Minister Sousa Addresses Thunder Bay Business Community, Receives Input to Help Shape 2017 Budget
INSIDE RE RESOLUTE RESOLUTION Sleepy Sleep Sleep EVERYONE Shops at MALTESE’S! Santa Gets HIS Christmas Wish! North Superior Publishing @tbay25
Canada and Ontario invest in post-secondary infrastructure at Lakehead University
FOUNTAIN TIRE ENCOURAGES CANADIANS TO KEEP CALM AND DRIVE ON THIS WINTER
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2017
BUY CANADIAN! SAVE MONEY! Really! By Sherry Aalto 42 CENTS ON THE DOLLAR (Friday February 19, 2016 For decades now, people have been spending their dollars across the border in the United States for vacations, purchasing clothing items, groceries, construction materials, jewelry, cars, trucks, motor homes or just about anything one can want in their lives. Everyone knows that the American dollar
has been worth more than the Canadian dollar for many years now. But what is really an eye brow raising concern now is how much lower will the Canadian dollar go before people realize that it is in their own best interest and in the best interest of our nation to SHOP AT HOME! The fact that the dollar being soooooooo low is alarming enough, but to stop or arrest further damage to our own economy and life style, we should all spend our money in our own town, cities, and country! The comparative difference is this…if you are travelling, well that is one thing, but for all other purchases, when we send our money elsewhere, we are only strengthening another countries economy…NOT OUR OWN! When we look at the fluctuating markets over the last ten or twenty years, the
effects that a weaker dollar has on an economy is staggering. It affects our jobs, our future and AND our families. When we spend our dollars over the border, we are actually sending jobs out of the country! So then where do our children and grandchild have to go to get viable employment? That’s right! Out of the country! Most people think that the little bit they are spending abroad doesn’t hurt anyone, but collectively, and adding up the number of people by the thousands day in and day out, the damage seems subtle but can become economically debilitating! When we buy, spend, purchase, call it what we want, anything over the border, what we are really saying is ‘ Yes! I’ll take it! And yes! Go ahead! Just throw another 38 cents on every dollar! I don’t
mind!’ Why would anyone do that? What is so important that we would just GIVE away your hard earned money? The dollar is at an all time low and now is the time to take stock of the comparative difference. While we truly want the best for ourselves, our families and our economy, we have to find other ways to satisfy what we need or want that is available. For example, we all love warm weather and the only place we have is to go south for a vacation. No one blames any one for that but for other things, we must become resourceful. We must seek to experience different types of purchases and also discover the many different places within our own country that will not only enlighten our senses but will also introduce our families to our own country and culture. Surprisingly enough, we may just be surprised! The research shows that for every dollar we spend abroad you will pay at least 38 cents more. So the big question is…ARE WE REALLY SAVING ANYTHING? Other statistics show that money that does not come back to you, to us, damages the economy. But here again, this is nothing that anyone doesn’t know. There is a whole country out there to discover…OURS! WE should be inviting the Americans to come and discover CANADA! They say ‘If it isn’t broken…don’t fix it!’…Well, it is broken…so we should fix it…it is time to do something…we shouldn’t blind ourselves by thinking it is someone else’s problem or someone else will fix it. We all need to fix it…TOGETHER! Now! SHOP AT HOME and SAVE, for now and for the future!
Next Issue Deadline
Thunder Bay Business January 24th, 2017
Contact Jeff @ 623-7297 or Sylvia @ 629-7599 www.northsuperiorpublishing.com
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2017
Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner
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Some Questions And Answers With Ontario Minister of Finance Charles Sousa
Here are some questions and answers with the Minister asked at a media scrum. How will Cap and Trade help us? “ With Cap and Trade all the proceeds will all go back into the community to lower emissions and find economic growth. We have lowered carbon substantially in Ontario by getting out of coal and are one of the lowest emitters in Canada. We are trying to lower overall use. It is happening all over the world which means we need to harness it sooner and get a net benefit.” “ Ontario, in the last quarter, has led Canada and has led the G8 including the United States in growth because of our diversified economy. The western provinces were affected more adversely as their economy is less diverse and more commodity related. We now lead Canada in the development and innovation in green technology.” “We want to make cap and trade a net benefit for people. The world recognizes the need to reduce carbon. We won’t be competitive with smoke stacks but with new age technology, some of the beauties of the north with tourism and academic excellence for example. It means taking leadership in the new world economy of low carbon.” “ We want people in Ontario to get further ahead with a greener economy. Cap and Trade is a lower cost option than some other jurisdictions are using. There are too many relieing on traditional systems like oil and wood heating that are expensive and negative to their health in the north.” Will the province of Ontario have balanced budget? “We have beat our deficit targets seven years in a row, are borrowing less than we have anticipated and are coming to
balance next year and the year after. That is important for our operating costs because you don't want to borrow for your operating expenses. I don’t mind having debt for capital and investments. Our net debt to GDP is around 39% which compares much more favourably that other parts of the world. We want to be able to make sure the investments will have a net benefit for future generations.” “Controlling our debt and expenses is also important. Our interest on debt is lower that it has been in 25 years and represents 8 to 9 % of our revenue. In the past it has been up to 15%. We have locked in low cost borrowing for periods of up to 30 years to minimize volatility.”
