home before you take possession of your new one. If your home doesn't sell in 120 days, they will buy it from you themselves for the previously agreed price ensuring that you never get caught in the Real Estate

Catch 22. Before you hire any professional, you should research the market to find out who can do the best job for you. When interviewing agents, find out what kind of guarantee they are willing to give you with respect to the selling of your home. Unfortunately, you'll find that most agents simply cannot make such a guarantee. To help you learn more about this program and how it can make your move less stressful, a FREE special report has been prepared entitled "How to Avoid Getting Stuck with Two Homes". To order a FREE Special Report, visit www.WestislandGuaranteedSold.com or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-727-7105 and enter 3005. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out how to guarantee the cash sale of your home.

This report is courtesy of Group Sarroino. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright [C] {2017

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29 Years of Generosity Towards Sun Youth!

ince its foundation, Sun Youth has provided ongoing support and financial assistance to individuals and low-income families. Fortunately, the organization benefits from the support of partners such as the Tribunal administratif du travail – division relations du travail (formally known as the Commission des relations du travail). Over the last 29 years, the Tribunal administratif du travail has proven to be one of Sun Youth's most loyal donors. Its support was once again renewed on December 12th, 2019, when representatives of the Tribunal administratif du travail – division relations du travail Committee presented their 29th annual contribution: $6,717 to help the organization during its Christmas Basket distribution. For over three

decades, Sun Youth's Holiday Campaign is not only essential for the success of the Christmas Basket distribution, but also in allowing the organization to be able to support its clientele during the first three months of the year, a crucial and difficult period for lowincome families. This year, some 12 000 people, including 500 with reduced mobility and about 5000 families, will receive food for the Holidays and new toys for their children aged 12 and under. Established on January 1st 2016, the Tribunal administratif du travail, an administrative court part of the Government of Quebec, results from the merger of Commission des lésions professionnelles (CLP) and of Commission des relations du travail (CRT). Combining the powers previously at-

Photo credit: Joe Munro

Left to right: Jonathan Caisse from Sun Youth, Chantal Bertrand, president of the social club, Ginette Alarie member of the CA and France Légaré, member of the CA (from the Tribunal administratif du travail). tributed to these two spect. The Labor Rela- settlement or if they do ministratif du travail – bodies, the Tribunal is tions Division rules on not wish to resort to division relations du called upon to rule on appeals regarding job conciliation, they may travail for its solidarity numerous appeals re- protection, association present their position towards us. Its commitlated to the field of and bargaining rights, as at a hearing before an ment continues to judge make a difference by work, particularly in well as pay equity. The administrative matters of occupational Tribunal encourages who will make a deci- contributing to the health and safety. In all amicable settlement of sion after listening to well-being of the comits actions, the Tribunal disputes by offering a both parties. throughout puts forward its values: conciliation service in We would like to munity Montreal and Quebec. access to justice, impar- all of its divisions. If the thank the Tribunal adtiality, listening and re- parties do not reach a

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Park-X protestors brave the cold to stop condo development

Rally in Park-Extension: Residents group rallies against demolition of building on Beaumont Avenue early 50 people rallied recently outside the Park Extension Borough coun-

Contributors: • Alyssa De Rosa • Catherine Maisonneuve • Marco Giovanetti • Sergio Martinez • Bonnie Wurst • Stuart Nulman • Deborah Rankin • John Symon • Helen (Eleni) Akrivos

SUBSCRIPTION General subscriptions in Canada: 1 year $150, 2 years $275 Subscription to the U.S. and outside North America:1 year $250 US All contents of this publication are sole property of The Montreal Times Newspaper. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily intended to reflect those of the publisher. Any reproduction in whole or in part and in print or in electronic form without express permission is strictly forbidden. Permission to reproduce selected editorial may be granted by contacting the publisher in writing.

By Deborah Rankin mtltimes.ca

cil meeting to oppose the demolition of a building located at 495 Beaumont Avenue. The rally capped a monthlong campaign opposing demolition with about 60 letters sent to bor-

ough officials. The Comité d'action de Parc-Extension or CAPE is calling for an immediate halt to the proposed demolition. "We only want social housing at 495 Beaumont," CAPE spokesperson Amy Darwish said. She believes that the group's opposition to the project will show developer Groupe Montoni and other real estate developers that these types of "landlord projects" are not welcome at Park-Extension. In September, the Park Extension Borough's demolition committee authorized the demolition of the Beaumont building to make way for an urban revitalization project by

Groupe Montoni that would provide rental units for a diverse range of occupants.The Beaumont mixed use project includes rental housing for residents and local businesses, as well as a community workshop. It features an interior courtyard with an open green space with a garden and collaborative art installations. CAPE maintains that the site has long been slated for the construction of social housing by the City of Montreal. In November, the borough's elected officials voted unanimously to reject CAPE's appeal to revoke the committee's decision and approved the demolition at 495 Beaumont. "For our part, we be-

lieve that additional rental units won't in any way benefit the neighborhood if they are too expensive for the vast majority of its residents," Darwish said. "On the contrary, they will only drive up rents and contribute to the gentrification of the neighborhood." Acknowledging that CAPE members are dis-

appointed with the decision, she said the group will continue mobilizing to keep current tenants in the neighborhood. She said this type of project "goes handin-hand with repossessions, renovations, rent increases and harassment" as tenants are pressured to relocate outside the neighbourhood.

