TBB February 2020

Thunder Bay…Yep! That’s Us! Celebrating our 50th Anniversary of Amalgamation and Still Going Strong!

INSIDE Strong 2019 Shipping Season Wraps Up in the Port of Thunder Bay Thunder Bay Announced As Major Embarkation Point for Viking Expeditions Cruises A Financial Action Plan Summary

North Superior Publishing @tbay25

The Top 20 Young Professionals Under 40 Recognized at the 2020 Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards

Dr. David Barnett named Lakehead University’s Provost and VicePresident (Academic)

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2020

Strong 2019 Shipping Season Wraps Up in the Port of Thunder Bay The 2019 shipping season has wrapped up at the Port of Thunder Bay with the departure of the final cargo-laden vessel on Sunday, January 12. The season featured notably higher cargo shipments than the past several years.

Strong shipments of prairie-grown grain and other dry bulk commodities from Western Canada buoyed the port’s cargo tonnage to 9.3 million metric tonnes

(MMT), the highest since 2014.

Grain volumes increased by 500,000 MT this year as Thunder Bay elevators funneled larger quantities of canola to markets in Europe and South America. Coal ton-

nage hit a seven-year high, while potash shipments remained above average for a third-straight year.

Both the foreign and domestic vessel fleets contributed to the strong season in Thunder Bay; vessel calls and cargo tonnage for both fleets were up compared to the prior year. Three domestic vessels will winter at Keefer Terminal for seasonal refurbishment.

The Port of Thunder Bay is projecting another strong season in 2020. Thunder Bay grain terminals continue to set the bar for efficiency, producing the fastest railcar and vessel turnaround times of all Western Canadian grain ports. A highlight for the

2020 season will be increased shipments of wind turbine cargoes for Western Canadian wind farm developments.

I sat down and asked Tim Heney,CEO Thunder Bay Port some questions recently.

How was this shipping season? “ 2019 was an exceptional year for the Thunder Bay Port in terms of tonnage. We are up to 9.3 million tons which is the best year since 2014.The biggest contributor to that was grain up 400,000 tons mostly canola as the Chinese cut off the exports

out of Vancouver so it went to Europe through Thunder Bay.” “A new great lakes ship carries 30,000 tons

age building at the port is almost finished, about 65%, and will be operational by May. We also built some new rail and a new laydown area.”

How do you feel the 2020 season will be?

“It will be a big year in 2020 for wind turbine shipments that will go this year with something like 20 ships coming through.

Renewable energy is important in the world and Alberta and Saskatchewan have consistent winds. It could be a reliable source of power.”

“The crops can vary each season but what is positive is Thunder Bay still has the capacity, is competitive and still strategic.

In 2019 a majority of our grain came from Manitoba, usually it was Saskatchewan.

Thunder Bay offers good value if the market is Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North Africa.”

The Port has a big impact on our local economy.

“The Port is a bright spot in the Thunder Bay economy. It is the biggest industrial tax base and supports 900 jobs working directly in the port, the largest industrial employer.”

“The local elevators did well this year. It is important that each one gets a viable share of the business. Our local economy is more reliant on the western economy as we are the Western Canada entry point to the seaway. We can contribute to the local economy with our jobs. There are 7 elevators in Thunder Bay owned by 5 companies.”

“We view leveraging our assets to bring cargo here to bring economic activity to the local economy. Our infastruture is pret-

2020 Cadillac XT4! but the grain mostly went on ocean ships which carry about 22,000 tons.Thunder Bay will have about 420 ships this year.”

The Port is undergoing some capital work at the moment? “ The new 50,000 square foot heated stor-

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ty old so we are renewing and modernizing to attract more activity like the wind turbines.”

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2020

Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner

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A Financial Action Plan Summary

Money is very important in this world , for the lifestyle it can help you achieve.

Almost all our dreams involve having the finances to make things happen. Here is a summary of action steps you can tackle to make your command of money much better.

1. Review your financial position, both assets and liabilities, and create a balance sheet indicating your net worth.

2. List all revenues and expenses to create an income statement, and indicate your net savings potential per month.

3. Set financial goals for major purchases, and savings for future expenses, such as the education for your family and retirement years.

4. Review your current investments and assets to ensure that they are the best that

you can achieve. Factors to consider are the availability, income generation and security of your investment portfolio 5. Review your monthly expenses to create an awareness of how your money is spent in order to ensure that it is exactly where you want it to go. Search for ways to save money, spending less on your purchases. Set a budget.

6. Analyze your financial affairs on an ongoing basis, even monthly at the start, quarterly from thereon. Track your progress.

7. Find out about current changes in the economy that affect you with financial advisors, search for their services. Their advice is important in helping you arrive at the best financial program for you. Also remember their fees are a tax deduction.