ago and need to get it right. The mineral benefits are for 40 or 50 years or more.We have capital galore that want to invest in this project including pension funds right here in Canada.” “ Our diversified economy helps us to grow. We need the Ring of Fire to help
us to further grow.”
How do you think the new Trump administration will affect Ontario? “I think the administration will recognize and do recognize the importance of trade with Canada. In fact they see the tremendous benefits of trading with Ontario. The Great Lakes corridor and the access point is critical for them and us. They rely on us as we are one of their biggest buyers and customers. That will grow and continue to strengthen. We do have to be sensitive to issues like softwood lumber and trade initiates. I believe the new President will be looking at Canada as a partner not an enemy.” What is the status of the Ring of Fire project? “The Ring of Fire is an untapped opportunity, $60 billion of opportunity right here in the north. We have put up our $1 billion for the project. This is a decision we are making for 10, 20, and 40 years.” “ We want to use the $1 billion for transportation infrastructure and have to work with the First Nations on this. We started this project about 7 years
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EVERYONE Shops at MALTESE’S! Santa Gets HIS Christmas Wish! By Sherry Aalto It is no surprise that EVEN Santa shops at 301 Pearl Street Thunder Bay Ontario! The famous address of Maltese Grocery, located in the Northward heart of Thunder Bay, Ontario! With the store boasting and promoting ethnic groceries and local products, Maltese owners Lisa and Dave Maltese are happy that they have enhanced the shopping experience for all of their customers with their newly renovated store! As Lisa Maltese states, “It is because of our loyal and wonder-
ful customers, Dave and I felt they deserve to enjoy more selection and a
more space to shop in!” The store still offers great customer service but now the customers can also enjoy spacious aisles, bright décor and selection like never before! When you meet Lisa and Dave you will feel like you have been family all of your life. “I just LOVE this community!” says Lisa Maltese in a brief interview with her between serving customers who are getting ready for Christmas and New Year’s. Lisa took the time to satisfy this interview because, along with getting a warm family hug when you visit the store, she wants everyone to know her sentiments about her community and the family business now in their 84th year! The Maltese Grocery team believe strongly in supporting local businesses
as well and to show their support, they bring in many products from local sup-
pliers such as Chocolate Cow, Thunder Oak Cheese, Cupper Salad Dressing, Big League Pasta, DeBruins Greenhouses, Sleepy G’s Farm, European Meats, North Country Meats, Busters Barbeque Sauce, wild rice from Kenora, the Polish Hall on Simpson, the Polish Hall on Court, The Fish Shop, Thunder Bay Meat Processors and the list goes on. ‘When you support local you are supporting yourself’ is their motto. The store itself embellishes modern, yet stylings in European décor, that is exquisitely expressed throughout. Mara Michieli-Mauro, design décor coordinator and consultant, was more than pleased with working with Lisa and Dave Maltese and the results speak
for themselves! As stated by Mara, “Working with Lisa and Dave was absolutely wonderful!” Aurora Construction, who has been serving Thunder Bay and region for design, construction and renovation for many construction projects since 1997, showcases yet another success in professional workmanship. The compliments for the new look by the customers and community, would leave anyone to feel proud of this collaborative event. When it comes to shopping for fresh, local cuts of meats, hams, sausages or produce and cheeses, Maltese not only offers the best in these products but they also carry a serious selection of international and European grocery items that will have you cooking up an international storm! Take the entire family to shop at Maltese and start your own tradition! See the difference in, not only getting value for your hard-earned dollar but, the nicest feeling when you are immersed in shopping local. Because everyone knows ‘there is nothing like the feeling or service when it comes to shopping local’! NOTHING! The customers of Maltese’s had one important thing to say collectively…and that is…. “Don’t ever close up again! We missed you!!’ Customers love coming to Maltese’s so much that when they get there to shop, they want to stay and help out because here, they are treated like family! Continued
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2016
EVERYONE Shops at MALTESE’S! Santa Gets HIS Christmas Wish!
