NEWS/POLITICS/FOOD/ARTS/SPORTS/FASHION/LIFESTYLE $4.95
DECEMBER 2017
HOLIDAY GIFT PICKS
WINNER IS… AND THE
Announcing the Winners of the Ottawa Life Awards
Savvy’s Debbie Trenholm Lists Her Top Clickable Gifts Canada/China Friendship Series ottawalife.com
Braces Haven * Turkey * Myrtle Beach * Jamaica * Colorado Ski Country
DECEMBER 2017 VOLUME 19
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NUMBER 6
11 Let’s make giving a habit, not a reflex.
contents
Canadian giving is in decline. The population is growing, but the number of people making charitable donations in Canada continues to drop. In fact, according to the latest Statistics Canada data available, the number of people claiming tax-deductible charitable donations dropped from 5.7 million in 2011 to less than 5.5 million in 2015. That could mean Canadians’ giving impulse is suffering. That’s bad news for the country’s 82,000 charitable organizations. Faith in Canada 150, a program of think tank Cardus, is inspiring a culture of giving with a new initiative: Give150. This initiative is powered by Chimp, a public foundation that facilitates giving by providing individuals access to online tools to integrate giving into their everyday lives. By setting up an account, users have their own free foundation, and can donate to or fundraise for any charitable organization in Canada.
Give150 wants to give you $150 to give to the charities you love.
$150
START GIVING TODAY:
weare.chimp.net/give150
PHOTO: PING HU
PHOTO: GORD WEBER
Santa’s List
PHOTO: KAREN TEMPLE
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It’s that time of year again. We have the ultimate guide to gifts that you can wrap up for everyone on your list. From stocking stuffers to hostess presents, consider your holiday shopping taken care of.
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Glow with the Season
Winter is here, but there’s no need to sacrifice your style in the snow. From glitzy metallics you can rock at holiday parties to cozy knits ideal for those chilly December nights, Alexandra Gunn shows you how to stand out this season with a gilded glow.
The Ottawa Life Awards
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The votes are in and our readers have spoken. For our 20th anniversary, we decided it was time to formally recognize all that Ottawa has to offer. Announcing the winners of the first annual OLAs, recognizing the best of the best in Ottawa —- according to you.
Travel
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There’s no better time to take a break than the Holidays. Whether you’re craving some time on the slopes or the sand, Ottawa Life has the trip for you. Embrace the snow with a ski vacation in rocky Colorado, become a city slicker in Detroit or retreat to shorts weather in Myrtle Beach.
PHOTO: VITO PALMISANO
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Publisher’s Message ...................................... 5 Holiday Picks .............................................. 7 Savvy Selections .......................................... 15 Profile: Barrhaven’s Braces Haven................... 17 Book Review Edging Forward................... 24 Travel: Glorious Instanbul ............................... 31 Detroit is Back Bigtime ........................ 34 Meliá Braco Village Jamaica ........... 36 Magnificent Myrtle Beach ................... 38 Colorado Ski Country ......................... 40 Opinion: Patrick Gossage ............................. 44 Opinion: Michael Coren .............................. 45
series
Faith in Canada/Op-ed ........................... 25 Pharmacare Series .................................. 27 Canada/China Friendship ........................ 30
PHOTO: DAVID MASSEY
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publisher’s message by Dan Donovan
publisher/managing editor
Dan Donovan copy editor Dave Gross art director Karen Temple director of operations Isabel Payne web editor/features writer Andre Gagne
Before the big red suit and the flying reindeer Santa Claus was dropping coins down the chimneys of families in need. This Santa didn’t have a big belly so he had no trouble climbing up on the roofs in his hometown of Pataras, on the east coast of what is now Turkey. You see, Santa Claus was a well-meaning bishop with an inheritance that he wanted to share anonymously. Who knows where the elves and the north pole ever came from but Nicolas, bishop of Myra, gave children treats for good behaviour. Upon his death, he was anointed with the title of Saint Nicolas and some time later a statue in his honour was erected in his hometown. If you have a chance to travel to Turkey visit the Saint Nicholas Church in the town of Demre. Every year on December 6th, there are special celebrations for Saint Nicolas. It might be far, far away from the snow and cold of the north pole but the true story of Saint Nicolas is one that we feel great about sharing. Now… pass the gravy.
cover
Photo: Shutterstock. Manipulation OLM staff photographers
Rachel Ammon, Colleen Balzotti, Joe Carr, Ping Hu, Anna Jonas, Andre Gagne, David Kawai, Valerie Keeler, David Massey,Vito Palmisano, Isabel Payne, Sean Sisk, Karen Temple fashion editor Alexandra Gunn accounts Joe Colas C.G.A bookkeeper Brandy Hamilton contributing writers Catherine E. Clifford,
Michael Coren, Dan Donovan, Amedeo de Pretto, Anne Dion, Milton Friesen, Anna Jonas, Andre Gagne, Patrick Gossage, Alexandra Gunn, Tori McNeely, Steve Morgan, Isabel Payne, Daniel Proussalidis, Karen Temple, Debbie Trenholm web contributors Angela Counter, Anne Dion, Maria Alejandra Gamboa, Dave Gross, Andre Gagne, Katie Hartai, Jennifer Hartley, Alex Mazur,Vic Little, Brennan MacDonald, Don Maclean, Isabel Payne, Maria Perez, Mona Staples, Mireille Sylvester, Mike Tobin, Simon Vodrey, Meagan Simpson, Carlos Verde social media Maria Alejandra Gamboa,
Anne Dion, Tori McNeely, Anna Jonas
corporate advisor J. Paul Harquail, Charles Franklin, Dennis Mills corporate counsel Paul Champagne editor emeritus Harvey F. Chartrand advertising information
For information on advertising rates, visit www.ottawalife.com call (613) 688-LIFE (5433) or e-mail info@ottawalife.com Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement #1199056. Ottawa Life Magazine, 301 Metcalfe St. Lower Level, Ottawa. Ontario K2P 1R9 tel: (613) 688-5433 fax: (613) 688 -1994 e-mail: info@ottawalife.com Web site: www.ottawalife.com Follow us on Twitter: @ottawalifers On Instagram: ottawalifemag Like us at www.Facebook.com/ OttawaLifeMagazine Ottawa Life is listed in Canadian Advertising Rates & Data (CARD). Ottawa Life subscription rates: one year $50.00, includes postage, plus HST (six issues). Two years $80.00, includes postage, plus HST (12 issues). Add $20 per year for postage outside Canada. Subscriber service is 613-688-LIFE (5433) Ottawa Life Magazine is printed in Canada on recycled paper.
4 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
www.turkishcanadians.com
Fake news . . . real death Ottawa Lawyer Michael Edelson Crafts Fantasy Defence Narrative in Police Killing
Absurd, ridiculous, fantasy, fiction and deplorable would be some of the kinder words one could use to describe Ottawa lawyer Michael Edelson’s fake news story in an Ottawa court two weeks ago to explain Abdirahman Abdi’s fatal encounter with his client, Ottawa police constable Daniel Montsion. Spin is one thing, but Edelson’s characterization of that encounter is the stuff that the people at Ripley’s publish under the heading, “Actual Things People Really Said.” Edelson postulated the zinger that Abdirahman Abdi did not die from the brutal blows brought on by his client on July 24, 2016, but rather from a heart attack. “This is not a beating that caused the death of Mr. Abdi; Mr. Abdi died of a heart attack. That’s what killed him,” Edelson said, according to audio transcripts of the Oct. 20th hearing. Better than Edelson’s crafty fiction of the violent incident was his punch-line to the judge: “And the issue is: did anything my client do (precipitate) that heart attack?” Let me answer that: Yes, your client, constable Daniel Montsion brutally and unnecessarily beat Mr. Abdi.That’s why he has been charged with three criminal counts including manslaughter, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon in relation to Abdi’s death. This line of drivel coming from Edelson is hard to stomach. It’s sort of like saying: “A guy jumped out of an airplane and died because his parachute did not open. However, it was not the malfunctioning parachute that killed him, it was the sudden stop.” Edelson’s fantasy narrative comes on the heels of Attorney General and Ottawa Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi’s refusal to account for why he allowed the Crown to go along with police wishes to not have Constable Montsion appear before a bail judge after he was charged by the SIU with serious three criminal counts, including manslaughter. Naqvi further groveled and did nothing when it was announced that the Ottawa Police Association was selling bracelets to support Montsion as if he and the police were the victims in this case. The Ottawa Police Services Board, headed by the cerebrally challenged police misconduct apologist Eli El Chantiry and his oxygen-deprived board, once again stuck their heads in the sand and did nothing about the bracelets. Fortunately, police chief Charles Bordeleau ordered all officers to not wear the bracelets on duty in deference to the complaints from the community. So, moving forward, Abdirahman’s family will not only have suffered the injustice of the police brutally killing their son and then watching as their son’s killer was released into the community without having to appear in court for a bail hearing. The family also watched as Naqvi acquiesced to police pressure in the case; watched as the Ottawa Police Association sold bracelets to support the officer charged in the death of their son; watched as the court system came up with a trial date almost three years after the incident – despite a Supreme Court ruling that set specific timelines for how long it should take criminal matters to come to trial (the 12-week trial remains scheduled to start in Feb. 2019, nearly three years after Mr. Abdi’s death). And finally they must watch as the egotistical lawyer representing the accused further derides their son’s tragic, brutal death by crassly and shamelessly framing the death as a heart attack. Ugh. This begs the question that even when Montsion is finally convicted, will his lawyer appeal suggesting the trial was held too long after the death of Mr. Abdi thus infringing on Montsion’s charter rights. Probably. We have to protect those Charter rights! n 5 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
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Personaliz ed Gift s Nothing feels quite as special as receiving a personalized gift. DIBSIES Personalization Station is an online retailer that offers a range of utterly adorable products for children, adults — even pets! From personalized Christmas stockings to t-shirts and storage units, DIBSIES is bound to have just what you’re looking for. dibsies.com
Designed to fit under airline seats, the Travekers Club Voyager II 16-inch rolling
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right under your bed. The clear top allows you to easily find items. $26.99 (Set of 2)
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Hassle-Free Hanging Update your bathroom the hassle-free way with a Hookless® waffle shower curtain. The flex-on rings combined with the built-in water resistant liner means it's easy to hang and the your ready to shower in second. Available in 18 colours and four lengths! From $49.99
Get your home ready for the holidays. Start with bedding and bath accessories then go way beyond! Bed Bath & Beyond has something for everyone on your list. From small appliances and tableware to items that will help you organize every room in your home; it’s your one-stop-home-shop. Free shipping on orders over $49 or reserve online and pay in store.