8. Set yourself on a course to become a financial expert. If you are interested in

the stock market, find out more about it by enrolling in a course or by reading books.

Likewise, if you are interested in real estate as an investment, start by getting a good understanding of the market.

9. By spending time on your financial future, you are definitely going to improve your lifestyle.

10. Remember, you must start somewhere and only you can do it. The main point I hope you gain from this is that any financial planning is better than no planning at all. For many of you, what you will do now represents the first serious review of financial affairs that you have ever undertaken. The process itself has helped you understand what it is you intend to do from a financial perspective over the course of your lifetime. The earlier you start, the better. It is much easier if you start when you're twenty than when you're sixty-five,

but in my opinion, it's never too late. The important thing is to continue your efforts throughout your life.

What you will have accomplished is to have a clear, concise balance sheet that shows exactly your net worth. By detailing your short term cash, long term cash, short term assets, real estate, everything that pertains to your present financial situation, you have seen your financial worth on paper.You will also have a good understanding of where your money is spent. No one else will do this for you. The 2020's require work and planning to achieve positive results. The person that does this will undoubtedly achieve a much better lifestyle than those who don't. Also it will give you a tremendous sense of satisfaction that you have accomplished your financial future to the best of your ability. Good Luck!

Rotary Essay Contest Winners Announced!

Isabella Bosch, a Grade 12 Student at St. Ignatius High School was awarded a $500 top prize in the Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest. According to Rotary Essay Contest Chair Ken Boshcoff, "Isabella's essay won because of its logical structure and personal application of the 4-Way Test as a moral and ethical compass in everyday interactions."

competing at the Rotary District 5580 level for an opportunity to win another $1,100 USD. .

Rotary Clubs around the world offer this Essay Contest as an incentive to young people to develop their skills of self-expression and as evidence of a sincere interest in the ideals of our youth. All students in their final

Bosch's essay was chosen by a panel of judges from entries coming from Thunder Bay and Nipigon and applied the principles of The Rotary 4-Way Test to the topic of consumerism. The 500-1,000 word essay was submitted electronically prior to the December 10th deadline. Bosch's essay is now competing against essays coming from the remainder of the Rotary 5580 District that includes, North Dakota and Northern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.

In addition to Bosch's prize, Sonny Hamel

Photo L to R: Ken Boshcoff, Rotary Essay Contest Chair, Nicole Shaw, Superior CVI, Third Place; Sonny Hamel, Nipigon-Red Rock District High School, Second Place; Isabella Bosch, St. Ignatius High School, First Place.

In addition to the top award, Bosch's essay is

PRESIDENT Scott A. Sumner MARKETING MANAGER Sylvia Gomez FEATURE WRITER Sherry Hanes AD DESIGNER Miranda van den Berg

two years of high school are eligible to participate.

The essay can deal with any topic of the student’s choosing, but it must apply the principles of The Rotary 4-Way Test: • Is it the TRUTH? • Is it FAIR to all concerned?

• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? • Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The Rotary 4-Way Test was first conceived in 1932 at the height of the Great Depression by a Chicago businessman, faced with the challenge of saving a major company from bankruptcy. Looking for a way to save the company, he sought a short yardstick of ethics that could be used. Company personnel were asked to learn the test and to observe it as a guide to every aspect of business. As a result, a climate of trust and goodwill gradually developed among dealers, customers and employees, and the 4-Way Test was credited with returning the company to a thriving status.

The 4-Way Test has inspired safe driving programs, crime and drug reduction activities, and has been the subject of countless secondary school essays. The message has appeared on roadside billboards, bronze plaques and has been translated into more than 100 languages.

from Nipigon-Red Rock District High School was awarded a $200 prize for second place and Nicole Shaw from Superior CVI won $100 for placing third. There were seven entries in total from High Schools in Thunder Bay and Nipigon-Red Rock.

For more information, please go to www.rotary5580.org

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2020

Thunder Bay…Yep! That’s Us! Celebrating our 50th Anniversary of Amalgamation and Still Going Strong!

How Time Flies When You’re Having Fun!

By Sherry Hanes (February 2020) It would only be fair to say that it wasn’t always fun and that Thunder Bay wasn’t ALWAYS Thunder Bay. There was a time when Port Arthur and Fort William were separate cities and, even worse, they were actual rivals of each, (1800’s to sometime in the 1900’s especially).

But that was all changed on January 1, 1970, due to the progressive thinking of the mayors at the time, and a host of supporting, forward-thinking citizens. Together, these optimist, really pushed to have the cities amalgamated, and in doing so, really put the newly, amalgamated cities on the international map, as Northern Ontario’s largest city AND as one of Ontario’s 6 largest cities…THUNDER BAY! Now that was a mouth full!!