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Answer is online Saturday, December 21stpage 25 December 21, 2019 •

New waterpark opens up this week

• December 21, 2019

bined fitness and waterplay centre pass is only $25, resort fee and taxes not included. Groups, Montagnards, Mont-Tremblant residents and resort employees are eligible for discounts. Please visit tremblant.ca for additional details. More than $16M Invested this Winter at the Resort This newest attraction is part of recent onmountain and pedestrian village investments amounting to over $16M. Also included are Versant Soleil snowmaking upgrades, the acquisition of two new grooming machines, a new on-mountain mobile canteen called Le Nomade along with major renovations at select pedestrian village hotel complexes and boutiques.

Tremblant - Take Me to the Top Tremblant is a top four-season resort destination owing to its guest experience both on-mountain, and in its pedestrian village. Its view of the Laurentians, the diversity of its offer and highly acclaimed major events – including IRONMAN MontTremblant, Tremblant's 24 h and the Tremblant International Blues Festival – placed Tremblant among the “25 Best Ski Villages in the World” by National Geographic in 2014, in addition to being voted #1 Ski Resort in Eastern North America 20 times by SKI magazine readers. Tremblant is part of Alterra Mountain Company’s family of 14 iconic year-round destinations, including the world’s largest heli-ski

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operation, and offering the Ikon Pass - the new standard in season passes.With your family, sweetheart, friends or group, the resort welcomes vacationers from Toronto on direct

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expression of our willingness to continually adapt to the expectations of visiting families, here from the four corners of the globe,” stated Tremblant Resort Association CEO, Patrice Malo. Passes Available Online Brind’O Aquaclub is open Monday to Friday, 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. A 3-hour pass for teens 13 years+ is $20, $15 for kids age 6 to 12, and $10 for youngsters 3 to 5, resort fee and taxes not included; tots age 2 and under are admitted free of charge. Passes giving priority access according to time of year and peak hours can be purchased online via Tremblant’s Brind’O Aquaclub web page. The cost of a com-

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his week Brind’O Aquaclub - Tremblant’s new family waterplay centre - is officially open to the public. Thanks to a $3.8M investment by the Tremblant Resort Association, all indoor installations have been revisited to offer a fresh new family experience at Tremblant, rain or shine. Eight months were required to create the new aquatic world designed by WAA Montréal Inc. Luminous and colourful, the captivating space brims with movement, with giant dragonflies and ants creating a wonderful larger-than-life universe. Up to 750 tall and small visitors per day are welcome to enjoy the four water slides the biggest one a soaring 20 feet high - along with 35 interactive water games, indoor and outdoor jetted hot tubs as well as an outdoor swimming pool during the summer months. The newly redesigned fitness room now offers cutting edge gym equipment, extra space and lots of natural light. “Impervious to inclement weather and to further strengthen the sustainability of our aquatics offer, Brind’O Aquaclub truly enhances our four-season destination offer. This new experience is the

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Magdor Jewellery and Diamond Shop – Friendly Service in Beaurepaire Village stores deal with wholesalers; but we eliminate the middleman. We do all the services here, working in gold, platinum, and silver. We also have a very nice diamond collection and work with all other fine stones.” Engagement and anniversary rings are a big part of his business. Earrings, bracelets, and pendants are also offered. Magdor always gives its price in advance so that there are no surprises when customers come to pick up the finished product. Waiting time depends on the season, but generally involves a minimum of two weeks. Rush orders of only a few days are also sometimes possible. Apart from jewelry, Magdor sells watches feaBy John Symon turing brands: Raymond Weil; Seiko, and Swiss mtltimes.ca Army. Magdor also repairs friendly service. The fam- all main brands of ily-owned business offers watches. Currently, Raycustom-made manufacturing; remounting; en- mond Weil are marked graving; re-sizing; watch down 50 percent. High quality diamonds are availrepairs; and appraisals. “We do manufacturing able from Canada and here on site,” he explains. other conflict-free areas “We design jewelry for around the world. Magdor offers verbal or customers or take their written appraisals. He can designs. Elsewhere, many issue certificates for inagdor Jewellery has been operating out of the same location for more than 22 years in Beaconsfield’s Beaurepaire Village. The owner, Mr. Mansur, has been a jeweler for over 40 years; he attributes his store’s longevity to reliable,

