TBB July 2022

Rebecca Johnson to Retire from Thunder Bay City Council

INSIDE The NWMO completes successful engineering demonstration, marking major safety and technical achievement The Glorious Sons and JJ Wilde Play the Thunder Bay Community Auditrorium!

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”…not quite North Superior Publishing

@tbay25

NorWest Community Health Centres and Evergreen Pharmacy Announce Partnership to Enhance Health Care in Rural Communities.

Women entrepreneurs struggle to recover from pandemic impacts

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2022

The NWMO completes successful engineering demonstration, marking major safety and technical achievement The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has successfully completed a full-scale demonstration of the engineered barriers that will safely contain and isolate Canada’s used nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository. This important safety and technical achievement was the culmination of more than eight years of preparation, including the design and fabrication of specialized prototype equipment and components by the NWMO’s team of leading technical specialists and engineering partners.

Nuclear energy has powered Canadian communities for decades, and the planned underground repository is part of Canada’s plan to safely manage the resulting used nuclear fuel over the long term. Today, there is international scientific consensus that deep geological repositories are the best solution to protect people and the environment for generations to come.

“All elements of the demonstration per-

formed as expected and according to plan,” said Chris Boyle, Vice-President and Chief Engineer at the NWMO. “The demonstration shows not only the NWMO’s ability to install the engineered-barrier system, but also the calibre of our technical teams, who are invested in the project’s success and committed to doing what’s right for Canadians and Indigenous peoples.”

Ontario and the Saugeen Ojibway NationSouth Bruce area in southern Ontario.

Once a preferred site with informed and

willing hosts is identified, the project will be subject to a rigorous licensing and regulatory decision-making process before con-

The repository will be built more than 500 metres underground and surrounded by a natural shield of solid rock. Its design uses a series of five engineered and natural barriers to ensure the facility’s safety for many thousands of years.

More than 10 years ago, the NWMO began the process of selecting a site for the project, and 22 communities expressed interest in learning about the project and exploring their potential to host it. Today, after numerous technical studies and extensive local engagement, two areas are being considered: the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in northwestern struction of the facility can begin.

As part of the demonstration, technical teams built a life-size model of one of the repository’s underground storage rooms at the NWMO proof test facility in Oakville, Ont., with the exact dimensions and interior walls lined with simulated rock tiling.

Over several days, highly customized heavy machinery moved containers designed for used nuclear fuel into the room and filled the remaining space with protective material that will ensure that the containers retain their strength and durability for many thousands of years.

“Our successful demonstration was the result of made-in-Canada innovation and collaboration,” added Mr. Boyle. “Every step of the process was undertaken using sophisticated prototype equipment that was designed and fabricated in partnership with Canadian engineering companies.”

During the process, the durable used fuel containers – that are made of thick carbon steel for strength and coated with corrosion-resistant copper – were encased in protective layers, called buffer boxes.

Made of compressed bentonite clay, the boxes provide additional protection against corrosion or degradation. Bentonite is an effective barrier to both water flow and microbial growth.

Once assembled, each used fuel container in its buffer box weighs 8,000 kg – heavier than a large elephant. One by one, they were lifted and precisely placed into the storage room. Later, all the remaining space from floor to ceiling was filled with loose granular bentonite.

After the demonstration was completed, the room was methodically emptied to carefully evaluate the installation of the engineered-barrier system.

In-depth analysis is now underway to assess the results and yield insights that will support the ongoing design and planning of the deep geological repository.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2022

Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner

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The Glorious Sons and JJ Wilde Play the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium!

The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium is back to basically normal it seemed when I attended The Glorious Sons and JJ Wilde concert on June 13th.

The event was at near capacity for the TBCC with few masks in sight except for their staff.

The Glorious Sons band from Kingston are perhaps the most prominent Canadian rock artists at this time. They have had several radio hits and I listen to their catalogue on Apple Music in my car and I pad at home complete with Bose portable speaker. They had some CD’s for sale at the merchandise booth. I think CD’s are basically gone from use now and replaced by electronic files. It is really amazing to have immediate access to so much music as soon as it is released today with one monthly Apple Music subscription!

The Glorious Sons lead singer Brett Emmons seemed to enjoy his time performing and I noticed he was barefoot the whole time from my third row seat! They seem at their best touring, being on the road and living in a nice Prevost bus.