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UNDER ARMOUR Don't let weather get in the way of your next workout. The Under Armour UA Sportstyle Woven Bober jacket is made of a stretch-woven fabric and features UA Storm technology to repel water without sacrificing breathability. Zippered pockets and an internal phone pocket keep your belongings safe. underarmourcom
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C UTEST B LUETOO T H S PE A K E R S My Audio Pet has range of tiny and adorable portable speakers that come in a variety of fun and collectable animals. The speakers sync easily with your smartphone or tablet, and can play crystal clear music on their own, or in tandem with another My Audio Pet speaker. myaudiopet.com C RAZY FOR C OFF E E Short for Brew-pipe, Bripe, is an ultra portable coffee brewing system for the adventurer on your list. Designed for anyone who wants to enjoy a quick shot of coffee without the hassle of a kettle or a stove, Bripe is a pocketsized kit that includes coffee, a lighter, thermometre and a cool carrying pouch. briping.com THROW THAT SNOW Say goodbye to annual maintenance, noise, vibration and fumes with the Greenworks Pro 80-volt 20--Inch Cordless Snow Thrower. The 80-volt lithiumion battery pack charges in only 30 minutes. With its push button start and super light weight, the Greenworks Pro will save your back while the 10-inch high clearing depth and 20-foot discharge will handle most average winter accumulations. Once winter is over, the machine folds up easily for storage and the battery pack can be used with multiple other Greenworks tools. greenworkstools.ca RESC UE M E C ALE ND A R 2018 This season, give the gift of charity. Perfect for animal lovers, profits from the Rescue Me Calendar benefits two local animal rescues: Freedom Dog Rescue and Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue. Available in both feline and canine editions, both calendars can be purchased at various outlets around Ottawa. www.facebook.com/rescuemecalendars/ Kamik Rogue 6 W in t er B oo t s Lose the bulky winter boots without sacrificing warmth with Kamik’s Rogue6 winter boots. Perfect for frigid Ottawa winters, these stylish boots are made with incredibly thin 3M™ Thinsulate™ and feature seam-sealed waterproof construction. They will keep your toes toasty and dry up to temperatures of -32°C. kamik.com
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SHARE A COKE Coca-Cola is bringing back its popular Share a Coke bottles for the holiday season. With more than 1,000 popular Canadian names to choose from, including “Santa” as a new addition this year, this is a perfect item to add a personal touch to a stocking or a holiday dinner. Available in Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar and Coca-Cola Life wherever Coca-Cola products are sold. S EE ' S P O T ' S H I NE BarkBath is a portable bathing kit with speciallydesigned nozzles that help you get water and soap underneath your pet’s fur, while a gentle suction gets rid of dirty water without any mess. BarkBath uses significantly less water than traditional bathing methods; only 40oz of water is needed for an 80lb dog. Take it with you anytime and anywhere. canada.bissell.com
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AD O R At herapy e s s en t ia l O IL s Designed for women who are too busy to relax or meditate, ADORAtherapy’s range divine room sprays and luxurious roll-ons will boost your mood, anytime, anywhere. The expertly-blended essential oils are vegan and cruelty-free. www.adoratherapy.com More Than YOu'd expected in a Dress Designed for the stylish mother who doesn’t want to sacrifice comfort, the Ada dress is perfect for new and expectant moms. Made with soft organic cotton, the Ada transitions flawlessly from office to a casual dinner out. A smart nursing system is conveniently built into the dress, and there is enough room around the waist to accommodate baby bumps. boobdesign.com
P rec i ou s Me ta l M emorie s Precious Metal Prints lets you keep a moment in time with you forever in the form of gorgeous, wearable jewelry. Create a custom pendant of your child’s fingerprint, or even create a unique pendant of your pet’s nose. Each piece is made to order in Knoxville, Tennessee and is 100 per cent unique. preciousmetalprints.com 8 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
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LI GHT AND C om fy Fee t Reebok’s Floratide Run Ultraknit running shoes sport a light-weight, cushioned to perfection midsole to decrease impact and increase comfort. The stylish low-cut, knitted upper is seamless and allows your feet to breathe while moulding to them for added comfort. Available in an assortment of colours for both men and women. reebok.ca MARVIS Travel s e t Take the world with you and keep your teeth shining with MARVIS. Specially created with a natural ingredient and powdered alum, MARVIS toothpastes are designed to lift stains from coffee and wine without irritating the gums or damaging enamel. Be sure to check out the limited edition gift set available at the Hudson’s Bay Company. marvismints.com Verilux Happy L igh t Say goodbye to the winter blues with Verilux Happy Light. Available in various sizes, the Happy Light provides full-spectrum lighting to increase energy, enhance mood and improve sleep. Keep one on your desk while studying, or next to your yoga mat to experience the full benefits. verilux.com ORGANIC C OTT O N PJS Outfit your child with chic, California-inspired sleepwear fashion from Skylar Luna. Ideal for parents looking for eco-friendly and sustainable fashions, all Skylar Luna pyjamas are made with uber-comfy 100 per cent organic cotton and decked-out with adorable patterns. skylarluna.com
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B eaut i f u l cu t t ing B oard s Perfect for the foodie in your life, Labell boards are functional works of art. Made with premium Canadian reclaimed or recycled wood, these boards are produced in Eastern Canada with the highest production standards. Over 90 different models to choose from. plancheslabell.com KE E P B A B Y CO Z Y in t he co l d Keep your little one warm throughout the Canadian winter with LambPOD from 7 A.M. Enfant. Designed to be used with any stroller, the LambPOD can also be adapted into different shapes as your child ages. Made to withstand unpredictable weather, LambPOD is water resistant and machine washable. 7amenfant.com
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A GIRL'S B EST F R I E ND The Diamond Graphic Collection from studio1098, designed by goldsmith and gemmologist Tammara Kronis, captures the themes of strength, beauty, love, and purity in a gorgeous minimalist fashion without using an actual gemstone. The resulting collection features a chic diamond outline that comes in a variety of styles. From luxurious necklaces to stunning earrings, each piece is made carefully by hand in Toronto, Canada. studio1098customjewellery.com Zipsea ler Looking for a solution for sealing those annoying plastic bags? Zipsealer perfectly seals zipper lock bags with a quick glide over the seal. No leaks, no fumbling around. Designed, produced and packaged here in Ottawa, Zipsealer is perfect for those suffering from arthritis or wrist problems. zipsealer.com GIANT TIGER HAS ONESIES FOR ALL Embrace the holiday spirit with Giant Tiger's selection of onesies. Available in both kid and adult sizes, they are the perfect way to keep the entire family warm and comfy. giantiger.com
9 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
in search of style by Alexandra Gunn
Follow Alex on Twitter: @AlexandraGunn
Gifts for Everyone on Your List
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Over 1 million copies sold!
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THE bookfafonsr sports Red Queen
collectors edition, perfect for teens!
“T eve he one boo readryone shou k —The G this year.”ld
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Bulova u Ultra SlimClassic Collection $450
A new Christmas classic
September_ad2_Layout 1 17-08-09 2:52 PM Page 1
150 Copper Legacy Feathers celebrating Canada’s 150 years.
Celebrating New Brunswick. This hand-tooled copper eagle feather is a legacy piece created to capture the acadian landscape & culture and given as a wedding gift in remembrance of a beloved father.
p Old Navy Jumper Alex is wearing the Hunter fitted down coat in gold satellite $575. hunterboots.com
p Skinmoka Watch $170
swatch.ca
PHOTO: WINTER LOTUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY PING HU
p Coach 1941 High Shine
Metallic Dinky bag
instinctively drawn to metallic colours, and there’s no I amshortage of glimmer and glitz come the holidays.
The golden glow had a strong showing on the catwalks, appearing on everything from accessories to clothing.
From 24-karat gold to rose-gold shades, it will add a glamorous edge to any look. Celebrity style stars have been seen wearing this top trend on the red carpet and dressing it down for daytime, proving this gilded shade transcends season and time of day.
Designers such as Balmain, Jason Wu and Tome featured gold on the runway and include the forgiving shades of goldenrod and saffron. These collections showcased that gold in big and small doses, whether you like high-shine dresses, skirts or on point accessories, are suitable for all fashion sensibilities.
For your custom legacy piece please contact:
barb@coppertreecreative.ca coppertreecreative.ca 10 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
Kendall Jenner Taylor Swift Gigi Hadid Alexa Chung
Balmain Runway
Tome Runway
Jason Wu Runway 11 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
Knitwear season is here. Ottawa’s frosty weather can chill you to the bone so invest wisely in this winter staple. This year, the humble cable knit is getting an upgrade with oversized silhouettes and dramatic detailing but before you refresh your collection, make sure any new sweater selection has:A warm cozy feeling, Fashion flair, A balance between comfort & style.
a o a o a o
Sally LaPointe Rib Knit Wool And Cashmere Sweater
A warm cozy feeling Fashion flair A balance between comfort & style
Topshop Extreme Long Sleeve Knitted Jumper
Winners Peach Ruffle Sleeve Sweatshirt
Alex is wearing Topshop’s u balloon-sleeved sweater $80
H&M Rib Knit Sweater
Winter doesn’t stand a chance with Merrell’s Aurora 6 Ice+. The waterproof shell and Arctic grip protects your feet from the elements when you need it most. merrell.ca Made in Quebec, the Kyi-Kyi Chunky Knit Harbor Silver Fox Pom will keep you warm and add style to your outerwear look. kyikyi.com PHOTO: WINTER LOTUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY PING HU
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Get in the festive mood with holiday-themed pajamas. lavieenrose.com 13 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
savvy selections by Debbie Trenholm
Clickable Canadian Gifts While we’re celebrating Canada’s 150th milestone anniversary, there are a number of nifty gifts that would make any Canadian beam with pride. Here’s a quick shopping list – and the neat part is that you don’t even have to get off your comfy couch or battle parking lots to get them. A few clicks is all that it takes to get your holiday shopping done.
Shake Up a Good Cocktail Whether vodka, gin, rye, rum or whisky is the potion of choice, there are a handful of artisan distilleries with different small batch creations that will can be easily wrapped up with a bow. Take a drive to get the taste of place or, be on the look out for these rare finds at the LCBO: Kings Lock Craft Distillery – Prescott klcraftdistillery.ca Kinsip House of Fine Spirits – Prince Edward County www.kinsip.ca (They make a variety of cool cocktail bitters too.) North of 7 Distillery – Ottawa northof7distillery.ca Top Shelf Craft Distillers – Perth topshelfdistillers.com
Serve Canadian Cheese – Please! Vanessa Simmons has been called Canada’s Cheese sommelier because she knows how to put together a cheese board that will WOW. She has made it super easy for you this holiday season by hand-picking an assortment of artisan cheeses – from across Canada – for you to give as a gift or serve at a holiday party. Simply order her Savvy Cool Curds Holiday Pack and Vanessa will send you five ready-to-eat cheeses in wedges and rounds that are not available at grocery stores. $55 plus delivery anywhere in Canada. savvycoolcurds.ca
Add a Dash or Splash of This Neat Treat Move over maple syrup, the grapes are coming! Typically used for icewine, Vidal and Cabernet grapes grown in Niagara are now being crushed to make a unique, one-ofkind ice syrup. Drizzle on pancakes or use as a marinade or add a dash to salad dressings, Ice Syrup has unlimited uses for any cook.You can even add a splash to a sparkling wine to make a truly Canadian Kir Royale. $20 each at icesyrup.com or at fine grocers.