Magdor owner, Mr. Mansour examines a diamond ring at the Beaurepaire village shop. surance purposes or for personal information. He helps his customers to upgrade or purchase pieces of gold. “One lady came in with what she thought was an almost

worthless ring but I told her that the stone was an emerald evaluated at $20,000. She was happy to have the appraisal done to say the least!” “My customers here are

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Photo: John Symon

from all over” Mansur says, “One of them even comes in from Vancouver as he still believes in me making his jewelry. I recently had a customer asking me to make him an

engagement ring and I remembered making a ring for his father! Finding a good jeweler is like finding a good car mechanic; once you find a good and trustworthy one, you want to keep him.” Magdor sometimes has wonderful gifts for its clients. Currently, clients who purchase any jewelry for $500 or more will be eligible to enter their names for the St. Valentine’s Day draw. The prize is a gorgeous 14 carat pair of earrings worth $400 or equivalent merchandise. Magdor accepts debit cards, all major credit cards, and also sometimes lay-away plans. As a special promotion, Magdor is currently offering 30 percent off select merchandise. Store hours are TuesdayFriday from 10am-6pm and Saturday from 10:30am-5pm. Free municipal parking is offered nearby. The STM 200, 211 and 405 buses stop just a few steps away. Magdor Jewellery & Diamond Shop 484 Beaconsfield Blvd, (near Woodland Ave.) Beaconsfield, H9W 4C4 514.694.3395

December 21, 2019 •

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Quebec minimum wage to increase May 2020 little more money is about to be added to the pockets of Quebec minimum wage earners. Jean Boulet, the CAQ's Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity announced on Wednesday that the province's minimum wage will increase by $0.60 an hour on May 1st 2020, bringing it to $13.10 an hour - a 4.8% increase benefitting approximately 409,000 people in Quebec. Calling it a 'liveable wage', the increase comes one year after it was hiked by $0.60 to $12.50 an hour. It is part of the CAQ's campaign promise to increase the minimum wage each year towards a goal of $15 an hour in 2023. However, a coalition representing close

the circumstances, it might not be significant enough for many people and for others, perhaps well received. How does Quebec's minimum wage compare to the all the other provinces in Canada? According the (RRC) Retail Council of Canada's latest 2019 statistics, they are as follows: Alberta $15.00 BC $13.85 Manitoba $11.65 New Brunswick $11.50 Newfoundland & Labrador $11.40 Northwest Territories $13.46 Nova Scotia $11.55 Nunavut $13.00 Ontario $14.00 Prince Edward Island $12.25 Saskatchewan $11.32 Yukon $12.71

to 200 labour groups and unions in the province said that $13.10 is not enough. They were calling for it to be increased to $15 this year, not by 2023. In Quebec, the average hourly wage as of 2018 was $24.92 per hour, below Canada's national average of $27.70 - leaving the province with one of the lowest incomes per capita in the country. Minister Boulet said that 'the rise will increase workers’ buying power and reduce poverty rates while respecting businesses’ financial capabilities without hindering their competitiveness.' Given an average of 35 hours per week, the May 1st increase would add up to $21 a week per employee. Depending on

January 21, 2020

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11.

December 21, 2019 •

Car2Go shutting down operations in North America By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca

ar2Go, a popular car-sharing service has been operating in Montreal since 2013. This past year they merged with Drive Now to become Share Now, owned by Daimler AG and the BMW Group. However, this past Wednesday, they announced the shutting down of their operations across North America by the end February 2020. Car2Go and competitor Communauto have been the two main car-sharing companies in the city. Their cars can be rented out by the day or by the hour and conveniently parked in reserved spaces in parking lots and in some residential areas. Whether Communauto

will, or can pick up the slack, remains to be seen. In 2018 Car2Go pulled their service out of Toronto, where they were struggling with several issues being put forth by the city, making it near to impossible for them to operate there. It included a pilot program that would forbid the use of almost 10,000 on-street parking spaces, where their users usually picked up or left their Car2Go vehicles, as well as parking permit fees passed by the city council requiring companies taking place in a new car-sharing pilot project to pay $1,4999.02 per vehicle. This past September they pulled out of Calgary, citing the reason of it being a 'highly volatile transportation market'. Vancouver and Montreal were the last two cities left and now op-

erations in both cities will end. The company will also be pulling out of Washington, New York and Seattle in the US and ending operations in London, Brussels and Florence, but will continue to operate in 18 other European cities. On the SHARE NOW website, they posted a letter to their customers: To Our Customers, SHARE NOW, in con-

junction with its shareholders at Daimler AG and The BMW Group, has decided to exit the North American market and cease operations in London, Brussels and Florence, effective February 29, 2020. The decision to close North America was made based on two extremely complicated realities. The first being the volatile state of the

global mobility landscape, and the second being the rising infrastructure complexities facing North American transportation today such as a rapidly evolving competitive mobility landscape, the lack of necessary infrastructure to support new technology (including electric vehicle car share) and rising operating costs. Further, despite our

best efforts and investments in Brussels, London and Florence over the years, we are unable to continue operations in a manner thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sustainable for our business due to low adoption rates. Moving forward, SHARE NOW will focus on the remaining 18 European cities. We, along with our shareholders, believe these markets show the clearest potential for profitable growth and mobility innovation. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every employee, member, business partner and city stakeholder who have supported us throughout the years in these markets. We deeply regret the inconvenience this decision causes. Sincerely, SHARE NOW