The first artist performing was JJ Wilde who is also a very up and coming female singer in Canada. I remember hearing her song “The Rush” on local rock radio last year and it was just one of those songs you want to put on repeat. So you download her from Apple Music and then get so many of her other tunes which I liked as well. Really great to see her perform live with band mates at the beautiful TBCA venue.We really are lucky to have such an

excellent acoustic building here in Thunder Bay. I’m sure it would be a $ 75 million dollar build now which could be a challenge today.

I enjoyed the show, wearing my mask as one of few who did. The people there were enjoying themselves. I could feel the floor shaking below me at times. We will have to watch for the next touring rock show that will come to the TBCA!

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”…not quite “If it ain’t broke, don’t’ fix it!” This old adage is often misunderstood and overused. Even a perfectly good running machine still needs to be tuned up, polished, cleaned etc if you expect on making it last and run efficiently for a long time.

Of course, if you plan on just running everything you own to the ground and then throwing it away to buy a new one, the point is moot. Human beings are not machines. Sure they can change a few parts here and there but nothing is as good as the original and the new parts generally wear out faster than the real thing. So, it becomes even more important to tune up, cleanse and maintain your body and mind regularly.

I often will ask my patients: “What do you consider to be good health?” Some will tell me it means not having any pain.

Others will say it means not having to take any drugs or medications. Although I’m sure most do not want to have pain or take drugs, these are limited definitions of

health. The World Health Organization of the United Nations (WHO) defines health as: … not just the absence of disease or infirmity, but the optimal state of physical, mental and social well being. Mental and social states would also include emotional and spiritual strength and well being. All these health states are interrelated. It is difficult to reach optimal physical health if you are emotionally and mentally unwell.

Likewise, one of the best things to improve mental fatigue and emotional instability is to become physically fit.

To continue this point further let me touch on the idea of stress.

Stress is part of our daily lives. We actually need a certain amount of stress to stay alive! Stress can be physical, mental, emotional, chemical, social or spiritual.

But these stresses do not dwell in isolation.

We all have certain weaknesses. For some it’s a bad back that flares up, for others its hormonal imbalances that may cause headaches, for others it is a poor digestive system, etc. Excessive stress will aggravate your weakest link. As an example, your low back flare up may have been caused by too much digging in the garden. But it could just as easily have been from that argument you had with your spouse or the extra work load piled on your desk at the office. Inversely, when you are physically exhausted how easy it can be to lose your temper at home or how difficult it is to mentally focus on driving.

Here are two analogies on which to pause and reflect: * Overflowing glass of water: Your body is the glass. The water is the stresses of everyday life. You have two options to stop the overflow. * Reduce the amount of water (stress) in your life. This is only viable if your life has significant amounts

of excess stress. * Get a bigger glass. This is done by strengthening your body’s ability to cope with the stresses of everyday life. Good nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental health, a social network and a nervous system without excess stimulation and interference will all help increase capacity. * Airplane taking off: Did you know that an airplane uses a huge amount of fuel just to take off and reach altitude? Once there, it needs relatively much less fuel to fly several hundred kilometers. Reaching optimal health is the same. Initially you may need to expend a significant amount of time, energy and possibly money to improve your health.

Once there, to keep that level of health only requires smaller but consistent effort.

Alternatively, you can choose to drop back down and then use another huge amount of energy and effort to improve all over

again.

So, it’s up to you. It always is.

Eventually your body is going to need fixing. What matters is how far you are willing to gamble on the long game without putting in the effort.

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

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2022

Celebrating Seniors

by Kimberley Cully All of our lives we mark milestones, from the time we turn one to Sweet 16, and the day we leave the nest.

According to the world we know, we turn into a senior citizen at the age of 65. Why not celebrate this? These are people that have shaped our society.

The older I get, the more I realize how valuable they are and how much they still have to offer. They have lived through war, depression and pandemics, and even to this day they face much of the same. They did not have the modern conveniences we have, such as cell phones and the age of the internet, yet they not only lived, they thrived.

ure to work alongside as well as take care of seniors and people of all ages.