Go Crazy for Canadian Craft Beer Back by popular demand, the one-of-a-kind Hoppy Holiday Advent Calendar will make any beer fan smile from ear to ear. This is the grown-up version of an advent calendar when we were kids. Rather than filled with chocolates or toys, there are 24 hard-to-find craft beers from every corner of Ontario to create a unique assortment spanning the full gamut of styles of beer. Check out savvycompany.ca/advent for price &
A Book For Everyone This coffee table book features the best photos, essays and stories from across Canada during our big birthday year including many memories of the Ottawa 2017 celebrations. Each page defines what it means to be Canadian. A perfect gift for proud Canadians or to have on hand when visitors come to town. $50 available online only www.10kfeet. myshopify.com/products/ canada150book
Debbie Trenholm is a sommelier and the founder of Savvy Company savvycompany.ca
to order.
15 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
profile by Tori McNeely
Braces Haven
Comes to BarrHaven hen asked what advice he W would give someone opening a practice today, Dr. Charles Cohen
says: “Treat people with kindness and respect, support your team members, and above all do great work.” This advice is very much a reflection of his philosophy. Dr. Cohen is the founder and orthodontist of the Braces Haven in Barrhaven.
on one’s confidence and self-esteem,” Dr. Cohen explained.
This family-friendly clinic has a highly skilled, dedicated and energetic team that is deeply committed towards excellence. Dr. Cohen and his staff are devoted to considering a patient’s options and deciding the best treatment plan — from Invisalign to braces to lingual braces. “We understand that orthodontic treatment is much more than just braces, wires and invisible aligners,” said Dr. Cohen. “Our goal is to prove to our patients how much we really care about them and to have some fun along the way.” He believes in maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere, one people genuinely enjoy visiting. Aside from providing free consultations for a complete full examination, Brace Haven also offers flexible scheduling and extended payment plans. It is these characteristics that set Braces Haven apart from other practices and have garnered them a five-star rating on Google. Dr. Cohen and his family have lived in Barrhaven for several years. He PHOTO: KAREN TEMPLE
It was this experience that reinforced his decision to specialize in orthodontics during dental school.
decided to combine his background in orthodontics and his drive to serve his community and opened Braces Haven. “A little over a year ago we decided to put our dream into motion and opening Braces Haven has been an incredible journey,” he said. “None of this would have been possible without the support of my loving family.” In addition to that support, two factors have had profound influences on Dr. Cohen’s professional career. It was through his personal experience that kept him motivated to enter the field of orthodontics. “Through my own experience with braces, I began to appreciate the positive impact orthodontics can have
While personal experience is what motivated his decision to enter the field of orthodontics, many invaluable mentors have shaped his professional career. “I’ve been fortunate to have trained with some of the elite orthodontists in North America.” Dr. Cohen remains committed to keeping up with the pace at which the field of orthodontics is evolving. “Our diagnostic abilities and the accuracy of our appliances has improved which in turn has resulted in faster treatment times.” Whether it’s explaining a patient’s treatment options through virtual simulation or implementing the latest development in dental technology, Dr. Cohen and his team have a vision for transparent and trustworthy service, from beginning to end n braceshaven.com 17 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
cover by Andre Gagne and Anna Jonas
FOR 20 YEARS OTTAWA LIFE MAGAZINE has been reporting on the best the Nation’s Capital has to offer. This year, on our milestone anniversary, we wanted to show our appreciation the restaurants, festivals, hotels and people who put the life into Ottawa. In the summer we posted
20 Best Of lists covering everything from food and tourist spots to fashion and media. In the fall we turned it all over to you, the readers, to vote on your personal favorites or write in and tell us what we might have missed. We called it the Ottawa Life Awards (or OLAs).
After thousands of votes were tallied, some close races and a few surprises, we can now official say “and the 2017 OLA goes to” . . .
BEST OTTAWA
BEST OTTAWA
BEST OTTAWA
BEST OTTAWA
Fairouz
Heart & Crown
1 Rideau St
343 Somerset St W
Various locations
Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company
A local landmark, this building has played host to its fair share of visiting dignitaries and Canadian history. It was designed in the French chateau-style and guest rooms were recently revamped with a multimillion-dollar renovation. Grand and opulent, the hotel offers beautiful views and even a couple of ghost stories. Afternoon high tea at Zoe’s Lounge is a must.
A recent addition to the Ottawa restaurant scene, this Middle Eastern establishment occupies a heritage building in Centertown. Casual but chic, they focus on using local ingredients. Try their Sunday and Monday night Mezze, a collection of small dishes and paired wines.
The Heart & Crown is a local institution, bringing Irish hospitality to Ottawa for 25 years. The center of the socalled “Irish Village”, the ByWard market location is a sprawling space of five pubs in one. They boast a wide range of spirits and brews that pay tribute to their Irish heritage, as well as frequent live music performances.
Hotel:
THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING OPENING FALL 2017 The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) is at a pivotal moment in its history, building towards the opening of a new home for the arts in Ottawa. You’ll be able to experience the spectacular expansion as part of the Ottawa 2017 celebrations. Find out more at oaggao.ca.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Restaurant:
Pub /Tavern:
Local Brew:
A family-run brewery, Beau’s certified organic beer is made with spring water and sustainability in mind. Clearly they’re doing something right, having won over 100 awards since they launched. The lug-tread, an ale/ lager hybrid, is a local classic.
BEST OTTAWA
International Cuisine:
Coconut Lagoon
853 St Laurent Blvd
Coconut Lagoon knows what’s up when it comes to South Indian food. Chef Joe Thottungal won Silver at this year’s Canadian Culinary Championships and the restaurant was featured in Anne DesBrisay’s Ottawa Cooks. Make sure to try the weekend brunch buffet and their take on turmeric milk, a recent Instagram sensation.
PHOTO: ANDRE GAGNE
19 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017 Rendering by Régis Côté et associés, architectes and Lemay Michaud Architecture Design. Photo: Simon Stiles. Artwork: Martin Golland, Stilts, 2013, oil on canvas, 152.4 x 127.5 cm. Courtesy of Galerie Antoine Ertaskiran, Montréal.
BEST OTTAWA
Spot for Pets:
BEST OTTAWA
Spot for Kids:
Conroy Pit
Children’s Museum
Conroy Road
100 Laurier St, Gatineau
This dog park is home to lots of off-leash nature trails and grassy paths, as well as a forested area. It’s wellmaintained and gets pretty busy on the weekends. The area is also popular with bikers.
Everyone loves the Children’s Museum. Part of the Canadian Museum of History, it’s the perfect stepping stone to start teaching children about social and cultural history. Visitors can travel through the museum at their own pace, stamping a passport to learn about different cultures through costumes, artifacts, games and other interactive activities. Kids stay occupied for hours and it can be just as fun for parents.
PHOTOS: COURTESY CCM
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BEST OTTAWA
Festival:
RBC Bluesfest Bluesfest could be called the event of the Summer. Having evolved slightly over its 20+ yer history, it’s known for attracting some heavy hitters of the music industry. This year’s lineup includes July Talk, Muse, P!nk and Sam Roberts Band. They’re also big into giving back to the local community, running a program called “Blues in the Schools” to encourage arts education, letting kids get creative and explore making music.
BEST OTTAWA
Coffee Shop:
BEST OTTAWA
Tasty Treat:
Bridgehead Stella Luna Gelato
BEST OTTAWA
Breakfast
BEST OTTAWA
Bakery
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Boutique:
BEST OTTAWA
Salon / Barber:
BEST OTTAWA
Neighbourhood:
Wilf & Ada’s
Strawberry Vincent Blonde Bakery
Hair Republic Westboro Beauty Lounge
Various locations
1103 Bank Street
510 Bank Street
114B Grange Ave
444 Preston Ave
1093-1095 Bank Street
This socially responsible local chain was the first company in the nation to serve Fairtrade coffee. Specializing in specialty grade beans, their goal is to connect the producer with the customer in a meaningful way. All food is made with ingredients sourced through their partnerships with numerous local farms. You can tour their roastery on the first Saturday of every month.
Having been named one of the Top 3 Gelato Shops in The Americas at the 2016 Gelato World Tour, you could say that Master Gelato Chef and Stella Luna founder Tammy Giuliani knows her stuff. Trained at the finest school in Bologna, her gelato is made from scratch each day using only the freshest ingredients. You can also find their gelato cart traveling around the city.
This adorable diner on Bank Street makes most of their dishes from scratch. They’re open every day until 3 PM and their eggs may be some of the best in the city, whether in purgatory, a frittata or Florentine. The drinks are just as much of a drawing factor, either hot (dirty coconut Chai or Mexican mocha) or cold (iced maple or hibiscus punch). But with good food comes lots of customers, so it’s always packed. The small space doesn’t accept reservations, so be prepared and arrive early.
Vegan desserts get a bad reputation, but the stereotype is proven wholly untrue at Westboro’s Strawberry Blonde Bakery. Everything they serve is vegan, as well as gluten-free and nut-free, so that no customer has to worry about crosscontamination and everyone is welcome. Yet even without butter or wheat, their desserts taste just as if not more amazing than their counterparts. Their sin-amon buns and German chocolate cupcakes are particularly incredible.
A mutual passion for retail led sisters Angie and Amanda to create their Little Italy shop to bring new brands to the capital and form a contemporary place where fashion and conversation collide. Named after their Uncle Vincent, it pays tribute to his artistic potential and uncompleted works. Giving back to the local community is also an integral part of Vincent’s values. They host a drop off for The Shoebox Project, throw a bi-annual clothing drive benefitting Dress for Success and collect funds each December for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.
Boutique salon Hair Republic Beauty Lounge prizes quality and creativity, using strictly eco-friendly products. They often have a great selection of promotions and always offer a 20% off student discount on most hair services on Tuesdays. Good for the environment and your wallet. Their userfriendly online booking system also makes scheduling easy.
Located in the west end of the city between Island Park and the Ottawa River, Westboro is chic and upscale. The expansive selection of boutiques, coffee shops and funky restaurants off Richmond Road have everything you could ever need, from activewear to home goods. Many commercial buildings are decorated with murals. Mostly made up of individual homes, it’s a great choice for families. The neighborhood is clean and well-kept, close to several schools and a stone’s throw away from McKellar park. You can even see the Gatineau Hills in the distance. 21 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
BEST OTTAWA
Band:
The PepTides
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Musician:
Malak
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Live Music Venue:
The Brass Monkey
BEST OTTAWA
Radio Station:
Rebel 101.7 FM
250 Greenbank Road
They’re a well-oiled Where’s Waldo? Rube Goldberg machine of colourful lightening strewn with silk, soul and funk! They’re the Warhol painting you’ve never seen hanging on the bridge of a shimmering disco starship about to enter your atmosphere in rainbow warp drive. They are stardust. They are golden. There live shows are as bright and beaming as their outfits. People of Earth, The PepTides!