Continued So! Maltese Grocery re-opened just in time for the Christmas preparations for celebrations with family and
Bring the family! Meet Lisa and Dave, brother and sister and 4th generation for the Maltese Family in business. They must be doing something right! Maltese Grocery, 301 Pearl Street Thunder Bay, Ontario. Open every evening until 9:00 P.M. (807)344-5911
friends! You could say, the customers got an early Christmas wish and now one could go as far to say that…Santa got HIS wish too!!! When Maltese Grocery says, they have customers from ALL over the world, they were not kidding! One can sense the feeling of ‘close knit family tradition’ as it resonates throughout the store. Maltese Grocery! An experience you don’t want to miss!
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Sleepy Sleep Sleep We spend approximately one third of our lives sleeping. With that much practice, especially for a normal biological process, you would think that we would all be experts at it. Yet increasingly more and more people look for medical intervention to do something that is a natural part of being human. Why? There are many answers ….. actually there is only one answer but how it affects us manifests in multiple ways depending on the person. Modern day society creates an environment of over stimulation either physically, mentally, emotionally or all the above. What we are left with then is many people
who get too little sleep (less than 8 hours for adults and less than 10 plus hours for children and youth) or disturbed sleep (frequent arousal without reaching deep (REM) sleep). On the risk of over simplifying, this is what is happening. Our bodies have an autonomic (subconscious) nervous system that is divided into two systems, a sympathetic system (fight or flight, increase heart rate, muscle contraction, increase respiration rate) and a parasympathetic system (rest and digest, decreased heart rate). We are supposed to spend 90% of our time in parasympathetic mode but instead many of us now spend most of our time in the sympathetic mode. This means we are always on high alert, always gearing up for a stressful situation. Physiologically this creates increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, shallow quick breathing, tense muscles. None of these states are conducive to getting a good night sleep. To get out of this sympathetic
mode we need to prepare for sleep. Preparing for sleep is more than just getting on comfy pajamas and brushing your teeth, although these things are a good first step. We must prepare our mind, body and soul: Power down: Just like a computer, we need to shut down all our programs. But this must be done in a timely and orderly way. Scanning your smart phone just before bed only helps to stimulate the brain. No screen time for at least 30-60 minutes pre sleep. Is your mind racing with things you plan on doing tomorrow? Take five minutes and make a point form list so that you can shut down the “make sure not to forget” part of your brain. Do you have some unresolved emotions? Start journaling for 10-15 minutes before bed to help sort through them so that your thoughts don’t run like a continuous loop in your brain. Also, no caffeine after lunch. Release the tension: stretching for 510 minutes pre sleep is helpful in reducing back and leg pain during sleep. Pelvic tilts, shoulder shrugs, hamstring and gluteus stretches are just a few great ways to reduce the tension
and calm your nervous system. Too much light: Ideal sleeping conditions require a cool dark setting. This means blinds on all windows to block 100% of the light. Those little lights from televisions and electronic devices must also be blocked. Even night lights have been shown to be detrimental to children’s development. Blue lights are the worst as long term exposure can actually increase the risk of some cancers. Not enough oxygen: Oxygen deficiency is due to external and internal factors. Externally, is there a good air flow where you sleep? Internally is more complicated. Shallow breathing , due to being in the sympathetic state, does not allow for sufficient oxygen. This causes repetitive waking and poor sleep. This is when CPAP machines can be effective. When do most heart attacks occur? In the early morning while you are still sleeping because your oxygen intake is not balanced to your myocardial muscle oxygen requirements. Clear the Heart: Meditate or pray. These are not just religious constructs. Give thanks and rid your mind of negativism. Several studies show that negative expression and thought take significantly more energy than positive ones. Now you are ready for a restful sleepy sleep sleep.
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.