There’s something special about seniors, though. They’re always keen to share a hug whenever needed and they still know how to make me laugh everyday. Some of my favourite memories were shared over a cup of tea with my residents that I get to spend time with through my work. They ask so little of us, perhaps just to share a story of days passed, or a simple hug, or even just holding our hand in the midst of all the busyness that occupies our lives. I have learned how to bake the best apple pies, all kinds of home remedies, and even that sometimes just 5 minutes of my time can mend a broken heart. I take every opportunity I can to learn because they have so much to give and it often goes unheard.

I think about people like Yolanda. I would sit beside her on the bed and every time she would look at me and say,

“You have a beautiful smile – are those your own teeth?”

In the past 20 years I’ve had the pleasI would laugh every time and say, “Yes, those are mine, and you have a beautiful smile, too!”

I still think about that memory and to this day it makes me smile even more.

I think about Sylvia and the time I sat with her on Mother’s Day. She was telling me that she was going to be 98 on August 26th, and I said, “We’re going to eat cake together, or your favourite dessert!”

Sylvia’s not here anymore but I will still celebrate and eat cake for her.

I also think about my aunt who inspired this story and how she is in

her seventies and still as much of a goal-getter as many twenty-year olds.

I’ve met police officers, truck drivers, teachers, nurses and pillars of our communities. One of my favourite memories was talking to a gentleman who was a police officer in a rough area of Toronto, and how he had saved a little boy from a burning building. He told me he had a great life and that he was satisfies with the life he had led. Now that’s something to celebrate; he is 98 today.

It is really amazing what you learn when you take the time. When you are young, you don’t think about it.

However, the older we get and the more we learn and take the time to realize these people are so knowledgable, and we wish we would have listened to them sooner or had them longer.

In closing I think every day is a gift and should be celebrated daily, as some don’t get the chance to reach that incredible milestone. Be thankful while they’re here. Show them every day, not only for the month of June, how special they are and how they should be celebrated. And remember to celebrate that milestone when it’s your turn.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2022

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Health care programs and services for Seniors in Ontario Community supports Get information about programs that are available in your community including: * Accessible Drive to Vaccines connects people with disabilities and seniors with mobility issues with volunteers who will drive them to and from local vaccination sites so they can get their COVID-19 vaccine. If you can’t register online or if you require service in a language other than English or French, call: * 211 on any phone * Toll-free: 1-877-3303213 * Toll-free TTY: 1-888340-1001 * the Ontario Community Support Program refers isolated seniors and people with disabilities to local Meals on Wheels providers and other community service agencies. If you can’t register online or if you require service in a language other than English or French, call: * 211 on any phone * Toll-free: 1-877-3303213 * Toll-free TTY: 1-888340-1001 • Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious and affordable meals to a variety of groups, including: seniors, and people with physical disabilities and cognitive impairments

• 211 Ontario finds programs in your community such as social, non-clinical health and related government services • Seniors Safety Line, a 24/7, confidential and free resource that provides information, referrals and support in over 200 languages for seniors in Ontario who are experiencing any type of abuse or neglect. Call Toll-free: 1-866-2991011.]

Health care programs and services Seniors in Ontario have access to many health care programs and services in their communities.

Find health care programs and services.

Get more information about how to access provincial health care programs and services including: • the new Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program - provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older • the Ontario Drug Benefit Program – helps people age 65 and older pay for prescription drugs (with a valid Ontario health card) • the Low-Income Seniors Co-Payment Drug Program – helps seniors with low incomes (under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program) • the Assistive Devices

Program – provides support if you have a long-term physical disability and provides access to personalized assistive devices • Health Care Connect – helps you find a doctor or nurse practitioner if you don’t have one • Health Connect Ontario – connect with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure and confidential health advice.

• Thehealthline.ca – find a list of health and community services in your area • ConnexOntario – provides information and referral services to access mental health and addictions (drug, alcohol, problem gambling) supports across the province Staying healthy and active Staying active is important for your health and quality of life.

It is recommended that adults ages 65 and over get 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Learn more about: • physical activity tips for adults age 65 years and older • guidelines you can follow for physical activity and sedentary behaviour • the Ontario 55+ Senior Games • an 8-week walking pro-

gram in the physical activity tool kit • staying active at any age with ParticipACTION Staying mentally and socially engaged is also key to good overall health along with a healthy diet and a good night’s sleep.