PHOTO: ANDRE GAGNE
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Malak may be a newcomer on the local scene, but her voice shows a maturity beyond her years. Raised in Egypt, she’d venture to Greece, Italy and Germany before the eventual move to Canada collecting the music of each region like road maps in a glove compartment. Malak has been raking in much acclaim usually by people who are simply blown away by the voice that rushes out of her. It's like ice on fire. That moment you first hear it is a kind of mix of elation and sadness because you realize you will never get to experience her for the first time again! PHOTO: SEAN SISK
This is Ottawa’s largest live music and pool hall a touts itself as the only joint in town where you can catch some great live tunes while sinking a choice shot into the corner pocket. Rock, metal, blues and more, there’s always something going on at The Monkey.
PHOTO: ANDRE GAGNE
The revolution will not be televised. In Ottawa it’s broadcast daily on 101.7 FM. There was a gap left in O-town when The Bear put real rock radio into hibernation and the DAWG went adult contemporary. That’s where Rebel moved in. A shakeup was needed on the airwaves and the fans were ready. After a year, the station has developed a loyal Rebellion of listeners who tune in each day to hosts like Kornicky and Carlee Quinn, fists fully extended, ready to rock.
BEST OTTAWA
Media Personality:
John “the Milkman” Mielke
When BOB FM went off the air in 2015 and laid off all their hosts, John Mielke may have very well moved into the realm of dead air. The Milkman, however, would not be silenced. Instead, he decided to launch his own station online from his home and his Milkmaniacs followed. Now, spearheading Blast the Radio, he isn’t tied to regulations of regular radio. BTR, he says, is a station that listens to the fans. As long as they keep tuning in, he’s not going anyway.
PHOTO: ANDRE GAGNE
faith in canada 150/op-ed Daniel Proussalidis
book review by Dan Donovan
Creating a Giving Culture
Edging Forward:
Achieving Sustainable Community Development
The idea is to get Canadians into the habit of giving regularly, not just in response to a Christmas appeal or because of a crisis, but because setting aside money for charity has become a normal part of their lives. Bromley says he hopes a tool like Chimp will help make people think about charitable giving strategically and more deliberately.
– by Ann Dale
ISBN 978-1-7750904-0-3 152 pages Edging Forward
he Paris Accord, Kyoto, climate T change, sustainable development, green energy, sustainable development, carbon tax and carbon footprint are just some of the phrases and words used in the ongoing discussion about the health of the planet.
In Canada, a leading academic and thinker on these issues for the past quarter century has been Dr.Ann Dale, Professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability at Royal Roads University in British Columbia.
Dale examines the power of stories that shape our development and influence our ability to act now on climate change.
Dale's influence has remained at the nexus of where public policy meets academic theory for over three decades. She has mentored and influenced dozens of graduate students, officials in government and public policy advisors who, in turn, have gone on to make a significant impact in Canada’s environmental and sustainability movement. (Earlier in her career, Dale served in senior roles in the environment portfolio with the federal government). The Trudeau government green policy book could be a chapter out of one of her lectures or roundtables. Her first book, At the Edge, is a Canadian best seller and she has edited five other books, including the first in the country on social capital and sustainable development. In her new book, Edging Forward, Dale examines the power of stories that shape our development and influence our ability to act now on climate change. She uses both the personal and professional, to talk about her own journey in reconciliation, reconnection and the power of relationships as
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the most important pathway for transforming human development. Her key message is that we have to move forward in implementing sustainable community development now. She provides insight into what is stopping Canadian communities from developing sustainably and focuses on the key elements for reconciling ecological, social and economic imperatives throughout Canadian society. Her book is a call to break barriers, speeches, and traditional agendas which are harmful to the environment and to take a chance and embrace sustainability in our lives, communities and country. The book looks at our relationships to one another, to other species, and to the planet.The message is that we must recognize that the world is in desperate need of care and compassion. Storms, hurricanes, earthquakes in different parts of the world are now forcing us to think very differently about the pathways that can lead us to reconciliation, reconnection, and regeneration with the planet. Dale says that the first step in coming to terms with what is happening with the earth must be a decision by each of us personally to do things differently — essentially to recognize the importance of sustainability. What does this mean for us personally, and then for our country and the planet n www.edgingforward.wordpress.com
s fall starts to feel more like winter A in Ottawa, charitable appeals and campaigns start to warm up. By the time the Christmas season is in full swing, charitable fundraising will be a roaring fire – hot enough to roast chestnuts. Many shoppers will respond to a bell-ringer at the Rideau Centre by digging up pocket change, while others will respond to special requests to help provide warm Christmas Day meals. Even so, Canadian charities will tell you giving is declining. “Everyone in Canada, generally speaking, only gives when they’re asked to give,” says John Bromley, founder and CEO of online giving platform Chimp. “In other words, they only give when they’re fundraised at.” With his extensive background in the charitable sector, Bromley sees that as a problem. He notes that Canadians aren’t learning how to be regular givers. They’ll give to charity spontaneously, but Bromley contends there is little nurturing of people as donors. “Traditionally, I think, we’d get that at church, at Sunday school, in the mosque, in the temple,” he says. “We would get PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
THE IDEA IS TO GET CANADIANS INTO THE HABIT OF GIVING REGULARLY, NOT JUST IN RESPONSE TO A CHRISTMAS APPEAL OR BECAUSE OF A CRISIS, BUT BECAUSE SETTING ASIDE MONEY FOR CHARITY HAS BECOME A NORMAL PART OF THEIR LIVES.
it through religious constructs. But we’re participating as Canadians less and less in those traditional religions, so that background is fading a bit.” Bromley founded Chimp in Vancouver in 2011 partly in response to what he had observed. Chimp tries to separate the act of charitable giving from any specific appeal for money. Participants set up a free online account with Chimp, loading the account with whatever amount of money they wish to give away and getting a tax receipt for that entire sum. Then they can take their time to research any Canadian registered charity via the Chimp website, decide which one(s) they’d like to support, and assign money from their account as they see fit. “We’re trying to change the giving culture in Canada,” says Bromley.
For Michael Van Pelt, president and CEO of think-tank Cardus, restoring charitable giving as a way of life in Canada is about more than just feeling we’ve done something good with the money in our wallets. “Charities form a key part of Canada’s social infrastructure by working in the space between the market and government,” saysVan Pelt.“Supporting the charitable sector results in building up the institutions of civil society that reflect the social, cultural, and religious priorities of Canadians in ways neither the market nor government can.” Bromley holds that the charitable sector needs regular, sustainable, dependable financial support. “How do you fund the future of the social economy?” he asks. “There’s three options in my view . . . one – raise taxes, two – underfund social programs, option three is (to) develop donors. Nurture people’s innate generosity.” One way Chimp tries to do that is by piloting a charitable allowance program at schools. Students get $10 a month, which they then must give to a charity of their choice. Bromley hopes the program will nurture regular givers who’ll become a sustainable donor base for charities. So, the bell-ringers and the charitable appeals are warming up, as they always have. If efforts to nurture regular givers succeed, charities will find Canadians’ hearts will have warmed up too n 25 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
faith in canada 150/op-ed Milton Friesen
pharmacare series by Amedeo de Pretto
Religious Communities Are Integral to Our Mix
National Pharmacare Makes Sense So Why Don’t We Have It?
Ask yourself a question: If any one Ottawa religious congregation disappeared, would the community and city be better or worse off?
here are Canadians who think it T would be better if they did disappear, like old relics that have become burdensome, even embarrassing.
Think-tank Cardus published the results of research that pursued the question through the Halo Report in 2016. That research suggests that any Canadian city – Ottawa included – would be worse off, quite a bit worse off in fact. Although a given congregation's individual impact might seem small, when all aspects of its work or the work of many congregations are added together, the common good effect can be significant. In fact, the research suggests it would cost municipal coffers around $4.77 to replace the common good value produced by every dollar in a local congregation’s budget. Applying that ratio to Ottawa, it would cost an estimated $1 billion to replace religious congregations’ common good contributions – like soup kitchens, childcare, suicide prevention and even community event space. The many common good contributions of local faith communities means that they are among the most socially productive settings in cities. Motivated by a different setting, researcher Brian Grimm, president of the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation, asked the question about faith community effects at a national scale in the United States. He discovered that the positive effects of faith communities, when added 26 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
up across the country, contribute 1.2 trillion dollars US to the economy. While that particular approach has not been applied to Canada nationally, it does suggest that the common good effect isn’t just local. What might this mean for city planners, developers, educators, business owners, entrepreneurs and arts leaders? What if faith communities are more than ancient crustaceans; the horseshoe crabs of community life that might have co-existed with the dinosaurs but which survive only because of some fortuitous evolutionary glitch? RELIGIOUS ILLITERACY . . . IS A FORM OF SCIENTIFIC ILLITERACY, A FAILURE TO CAREFULLY OBSERVE AND UNDERSTAND WHAT IS PRESENT AND OBVIOUS
Someone without religious commitments can learn to appreciate their common good contributions.
Sadly, these numbers make sense.
As an example, I have tremendous respect for the arduous work of becoming a ballerina without making any pretense of strapping ballet slippers on my size 12 basketball-gnarled feet.
E
Many of the issues and challenges we face aren’t the type that will be remedied by things like unrestrained economic growth. If the recent past is any indication, it’s likely that global dynamics will generate new ills out of, and complimentary to, the existing cocktail of struggles we face daily.
Well, except Canada.
Religious identity can create real and sustained difficulties but it is also the well of some of our deepest creativity, care, and continuity.
very developed country in the world with universal healthcare also provides universal coverage for prescription drugs.
A national public drug plan, or Pharmacare as it’s more commonly called, has been in the works since the 1960s when the Royal Commission on Health Services recommended its introduction following that of Medicare. Yet not much has happened since — at least as far as concrete action is concerned.
ALONGSIDE A DEEPER CURIOSITY ABOUT WHAT GIVES RISE TO DYNAMICS LIKE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, DEEPER CITIZENSHIP, SOCIAL COHESION AND OUR SEARCH FOR MEANING.
Those who are genuinely interested in addressing issues such as disparity, social isolation, access to work, environmental degradation, justice or human trafficking will need to be careful neither to overlook or caricaturize religious communities and religious commitments. In some circles, religious communities and their beliefs can be dismissed with a few favourite anecdotes that point out failings without any recognition of contributions. Understanding and appreciating the work of religious communities doesn’t imply that everyone needs to join a congregation.
Like Homer Simpson washing his socks in the last precious bit of canteen water while adrift in the lifeboat, famously misquoting Coleridge with “Water, water everywhere and lots and lots to drink!” we might recognize, too late, how critical religious communities are for civil society. Excluding religious communities from real participation, either directly or implicitly, is short-sighted and illadvised, regardless of our personal beliefs: Better that we understand them, even if that understanding begins with drawing on Statistics Canada’s basic descriptions of how many and what type of congregations exist in which locations. Religious illiteracy isn’t simply about ignorance of beliefs, habits and continued >> page 28
While the 2002 Romanow Commission argued for a national prescription drug plan, the state of Pharmacare in Canada differs little from the original debates more than 50 years ago. The numbers speak for themselves. One in every 10 Canadians cannot afford the drugs they are prescribed, and only one-third are covered by public drug plans; the latter varying greatly from province to province. The vast majority of Canadians are covered through their workplace by private insurance plans, of which less than half cover 100 per cent of drug costs. And you’re left without any coverage should you be laid off of work. What’s worse, 10 per cent of the population isn’t covered whatsoever. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
ONE IN EVERY 10 CANADIANS CANNOT AFFORD THE DRUGS THEY ARE PRESCRIBED AND ONLY ONE-THIRD ARE COVERED BY PUBLIC DRUG PLANS.