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The constant state of expansion in the NHL Let’s face it, for the past 52 years, the National Hockey League (NHL) has been in a constant state of expansion. I don’t mean mathematically or scientifically, but in the number of teams the league has grown exponentially since it first doubled in size from six to 12 back in that milestone expansion year of 1967. …And in the 52 years since, the league has continued to grow bit by bit from one end of North America to another, in which NHL franchises were granted to cities and regions that was made for professional hockey to grow and develop in, or to places that had you scratching your head wondering what is the team in question doing there in the first place. But first, a little history. During the 1920s and 30s, the NHL not only comprised of the Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Bruins, Rangers and Blackhawks, but also had teams in Philadelphia (the Quakers), Ottawa (the original Senators), and even additional teams in Montreal (the fabled Maroons, which won two Stanley Cups in 1926 and 1935) and New York (the Americans, or Amerks, which had those distinctive sweaters that resembled the American flag). However, the Great Depression took its toll on the league, and led to the folding of the Maroons in 1938 and the Americans in 1942. • December 21, 2019

This set the stage for the “Original Six” era, which dominated the NHL for 25 years, led to unforgettable dynasties in Montreal, Toronto and Detroit, and a playoff structure that guaranteed the season would conclude by the middle of April. This all changed in 1967. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Minnesota, Los Angeles and Oakland joined the league and the face of the NHL changed forever, allowing more players to join the pros, opened the doors for more American and European players, and introduced a playoff structured that closed the season as the summer began. Since then, NHL expansion forever inflated the league, in which franchises were created in cities that you would never contemplate it could host an NHL franchise, let alone have snow on the ground throughout the height of the season.The list of post-1967 teams is quite a hodgepodge: Vancouver, Buffalo, New York (Islanders), Atlanta (Flames and Thrashers), Kansas City, Cleveland, Quebec, Edmonton, Hartford, Winnipeg, Calgary, San Jose,Tampa Bay, Ottawa, Florida, Carolina, Dallas, Anaheim, Colorado, Columbus, Minnesota (Wild), and Las Vegas. As the new decade approaches, another city will join the ever-expanding ranks of the NHL: Seattle. It’s been over a century since

that city made its mark on the world of pro hockey. In 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans of the pacific coast league became the first U.S.based team to win the Stanley Cup (beating the NHL champion Montreal Canadiens). Two years later, the Metropolitans and the Habs were the participants in the first and only time a Stanley Cup champion was not declared. With the finals tied between the two teams, the series was delayed due to the deadly influenza epidemic, in which several players caught the flu; when Habs enforcer “Bad Joe” Hall died as a result of that flu bug, the series was cancelled. Now pro hockey will return to Seattle. My question is what nickname will the new team adopt? Will it stick with the Metropolitans? How about the Sonics, the name of the city’s defunct NBA franchise? Or how about the Space Needles? I’ll put my money on the Metropolitans. Finally, will that state of expansion reach its way north of the 49th Parallel? Quebec and Hamilton have put up bids for potential franchises.And private and public funding pledges and new arenas notwithstanding, the NHL has said “no”. And if NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has it his way, he would rather see a revival of the Cleveland Barons than the Quebec Nordiques.

Fundraising campaign of L'Oeuvre Soupe Maison For a 7th consecutive year, Commander Robert Piché maintains his commitment as Honorary President for the annual fundraising campaign for L'Oeuvre Soupe Maison (Lachine). Founded in 1985, L'Oeuvre Soupe Maison, a nonprofit organization, provides complete hot meals three times a week to more than 75 people a day. Approximately 11,000 meals are served each year and approximately 1080 bags of food are distributed to help the most disadvantaged in our community. "No one is safe from having a difficult time and needing a place like this. As Honorary President, this volunteer work brings me a lot and since I have received a lot, it is important for me to be able to give to the next one and to get personal satisfaction from it". It is the sum of small gestures/actions that eventually produces changes in our surroundings. Yes, we can make a difference!

Robert Piché

We would like to remind you that all your donations will be used to improve the quality of life of our beneficiaries. At this time of year, we are asking for your support and generosity in order to achieve the necessary objectives, by sending a donation in the name of L'Oeuvre Soupe Maison (Lachine), 1170, rue Notre-Dame, Lachine (Québec) H8S 2C4 (514) 469-9954. A tax receipt will be issued.