And, did you also know, that Port Arthur, wasn’t always PORT ARTHUR?? The original name of Port Arthur was Prince Arthur’s Landing? In 1871 the Ontario government surveyed the Prince Arthur's Landing Town Plot, thereby officially confirming the name and opening the land for legal possession. It was changed to Port Arthur by the powers to be (officials) of the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) in Winnipeg, in May of 1883.

I personally, can recall a time when I was working at Mr. Chinese Restaurant, some of you may remember me, 1992 – 2000, when it was owned by Freddie and Wendy Lee. I was the Monday to Friday, Day

Waitress/Supervisor. On one particular bright and sunny, wintery afternoon, January 1996, an elderly couple stopped in for lunch. I welcomed them in and showed them to a table by the front window. I watched them, as they slowly shuffled their way over to the appointed table.

After being seated, the couple, whom I supposed to be in their mid-80’s, were, looking all over. As they were also enjoying the sunlight that was beaming in through the large front windows, they enthusiastically began to comment on the interesting, Cultural Chinese Décor of the establishment. As I had never seen the guests before I, with all pleasantry, asked the handsome couple if they were travel-

ling and they replied, “Yes! Yes, we are.”

The Lady was eager to report and elaborate to me that, they had never been here before, at which point I presumed she meant the ‘restaurant’. I then, with all interest of their journey, asked, where it was that they were travelling from, and the lady, ever so enthusiastically replied, “Well! Port Arthur you know? We had never been to Fort William. Ever!” At which point, my mind went to ‘pause’ mode for a moment, and then I proceeded to welcome them to ‘Fort William’, even though this was post amalgamation of at least 25 years. Realizing the couple were in the mindset of their historically, earlier days, they were actually a part of history,

speaking to me who had come to visit Fort William, their neighbouring city. I was amused and yet, at the same time, wondering about the history of Port Arthur and Fort William and just how they actually came together? How far apart they were from each other in the early days, not just in ways of geographically but, politically, socially, industrially and for financial municipal support, planning and sustainability, considering each of their separate agendas?

I thought about stories I’ve heard from older folks over the years, and the choices they made to make their towns, one great city and to call this ever-growing, and fascinating place, their home! I thought about the years of the intense succession of events, administration and political agendas that had to be set into motion to bring together, these historical towns of Fort William, Port Arthur, Neebing and McIntyre, creating Northern Ontario’s greatest and largest city. It was, and remains today, mind-boggling, thinking about, ‘Who started all of this anyway? I mean the community and town settlements and the industries and the politics and just anything, that goes with this huge undertaking?’ We must give credit, where credit is due!

With a population of just over 146,048 (2016), for Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay District, one could say, it has earned its’ right to boast the success in challenges they/we, have overcome and continue with unfailing fervor, the endeavours yet to be accomplished. Every effort made and/or contributed by every citizen, every member of parliament and/or political office and, everyone in between, makes our city evolve in ways our forefathers never dreamed possible. Truly living up to the old adage: “All for one and one for all!!”

Talk about surviving the unsurvivable: In the beginning, life was very difficult for the inhabitants of these Northern communities and being really isolated and buried in the Northern hemisphere of our great country, I shudder to think of just how any of us today, would actually have survived or fared well, persevering against the extreme elements of the fierce weather conditions, not to mention acquiring employment and the back breaking labourious tasks one had to perform, under harsh working conditions. How about, having to work the farm lands, every day, all day or go into the forests for days and weeks on end, logging and felling trees, with the lumbering companies. Think about fighting the thousands of black flies, mosquito’s and aggressive animals, and especially, the human forces, just to survive? Also with in the mining aspect of employment and the thousands of people who worked on rail construction, digging out the terrain and laying the tracks, some, losing their lives and never being able to return home.

Continued

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2020

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Thunder Bay…Yep! That’s Us! Celebrating our 50th Anniversary of Amalgamation and Still Going Strong!

Continued

PORT ARTHUR: 1850’s…Port Arthur did not have an established name until the landing/port itself, was established in 1867

by civil engineer and politician, Simon, James, Dawson, who was employed by the Canadian Department of Public Works

(DPW), and whom, was directed to construct a road and route from Thunder Bay on Lake Superior to the Red River Colony (now Manitoba). The DPW's depot and settlement on the lake, where it landed and stored its supplies, acquired its first name in May 1870, after a fierce fire. Colonel Garnet Wolseley named the tiny fire-ravaged settlement as Prince Arthur's Landing, in honor of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (1850–1942), son of Queen Victoria. Then in 1871, the Ontario Government had a survey performed on Prince Arthur's Landing Town

Plot, and thereby, officially confirmed the name, opening the land for legal possession. Once that happened, in May of 1883, the name was changed unilaterally, by Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) officials in Winnipeg, to Port Arthur. His Royal Heiness, Prince Arthur, did not visit the settlement until May of 1890, when he and his retinue, briefly stopped there. Three miles northeast of Fort William was the Depot (also known as the Station), which would become Port Arthur. This was the landing spot for unloading steamers anchored offshore, their passengers, ani-

mals and cargo brought in by barge. In 1868, the only structure was a log cabin built by the government. There was no lumbering, no sawmills or agriculture. But the silver mining boom was getting under way, gaining momentum with the launch of several mines, including the Silver Islet Mine that spanned 1868-1884 and for a time, became the world’s richest silver mine.