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2017
SETTING GOALS AND STAYING ON TRACK” Setting goals are all about making those positive changes in your life. No matter who you are, no matter what you do, you absolutely, positively do have the power
to change. From a healthy physical standpoint in your life, it has always been said that when you gain control of your body, you will gain control of your life. The Greeks said a healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in hand! The more power you generate in taking control of your life, the more results you
will achieve. One of the first steps required in changing yourself and setting positive, life changing, and inspirational goals is changing your “ATTITUDE!” Besides attitude and positive thinking, another mental factor required is “MOTIVATION!” Motivation is the hope that puts attitude into action in an attempt to fulfill a desire or achieve a specific result. Self-Motivation requires at least five qualities: 1. Enthusiasm: your goals have to inspire you enough to take action 2. A Positive Outlook: even when facing obstacles, you have to stay on the positive side of things. 3. A Positive Physiology: it’s amazing how you look and feel when you smile, hold your head up, and walk with purpose. 4. Positive Memories: this is like money in the bank when shifting from a negative to a positive attitude. Keep a journal, log or diary of your life’s experiences. 5. A Belief in Your God Given Talents: identify your talents, skills and abilities and acknowledge what makes
Personal Transformation is ALWAYS Possible Do you find that the biggest factor for any new year’s resolution is how to stay motivated? If so, would you feel that it would be easier if you had ongoing support? I know when I feel frustrated, too tired or overwhelmed, it is comforting to know that I have other people who have felt the same way. Any goal seemed easier to reach when I could reach out to someone or a group of people who could help me pick up my energy and restore my vision. As a true Capricorn, I have always been very self motivated and I am a genuine leader. Yet, there are times when I wake up in the morning and I just don’t have any desire to stay on track? I can’t explain it and yet I know that many people have experienced the same situation. I have created many group leadership programs over the past 10 years in different aspects of my personal and business life. I have found that when I can be genuine with the people in my group, sharing my ups and downs and recognizing when I am having a low energy day, that others have been able to uplift my spirits. This is why I love to create programs because my strength is my ability to create ideas. Joining my own programs as I am teaching others, allows me to feel connected and authentic. I always benefit and it seems to create a more open and safe space for others to share their high and low moments.
This month I am offering my online “Elixir of Life” 28 Day Personal Transformation Program, that will focus on using emotional support to create the vision that most entrepreneurs strive for! I am promoting the use of the following the TOP 3 essential oils that will aid in feeling confident, highly motivated and will also develop a healthy relationship with food! The powerful combination of: Bergamot, Grapefruit and Black Pepper, will aid to remove any self judgement and help to release our unhealthy addictions! As a Certified Health Coach, I will also address any other emotional issues that arise. Each weekly call (90 minutes ) is geared to create a safe space for everyone to understand and use the tips in the program to also gain the physical and mental energy needed . A PRIVATE Facebook group is included as community Q &A area for any questions regarding the program. PLUS, You will get these FREE Bonuses · 28 Simple Recipes to reduce inflammation · 28 Health and Nutrition Tips to slowly integrate into a daily lifestyle · 28 Positive Affirmations to keep your mental energy in positive alignment · 28 Introspective Questions to guide you into a more intimate relationship with yourself · A personal 100 page hard copy personal journal ( $ 30 value) The program starts on Thursday, January 12. To join us, please email me for complete details at tammerontv@gmail.com Cheers Tammeron
you the unique person you are with unlimited potential. There are also a series of factors that will help you to set and achieve your goals and stay on track for years to come. Identify and focus on your tangible targets. List all the conditions that define a better life. “BE BOTH A DOER AND A DREAMER!” Make all your dreams specific first before they can come true. Never leave things to chance. You need to be able to achieve every goal you make. Your career, your health, your family, your finances, and your hobbies all deserve to have a clear set of goals Set goals directly aligned with your life’s mission or what you value most. These are known as “mission-based goals” and they’re goals that come directly from your heart. Set your goals high enough to ignite your spirit and inspire you to take action. Write them down in specific and measurable detail. “SMART Goals (“specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time”) Share your goals and dreams with other people for mutual accomplishment! There is nothing more powerful than a team working together for a common goal. Set
goals daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. Take the time daily to feel like what it would be like to achieve your desired goals. The key point here is to attain and achieve at least one goal every day. Really commit to hitting each targeted goal. Stay emotionally connected to your goals and dreams! It’s all worth it in the end!!!!
Jeff Garofalo is a certified Lifestyle Fitness Coach and former International Sports Sciences Association (“I.S.S.A.”) fitness trainer. He has over forty years of experience in helping people achieve their fitness goals through body transformations and lifestyle changes. Jeff was a top 2000 finisher worldwide and currently shares his expertise both locally and across Canada via technology. As a successful language trainer in South Korea, Jeff worked with top business professionals in leading multinational companies. He believes that everyone has what it takes to make their dreams become reality.