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great stories and seen how much better the quality of life for seniors can be if they are supported in their homes, I was surprised reading the article in the Gazette earlier this month saying “province pushes to move seniors out of hospital” The plan is, as the article outlined, to inject $16 million for homecare and support in the homes. How can that be a bad move? The slant in the article was not about the seniors at all. It was to free up beds. Most people I have worked with over the years have desperately wanted to go home. So often they have been told “you cannot go home” and have had to By Donna Byrne spend many days, weeks and even months sitting mtltimes.ca in a chair, often restrained, the beginning; it is where waiting for the next meal. we start. "There is noth- With proper support in ing like staying at home the home many do not for real comfort." - Jane have to be there to wait Austen. When you are for another residence… tired, run-down, sad, .They can stay there. If lonely or sick… is there even one half of the $984 anything better than stay- for each day in hospital ing at home? There is was spent on home supsomething about the walls port, frail patients could of your own home; they be at home. For many seem to just reach down seniors help can be proand give you a big hug, and vided for as little as tell you that everything is $60.00-$120.00 per day. going to be all right. More often, people can “Home is where the stay home with support heart is.” This all may costing as little as sound corny or like old $200.00/ week and less if clichés but are they not the need is to assess and true? It is not surprising follow without a lot of then that moving from physical care needs.To me, what we have thought of it is a no brainer. Let me as home for 40 years, is stay home! The longer we often very difficult to even keep people in the hospicontemplate let alone re- tal the faster they lose many abilities to function ally do. We at Health Access independently. Hospitals Home and Nursing Care are confusing places to be have been providing home even for the young and care for thousands of strong. Nights turn to people for the past 17 days and bells ring, mayears. We have worked chines beep and people with people who, with walk into your room at all some support, have been hours. Who wouldn’t be able to stay home safely confused? If there is a real move and happily in their own environment. Because we toward better funding and have witnessed so many coordination of home "Home is where one starts from." -T. S. Eliot. Home is our starting point. Most of our first experiences happen at home. First laugh. First steps. First words. In our homes we build relationships and skills that will deeply affect us for the rest of our lives. Home is

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care why can’t this be an option? If the province just uses the plan to save money and cut funding, I understand the concern. As we age though there may have to be some planning for extra care and help around the house. Some of the cost for these additional needs usually have to be absorbed by the family or the senior themselves. Families may help with some of the difficult tasks for their parents or hire people to do so. I think it is unrealistic to think that the “Government will look after us for all of our care”. However if they do inject funds and eliminate the waiting list and provide a reasonable amount of hours of care for those going home, it can work to supplement what the families have to do. The plan for discharge from the hospital has to start the day of admission so that the eight hospital days can be used to assess needs prior to a last minute panic. As seniors age this can be an ongoing process. It should not be a surprise that certain adjustments need to be made in the home. I know that changes may not be easy but the alternative is worse. The access to care and follow up using technology is far behind in Quebec. The remote teaching and monitoring used in our studies with McGill clearly demonstrated that we can keep costs down and provide better care helping people manage their health, if only there was the will to do so. The need for changes to our health care/ sick care system is now! The years of “same old, same old” has resulted in the desperate situation we find ourselves in today. Contact me: donna@ashcanada.com See ad below. December 21, 2019 •

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A Precious Gift By Martha Shannon mtltimes.ca

he holiday season is here. For some, it brings to mind the nativity scene and the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. A few years ago I wrote an article honouring myrrh, the reddish brown sap from the thorny tree, native to northern Africa and the Middle East. Myrrh has many uses in the cosmetic and health worlds. Being the season, it is a good time to revisit.

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh Familiar to many during the holiday season is the ‘nativity scene where the 3 magi present their gifts to baby Jesus: gold as a precious metal, frankincense as perfume or incense, and myrrh as anointing oil. These were the standard

gifts offered by the magi to honour a king or deity in the ancient world. Today we ponder these three gifts of honour, speculating as to why they were chosen. One theory that is often pursued leans towards their medicinal attributes. We are particularly interested in the gift of myrrh as an important ingredient in our Manuka Mouth Freshener. Myrrh has commonly been used for local therapies such as in plasters, liniments, and herbal washes. It is often found in toothpastes and mouthwashes, as it is known to be an effective antiseptic/oral disinfectant Myrrh (commiphora myrrh) is an antiseptic/oral disinfectant, a tissue tonic and restorative, i.e. it helps with gum infections, shrinking gums (pyorrhoea), tones/strengthens the gums and helps with loose teeth. Myrrh has a

bactericidal effect, prevents parodontitis and helps when gums are already inflamed. Myrrh is frequently found in toothpastes and mouthwashes for treatment and prevention of gum disease. The addition of myrrh, along with manuka and chlorophyll makes our new mouth freshener especially valuable for oral care. Feel refreshed this Holiday Season, knowing we care about you. Earth to Body We stand behind our products. We give great customer service. Visit us at natural.ca. Subscribe to our newsletter. Visit our store: ‘La Boutique Earth to Body’, 89 Lucerne, Pointe Claire, QC H9R 2V1. info@natural.ca