Continued

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2020

Thunder Bay…Yep! That’s Us! Celebrating our 50th Anniversary of Amalgamation and Still Going Strong!

Continued FORT WILLIAM Over 150 years ago: Travel in the area of Thunder Bay was limited to paddling waterways or going by steamship. There were no major east-west roads or railways – the first rail service arrived in 1882. The area was still a wilderness hinterland with fur-trade posts, missions and surrounding small settlements, including Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort William post on the Kaministiquia River, and a few European families in what would become the pioneer city of Fort William. On the river, two Jesuit priests had established the Mission of Immaculate Conception in 1849 and located in the Ojibwa village, now part of Fort William First Nation. During the Fur Trading years - Two townships (Neebing and Paipoonge) and the Fort William Town Plot were surveyed in 1859-60 by the Province of Canada's Department of Crown Lands and opened to settlement. A large section of land adjacent to the Hudson's Bay Company post remained in

dispute until 1875, when it was surveyed as Neebing Additional Township. Most land was acquired by absentee landowners, with speculation built on the decision of the new Dominion of Canada to build a railway to the Pacific to begin somewhere along the north shore of Lake Superior.

The towns that became one city: The new City (Thunder Bay) consisted of Fort William, Port Arthur and the adjacent geographical Townships of Neebing and McIntryre.

Give Credit Where Credit is Due: In 1907, when Port Arthur and Fort William both attained City status, over the next 63 years, the question of amalgamation was presented to the Ontario government and the municipalities, time and time again. In the mid 1960’s, the cities were growing more rapidly than ever and that is when Port Arthur once again, invited government officials to perform a study, sighting costly duplication of infrastructure for both cities. The failing infrastructures posed

huge problems then, and looking futuristically, restructuring was definitely something that needed to be addressed, according to the observations at the time. In April, 1968, Eric Hardy, at the request of the provincial government and Municipal Affairs Minister, Darcy McKeough, prepared a 116-page report, which not only included Port Arthur and Fort William but, Neebing and McIntyre Townships as well, with the strong suggestion to amalgamate.

The report, which strongly supported the merger of the aforementioned into one municipality, would be best for all. The mayors of Port Arthur (Saul Laskin, ((1962–1969), Thunder Bay (1970-1972)) and Fort William, (Ernest H. Reid (1961–1969)) were very pleased as they, along with most of the business community, could foresee economic growth and opportunity in the future. Others were not

so elated by the report. as they felt social, cultural and political distinction would be lost in the amalgamation and they, the two cities, would never be able to ‘mend their differences’ anyways. But, as the old saying goes, ‘There is strength in numbers.’

So now, let’s give credit, where credit is due. Let’s give a big, long pat on the backs to everyone, who literally proved that the people here can and do, overcome social, cultural and political boundaries and roadblocks that precede them! Let’s praise the leaders of yesteryear, and of today, that stuck with and continue to support the ‘greater’ plan’ which helped everyone advance from a place that could have become the demise of each community.

Continued

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2020

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Thunder Bay…Yep! That’s Us! Celebrating our 50th Anniversary of Amalgamation and Still Going Strong!

Continued Together, we all have proven that with open minds…anything is possible and, in this case, it is progress on every level. So, thank you to the mayor(s), past and present, the politicians, the business community and the citizens of Thunder Bay for all we have and share today. And thank you to those yet to come and put in their part of the masterpiece portrait we call, Thunder Bay! We are ON THE MAP, thanks to all for what has been done and, in some ways, what hasn’t been done!

An official ceremony marking the birth of Ontario’s sixth-largest city (population 107,000) was held on January 2, 1970, at Selkirk High School. New appointed Thunder Bay Mayor, Saul Laskin, promised that the new municipality would become “the hub of the development already occurring in our area.” McKeough presented him with a framed copy of the amalgamation bill and observed that, in the future, people would look at the document either as something that had led to prosperity or as the thing “that did us in.” (https://www.tvo.org/article/half-a-century-

ago-locals-celebrated-and-grumbled-aboutthe-birth-of-thunder-bay )) (The recommendations of the (Eric)Hardy Report were accepted by the Provincial Government and, as a result, the City of Thunder Bay was created through a Provincial bill on May 8, 1969 and became a reality on January 1, 1970. Headed by Mayor Saul Laskin. The new City consisted of Fort William, Port Arthur and the adjacent geographical Townships of Neebing and McIntryre). https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/history-of-amalgamation.aspx Other References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Arthur %2C_Ontario , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_William %2C_Ontario#Fur_Trade_era Today however, there is a much more peaceful and palatable environment that we live, work and play in. Thunder Bay Business Magazine had the opportunity to capture some of our Mayor’s comments and sentiments of our 50th Amalgamation Anniversary Celebration and Mayor Bill