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2017
FOUNTAIN TIRE ENCOURAGES CANADIANS TO KEEP CALM AND DRIVE ON THIS WINTER Winter tires proven to be far superior to all-season and all-weather options for winter driving Fountain Tire, one of Canada’s leading tire and automotive service providers wants to ensure that every Canadian is educated about the benefits of winter tires to take on the predicted harsh winter. In an effort to do so, the Fountain Tire team is pleased to share key safety information and findings regarding the use of winter tires from the Thunder Bay Police, The Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals (CARSP) and
The Canadian Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF). “We understand that it is easy to be confused about the differences between winter tires, all weather tires and all-season tires,” says Darcy Hunter, Fountain Tire. “The team at Fountain Tire believes in having the right tire for your location and terrain so that drivers can have peace of mind navigating through blizzards, black ice and whatever conditions stand between them and their destination this winter. With typical winter weather conditions bringing plenty of snow and ice to roads in and around Thunder Bay,
winter tires are a must for personal safety.” According to a report by TIRF, newer generations of winter tires make use of a flexible rubber compound that is less prone to stiffen in cold temperatures and have treads designed to improve traction on any road surface, whether it be wet, slushy, snowy, icy or dry and cold. In fact, winter tires have better overall traction at -40 degrees Celsius than all-season tires do at +4 degrees Celsius – an important function for consumers to note when making decisions about how to equip their vehicles for winter driving.
The same study found that alternating the use of winter and summer tires instead of using all season tires year-round can offer long-term cost-saving benefits for drivers. Winter tires have been proven to both increase the likelihood of avoiding costly collisions and improve fuel economy, with a resulted reduction of 5 per cent in fuel consumption over the course of a year due to better traction. One element of the study also found that the universal use of winter tires resulted in a 5 per cent decrease in accident victims and 574 fewer road accident injuries per year, proving once again that while winter tires can be cost-savers, they are also key to
personal safety as well. Fountain Tire is committed to providing Canadians with the safest tires for winter driving.
“Thunder Bay Police Service would like to remind motorists that winter is fast approaching and so are the adverse road conditions that are associated with it,” says Sgt. John Toneguzzi, Thunder Bay Police. “Please allow more time to get to your destination and keep in mind that you should be giving yourself enough stopping room between you and the vehicle in front of you. During inclement weather conditions you should reduce your speed accordingly and drive defensively.” “The Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals wants to remind Canadians that tires play a crucial role in the vehicle’s overall safety,” says Jennifer Kroeker-Hall, President of CARSP. “We strongly recommend the use of winter tires rather than all season tires, and that they be used on all four wheels, since all wheels interact with the ice and snow.” Fountain Tire recently gave consumers the chance to try the three different tire types and created a video of the experience to help educate Canadians. The video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/8ve05N3P39c. About Fountain Tire Established in 1956, Fountain Tire is one of Canada’s premier tire and automotive service retail networks with 161 locations spanning Central and Western Canada from Vaughan, north of Toronto to Victoria, British Columbia. The company is also a leading provider of tires and tire related services to commercial truck fleets and off-road vehicles used in the agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and construction sectors. The majority of Fountain Tire managers own equity in their store. This partnership-based business model combines community invested store management with corporate
intelligence to provide customers with service they can trust. The company’s shared ownership business model has enabled it to be named among Canada’s “Best Managed Companies” every year since 1994. Darcy Hunter, Owner and General Manager of Fountain Tire Thunder Bay Why is a snow tire better than a regular tread tire in winter? “The one thing you can count on with a snow tire is the rubber compound is designed to stay more supple in cold temperatures. Even if you can get a robust tread design in some regular truck tires for instance, snow tires have a tread compound that is more suitable for cold conditions. It stays soft and pliable where the regular compound will become a little harder. The difference is between almost plastic and rubber on the road. The stopping distance is much better as well. You could get 40 feet better stopping minimum and in city driving 60 to 80 feet.” Are people now using snow tires more often? “ We are finding over the last few years people are moving to snow and ice tires with less all season. Commonly we sell winter tire and rim packages. The new vehicles can have such large tires so it can be expensive for that size of snow tire. You can downsize the winter tire rim package to make it more economical. The wheel and the rim may be a better price than just the snow tire alone in the larger size. The tire doesn’t make a difference on the operation of the vehicle. Also people may not want their main rims exposed to the sand and salt on the roads. We have stored over 400 sets of peoples winter tire packages.” Fountain Tire Thunder Bay sell Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly Springfield or whatever other tire is required for the vehicle. The Fountain Tire Thunder Bay has over 45 employees. Your operation has grown since your start here? “ We first came to Thunder Bay in 2000 and started on May Street, then bought the mechanical store on Memorial and had a retread plant on Gore Street. Today we are all in one location on Central Ave. We do everything from wheel chair tires to mining. Also we have 8 mechanics both light and heavy duty including large truck repair. From the outside you don't realize how big it is with so many moving parts on a daily basis.”