Learn about: • programs and services available in your area through 211ontario.ca, including information about mental health counselling and treatment for older adults • the Seniors Active Living Centre closest to you • active living, health and wellness supports in your area through our Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario • brain health from the Alzheimer Society • A Friendly Voice which is a free, confidential phone line for Ontarians 55+ who just want to chat with a friendly person. Call toll-free 1-855-8929992 between 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• the importance of sleep and healthy sleep advice for seniors • healthy eating for seniors • mental health information • the importance of social connections • healthy aging through the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal

How to protect yourself from fraudsters targeting seniors (NC) From telephone calls to suspicious emails or text messages, fraudsters take advantage of the pandemic to prey on consumers’ fears, often targeting seniors.

But, like the old saying goes, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”?

It’s important to be very cautious when receiving any kind of message that appears to be from a bank or financial service asking for personal or financial information. No matter how official it may look, Canadian banks do not ask for this kind of information by email or text.

Staying in touch with your local branch is a safe way to verify your concerns.

If you suspect that a call, email or text is not legitimate, call your branch and let them know.

Here are some tips from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada on what else you can do if you think you may have been the target of financial fraud: • Change your online banking and email account passwords.

• Ask the bank to place a fraud alert on your account.

• Review credit card and bank statements for unknown charges or ask a trusted

loved one to do so.

• Order a free credit report and carefully check for anything unusual.

• Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

Find more information and resources to protect yourself at canada.ca/money. www.newscanada.com

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2022

Women entrepreneurs struggle to recover from pandemic impacts International Women’s Day was March 8 — but is one day really enough to celebrate and support women? COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone, and business owners have been particularly hard hit, juggling staffing challenges, lockdown regulations and lack of government support, among other challenges. The pandemic has acutely and disproportionately affected women-owned and run businesses. In a recent survey conducted by the non-profit PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, women entrepreneurs from a wide range of sectors and from across the country, flagged the challenges they have faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic — many of which were evident before COVID-19 but exacerbated by the pandemic. The good news is that despite these challenges, women entrepreneurs overwhelmingly signalled they want to sustain and grow their existing businesses. So, what can governments do to help struggling women entrepreneurs now and postCOVID? Effective change occurs when social supports and business policies work together. Governments need to embrace ‘wraparound’ solutions when looking to bolster women in business. When asked what their major business challenges were during the pandemic, women entrepreneurs flagged access to financing as a major concern. Research shows that women entrepreneurs often face more rejections for loans and investments for their businesses, and even when they do receive funding, it is often significantly less than what men receive.

This ‘gender financing gap’ has been felt acutely during the pandemic years when

more businesses are reliant on strategic financing for survival. There’s also a ‘gender grant gap.’ Women-owned businesses are more often home-based, microbusi-

nesses or sole proprietorships and thus aren’t often eligible for government and other programs offering subsidies, loans and grants, which frequently target incorporated SMEs with employees. Women make up 37 per cent of all self-employed Canadians but are the majority owners of only around 15 per cent of small and medium sized enterprises with employees.

Many government investment strategies also focus on high-tech or other large-scale return businesses which often leave women-led businesses, more concentrated in the cultural, health and social sectors, out in the cold. Governments need to create diverse financing and grant programs that include small businesses that aren’t incorporated or don’t have employees —

and create a separate fund for unregistered, sole proprietorship businesses. Accessible funding opportunities could also include nonrepayable portions (NRPs) on grant or

loan programs. Loans paired with NRPs are an effective way to provide women with high-level capital. Financial institutions and organizations should also consider adopting a gender and development approach (GAD) so that women are not discriminated against when seeking financing and wouldn’t have to face barriers to keep their businesses afloat. What about social and cultural barriers to maintaining and growing their businesses? Childcare was a dominant concern for female entrepreneurs, especially during the pandemic.

Women were often forced to juggle work with daycare, home-schooling or elder care during the lockdowns. Childcare is essential social infrastructure; it is the care work that is the backbone of our economy. Just

as roads and transit support our economic growth, so too does child care.

Governments investing in early learning and child care enables parents, particularly mothers, to achieve their full economic potential. The federal government’s promise to provide universal child care across the country — with signed deals with all but Ontario so far — is a welcome step in this direction. Women entrepreneurs also flagged reduced emotional and mental well-being and a lack of support for mental health during the pandemic. Many women reported feeling “burnt out” from juggling multiple responsibilities. Several respondents also reported feeling overwhelmed

by COVID fatigue in general and unable to maintain their mental health in a world of uncertainty. Limited access to health services, including psychological and mental health supports, the costs of these services and taking time away from family to gain access to these supports were significant challenges for women entrepreneurs.