Finances favour the introduction of national Pharmacare program. Marc-André Gagnon, associate professor at Carleton University, found that a properly regulated national public drug plan would result in a 41 per cent reduction in costs, or $11 billion in savings. Our current patchwork of private and public plans has proven to be far more costly than other countries’ public plans: Canada pays the highest price for generics in the world, and the secondhighest for on-patent drugs. With such alarming lack of proper coverage and a financially inefficient system, what’s in the way of implementing a national public drug plan? The first step is to change how we purchase our drugs. Currently, deals with pharmaceutical companies are made at the provincial level, which results in varying coverage and drug prices. Globe and Mail columnist André Picard noted that the same out-of-hospital drug cancer treatment will cost you nothing in Nunavut, $3,000 in B.C. and $20,000 in PEI.
It’s unlikely to imagine that a tiny province of less than 150,000 people can ever negotiate with pharmaceutical giants for deals on drugs. Deals made by private insurance companies only further fragment and undermine our nation’s drug plans. To solve this Pharmacare advocate Adrienne Silnicki, national coordinator for the Canadian Health Coalition (CHC), says we need to buy as one country. Only then will we obtain the bargaining power needed to repeatedly reduce drug prices. “[Pharmaceuticals] want access to the full market, so if we were to negotiate as one country right away that would give us instant savings,” said Silnicki. Another requirement and by-product of such an initiative is an independent drug testing agency. Pharmaceutical companies currently pay Health Canada half the total cost for the drug approval process, resulting in approving drugs too quickly without adequate testing procedures for safety and cost-effectiveness. The possibility for bias is quite obvious. Furthermore, the threshold for approval is so low that a new drug only has to be better than a placebo to be introduced into the market, not necessarily better than an existing drug. With an independent testing and approval board, the country can avoid buying newer, more expensive patented drugs that offer questionable advantage over the existing selection. 27 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
Religious Communities >> from page 26
National Pharmacare >> from page 27
practices. It is a form of scientific illiteracy, a failure to carefully observe and understand what is present and obvious alongside a deeper curiosity about what gives rise to dynamics like civic engagement, deeper citizenship, social cohesion and our search for meaning.
While some will argue for a “some drugs” initial approach to national Pharmacare, this too will get in the way of reducing drug prices. Pharmaceutical companies offering discounted prices on a set drug list allows them to raise the price of the excluded drugs to compensate for the dip in profit.
There is increasing consensus on social isolation as a public health concern, the needs of an aging population, and the hard work of enabling new Canadians to engage fully with our communities. These few examples represent great challenges but religious communities are, quite simply, integral to that mix. In a time when social stresses are increasing, alongside relational scarcity, the types of social contexts that generate common good resources, including religious communities, might be worth our respectful and ongoing, attention n Milton Friesen – Social Cities Program Director for think tank Cardus
This cost-shifting practice can be avoided with a full commitment to introducing Pharmacare. “When we talk about a national public drug plan we talk about a full, comprehensive, universal plan like our public healthcare system: it includes everybody, it’s without co-pays, ensures that everyone can access the medication they need,” said Silnicki. The last hurdle lies here in Ottawa. The initiatives undertaken by premiers and their respective provinces towards building a common drug list hasn’t been
pharmacare series by Steve Morgan
met by leadership and political power on behalf the federal government. Despite the aforementioned benefits of a national public drug plan, the Hill’s dedication to a cost-neutral program prevents the necessary start-up cost to implement this update to our public healthcare plan. Standing up to pharmaceutical giants and braving the initial cost certainly won’t be done overnight, but it’s about time we look further down the road and see the bigger picture. “There definitely needs to be conversations across the scope to make sure we have a system that works for everyone, but we also need to recognize that there will be a loss of profit for some individuals. And that’s ok if it means everybody can access the medications that they need,” Silnicki concluded n
Four Reasons Canada Needs Universal Pharmacare And What Canadians Can do to Make it Happen ntario has just announced it O will offer a publicly funded pharmacare system for children and youth. This is a small, symbolic step in the right direction. Why just a small step? Because Ontario is adding universal, comprehensive pharmacare coverage to the age group that uses medicines least often. Many working-age Ontarians, who are far more likely to require medicines than children, will still be uninsured. Why symbolic? Ontario’s new pharmacare program signals that government is taking responsibility for this component of health care. Several national commissions on Canada’s health care system have recommended adding prescription drugs to our publicly funded universal medicare system. No federal government has ever acted on those recommendations. Not yet, anyhow. By creating ‘pharmacare-junior,’ Ontario is in essence calling on the federal government to help finish the job and create a pharmacare program for all Canadians of all ages. Here are four reasons why Canada needs a universal, public pharmacare program - and what Canadians can do to make it happen now.
Connection. An active lifestyle. Balance. It starts here, with you, at the Y.
Join today! ymcaywca.ca 28 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
1) Access to essential medicines is a human right
The most important reason for universal pharmacare in Canada is that access to essential medicines is actually a human right according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO recommends that countries protect that right in law and with pharmaceutical policies that work in conjunction with their broader systems of universal health coverage.
Consistent with this, every other highincome country with a universal health care system provides universal coverage of prescription drugs It is time Canada did the same. 2) It would save lives
Canada’s patchwork of private and public drug plans leaves millions of Canadians without coverage. As a result, Canadians are three to five times more likely to skip prescriptions because of cost than are residents of comparable countries with universal pharmacare programs. A 2012 study estimated that inequities in drug coverage for working-age Ontarians with diabetes were associated with 5,000 deaths between 2002 and 2008. Nationally, this human toll would be far greater. 3) It would save billions of dollars every year
Canadians spend 50 percent more per capita on pharmaceuticals than residents of the United Kingdom, Sweden, New Zealand and several other countries with universal pharmacare programs. This amounts to spending $12 billion more each year and still not having pharmacare. Why? Because the universal pharmacare programs in other countries use their purchasing power to obtain better drug prices than our fractured system. Among many examples of such price differences, a year’s supply of atorvastatin, a widely used cholesterol drug, costs about $143 in Canada but only $27 in the United Kingdom and Sweden, and under $15 in New Zealand. 4) It would help Canadian businesses
The rising cost of pharmaceuticals
is a growing burden on Canadian businesses. Part of the problem is that Canadian employers waste between $3 billion and $5 billion per year because employment-related private insurance is ill equipped to manage pharmaceutical costs effectively. Another problem is that the number of prescription drugs costing more than $10,000 per year has grown almost 10fold in the past decade. Because such costs can quickly render a work-related health plan unsustainable — particularly for small businesses — it is best to manage them at a provinceor nation-wide basis. In essence, it will not happen unless citizens speak up. Billions of dollars in savings to Canadian taxpayers, employers and households equals billions of dollars of lost revenues to pharmaceutical industry stakeholders. Those stakeholders will not likely make it easy for government to implement universal pharmacare, no matter the benefit to Canadians and the broader economy. To make pharmacare a reality for Canada, citizens need to get informed and involved. If they support the idea of universal, public pharmacare, they need to let others, particularly elected officials and political candidates, know they care and that they will support a government that takes action. There is a parliamentary e-petition circulating right now in the hope of doing just that. Without such a groundswell of public engagement, it is unlikely that the federal government will implement a universal pharmacare program any time soon n 29 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
canada-china friendship series by Dan Donovan
travel by Dan Donovan
A Hopeful Approach From China Versus the ‘Up Yours’ American Approach
hinese President Xi Jinping’s C speech at the 19th CPC National Congress in October was startling in
one respect. He presented the idea of building a community of a shared future for mankind. It was a heartening and hopeful narrative coming from the leader of a great superpower and leader of the world’s most populous and transformative nation. You would not expect to hear such lofty and conciliatory proclamations from the ugly presidency of Donald Trump. Trump’s “Make America Great Again” shtick is playing out in the NAFTA negotiations where his strategy seems to be to do everything possible to offend and insult Canada and Mexico. Seemingly it looks like Trump is attempting to force us to just walk away from a deal that has provided the largest ever increase in economic for all three countries. This ugly American period will eventually pass. We are certainly not going to let the bully beat us down. Canada is already looking at other global trade partners and, make no mistake about it, China is key. China is like no other nation today when it comes to setting big goals and achieving greatness. Its per-capita income increased five-fold between 1990 and 2000, from $200 Cdn. to $1,000. Between 2000 and 2010, percapita income also rose, from $1,000 to $5,000, moving China into the ranks of middle-income countries.
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This achievement was delivered by a combination of a rapidly expanding labour market, driven by a protracted period of economic growth, and a series of government transfers including an urban subsidy, and the introduction of a rural pension. President Xi Jinping and his predecessors have been the architects of this incredible growth. However, there have been stresses.
WHILE THE CHINESE QUIETLY AND EFFICIENTLY DEVELOP GLOBAL TRADE INITIATIVES . . . AND PARTNER AND INVEST IN COUNTRIES AND BUSINESSES AROUND THE WORLD, AMERICA CONTINUES TO INSULT ITS FRIENDS, LIKE CANADA, AND ACT LIKE A BULL IN A CHINA SHOP.
In his speech to congress, Xi spoke of finding permanent solutions to address the social tensions and negative factors that are by-products of China’s growing economy. He proposed a plan to address inequality in society, combat pollution and inadequate access to housing, health care, education and schools. Jinping spoke of his plans to develop China into “a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful” by the mid-21st century. He said that “the modernization that China is pursuing
must be guided by a harmonious coexistence between man and nature,” and that “in addition to creating more material and cultural wealth to meet people’s ever-increasing needs for a better life, we need also to provide more quality ecological goods to meet people’s ever-growing demands for a beautiful environment.” If the Chinese can achieve the required protection of ecosystems, and reform the business and industrial sector to ensure a strict environmental regulation system and establish regulatory agencies that monitor and protect the environment, while remediating and repairing their damaged environment, it can have a greater impact on climate change than the Paris Accords or any international environment agreement. Xi also spoke of the need for China to take a more active role in international affairs. While the Chinese quietly and efficiently develop global trade initiatives, including the Belt and Road program, and partner and invest in countries and businesses around the world, America continues to insult its friends, like Canada, and act like a bull in a China shop. The Chinese approach to global affairs – envisioned by President Xi Jinping – is deeply rooted in the lessons learned from China’s history and culture. China’s approach to Canada is based on respect and what China’s ambassador to Canada, Lu Shaye refer to as a winwin plan for both countries. Contrast that with President Trump’s approach and tell me who you think is winning n ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK
GLORIOUS ISTANBUL ISTANBUL: The grandest of European cities that serves as the cultural and spiritual meeting point where Europe meets Asia. Separated in the middle by the Bosphorus Sea, which is the geographic border between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a thriving, lively, vibrant and affluent port city that is a traveler’s dream.