Mauro had this to say: “There’s a lot that’s going to go on and I hope that people are going to enjoy themselves. We are looking forward to and it’s exciting! For me, it’s interesting. I remember all of this quite clearly given my age so, The Folklore is interesting too and how we came to be Thunder Bay and not Lakehead and so it’s lots of fun and it’s good times reminiscing and I hope that the word gets out and maybe a lot of people will find their way to come back to Thunder Bay during the course of 2020 to be part of revisiting the

city that was their home. I was about 13 or 14 when that was occurring (amalgamation), the part that’s strongest in my mind for me, is the, you know, the thought there was a bit of engineering that went around, went on, in terms of the name. And so, it has been confirmed, we have had ‘Lakehead’, ‘The Lakehead’ and Thunder Bay on the ballot”

Continued

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2020

Thunder Bay…Yep! That’s Us! Celebrating our 50th Anniversary of Amalgamation and Still Going Strong!

Continued Publisher, Scott Sumner asks: “What is your impression of the progress of Thunder Bay over the last 50 years?”

Mayor Bill Mauro: “Well, it’s interesting!

Certainly, I think, you know politically, there’s a part of me, I don’t mind saying that, I think that if we had remained two cities, that there would have been some political friction that would have existed, that probably would have been to our benefit. I think that competition between municipalities, especially when you are as isolated as we are, can be a good thing.

And I think when we became one city, I

think about this a bit, and it maybe, it wasn’t necessarily, politically, the best thing for the region. But having said that, I think when you look back on it over 50 years, we changed, we’re significantly less reliant on our primary industries, we all grew up with massive grain industry employment, with massive forestry employment, and we’ve come through it all pretty good.

We’ve transitioned. We’ve obviously are more of a knowledge-based city that we used to be and the growth of the health care sector. And the secondary institutions of the college and the university, have played a massive role in helping to transform us to more of a knowledge based economy. The primary industries

still play a roll here, obviously, between mining and forestry and the grain industry, but not certainly to the extent that they were, so we continue to evolve and change and we’re still a great place to call home and raise a family.”

Whenever I am travelling through the city, I rarely, fail to hear someone say, ‘O.K. See you at the Hoito, or, I’ll meet you at the Neebing, or We’ll be there at Coney Island.’ And sometimes I hear, ‘It’s in Port Arthur or Yeah, I remember it’s in West Fort or they’re over at the McIntyre Centre.’ Either way, it appears, that we

are just a bunch of great neighbourhoods, making up one great big city, that’s GREAT! Com’on everybody! Join in the celebrations of our 50th Anniversary of Amalgamation! Check out the link below for all the celebration information! https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/cityhall/50th-anniversary.aspx HAPPY ANNIVERSARY THUNDER BAY!

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2020

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Thunder Bay Announced As Major Embarkation Point for Viking Expeditions Cruises The largest vessel and investment in Great Lakes cruise shipping will see Thunder Bay positioned a major embarkation hub for Viking Expeditions. On Jan. 15, Viking announced that it will expand its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of new expedition voyages.

Viking Expeditions will begin sailing in January 2022 with its first vessel, Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. The vessel will welcome seven inbound cruises and seven outbound cruises to Thunder Bay totaling 14 itineraries.

Thunder Bay will welcome an anticipated 5,200 vessel guests over the course of the year who will generate an anticipated economic impact of between $1.6 and $2.3 million annually.

Similar to Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships, the new expedition vessels will feature modern Scandinavian design with elegant touches, intimate spaces and attention to detail.

“We invented the concept of modern river cruising when we launched in 1997; then we reinvented ocean cruises and became the ‘World’s Best Ocean Cruise Line’ in our first year of operation, as well as every year since then,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Now, in creating ‘the thinking person’s expedition’, we are perfecting polar expedition cruising, and we will usher in a new era of comfortable exploration in the heart of North America.

Our guests are curious explorers. They want to continue traveling with us to familiar and iconic destinations, but they would also like to travel further.”

“We have always believed in Lake Superior as a destination as exotic as anywhere else on earth,” said Paul Pepe, Tourism Thunder Bay Manager and Chair of Cruise Ontario. “We’ve enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with Viking’s executive team and staff for almost a year now and are elated that they have selected Thunder Bay as a major embarkation point for their Great Lakes expedition cruises.

Our proximity to quality unique natural and cultural attractions, Pool 6 dock’s

capacity, and our exceptional airlift capacity are assets to be proud of in our community and we look forward to showcasing the very best of our community and region to Viking’s guests in 2022 and beyond.”