Decolonizing policies and procedures

Female entrepreneurs are a growing and important segment of the Canadian economy, writes Rosalind Lockyer. It’s time we supported their needs and help them flourish. around support for Indigenous entrepreneurs was also flagged as a concern by some survey respondents.

Many Canadians might be surprised to learn that Indigenous women are starting businesses at a faster rate than nonIndigenous women, with more than 23,000 businesses in Canada. Indigenous women face particularly insidious and challenging barriers: systemic racism, poverty, and poor access to finance. Governments should fund not-for-profit Indigenous-led organizations like the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund and women-led organizations known for their support of Indigenous women entrepreneurs, like the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise.

Our governments should also consider stronger supplier diversity policies to make space for minorityidentified business owners and create opportunities for these businesses to have an opportunity to procure large contracts to launch their businesses to new heights. Female entrepreneurs are a growing and important segment of the Canadian economy. It’s time we supported their needs and help them flourish.

Rosalind Lockyer is Founder and CEO of PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise and serves on the Board of Directors for Women’s Enterprise Organization of Canada and the Women’s Economic Council.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2022

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Rebecca Johnson to Retire from Thunder Bay City Council After five terms, the Councillor-at-Large will not seek re-election After serving the City of Thunder Bay as a Councillor-at-Large for 19 years, Rebecca Johnson today announced her retirement from municipal politics. Rebecca will not seek re-election to Council this coming fall.

Johnson is a highly respected public figure who has served the community for over 40 years. She is best known for her fiscal pru-

over the years to support my public service work. As a single mother, our family had to work as a team to achieve everything we have. I am certainly looking forward to enjoying more time with my children and grand-children moving forward.”

Over the years, Rebecca has built an extensive network of peers, supporters and allies.

She will continue to operate her business, REBECCA REPORTS … for the RECORD and make a difference in the community.

Rebecca’s current term on Council ends in November 2022.

About Rebecca Johnson, Councillor-at-Large Rebecca’s Awards & Memberships

dency, no-nonsense approach and getting things done. During five terms, her priorities have focused largely on economic development, environmental stewardship, diversity & inclusion, and age-friendly initiatives.

In more recent years, Councillor Johnson has also turned her interests to community health & wellness, serving as Chair of Thunder Bay’s Drug Strategy and most recently, as a member of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit Board of Directors.

“It has been my absolute honour to serve the citizens and businesses of this community at large”, says Johnson. “Thunder Bay is my home and serving the community through politics is one of my biggest passions. “I will continue to contribute to both – just differently. I am grateful to the voters who chose to elect me for 5 consecutive terms.

Thank you for your trust and confidence for almost 20 years.”

Beyond her Council commitments, Rebecca has played an instrumental role in the broader community as an influential leader, advocate, mentor and volunteer. Her portfolio includes 10 years with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and 12 years serving the Lakehead Public School Board. She also sat on over 20 volunteer boards, organizations and committees, tackling complex issues from women in politics and gender equality, to immigration and seniors’ care.

In her personal life, reading and education, camping and attending Skate Canada national competitions are her passions. She is the recipient of 20 prestigious awards, and received Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Government of Ontario in 2012.

Looking ahead, Rebecca plans to continue to serve as a community volunteer but also spend more time with her family.

“I could not have served this community without the unwavering support of my family,” continues Rebecca. “My children missed out on a lot of time, events and playdates

• 2021 – Rebecca Johnson Age Friendly Senior Award – for outstanding contribution to enrich the social, cultural and civic life in Thunder Bay. • 2020 – Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Charles J. Carter Lifetime Business Achievement Award in recognition of high standards of excellence in business and in community service.

• 2019 – Girl Guides of Canada “Silver Thanks Pin” acknowledging the commitment given to the organization as the Guiding Ambassador for the past 11 years.