Most Istanbulites commute from “Europe to Asia” on one of the dozen public ferries that continuously crisscross the Bosphorus. The congestion fee, 20-minute ride is a great way to relax and get a sense of the daily routine of the locals. It also provides some of the best views of Istanbul’s historical monuments. One of my most wonderful memories of Istanbul was being on the upper deck of a public ferry early one evening enjoying a glass of hot Turkish tea. There are three Bosporus bridges connecting various parts of Istanbul and it’s common to see dozens of men casting rods from up high. (The locals joke that these fishers are probably divorced and have nothing better to do!) Istanbul has dozens of different neighbourhoods. I spent one half day
walking around an older part of Istanbul called Çukurcuma. It’s a small district in the Beyoglu area; famous for its antique shops and artifacts. I also toured through Pera, the cosmopolitan district with its shops, ancient bazaars, mosques, and cathedrals. Pera’s multicultural makeup features a convergence of beautiful neo-classical, neo-renaissance and first-republic buildings and is home to the Galata Mevlevihanesi (whirling dervishes) and the nine-story medieval stone Galata Tower that soars over the Istanbul skyline. Once called the Tower of Christ, it was the tallest building in Istanbul when it was built in 1348 and remains popular today. You can walk through the neighbourhood that features the site of the famous Hippodrome, where chariot races and athletic events took during the Roman period. Begun in 203 AD, it was continually enlarged until it could seat 100,000. Today, only remnants remain but you get a strong sense of its historic importance by visiting.
The Hagia Sophia is one of the world’s great tourist sites and is famous for its mosaics depicting various religious scenes. Built in 537 as a Greek Eastern Orthodox basilica and home to the Patriarch of Constantinople, it became a Roman Catholic Church in the 12th century and was the largest cathedral in the world. It became a mosque under Ottoman rule in 1453, and remained so until 1931, when it was closed. It 1935, it was reopened under Atatürk as a museum. Its Byzantine architecture served as the inspiration for other mosques, including the Blue Mosque. Be sure to visit The Blue Mosque. Built in the early 17th century by Sultan Ahmet. Its name is coined from the blue tiles on the dome and the upper levels of the interior. It remains an active mosque but is closed to sightseers during the five daily prayer times for Muslims. Its priceless treasures include 200 intricately designed stained glass windows and 20,000 ceramic tiles in various tulip designs. A visit to the Basilica Cistern is a must. Literally underneath the city, you walk through the water system that has been providing Istanbul residents with water since the sixth century.The technology used by the ancient Romans to build this architectural wonder was very advanced for its day and was improved upon over the centuries. The cistern is metres away from the famous Blue Mosque and can hold up to 2.8-million cubic feet of water. In recent times, it 31 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
is known as one of the locations used during the filming of From Russia with Love, the 1963 James Bond thriller. The Dolmabahce Palace, built along the Bosphorus coastline, is often compared to the Palace of Versailles. Built by a Sultan in the 19th-century using 14 tons of gold leaf, Turkey’s most glamorous palace blends traditional Ottoman architecture with the European styles of Neoclassical, Baroque and Rococo. It was the home to six Sultans from 1856 to 1924; it also is home to the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria. The Suleymaniye Mosque was built in 1550 by the Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. It is a glorious structure that blends the best of Islamic and Byzantine architecture. It was extensively damaged over the years, including being partially burned down during World War I, but was restored in the mid-20th century. The Topkapi Palace sits atop a hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. This must see attraction combines history and stunning scenery. It is surrounded by five kilometers of stone wall with 27 towers. It was once an official royal residence of the Ottoman Empire sultans and seat of Turkish government. Today, it is the largest and oldest palace museum in the world. You can visit the harem’s quarters, rooms where the government worked, a weapons room used by the sultans, the palace kitchens with their huge porcelain collection, and the treasury with its collection of jewels and clocks. The Istanbul Archaeological Museum, founded in 1891, combines three museums into one: the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Orient Museum and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. Together, they hold than 1-million objects from civilizations around the world, including the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. The Constantine
Topkapi Palace
era Chora Church, also referred to as the Church of the Holy Savior is known for its exceptional Byzantine art, which includes mosaics and frescoes that depict the life of Jesus and Mary. During the Ottoman reign, it became a mosque, and in 1948, it was converted to a museum. The Istanbul Modern Museum is worth a visit. It is the first private museum to organize modern and contemporary art exhibitions in Turkey. It occupies a large site on the shores of the Bosphorus. The 15th Istanbul Biennial “a good neighbour” brings together artworks by 56 artists from 32 countries, all addressing different notions of home, belonging and neighborhood. Located in the Karakoy district, Galeri Nev Istanbul features Turkish contemporary artists and is worth visiting. One of my favourite places in all of Turkey is the five-thousand shop Grand Bazaar which dates back to 1461 and continues to retain its title as the largest indoor marketplace in the world. You’ll need several hours to make your way through this incredibly vibrant and lively place where Turkish traditions, food, drink, culture, music, history, spices and people all seem to collide into one great experience. The shopkeepers are friendly and will negotiate prices, within reason. The bazaar is home to two mosques, four fountains, two steam baths, and the Cevahir Bedesten, (jewelry market) Kempinski Hotel
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gastronomic experience at Tugra will have you trying once-in-a-lifetime culinary delights at one of Istanbul’s finest dining establishments.
which is the oldest part of the Grand Bazaar. Make sure to also visit the Istanbul Spice Bazaar in the Eminönü quarter of the Fatih district. If you’re a chef or a foodie, you may never want to leave. It features more exotic spices than anyplace in the world. Stop and have some Turkish tea in one of the shops. Accommodation and Food
If you want to feel a little bit like what is what like to live as a sultan in Turkey than you have to stay at the Çıragan Palace Kempinski Hotel. As one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe, it is the only Ottoman Imperial Palace and Hotel on the Bosphorus and the only hotel in Istanbul accessible by car, yacht, and helicopter. You’ll feel like a Sultan staying in this hotel with its centuryold marble columns spa facilities, and its heated infinity outdoor pool, that sits right next to the Bosphorus. The hotel has 282 rooms and 20 suites in the main hotel section and 11 suites in the imperial palace section. Tugra Restaurant is located on the first floor of the historical Çıragan Palace and serves exceptional Ottoman and Turkish fine dining with a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. The word ‘Tugra’ describes the Ottoman sultans’ calligraphic signature, used like a letterhead or imperial seal, and the restaurant has specially designed plates incorporating this elegant motif. The executive chef, Sezai Erdogan, has taken inspiration for his menu from recipes recorded in the archives of historic sites such as the Topkapı Palace. His coconut kadayıf, is a popular dessert that was first served to foreign palace visitors in the 1890s, and his akıtma sakız böregi, is inspired by the thin pastry that Turkmen women roll with dexterity in their homes. The
Another great option is the Fairmont Istanbul located in the Sisli, a lively neighbourhood with great shops, good food outlets close to the Taksim area. This newly-opened property features high-end, contemporary interior design, large rooms, and spa services. The hotel’s Aila Restaurant offers authentic Turkish cuisine from all over Anatolia, combining seasonality and the best of locally-sourced ingredients, authentic mezze and ocakbaşı and includes selections from the traditional Turkish grill that will expand your culinary horizons — all served in a chic ambiance. Nar Lokanta is one of Istanbul’s hidden gems. Located at the Nuriosmaniye gate by the Grand Bazaar, it is on the 5th floor of a high-end carpet and textile store. The menu is an offering of Turkish classical tastes from grills to comfort food. It’s contemporary, open and has a nice view and is popular with the locals. You can also buy some interesting local spices and oils here. Make sure you stop for lunch, dinner or drinks at Pera Palace Hotel. This historic Museum-hotel has hosted guests that include Agatha Christie. Kemal Ataturk, stayed here for the first time in 1917 and Room 101 is now the Ataturk Museum Room. It is painted in ‘sunset pink’, his favourite color, and is full of his possessions. Capricorn Restaurant on the Bosporus is one of Istanbul’s most popular restaurants for good reason: Their Mediterranean-inspired seafood restaurant has exceptional food, wines and service and the patio is next to the Bosphorous. Fresh catch of the day is the way to go here. After spending four days in Istanbul, I realized not how much I saw (and absolutely loved) but how much I missed. I’m already planning my trip back.You should too! n goturkeytourism.com
MODERN TURKEY: A BRIEF HISTORY Turkey is one of the great countries of Europe, a geographical and cultural crossroads where European tradition meets and seamlessly merges with Asian culture to create a unique, vibrant colourful, charismatic, contradictory, marvelous and magnificent place like no other. Today, there are over 80 million Turkish people. The country is democratic and secular, with a majority Muslim population that embrace their role as the meeting point between the great western and eastern, civilizations. Turks are a reserved, gracious, generous and friendly people with hearty laughs and a gentile demeanour. A common theme is their love, continuing admiration, and respect for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a war hero who had led the Turkish victory at the Battle of Gallipoli and the founder of the modern Turkish Republic. Atatürk’s photo is proudly posted by citizens everywhere. He is revered in Turkey much like Roosevelt, Kennedy and Reagan are in the United States, Winston Churchill is in Britain, or Pierre Trudeau in Canada. Atatürk is seen as above politics and his principles are still the true values of the nation. To that end, the majority of Turks whom I met on my travels believe that by continuing to follow Ataturk’s principles, Turkey’s future will be bright and assured. Prior to 1922, Turkey was the centre of the Ottoman Empire: a multinational, multilingual empire controlling most of Southeast Europe, parts of Central Europe, Western Asia, parts of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa. At the beginning of the 17th century, the empire contained 32 provinces and numerous vassal states. Over time, many of these were later absorbed into the Ottoman Empire, while others were granted various types of autonomy. Constantinople was the home to the Sultans and one the grandest capital cities in the world. After World War 1, Atatürk led a popular uprising and revolution that ended the reign of Sultans and closed the chapter on Ottoman Empire. Atatürk became the first president of a new Turkish Republic and from 1923 until his death in 1938, he initiated a rigorous program of political, economic, and cultural reforms that brought Turkey into the modern age. His reforms remain the underpinnings and basis for the modern and secular Turkish state of today. Ideologically, Atatürk was a secularist and nationalist and his policies and theories were called Kemalism. Has reforms include naming Ankara as the new capital, making primary education free and compulsory, and opening thousands of new schools all over the country. Turkish women received equal civil and political rights under his presidency, ahead of many Western countries. Atatürk actively encouraged non-Turkish minorities to speak Turkish instead of their own languages. Native non-Turkish names of places were abolished and changed into Turkish, including changing the name of Constantinople to Istanbul, and the last names of non-Turkish minorities were changed to Turkish renditions. The Turkish Parliament granted him the surname Atatürk in 1934, which means “Father of the Turks”, in recognition of the esteem he was held in by the people. He died on November 10, 1938 at the rage of 57 of cirrhosis of the liver n 33 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
travel by Dan Donovan
that exceeds the economic and experiential impact that Hudson's had on the city in its heyday. The city believes the project will put Detroit back on the national, and even global, map for world-class architecture, talent attraction, technology innovation and job creation.