Cruise shipping development has been a part of Tourism Thunder Bay’s development strategy since 2004. In 2010, Tourism Thunder Bay developed and assumed cruise shipping operations management of the Pool 6 dock as the city’s dedicated passenger facility. The Dock has welcomed 26 cruise, tall, and military ships since that time.

About Viking Cruise: The company currently operates a fleet of more than 70 vessels, state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. Viking was voted the #1 River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in their 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, and for the fourth year in a row, has been named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line* by Travel + Leisure readers in the World’s Best Awards 2019. For more information, visit: https://www.vikingcruisescanada.com/about-us/history.html

2020 SNOWARAMA FOR EASTER SEALS KIDS CROSSES BORDERS TO BENEFIT KIDS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES! Grab your helmets and winter gear because the coolest snowmobile event hits the trails on Saturday, February 8, kicking off the 2020 fundraising season for Easter Seals Ontario. Once again, the Thunder Bay

Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids will head south of the border to Grand Portage, only 45 minutes from Thunder Bay, attracting snowmobilers from across northwestern Ontario and Minnesota to enjoy some of the finest groomed trails in northern Minnesota.

Thanks to generous donors, Easter Seals Ontario provides programs and services that help kids with physical disabilities get essential mobility and accessibility equipment and opportunities to attend Easter Seals fully accessible summer camps.

“This is the 17th year of the Grand Portage Snowarama, and we feel very privileged to have such dedicated support from Grand Portage Lodge and Casino along with all of the other local sponsors and riders who

make this event a big success year after year,” says Kevin Collins, President and CEO, Easter Seals Ontario.

All Snowarama participants will enjoy a complimentary dinner and live Saturday

night entertainment, featuring Blue Collar Cocktail. Snowarama is truly a family event: participants can enjoy the trails, a bonfire and prizes throughout the weekend. Minnesota trail permits are $51 (available at Ryden’s 66) and will be required for those riders who venture off the Grand Portage Reserve trails. The event is generously sponsored by Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, the Grand Portage Trail Riders, and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

To celebrate the 17th year at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, with every $100 participants raise, they will receive a ballot to spin the wheel and win 1 of 10 Snowarama prize packages.

Over the past 16 years, the Grand Portage

Lodge and Casino Snowarama has raised over $495,000 for children and youth with physical disabilities. Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids would not be a success without the support of the local snowmobiling

community. Together we are helping kids BE KIDS. For more information, to register or to donate, visit Snowarama.org.

PAGE 10

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2020

LIFT LIGHT TO SHOVEL RIGHT Winter weather can pack a punch and with the season’s heavy snowfalls, injuries often result. Improper snow shoveling is often to blame. But shoveling out after a storm doesn’t have to leave you stiff and sore.

With a little know-how, you can clear your driveway without the all-to-common back, neck and shoulder pain cramping your style.

When you consider that a shovelful of snow weighs 5-7 pounds, you realize how much weight you have to lift to clear your sidewalk or driveway- on average several hundred pounds! These tips will

help keep your back in top shape.

Before You Start · Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in the winter months as it is in the summer. · Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as you get warm. · Wear proper footwear. Shoes and boots with solid treads on the soles can help to minimize the risk of slips and falls. · Pick the right shovel. Use a lightweight, non-stick, push-style shovel. A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body. An ergonomically correct model (curved handle) will help prevent injury and fatigue.

Also, if you spray the blade with a silicone-based lubricant, the snow will slide off more easily. · Before beginning any snow removal, warm up for five to 10 minutes to get your joints moving and increase blood circula-

tion. A brisk walk will do it. · Know when to rest. If you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a break.

Shake out your arms and legs. Stop shoveling immediately if you fell chest pain or back pain. If you have back pain that is severe or that persists for more than a day, see a chiropractor. If you have chest pain that is severe, see a medical doctor immediately.

All Set to Go PUSH, DON’T THROW. Push the snow to one side and avoid throwing it. If you must throw it, avoid twisting and turning position yourself to throw straight at the snow pile.

BEND YOUR KNEES. Use your knees, leg and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight.

WATCH FOR ICE. Be careful on icy walkways and slippery surfaces. Intermittent thaws and subse-

quent freezing can lead to ice building up underfoot, resulting in nasty slips and falls.

Throw down some salt or sand to ensure you have a good footing.

Once you’ve mastered safe snow shoveling techniques, you’ll be free to have fun and stay fit all winter.