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Tremblant’s 24h a success

he organizers of Tremblant’s 24h are elated to announce the unprecedented success of their 19th edition. The event culminated in a record fundraising total of $4,789,709 in support of children’s causes, nearly $700,000 more than last year.This edition also drew the participation of a record number of teams (424) and participants (3,780). If there was even a sliver of doubt before this, it has been dispelled forever: Tremblant’s 24h is firmly established as a fundraiser to be reckoned with and an unmissable winter sport event. The 19th edition is only just being put to bed and already we are planning the 20th. The 2019 edition at a glance: •$4,789,709 million raised with 47,491 donations •424 ski, walk, and run teams •3,780 enthusiastic participants enjoying pleasant winter weather •More than 350 dedicated volunteers •18,937 downhill runs •36,385 kilometres covered by walkers and runners, totalling 6,738

laps around the course! •Billions of heartbeats •10 devoted ambassadors •10 child spokespersons • 3 beneficiary foundations •2 fun & festive party nights •Hundreds of fundraising events organized by teams throughout the year •Thousands of highfives, words of support and smiles •Countless lives changed, hearts warmed, personal bests achieved •One 20th edition confirmed for December 4, 5 and 6, 2020 An edition we won’t soon forget! This has been a milestone year for Tremblant’s 24h.The moving and inspiring story of Jacob Tourigny, who passed away last February of an aggressive form of leukemia, touched hearts everywhere. His mother Karine spearheaded the Jacob Strong movement in his memory, and her mission inspired every other team to raise their targets and work even harder for the cause. One of our ambassadors, Benoit Gagnon, and his daughter, Sophie, set them-

selves a daunting challenge and in spite of aches, pains and fatigue, they managed to ski together for the entire 24 hours. Team Guérison, led by athlete Alexandre Despatie and composed of young adults who all battled cancer as children, was also a huge motivation for participants who ran, skied and walked and followed only their hearts! Beyond the physical challenge, Tremblant’s 24h is an opportunity for people to be part of something bigger than themselves, to witness the spectacle of many others pushing to achieve their personal bests. Everyone agrees that the 24h is a priceless experience in which organized activities, generosity of spirit, the gamut of emotions and sheer pleasure come together during a single exhilarating weekend. Mélissa Lavergne and her musical guests Alicia Moffet, Jorane, David Laflèche, Eloi Painchaud, Damien Robitaille, Normand Brathwaite, Geneviève Jodoin and Antoine Gratton used their superpowers to melt all the snow, while

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the hip hop collective Alaclair Ensemble also set the Rogers Stage on fire at the foot of the slopes on Saturday night. The entire mountain resonated to the sounds of their greatest hits. Singer Marie-Mai also conquered the crowds with her performance at the closing celebrations on Sunday. All together for the kids Along with thousands of participants, visitors and donors, the event hosted numerous personalities, companies and organizations participating in support of children’s causes. “Something really special happened this year with the 24h,” said Simon St-Arnaud, executive producer of Tremblant’s 24h. “First, we raised $4,789,709. Just think of what it takes to raise that kind of

Across 4. Asian area 11. Rapture 14. Hidden winner, ___ in the hole 15. Get too many 16. Lode load 17. Wizard of Oz footwear 20. African flower 21. Encounterer 22. Card game 25. Footnote abbr. 29. Live 30. Airs 33. Drudge 34. Bust 35. Pan type 37. Field of play 41. Flowering plant 42. Cheer starter 43. Flock 44. Principle of life, in Hinduism 46. Fancy neckwear 49. Military Order, for short 50. Overcoats 52. Darth Veda's side 57. Cool one's heels 58. Destructive pest 63. Family 64. Astronomer

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money: engaged, committed participants who doubled down on their efforts for weeks on end, incredibly creative fundraising activities and, of course, a massive group effort.” Once again this year, Tremblant’s 24h was pleased to count on a team of dedicated ambassadors who promoted the event far and wide throughout Quebec. Benoît Gagnon, Frédéric Plante, Lianne Laing, Alexandre Bilodeau, Philippe Fehmiu, Dominic Arpin, Erik Guay, Alexandre Despatie and AnneMarie Withenshaw all spent weeks tirelessly pointing out the importance of giving generously and supporting both the participants and the beneficiary foundations. Organizers can attribute part of the event’s

success to its sponsoring partners and major donors which, through their involvement, demonstrated how important children’s causes are to them. Indeed, the 24h was proud to have the incredible support of its presenting partner, Canada Life, which deployed a massive delegation of 17 teams and 200 employees. Where the donations go! All profits from Tremblant’s 24h go to our three beneficiary foundations: Fondation Charles-Bruneau, the Ottawa Senators Foundation of Ottawa and Fondation Tremblant. To see all event results, go here and to learn more about how the donations are used, visit:

65. Life basic 66. Antiquity, once 67. Arranging hair, perhaps 68. Pa and ta ending Down 1. Rattle 2. Eyepiece 3. Fillet 4. In place of 5. Blvd. 6. Saxophonist, Joshua 7. Leprechaun land local 8. Fully fit 9. Legal action 10. Create an email 11. "Mud" 12. "Catch-22" pilot 13. Go word 18.Vote of support 19. Before the finals 23. In a consistent manner 24. Eustacian area related 26. Poi source 27. Cosmetics company 28. Advance 31. Elaborate display 32. Bummed 33. Spots 34. Nor partner 36. Agave rug fiber 37. Bee ___

38. M___: Chinese owned area 39. Craft 40. Meadow 45. Granola cereal 46. Goatees 47. Familiarize 48. Off course 51. Wee hour 53. Periodical publications 54. Surveyor's work 55. Without purpose 56. Commuter line 58. Squeeze (out) 59. "Cool" amount 60. Call off 61. Biddy 62. Swamp Please see answers on-line Saturday edition Page 25 ,December 12st, 2019 edition: www.mtltimes.ca

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Book review

Scotty by Ken Dryden

he subtitle to this newly-released biography of legendary NHL coach Scotty Bowman reads as “A Hockey Life Like No Other”. And it certainly does justice to Bowman and his Hall of Fame career behind the bench. Growing up on the mean streets of Verdun during the Depression and World War II, Bow-

By Stuart Nulman mtltimes.ca man certainly lived and breathed the game practically all his life. From junior player, to a scout, to head coach for the Blues, Canadiens, Sabres, Penguins and Red Wings (not to mention eight Stanley Cup championships), to general manager, to keen observer and commentator of seven decades’ worth of legendary players and teams, as well as mem-

orable and not-somemorable games. And there is no better person to chronicle this hockey life like no other than Hall of Fame Habs goalie and best-selling author Ken Dryden. Dryden was the Habs’ man in the crease for Bowman’s first five Stanley Cups (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979), and through the outstanding triumphs of this dynasty, and the somewhat prickly relationship between the two, Dryden can readily understand what makes Scotty Bowman tick and what made him the coach with the most victories in NHL history. So it was only logical that the pair get together once more to recall the life and career of an individual who truly had hockey in his blood. After suffering a fractured skull from a stick that struck his head in a 1952 game when he was a member of the Montreal Junior Canadiens, it quickly ended any thoughts of continuing his career as a player. And even when he got himself a steady job in the sales department of the Sherwin-Williams paint company, Bowman

Ken Dryden and Scotty Bowman could never get away from the game; during his lunch hours, he used his all-access Montreal Forum pass to watch the Canadiens’ weekly Friday practices that were helmed by Dick Irvin, Sr. and later Toe Blake. In 1956, when he realized that a future selling house paints was not in the cards for him, Bowman got a call from an up-and-coming hockey executive named Sam Pollock offering him the opportunity … joining the Canadiens’ organization as the scout for Eastern Canada. This led to coaching gigs with the Ottawa-Hull Junior Canadiens and the Pe-

terborough Petes that resulted in winning seasons (not to mention a Memorial Cup championship for the former team in 1957-58) … and a Hall of Fame career behind the bench was born. The book is more than just a straightforward, chronological sports biography. It’s a fascinating mix of Dryden’s intelligent look at the game and its colorful past (including how “sponsored” junior hockey teams served as the NHL’s farm system for many years until Pollock revolutionized the system when he became the Canadiens’ GM in 1964), and allow-

ing Bowman to utilize his encyclopedic knowledge of hockey and his coaching acumen to give his unique point-ofview of why the teams he coached were so successful (including the 1976-77 Habs, who lost only 8 regular season games that year towards another Stanley Cup), what worked and what didn’t work (one interesting comment he shared was that the Pittsburgh Penguins team who won the 1992 Stanley Cup under his tutelage was more of a continuation of the system that was employed by his predecessor Bob Johnson, who led the Penguins to

their first Cup the season before, but died of cancer in the fall of 1991). He also gives his skillful commentaries and observances to teams he didn’t coach but carefully observed throughout his career, such as the 1962-63 Toronto Maple Leafs, the 1981-82 New York Islanders and the 198384 Edmonton Oilers. And as an added bonus, Bowman goes the fantasy league route at the end of the book, as he hypothetically matches up the teams he analyzed throughout the narrative in an ultimate dream team round-by-round Stanley Cup playoff, to find out which team would end up as the ultimate world champions of pro hockey. It makes for a fascinating bit of “what if” sports reading. Scotty: A Hockey Life Like No Other is thorough, captivating biography of a life behind the bench, and what made such a passionate, complex person become one of the most successful professional coaches ever to guide a hockey team. (McClelland & Stewart, $34.95)