Detroit Is Back etroit’s regeneration follows a D major economic and demographic decline in recent decades - caused by the departure of automobile production.
The once famed Motor City, birthplace to Motown and capital of the Art Deco phenomena fell upon hard times in the 1990s and early 2000s, at one point even declaring bankruptcy. But you can’t keep a good city down. The people of Detroit have proven, once again, that they are America’s most industrious, innovative and passionate folks when it comes to love for their city. On a new footing, Detroit is now on a roll. Detroit makes you feel as though you are in a great historic city. And you are. Much of Detroit is defined by the Art Deco movement that swept across America in the 1920s and ’30s. The city’s skyline features the best of that style and period. The buildings
uu
Bigtime!
PHOTO: VITO PALMISANO
are awe-inspiring; as part of the city’s rejuvenation most of them have been lovingly restored to their original state but with modern amenities. One of those restored buildings is the Aloft Hotel, located in Detroit’s historic David Whitney Building. With its four-storey, marble lobby, the hotel is like no other in the city. The building’s original detailing remains intact and is beautifully contrasted with the modern décor of the rooms. My room overlooked Comerica Park, home to Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers. It opened in 2000 as part of a downtown revitalization plan that included the construction of Ford Field, adjacent to the park. The design is modern and yet you feel like you are in a 1950s setting, close to the players and the field. It could be all the brickwork or the lights and airy stadium but there is a magic and nostalgia to the place. It certainly is a contrast to the cavernous, impersonal Rogers Stadium in Toronto, home to Canada’s famous Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays could learn something from Detroit about how to build a fanfriendly ball park. Many of Detroit’s magnificent Art Deco buildings are within walking distance of one another.
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Besides the awe-inspiring beauty of the city’s architecture, Detroit offers so much to see and do including parks, restaurants, sports, art, culture and museums.
It was an easy walk from our hotel on Woodward Avenue to three of the best. Closest to the river and perhaps the most iconic is the Guardian Building at 500 Griswold Street. It was completed in 1929 and was originally named the Union Trust Building. Designed by Wirt C. Rowland of the firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, its exterior features ornate limestone and terra cotta. Be sure to go inside to see the stunningly decorated three-story vaulted lobby. As we walked along marvelling at these wondrous buildings, the cafes, restaurants and shops were busy with customers in their mid-morning stride, as a new streetcar whizzes by. This is a city looking forward while embracing the best of its past. Nothing says that more than the recently approved plan to replace the historic Hudson’s department store in the heart of downtown. The store closed in 1983, and the building was eventually demolished. Since then, the lot has stood vacant. A new building will begin construction this December and will become Detroit’s tallest building. The goal is to create a development PHOTO: COURTESY VISIT DETROIT
This city is at the forefront of the innovation that is driving the U.S. economy in the 21st century. Don’t take my word for it, visit Detroit. When you do, here are a few gems to take in:
DETROIT DENIM JEANS u u So there was this guy named Eric Yelsma’s who had a dream to make something great. He thought, “good enough is not enough."That’s why his jeans are like no other. Detroit Denim jeans are the culmination of uncompromised quality. I have always been fond of Levi 501’s. However, Yelsma convinced me that I was wrong and that his jeans are the best quality jean in the world. I am not kidding you when I say that they absolutely are the best and most comfortable, durable jeans you will ever wear.
WRIGHT AND CO u u A cool vibe with a lively environment, this restaurant is on the second floor of a beautifully renovated building downtown (on Woodward just a block from Comerica Park). They don't take reservations but you can go to the bar and hang out while having some great craft cocktails served by a professional and friendly staff. The menu of small tapas type plates offers tasty fare. I loved the delicious gnocchi and the flavourful pork. The food, service, and location were top drawer.
HENRY FORD MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INNOVATION u u This is very well the most popular tourist destination for those visiting Dearborn, Mich. Inside the museum one is immersed in a history of American innovation as the museum’s collection of artifacts and exhibits showcase innovation from railroad and auto to aviation and agriculture. It’s a trip through 19th-century America that reminds us where the term “The Greatest Generation” came from. One of the more commanding exhibits is the limo that John Kennedy was driving in when he was assassinated. The limo appears so much smaller than expected. I had no idea it was refurbished and put back into service after Kennedy’s shooting. There are all kinds of tidbits and trivia at this wonderful spot.
u u THIRD MAN RECORDS opened a state-of-the-art vinyl production facility in the heart of Detroit’s historic Cass Corridor neighbourhood in Feb. 2017. This meticulously designed boutique vinyl record production facility features a unique customer experience and provides guided tours featuring the history of vinyl records, the beauty of record sounds and production and the continuing importance and place of vinyl records when it comes to recorded music. The plant was engineered to be environmentally sustainable and its innovative noise reduction construction also makes it community sensitive. Third Man Records brings classic vinyl music back to the future in a city rich in musical talent and with a storied musical history.
HEIDELBERG PROJECT u u In the heart of Detroit’s urban area lies an outdoor art environment that is redefining run-down neighbourhoods. With a unique sense of creativity, The Heidelberg Project artist, Tyree Guyton, has transformed his neighbourhood into an outdoor art gallery. His work represents both the decline of old Detroit and the promise of the renewed and reframed 21st century Detroit.
u u SHINOLA LLC is an American luxury lifestyle brand which specializes in watches, bicycles, and leather goods. Founded in 2011, its name is a nod to the former Shinola shoe polish company that operated in the early and mid-20th century. Shinola prides itself most in providing American jobs. The Detroit watch factory embodies the Motor City narrative of innovation. Shinola made a conscious decision to set up a watch factory in Detroit in the historic (and recently renovated) Argonaut Building. Most of the workers assembling watches are local Detroiters, and many of them come from the auto business. Currently, the factory has the capacity to produce 500,000 watches a year and has grown to employ more than 400 people.
FORD’S RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTER u u While visiting this center, I learned that Ford was the first automaker to pilot the Stratasys Infinite Build 3D Printer. This technology is capable of printing automotive parts and is considered to be a breakthrough in automotive manufacturing. This is one of dozens of Ford innovation projects that are revolutionizing transportation in the 21st century. Ford has doubled down on its famous HQ in Michigan and is currently building a new global 21st Century Ford Innovation Centre in Dearborn. 35 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
Do yu ti n g . . .
at Meliá Braco Village in Jamaica
f you are looking to escape the Irejuvenated, doldrums of winter and get head to Jamaica. travel by Dan Donovan
A predominantly English-Caribbean speaking country with a strong multicultural influence — the Taíno Indians, the Spanish colonizers, the English evangelizers, the black Africans and some communities of Hindu — Jamaica is also a major regional tourist center with a rich culture, incredible food and exceptional music. The country has a healthy sugar production and bauxite extraction businesses. Jamaica also attracts people the world over to get a taste of reggae — that was created in the image of Bob Marley who made the island famous worldwide with his Rasta culture and reggae sounds.
36 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
experience imaginable. You’ll enjoy luxury resort accommodations, perfect for couples and families who want to decompress on the beach or hang out at the pool. For the more adventurous, Braco Village has many recreational offerings including biking, hiking, water sports and fishing. There is a kids club for fun and the YHI Spa and Wellness Center is worth at least two visits if you are there for a week. The new on-site adventure club features zip-lining and an impressive 35-feet rock wall if you feel like climbing.
Dunn’s River Falls is unique because it continuously regenerates itself from deposits of travertine rock, the result of precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it flows over the falls. The small dome-shaped cataracts are usually associated with thermal spring activity found in limestone caves. This, combined with its location near the sea, make it a one of a kind. The Spaniards called the area “Las Chorreras” and these waterfalls are worth visiting. It is frequently featured in tourist advertisements that promote Jamaica. The most popular activity is climbing up the falls and then hanging out in one of the several lagoons or pools along the way.
Nikkei Restaurant serves a fusion of Peruvian and Asian cuisine with Teppanyaki, showing cooking tables and à la carte service. Braco Village has several bars that serve fabulous cocktails including a swim-up pool bar. The Shaker bar is really more of a dance club featuring selected music by a local Deejay. The Jigger Bar serves cocktails and coffees until it morphs into a piano speakeasy at night.
James Bond movie fans will recognize Dunn’s River Falls from the movie Dr. No and the well-known scene of Ursula Andress walking out on Jamaica’s famous Dunn’s River beach.
During the day, it is a postcardperfect setting with the beach and the glowing turquoise waters right in front of you. Sitting there, a cold beer seems so much colder and never tasted so good.
Meliá Braco Village has five à la carte restaurants and an international buffet. The food is fabulous, featuring local cuisine and seafood, and I became a huge fan of the barbecued jerk-chicken and pork served up daily by a local Jamaican chef, along with a variety of fresh fruit and beverages. A favourite discovery was Ackee, Jamaica's national fruit which looks and tastes a lot like scrambled eggs. It’s a buttery, nutty, and delicious vegetable that goes well with salt fish or as a great replacement for eggs at breakfast.
Fly Air Transat to Montego Bay, then take the 45-minute ride to Meliá Braco Village.
We headed to Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica's national treasures and it was a hoot.
Located at Trelawny, this is an allinclusive and comfortable resort that offers the best Jamaican private beach
This popular spot is close to Ocho Rios, one of Jamaica’s fastest growing resort centres.
For authentic Jamaican food, saunter into O’Grille, which prepares traditional Jamaican Caribbean grilled
PHOTOS: DAVID MASSEY
I enjoyed a fun evening at Rasta Pasta, a restaurant that features Italian cuisine splendidly mixed with a Jamaican twist.
We spent about three hours doing this and it was certainly a highlight of the entire trip.
Braco has a traditional and elegant steakhouse called 876 with a design that features crystal chandeliers and mirrored walls. It serves the finest certified Angus Beef, as well as a selection of classic steakhouse staples made with local ingredients.
Guests can book off-resort half-day or full-day trips.
dishes during the day and à la carte Caribbean fine dining service in the evenings.
Meliá Braco Village has different room options available, depending on your party's size and expectations.
All rooms are replenished each day with beer, soft drinks, water and juices. There is satellite television and Wi-Fi which helped me keep in touch with the outside world, when I felt the need. Meliá Braco Village is a picturesque destination for weddings, parties or special events. The resort offers a multitude of romance experiences for guests. Two gazebos — one overlooking the ocean and one in the property’s lush garden area — are the perfect setting for couples to exchange their vows, along with a variety of indoor options as well. For the business traveler, Meliá Braco Village offers a business centre, Wi-Fi in public spaces, and two designated rooms for meetings and events with capacity for up to 100 people. The hotel’s two intimate meeting venues are perfect for small to mediumsize groups, and there is a variety of outdoor and indoor public spaces for all types of events and special occasions n For more information about Melia Hotels & Resorts’ romance offerings, visit www.romancebymelia.com.