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Future Learners See How to Put Their Dreams to Work at Confederation College “ Confederation College’s facilities, labs, shops and classrooms were filled with local high school students and others interested in attending college on a recent Wednesday as part of Confederation’s annual Open House. “Open House is a critical way in which learners can experience life at Confederation College first-hand,” said President Jim Madder. “It shows individuals in our community the importance of pursuing post-secondary education and will help them make an informed decision about which area of study best suits their academic and career goals. When they leave, they will know that no matter their decision, we will be there to support them as they put their dreams to work at Confederation.” Individuals from across the city will have the opportunity to experience college life and customize their experience based on their programs of interest. With tours in each of the schools at Confederation College, participants will be able to engage in important one-on-one conversations with Program Coordinators and tour the related areas on campus. Confederation College offers over 60 post-secondary programs that prepare students for a wide range of careers through hands-on, practical education. Cheryl-Lyn Lamers, Manager of Strategic Enrolment for Confederation added, “Learners have so many options to choose from, it can sometimes be overwhelming. We offer events like Open House to help potential students better understand those options and to guide them through the process of selecting and applying to our school. With the help of our recruitment team and other members of the College, we let future students know they have someone in their corner.” Aldan Kapnerhurst, grade 12 student “ It has a pretty good experience to get a full look at the college, especially the engineering program. I am mainly interested in computers and electronics. I also had a look at Lakehead University. Everything at Confederation College looks pretty fantastic and I am more set to the college at this time and will apply in January.” Cheryl -Lyn Lamers Manager of Strategic Enrolment Process “ Open house is a yearly event we put on that allows students to come in and see the different programs we offer. This year we have 360 visiting from the local high schools. The demographics in Thunder Bay are declining for youth so this is a great opportunity to get students in and we know about 75 to 80% of those that visit will enroll at Confederation College.” “ We have agreements with a number of different universities where our students can continue on to university after taking our technology programs and get their degree. It has proven to be very popular because of the hands on experience they get here.” Joshua Maki, grade 12 “ We have done many tours around the program rooms and learned about concrete strength just now. I am interested in computer programming and am for sure coming to Confederation College. My dad came here before for computer programming. It is my home town and my dad vouched for the program. My intent is to stay and work in Thunder Bay.”
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RE RESOLUTE RESOLUTION By Sherry Aalto By definition Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something! We find that we are promising ourselves to do or not do something at the beginning of each and every year! That’s great! So! Before you make a resolution, here is a little tip. Prepare yourself mentally ahead of time. Give yourself permission to make all the plans so that your resolution has a greater chance to be a success. Then create a plan that is less likely to fail. For example, if you are planning on quitting smoking, or anything for that matter, then you need to give yourself a visual in your mind on what habits encourage you to have a cigarette? Is it smoking after supper? Or is it smoking with a coffee? Examining these things will help you to notice the triggers and if you can do that, you can make adjustments to avoid the triggers and when you avoid the triggers, you will ultimately reduce your smoking to the point of painlessly quitting forever. Quitting smoking for a lot of people is most difficult. Sticking to a new years’
resolution can be difficult as well! The resolution should last all year, and so it is progressive, the same way changing anything is ‘progressive’. If you want to lose weight, then lose weight! If you want to save money, then save money! If you want to quit drinking or quit drugs or quit smoking, then quit! Don’t wait until New Year’s! Make the plan and get some great help from where ever you have to get the help and support from! Start making the plan NOW so you will make the resolution with confidence and ease! A New Year’s resolution can be a great thing, especially when it involves your health. Some people don’t even make a resolution, for many different reasons. But if you are sure you have to traditionally make a resolution, and get support so that other people can actually live with you through it! LOL! All kidding aside, when people make resolutions, they can and do affect the whole family, or those around them and so when one gets into arguments with others because of the STRESS of change, the resolution usually goes to ‘FAIL’ status! So first! Get yourself out of denial! If something is costing you more than just money….then you have a problem! And
since everyone else knows you do…let yourself know it too! Face it dead on before it faces you! Let your family, friends and co-workers know of your intentions for your resolution so that you can gain support and maybe some helpful instructions. To not inform anyone of your resolution would be like planning a board meeting but not letting anyone know! Guilt is another resolution killer! If you sway from your plan, no big deal! Don’t guilt yourself over it! Just keep going! No one ever adheres completely to their principles they set for themselves, especially in the beginning! Be firm but gentle with yourself! You should congratulate yourself for at least making efforts. Change does not come without discomfort so to minimize the discomfort, you will have to just inform yourself that ‘this too shall pass” and it will! Keep your eye on the prize and think about the goals’ end and the personal reward you will be giving yourself once you have achieved it. Anyone can make a resolution. Anyone can start a resolution. And anyone can keep their resolution if they first prepare for it. Reach out for support and fellowship especially during those moments or days of temptation! Decide for yourself that ‘failure’ is no
longer an option for you any longer! It is far better to go through the struggle once than to keep attempting the same scenario year after year after year. As time goes by, and it will, the havoc that we wreak on ourselves and those around us can leave life-long damage. Start now and don’t worry about WHEN you will reach your goal, just know that you working towards it and you will make it. Oh! And one last thing! Watch out for the self-talk! Those are the thoughts that creep in to send you back into denial about you and whatever it is you are changing. If you are unable to see the changes you need to make to help yourself…at least see the changes you need to make to not continually damage someone else in your path. In other words…No justifying it anymore! Period! Good luck, even though ‘luck’ has nothing to do with it! Take action!! Now! Happy New Year to All, One Day at a Time!