• 2014 - PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise “Top 20 in 20 Platinum Award” • 2012 - Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal presented by the Government of Ontario • 2012 - The Canadian Hearing Society, Thunder Bay Branch Accessibility Award for "Going the Extra Mile" when providing service to Deaf, Deafened and Hard-of-Hearing residents and visitors of Northwestern Ontario • 2012 - CERAH Champion award - recognition of extraordinary sense of public service in advancing the health and social care for an aging population and promote the health and well-being of people aging across the lifespan • 2011 - Toastmasters International District 6 Communication and Leadership Award • 2008 - Influential Women of Northern Ontario Awards - Public Sector Award • 2007 - Nominated as one of the Most Influential Women of the Decade in Northwestern Ontario • 2006 - Girl Guides of Canada Ambassador, Thunder Bay Division • 2000 - Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce Don Sanders Award of Excellence • 1999 - Ontario Chamber of Commerce Executives James Gordon Carnegie Award in recognition of the contribution of a Chamber of Commerce professional as a leader and a mentor to other Chamber professionals • 1998 - Canadian Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year Award • 1998 - Ontario Association of Broadcasters "Friend of the Industry" Award • 1995 - Silver Achievement Award in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the City of Thunder Bay in recognition of outstanding community service (1 of 25

awards presented) • 1994 - Ontario Chamber of Commerce B.J. Gillespie Memorial Award recognizing exceptional community service and dedication to the Chamber movement • 1992 - City of Thunder Bay Achievement Award in recognition of distinguished contribution to the Community of Thunder Bay

• 1991 - Thunder Bay Business Women's Network Woman of the Year - Balanced Life Award • 1990 - Ontario Municipal Recreation Association Certificate for volunteer contributions to recreation, which significantly enhanced the quality of life in the community.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2022

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BIKES AND THE LAW ©2022 Brian Babcock

The law may try to take all the fun out of the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Great Pumpkin but when it comes to bikes, safety is a serious matter.

One of the first and most important mentions of bicycles in the HTA creates the obligation to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle on a road. Yet we still often see bicyclists without this basic protection for the most important part of their body.

Recent changes to beef up the Act require

Bikes can be a lot of fun but can also be dangerous.

With hopes of a beautiful summer, and the City’s ongoing efforts to improve active transportation, motorists and bikes have

Legal Matters many more opportunities for conflict. Cars are a lot bigger than bikes and will be the winner in a collision. That is why that for purposes of liability for personal injuries, bikes and bicyclists are treated like pedestrians. It is the job of the motorist to keep a good lookout, and the presumption is that the motorist is at fault in a car bike collision. That however does very little good for the seriously injured bicyclist.

Bicyclists receive the benefits of the rules of the road, but also must obey the rules.

Weaving in and out of traffic suggests a death wish.

Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act treats bicycles as vehicles and gives bicyclists many of the same responsibilities as the driver of a car. The word bicycle appears 171 times in the Act, so the law has a lot to say about bicycles not all of which we will cover here.

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motorists to give space to bicycles, even if that means slowing down your car. But bike riders need to remember that they are to stay to the right-hand side of the road and should be aware that they are not supposed to ride in crosswalks. A motorist is not expecting a bike to whizz by as they are attempting a turn. Safety is a two-way street.

Everyone at Weilers Law hopes that you are having a safe and enjoyable summer. If you have a bike, please ride carefully. If you drive a car, please beware of bicycles.

The law promotes bike safety, but ultimately, it is up to each of us to do our part.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2022

NorWest Community Health Centres and Evergreen Pharmacy Announce Partnership to Enhance Health Care in Rural Communities.

O’Connor.

NorWest Community Health Centres and Evergreen Pharmacy are partnering to deliver a new model of health care to rural communities. The partnership improves access to primary health care, walk-in clinics as well as at-home care services to people living in the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge, the Municipality of Neebing, the Township of Conmee and the Township of O’Connor.

NorWest Community Health Centres has been providing Mobile Health Services to rural and remote communities for over 15 years. The goal is to provide quality health care to communities where people experience barriers to accessing care. The COVID19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for care close to home and highlighted the importance of meeting clients where they’re at. NorWest Community Health Centres recognizes the value in collaborating with Evergreen Pharmacy to enhance its service delivery model, and is ready to explore the benefits of offering a hybrid model of care.