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The First-time Home Buyer Incentive officially launched he First TimeHome Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) officially launches on Monday September 2nd across Canada, aimed at boosting the down payment of first-time home buyers and lowering their mortgage pay-

By Eleni Akrivos mtltimes.ca

home buyer: The incentive will provide an interest free loan of an extra 5% towards the down payment for a resale property and up to 10% down payment towards a new construction property. There are of course rules about who quali-

property within the past 4 years or exceptionally if you went through a divorce or separation. The combined household income of the buyers cannot exceed $120 000 and the maximum loan amount cannot exceed 4 times the family income. You also need

ment property. In Montreal, property prices are still well below the rest of Canada and a buyer can find a condo or even a single home under $500 000. Here is an example provided by the Government of Canada website: placetocallhome.ca

ments anywhere between $150 to $300 per month. Let’s hope this program gives buyers the boost they need keep the market moving. Why did the government of Canada introduce this program? Following a list of government changes to the mortgage rules, it has been a challenge for first time home buyers to qualify for a mortgage. Specifically, the new “stress test” rules introduced in January of 2018 now require buyers to qualify using an interest rate of 2% higher that the negotiated rate. These changes along with rising property prices, have pushed first-time buyers to the curb. Many are priced out of the market. Here is what the government offers if you are an eligible first-time

• December 21, 2019

or you sell the property, the loan needs to be repaid. It is considered a “shared equity” loan, so the repayment amount is calculated on the fair market value of the property at the time of repayment, which can increase or decrease. Say you received a 10% incentive for a property you purchased for $200 000. The incentive received was $20 000. The property is sold at $300 000 many years later. You are required to pay 10% of the market sale price which is $30 000.The repayment may fluctuate up or down, depending on the market value of the home at the time of a sale. Will this incentive put more money in the pockets of First-Time home buyers?

fies as a first-time buyer, to have the minimum the maximum purchase 5% down payment. price and how the loan is repaid back to the What can I purchase government. with the First-time Home Buyer Incentive? Do you qualify as a first-time buyer? The maximum purchase price is around the To be considered a $500 000 price point first-time home buyer and the home needs to you or a spouse/com- be lived in and under 5 mon law partner need doors, meaning you to have not owned a cannot buy an invest-

How does the “interest free” loan work? The loan is registered as a second mortgage on the property you purchase, and no interest is charged. You can pay back the loan at anytime without penalty, but when your first mortgage comes due after the 25 years

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As a first-time home buyer, if a 5% extra down payment will allow you to qualify, where you otherwise would not, then this may be for you. If an extra 10% down payment allows you to afford that new construction town house that is perfect for your new family, then go for it! Keep in mind that you do not control market values and they fluctuate. Keep in mind

that the first mortgage may be changed or altered but that would require extra fees, if you would want to refinance for example. This also may work if it a short-term purchase and you know you are selling within 2-3 years. There won’t be a dramatic fluctuation in the market value. As usual, the best thing to do is meet with a realtor and a mortgage broker who can look at your situation and counsel you accordingly. Helen Akrivos is a Montreal real estate expert who is passionate about educating and inspiring everyone to succeed in real estate! She holds a Chartered real estate broker license and is President of North East Realties agency in Montreal. As a lecturer in the Residential Real Estate Program at College Lasalle, Co-Host of “The Real Estate Show” on CJAD AM800 radio and contributor to the MTL Times newspaper, Helen shares her stories of real estate success to help as many people as possible! Email your comments to eleni@nordestimmobilier.ca

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171 Fairhaven,, Hudson Listed and Sold in 4 days

tania@royallepage.ca Royal LePage Village Real Estaatte Agency

St Lazare $324,000 Great family home near parks and shops. Th T ree plus 1 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, finished basement. Ma M ny newer windows, hardwood floors. Over sized garage. Above ground pool. Hud dson $1,250,000 A ce entral icon to the Hudson village core since 1907, The Wyman orial Church, must Memo be sad dly sold. Fabulous locattion for its future own ner with ith its it C27 zonin ng, which permits mullti family and/or commercial. 36,963 sqfft ner lot. Possi o ible ble corn renta tal a as wellll! I have a buyyer lo lookin ing fo for a ten enant before re he buyyss th the churc rch

Elegant all-brick 7-bedroom home, including C Commercial/Residential $599,000 000 Hudson $599,000 Exclusive listing separate guest quarters, elevator, Garages Spacious commercial space on main floor, 3Spacious 3 bdrm 3+1 bathroom 4+ car for 5+ cars. Large private 107,294 sqfftt. bedroo fo om renovated apartment and separate garage. Large 40,000 sq fftt lot backing $1,249,000 Mountain Ranches, Rigaud wo workshop garage development. on the Whitlock golf course â&#x20AC;˘ December 21, 2019

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December 21, 2019 •