Canada and Ontario invest in post-secondary infrastructure at Lakehead University $9.5-million investment will create jobs, expand research and foster innovation
from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be
is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since
The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today’s $9.5-million investment in Lakehead University will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middleclass jobs of today and tomorrow. The funding was announced recently by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Mines. Canada’s Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation— one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action. Lakehead University will receive $9.5 million to modernize and expand an existing building to create a new state-of-the-art research complex to be known as the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences. The new centre will enable Lakehead University to offer advanced training courses and will help local businesses and start-ups commercialize their products and services and help grow the region’s economy. Federal-provincial investments in this project include: · $7.96 million from the Government of Canada; and · $1.54 million from the Province of Ontario. Lakehead University will provide an additional $9.07 million, for a total project investment of $18.57 million. In total, universities and colleges throughout Ontario will receive more than $1.9 billion
will help grow the economy across Northern Ontario. This investment will allow Lakehead University to modernize its facilities so that students, local businesses and innovators can create and innovate in state-of-the-art environments.” – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women “This investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to making Canada a leader in science, technology and innovation. This facility will create growth in northwestern Ontario and contribute to a diverse and skilled work force. I look forward to seeing the progression across all industries in the region and to creating more opportunities for our young Canadians.”
From left to right, Don Rusnak, MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River; the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women; Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson; Dr. Amanda Diochon, Associate Professor in Geology; Dr. Andrew Dean, VicePresident, Research and Innovation.
allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.
2015, the Province has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.
As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in stateof-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and invent—the highvalue jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators. That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.
Quotes
Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history—about $160 billion over 12 years—which
“This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive.”
– Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Rainy River “Today’s investment in Lakehead University’s Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences will give students in Northern Ontario access to state-of-the-art laboratories and provide space for them to advance their research and develop new technologies. By supporting this important project, our government is helping to grow the local economy and create jobs for Thunder Bay residents today while providing students access to high-quality education and training facilities to support the jobs of tomorrow.” – The Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Mines
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
“Lakehead University has positioned itself as a leader in the area of research and innovation, both provincially and nationally, and at the same time, has helped to drive economic growth in Thunder Bay and the region. I am pleased that the province is investing in the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences. This investment will allow Lakehead to further enhance its tremendous work in supporting the development and enhancement of the knowledge economy in Thunder Bay and the region.”
“Our government is committed to supporting innovation and economic development, which
– The Honourable Bill Mauro, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2017
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Minister Sousa Addresses Thunder Bay Business Community, Receives Input to Help Shape 2017 Budget Building a Stronger, More Inclusive and Sustainable Economy in Northern Ontario
Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, spoke recently at the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce about the government's plan to grow the economy, create jobs and help more people benefit from the province's strong economic growth.