Says Juanita Lawson, CEO of NorWest Community Health Centres; “Canadians living in rural communities often lack access to the health care services they need, causing reduced physical and mental health compared to people living in larger cities. These trends are predominant in

rural Northern Ontario where challenges retaining health care providers increase these difficulties. Our new model will focus on enhancing the physical and mental well-being of individuals residing in these communities by providing access to interprofessional care, and prioritizing making connections with the community.

This new partnership with Evergreen Pharmacy is a step towards enhancing the care of residents residing in Oliver Paipoonge, Neebing, Conmee and

Evergreen Pharmacy officially opened its doors in Kakabeka Falls, Oliver Paipoonge in 2017. They have been servicing the residents of Oliver Paipoonge and surrounding communities for over 5 years. With the demand for expanded services and continued community support, the pharmacy built and moved into their new, state-ofthe-art location in Kakabeka Falls on May 30, 2022. The facility was constructed to accommodate allied health professionals in order to increase the accessibility to multiple disciplinary healthcare teams in a rural setting. Nurse practitioners and community health workers will operate from within the NorWest Community Health Centres unit of the facility. Vulnerable and at-risk clients will have access to group programming and at-home care. Referrals to other specialists in diabetes, foot care, mental health and dietary care will also be available.

Says Devon Myers and Henry Templeman, owners of Evergreen Pharmacy; “We are delighted to collaborate with NorWest Community Health Centres to achieve a common goal: improve the health and the wellbeing of our patients and their families. As healthcare leaders in our community, we have seen firsthand the need for accessible healthcare in rural Northwestern Ontario. The opportunity to collaborate with NorWest Community Health Centres is a tremendous achievement for our healthcare workers and patients alike. This partnership brings enhanced healthcare access and wellness supports to individuals and families in Oliver Paipoonge and the surrounding areas who would otherwise have to travel to Thunder Bay for care.

Our pharmacy is committed to providing high quality healthcare services and supports close to home for local residents who have been underserved for too long.”

NorWest Community Health Centres and Evergreen Pharmacy will officially open for enhanced health care services in fall 2022.

For additional information, please visit https://www.norwestchc.org/ and https://evergreenrx.ca/

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2022

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McIlroy goes back-to-back, defends RBC Canadian Open title Rory McIlroy’s bid to defend his RBC Canadian Open title is complete.

McIlroy fired an eight-under par 62 in the final round of Sunday’s National Open at St. George’s Golf & Country Club to win his second consecutive RBC Canadian Open, three years and four days after he hoisted the trophy in 2019 at Hamilton Golf & Country Club.

since Jim Furyk in 2006-07 to win backto-back titles at two different venues— Furyk accomplishing the feat at Hamilton Golf & Country Club (2006) and Angus Glen Golf Club (2007) while McIlroy followed up his 2019 victory at Hamilton Golf & Country Club.

McIlroy is now two-for-two north of the border and his return for 2023 at Oakdale Golf & Country Club is all but confirmed.

Justin Rose’s final round 10-under par 60 is the lowest final round score in the history of the tournament, one upping McIlroy’s 61 in the final round of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open.

Corey Conners went out with a bang, matching McIlroy’s round of eight-under par 62 and catapulting up the leaderboard for a sixth-place finish. The Listowel, Ont. native earned the Rivermead Challenge Cup as the low-Canadian professional at the RBC Canadian Open for the first time.

“There's a great list of Canadians who

“It means an awful lot. I feel like it's getting tougher and tougher to win on the PGA TOUR,” said McIlroy. “I went out with a lead and had to shoot 8-under par to get the job done. So, the depth of talent on this TOUR is really, really impressive.”

The Northern Irishman’s win in Canada marks his first-ever successful title defence on the PGA TOUR and his 21st tournament victory, putting him in a tie for 31st on the all-time wins list.

“Super happy to get that 21st win [and] to defend,” said McIlroy. “To play in a final group like that with that atmosphere all day. I mean the fans here this week have just been absolutely unbelievable – like so good and so cool to play in an atmosphere like that. Boisterous, loud, but respectful.”

The 33-year-old joins J. Douglas Edger, Leo Diegel, Sam Snead, Jim Ferrier, Jim Furyk and Jhonattan Vegas as players to win back-to-back at the RBC Canadian Open. McIlroy is also the first champion

have their names on that trophy, so definitely an honor to have my name added,” said Conners. “It was a great week and

hopefully start there and can challenge for the title in the next few years.”

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2022