The contents of this article came directly from the Ontario Chiropractic Association’s public education program “Lift Light, Shovel Right”. https://www.chiropractic.on.ca/public/yourback-health/lift-light-shovel-right/

James DiGiuseppe is a local chiropractor with a busy family and wellness practice. For more health information or to contact Dr. DiGiuseppe visit www.portarthurchiropractic.com

Confederation College Launches Diversity, Equity and Indigenous Lens Confederation College launched its new Diversity, Equity and Indigenous Lens Wednesday, a tool that will help ensure Confederation’s policies, programs and practices are free of elements that knowingly or unknowingly enable the exclusion of Indigenous peoples. The document is an outcome of the recommendations received through the systemic racism review Confederation College undertook in 201819 and has been developed in collabora-

tion with DiversiPro. “We are incredibly proud to have reached this milestone in our work to address systemic racism at Confederation College, which further supports our work to advance Indigenous education across the country,” said Kathleen Lynch, President.

“This is an important next step in our journey towards decolonization at the College and we hope our efforts will serve as moti-

vation and inspiration to the many other organizations who walk on this journey with us.”

Confederation’s new Lens document was shared with employees and students, with access also being extended to the community at large, including the College’s fellow members of Thunder Bay’s Anti-

tool is a series of questions that should be applied before, during and after actions taken by a department or other area of the College. Questions centre around the policy, program or practice’s particulars/content, perspectives and principles. If a question is answered with ‘no’ or ‘I don’t know,’ it is a formal acknowledgement that there is more work to do to achieve equity

P. Caption – Confederation College proudly launched its Diversity, Equity and Indigenous Lens. Pictured from left, Confederation’s President Kathleen Lynch, Vice President of the Centre for Policy and Research in Indigenous Learning S. Brenda Small, and Executive Director of Organizational Effectiveness Jeannine Verdenik.

Racism and Inclusion Coalition.

and decolonization.

“We have engaged in this work recognizing our role and responsibilities in a national reconciliation process,” added Jeannine Verdenik, Executive Director of Organizational Effectiveness at Confederation. “We seek to honour and renew our relationships with Indigenous peoples as partners for change, and support others in doing the same. This Lens document can serve as a model that can be adapted to meet each organization’s unique situation and needs. We look forward to collectively advancing efforts towards decolonization in the communities we serve.”

S. Brenda Small, Vice President of the Centre for Policy and Research in Indigenous Learning at the College, explained what employees would do to move the answers from ‘no’ to ‘yes.’

The Diversity, Equity and Indigenous Lens is built upon a common understanding of the colonial history of Canada and seeks to provide best practices, resources and specific guidance for employees of Confederation College to ensure Indigenous perspectives and Ways of Knowing are incorporated and accurately reflected across institutional systems.

At the core of the anti-racism assessment

“Once we have identified that action is required to move towards decolonization, our employees can build on best practices and pursue a variety of paths to achieve a ‘yes’ response to the question,” she said.

The four pillar approaches in moving to a ‘yes’ response include take responsibility and reflect, engage and collaborate, research and educate, and test and evaluate.

“What we want all of our employees to understand is that the work will be challenging, but the rewards will be great and we don’t expect perfection, but we will strive to achieve it,” said Small. “We don’t want them to be afraid to try, so we are encouraging them to start a dialogue and seek feedback, knowing they will be supported in their efforts.”

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Dr. David Barnett named Lakehead University’s Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Lakehead President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Moira McPherson recently announced that Dr. David Barnett has been named the University’s Provost & Vice-President (Academic). The role is the top academic position at Lakehead, with responsibilities

has been exemplary,” said Dr. McPherson.

“He is a collaborative and personable scholar and professional whose commitment to our faculty and students is evident in everything he does.”

“It will be a pleasure continuing to work with David who brings an energy and philosophy of learning and the creation of new knowledge that advances Lakehead University’s vision for the future,” added Dr. McPherson. “Importantly, he shares our strategic commitment to Reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as Universities Canada’s Principles on Indigenous Education.”

Dr. Barnett explained that Lakehead University’s commitment to providing access and support to students facing barriers to higher education has always resonated with him, adding, “We provide a truly transformative experience through innovative teaching and research, through a comprehensive offering of outstanding programs, and with a clear focus on student success.”

as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Academic Officer for the University. Dr. Barnett will begin his new role effective immediately.

Dr. Barnett joined Lakehead in July 2012 as Dean of the University’s Faculty of Engineering, and has held the roles of Acting, and then Interim, Provost & VicePresident (Academic) since January 2018.

“Dr. Barnett’s work as our Dean of Engineering and in the Provost’s Office

“I have always been impressed by Lakehead’s dedicated staff, faculty and leadership,” said Dr. Barnett. “At every level, you see their commitment to our students and I am honoured to serve in the role of Provost & Vice-President (Academic).”