ment to support new laboratories and research facilities. Ontario is providing an additional $140 million in new hospital funding to support the needs of patients and reduce wait times. With this new investment, all of Ontario’s public hospitals, including Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, will receive at least a two per cent increase to their base funding in 2016–17. This year’s pre-budget consultations are taking place in cities across Ontario, including Ottawa, Thunder Bay,
Bill Mauro MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan “Ontario is committed to supporting our communities in the north through smart, strategic investments that will lead to economic growth and prosperity. We also believe it’s important for the government to hear from people to discuss their priorities and understand what investments they want to see in their communities. Together we will keep building a province where everyone can reach their full potential.” Charles Sousa Minister of Finance
About pre-budget consultations Before the Budget is presented, we reach out to people and organizations across the province through pre-Budget Consultations to gather information to help determine public priorities for the Budget. What is Budget Talks? Budget Talks is an online pre-Budget consultation tool. It is a public forum for you to submit your ideas and discuss others’. Through this year’s Budget Talks we are asking citizens to help us solve one of 8 focus areas. We’ll put final ideas to a public vote and, if chosen, spend up to $3 million to bring up to eight projects to life. Proposals can recommend the Government of Ontario implement a pilot, study, event or digital service to help solve one of these 8 focus areas:
The Minister met with business leaders from the Thunder Bay area to discuss how the government is implementing its plan to balance the budget next year and the year after. Minister Sousa outlined the strategic investments the province has made - and continues to make - to build a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable economy in Northern Ontario. The Minister of Finance also hosted a prebudget consultation at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay as part of a province-wide engagement process for the 2017 Budget. For the third year in a row, people across Ontario are also able to submit ideas through Budget Talks, an online consultation tool. The government will provide $3 million to fund up to eight proposals as part of the 2017 Budget, making Ontario the first province to commit to funding ideas from the public as part of its budget process. Supporting northern communities and engaging the people of Ontario in the budget process are part of the government's plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives. Quick Facts Through the Northern Highways Program, the province is investing $550 million in northern infrastructure, including continuing construction of a four-lane divided Highway 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon to support a strategic link in the Trans-Canada Highway system. Ontario is supporting a new advanced Engineering and Science Centre at Lakehead University with an investment from the province and the federal govern-
Mississauga, Hamilton, London and Windsor. Ideas submitted on Budget Talks by December 11, 2016 may be eligible for public voting and funding. The Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities will help create a shortlist of the ideas to be submitted for public voting. General feedback for the 2017 Budget can be sent via mail, email or fax 416-3250969 to the Ministry of Finance is due by January 31, 2017. Additional Resources How to get involved with pre-Budget consultations How to submit ideas on Budget Talks Read the 2016 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review Learn more about Ontario’s financial cycle Quotes
“I was very proud to see our community and region engaged and to hear their ideas about how to grow and boost our Northern economy. Hosting a pre-budget consultation in Thunder Bay allows area residents to tell us what is important to them and what they would like to see in the 2017 Budget.” Michael Gravelle MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North
“Every region of the province plays an important role in Ontario’s economy and that is why we are meeting with our northern communities to hear about their priorities for the upcoming budget. Today’s consultation was a great opportunity for the people of Thunder Bay to make meaningful contributions to the future of our province.”
• Fighting climate change through conservation and a low carbon economy • Helping students achieve their full potential • Increasing access to child care • Investing in community infrastructure projects • Making government services faster and easier to use • Making health care easier to access • Strengthening reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples • Supporting Ontario’s small businesses The focus areas were chosen as part of our commitment to make everyday life easier for the average citizen and move us one step closer to becoming the most open, transparent, collaborative and digitally innovative government in Canada. Write to us If you have feedback that doesn’t apply to the focus areas, you can send us a general email or mail your feedback to: The Honourable Charles Sousa Minister of Finance c/o Budget Secretariat Frost Building North, 3rd Floor 95 Grosvenor Street Toronto, ON M7A 1Z1
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2017
What is Probate? © 2017 Brian Babcock Probate is the process by which a court determines that a will submitted to the court is actually the valid last will and testament of the deceased person. The word has its origins in in the Latin verb “pro-
Legal Matters bare” which means “test, prove or examine”. Ontario has decided that we should avoid Latin, even when the words have established themselves in everyday use. So instead of Letters Probate, the court now issues a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee with a Will. This is the source of the formal authority executor (now Estate Trustee) to deal with the assets, pay debts, and distribute gifts as provided by the Will. In most cases, the application for probate is a simple set of documents submitted to court along with a certified cheque or bank draft for the required estate administration tax (also known as “probate fees”). It usually takes a few weeks to get the certificate of appointment back. In rare cases, such as where the signed original will has been lost, a more formal process known as “proof in solemn form” is required. This requires more extensive evidence, often by live witnesses in court, as the judge must give the circumstances more scrutiny.
Not every will needs to be probated, but it is necessary or advisable in most cases. The court approval smooths dealings with banks, investment funds, et cetera, and protects the executor from many possible claims. If there is any doubt about validity, it is essential. One of the situations where probate can be skipped is when the will leaves everything to a surviving spouse, and the real estate and significant assets are held in joint tenancy with right of sur-
vivorship. The estate administration tax is $5 per $1000 up to $50,000 of estate value, plus $15 per $1000 from $50,000.00 with no upper limit. So a million dollar estate requires payment of $14,500 in probate fees. Assets held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship or transferred directly to a designated beneficiary are not counted in the estate value. Careful estate planning
can reduce the burden of estate administration tax. Weilers has over 70 years of history in assisting clients with estate planning, drafting wills, applying for probate, and advising estate trustees. Where estate litigation is necessary, we can also represent you in court.