Dr. David Barnett Dr. Barnett received his D.Sc. in Electrical Engineering with a certificate in

Biomedical Engineering from Washington University, St. Louis, an MSc degree at the University of Washington and a BSc degree from Bradley University, both in Electrical Engineering. He is a member of Eta Kappa Nu, Tau Beta Pi, and a senior member of IEEE.

opment and implementation of the University’s 2018-2024 Academic Plan through a consultative and transparent process. He has demonstrated experience and ongoing commitment to building programs, pathways, partnerships, and services that support student success.

After completing his doctoral studies, Dr. Barnett was an Electrical Engineering faculty member and subsequently Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Department at Saint Louis University, where he led the development of an innovative and successful program. In addition to his research in biomedical signal processing and electrophysiology, Dr. Barnett worked on electromagnetic signature analysis while in the aerospace industry before embarking on an academic career.

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. In 2019, Maclean’s 2020 University Rankings, once again, included Lakehead University among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities, while Research Infosource named Lakehead 'Research University of the Year' in its category for the fifth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Dr. Barnett moved to Thunder Bay to join Lakehead University as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering in July 2012.

During his service as Dean, the Faculty of Engineering continued to build its nationally recognized transfer pathway from college technology programs while also increasing direct entry and international enrollments, developing new graduate programs, and expanding its research profile.

Since taking on the Acting and then Interim Provost & Vice-President (Academic) role, Dr. Barnett led the devel-

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2020

The Top 20 Young Professionals Under 40 Recognized at the 2020 Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards Recently twenty of the brightest young stars from across the region were celebrated at the 5th biennial Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards (NOVAs), a gala hosted by SHIFT Thunder Bay’s Young Professionals Network. Over 300 people gathered at the Valhalla Inn to recognize exceptional under forties from Kenora to Manitouwadge for their leadership, professional achievement, volunteerism, civic pride, and more.

be able to send the message that their work matters and is valued.”

2020 NOVA Recipients Business and Professional Achievement Category · Dr. Derval Clarke - Dentist, Sovereign Dental (Nipigon)

· Adetunde Ogunberu - Founder and Owner, MTC Immigration (Thunder Bay) · Jamie Lee Yawney - Project Manager, Origin (Thunder Bay) · Linda Kelly - Chief Executive Officer and Registered Social Worker, Kelly Mental Health (Thunder Bay)

Gladstone continues, “Choosing the top twenty young professionals from almost sixty nominees is not an easy task, but the 2020 winners have proven that they are invested in their communities and their industries. There is remarkable under-forty talent all around us and we’re honoured to

Rising Star NOVA · Jocelyn Bel - PhD Candidate, Lakehead University (Thunder Bay) Civic Pride NOVA · Joshua Donald Hewitt - Founder, Stand Up for Clean Up (Thunder Bay)

“It’s inspiring when we can start the year off celebrating the change-makers in our communities. I think for our attendees it symbolizes moving forward into the new decade with positivity and ambition. It’s hard to not feel pride and inspiration when our young leaders gather to support one another,” says SHIFT President, Hannah Gladstone.

This year’s Northwestern Ontario theme was a meaningful nod to the growing pride SHIFT has seen for the region over the years. Attendees enjoyed the local focus with northern decor, musical performances

by Thunder Bay folk rockers, Greenbank, complimentary Heartbeat Hot Sauce at every table, after-party tunes by City Wide Sound, and Thunder Bay famous emcees Spencer Hari and Amanda Mihalus.

· Tamara Bernard - Founder and Owner, Tamara Kwe (Thunder Bay District) · Stephanie Pesheau - Electrical Designer, TBT Engineering (Thunder Bay)

SHIFT Disturber NOVA · Jason Veltri - Chair, Thunder Pride Association (Thunder Bay) People’s Choice NOVA · Masoud Manzouri - President, Lakehead University Student Union (Thunder Bay)

· Patrick Trevisanutto - General Manager and Partner, Halfway Motors Group (Thunder Bay) · Katie Simoneau - Vice President, Manroc Developments Inc (Manitouwadge) · Richard Togman - Founder and Owner, Rent Panda (Thunder Bay) · Peter Marchl - Certified Financial Planner, Normaxx Financial (Thunder Bay) Community Champion Category · Hafsa Siddiqui - Founder and Owner, Do or Diabetes (Thunder Bay)

· Albert Tjong - Wealth Advisor and Financial Planner, RBC (Thunder Bay) Leadership Category · Jacquelyn Forbes-Dyck - Program Developer, Lead Facilitator, and Thunder Bay Chapter Leader, One Woman One Girl (Thunder Bay) · Jamie Sitar - Physician Recruitment Specialist, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (Thunder Bay) · Dayna Bobrowski-Lowndes Operations Manager, Spadoni Motors Marathon (Marathon)

SuperNOVA · Al Bourbouhakis and Nancy Shaw - Founders, Heartbeat Hot Sauce Co. (Thunder Bay)

The official auditor of the 2020 NOVAs is Grant Thornton. Winners were selected by a panel of judges from across Northwestern Ontario.