I stayed at a secluded area of the resort in a premium oceanfront room with a stunning picturesque view of the turquoise Caribbean waters. The Level Oceanfront category guests stay in a second or third-floor suite with preferential services, amenities and splendid views of the ocean. These suites have separate living areas, a pull-out sofa to accommodate up to two additional guests and a dining or work space. There are also colonial style villas available featuring Jamaicanstyle exteriors with contemporary and modern interiors.
DUNN'S RIVER FALLS
They include deluxe rooms with stunning views, magnificent wooden floors and beautiful gardens. The Premium Garden-view rooms boast balconies with a great view of the beach. 37 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
travel by Jennifer Hartley
greatest names in American sculpture, past and present adorn the site. For a completely different outdoor experience, take a two- or four-hour birding and fishing tour on one of the many creeks and marshes waiting to be discovered. Enjoy the Cypress Swamp Tour on Waccamaw River and gaze at beautifully haunting cypress trees with spanish moss.
DESPERATELY SEEKING STEWART IN
L
Magnificent Myrtle Beach
ife and travel with a special-needs kid can take you on journeys you never
imagined. Motivated by a visit to an alligator sanctuary, we hopped in the car and road tripped the 1,600 kilometres to Myrtle Beach to visit Stewart, an alligator who used to be at Little Ray’s Reptiles in Ottawa. It was an incredible adventure from beginning to end.
Wonderworks
Brookgreen Gardens
The Myrtle Beach area, called the “seaside golf capital of the world” is home to more than 100 golf courses and 35 miniature golf courses all themed (pirates, dinosaurs, Hawaiian, dragons). The weather is perfect with a mild annual average temperature of 74 F with an average of 215 sunny days each year. However, there is a lot more to Myrtle Beach than golf and good weather. Referred to as the Grand Strand which stretches from Little River to Pawleys Island, comprising 12 distinct cities along the South Carolina coast, Myrtle Beach is home to 100 kilometres of sandy beaches, an assortment of entertainment and family attractions and southern hospitality. The area is the quintessential vacation experience. First, the beach.
PHOTO: JOE CARR PHOTOGRAPHY
It’s a stunning, long, relaxing view filled with sunrises and sunsets that will instantly melt your stress away.
PHOTO: RACHEL AMMON
PHOTO: RACHEL AMMON
Parks and everywhere.
public
gardens
are
Huntington State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park, in particular, make great locations for nature walks with paths and boardwalks. Myrtle Beach State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation. The CCC was instrumental in the development of many of South Carolina’s state parks. A number of buildings built by the CCC in the 1930s are still in use at this park. Brookgreen Gardens contains the most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture in the country. Everything here is stunning and the gardens are astounding with 300-year old oak trees and flowers of every colour. Brookgreen Gardens was created in the early 1930s on the site of four former rice plantations. More than 900 works (550 currently displayed) by 300 of the
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a touristy place, full of shops, restaurants and even a small amusement park packed with trinket shops and souvenir shops if that type of experience grabs you. About 20 minutes in North Myrtle Beach is Alligator Adventure. Beyond the fact that Stewart and Chase — two alligators from Ottawa’s Little Ray’s Reptiles — are there, Alligator Adventure is a fascinating visit. There are live reptile shows with alligators and caiman everywhere. Some of the reptiles are deformed from accidents and others are rescues. There are snakes, hyenas, lemurs, squirrel monkeys, tortoises, turtles and even Utan — one of the largest crocodiles around. The staff is phenomenal. Their love of the animals is palpable and my son was happy with Stewart’s new home and relieved to see it was more of a sanctuary. As you tour the place, keep an eye out for alligators with a yellow rim around their faces. Those are the Canadian alligators that migrated south. The yellow is caused by the lack of sun up north and fades as they get used to their new environment. PHOTO: RACHEL AMMON
Hopsewee Plantation
Medieval Times
PHOTO: COLLEEN BALZOTTI
A ticket to Alligator Adventures gets you entrance to Duplin Winery next door. It is the largest winery in the South, producing 1.4 million gallons of its award-winning sweet wines. As anyone travelling with kids knows, you are not going to have quiet relaxing dinners savouring the delightful tastes of a four-course gourmet meal. Wherever you grab a bite to eat, the seafood is incredibly fresh as it only can be in a coastal area. Historically, South Carolina was one of the original 13 states of the United States. Georgetown, the third oldest city in South Carolina, was founded in the 16th century and it is a quaint town with loads of history. If you like good ghost story . . . ask the locals. Nearby is the Hopsewee Plantation and it is definitely worth a visit. Next to the beaches and parks, it was a highlight. Hopsewee is the birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., who signed the Declaration of Independence. The house, built between 1735 and 1740, is the original plantation house and has not been added to or changed significantly . . . although it is still lived in. It has an absolutely charming café with incredibly fresh food. There are countless opportunities to do things inside as well. Wonderworks is an entertainment centre based on science experiments. It is a lot of fun for kids and grown-ups. Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center has three attractions: the Wax Museum, Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors and this incredibly creepy attraction Outbreak-Dread the Undead which is reminiscent of the Brad Pitt
movie World War Z. Visit all three. Medieval Times is a family-friendly dinner attraction inspired by an 11thcentury feast and tournament. While I have driven past the Toronto location plenty, for some reason it took going to Myrtle Beach to try this amazing experience. Guests are served a four-course banquet and cheer for one of six knights competing in the joust as well as other fun tests of skill. Expect almost two hours of jousting, swordsmanship, thrilling hand-tohand combat, displays of extraordinary horsemanship and falconry as part of a story set in medieval Spain. It is a fun night and the kids, well, they will love not eating with cutlery! On the beach with views of the ocean and the sound of the surf to gently put you to sleep, you cannot go wrong with the Hampton Inn and Suites Myrtle Beach/Oceanfront. It has a fantastic, full hot breakfast and incredible pools (the ocean is pretty chilly). There is no better place for families. It is also in a great location, on South Ocean Boulevard. Myrtle Beach is an intensely Canadianfriendly part of the U.S. Every March, a Canada-Myrtle Beach Festival takes place with special celebrations and discounts for us northern folk. Wherever you go, you can’t help but be drawn in by the bounty of beauty that surrounds you, by the kindness of the people and of course by the Southern hospitality. Definitely add Myrtle Beach to your list of holiday destinations. When you are there, stop by Stewart and Chase at Alligator Adventure and say hi from their Ottawa friends n 39 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
travel by Karen Temple
Winter Park Resort
All Aboard!
Colorado’s Unpretentious Old Friend.
Leave the traffic behind and be whisked away to Colorado ski country on the Winter Park Express
of Denver’s Union Station Theis alobby hub of activity. Not an uncommon sight since this grand space is home to trendy cafés, restaurants and shops. But this is not the usual crowd of people who come to hang out at what has become known as Denver’s living room in the trendy LODO (lower downtown) part of town. It’s 6:30 a.m. and these folks, carrying skis and boot bags, are heading to the train platform to board the Winter Park Express. There’s a hip vibe here: Cars are pulling up out front; keys are being handed off for valet parking; people are stopping inside at the Acme Deli to pick up an egg sandwich on a freshly baked biscuit or popping in to PigTrain Coffee for a
freshly-brewed cup to go and greeting the many smiling, sign-bearing helpers who ensure that everyone makes it to the train on time. Beginning in the 1940s, the ski train was a weekend warrior that shuttled Denver kids of the Eskimo Ski Club to Winter Park for their weekly ski lesson. It was a symbiotic relationship that helped cement the sport of skiing and earned Winter Park the title of the oldest continually operational ski resort in the U.S. Eventually, buses replaced the train – but in celebration of Winter Park’s 75th anniversary the resort partnered with Amtrak to reinstate the ski train for one Saturday, in 2014.The response was so overwhelming that by 2016 the ski train was running regularly. It’s a winding two-hour climb up to Winter Park from downtown Denver. On the way, the train hits some 29 tunnels including the grand-daddy of them all: the Moffat Tunnel. It’s the highest and second longest railway tunnel in the U.S. If nostalgia isn’t your thing, take the train for the sheer beauty of the scenery. Our conductor Brad was almost giddy with pride as he shared local
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PHOTOS: KAREN TEMPLE
knowledge, pointed out wildlife and landmarks over the intercom. Exiting the Moffat tunnel, the train is literally at the base of Winter Park. A crew of yellow-jacketed, signholding helpers greet the train and direct disembarking passengers. They are kind and enthusiastic but are not really necessary; the hill is right there. If you tripped exiting the platform, you might fall into a lift line.
nly 66 miles from Denver,Winter O Park is a family-oriented hill that packs a lot of punch. The city owns the mountain but IntraWest manages the resort. Those familiar with other Intrawest resorts will notice similarities including the Cabriolet lift and the skating pond, the red courtesy wagons to haul your gear around. The resort offers seven “territories” and three peaks spread over 1,247 hectares of skiable terrain. There is something here for everyone.
Overnight visitors leave their luggage with the lodging staff right on the platform for forwarding to their rooms, and head straight to the lift lines. Now, that’s service!
Head to the Mary Jane for bumps that include a lot of tree options.
Round-trip day skiers can leave their street shoes and any extra gear on the train. Winter Park Express is a weekend-only service.
Those who fall in love can pick up a bumper sticker or shirts emblazoned with the territory’s tag line: No pain, No Jane.
Next time you are in Denver for a conference, plan to stay for an extra day or two of skiing.
If you like the steep stuff, head to the Cirque.
But buy your tickets online before you leave home. Even though it seats 500 passengers, the Amtrak/Winter Park Express is very popular — you don’t want to be disappointed n amtrak.com/winter-park-express-
The locals call it simply ‘The Jane’ and she will get your heart racing.
Get there with a lot of poling and skate-skiing or, for a few extra dollars, purchase a Cirque Sled add-on and
get pulled from the top of Panoramic Express by a snowmobile. Eagle Wind is one of my favourite territories. It’s quiet, steep, deep and thick with trees. Vasquez Ridge is another great place to head to get away from the weekend base traffic that is more intermediate friendly. There is also the Terrain Park with its 18-foot half pipe and more rails and features. Skiing in Colorado never disappoints. With an average of 300 sunny days a year, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have great skiing. For all those who think that March is too late to ski out west, think again. Colorado consistently get more snow in the month of March than any other time of the year. You’ll be blown away by all the adaptive skiers flying past on the slopes. Home to the National Sports Centre for the Disabled, you’ll see visuallyimpaired skiers with sighted guides, paraplegic seated mono-sled skiers and an assortment skiers using forearm crutches with skis on the end. What a wonderful sight. In addition to the lodges at the base of Mary Jane and Winter Park both peaks also have mountain-top lodges that are great places for groups to meet up for lunch. Sunspot offers both a tableservice restaurant with great views of
the valley and a cafeteria-style option. The Lunch Rock at the peak of Mary Jane is perpetually busy because the food is so darn good and the views are fantastic. Skiers are friendly folks who love to swap stories so don’t be shy, find an empty chair and join a table. At the end of the day, the Derailer bar at the base of Winter Park is a great place to relax and quench your thirst with one of Colorado’s many microbrewed beers. There are restaurants and food options in the village at the base of the hill or you can hop on the free shuttle service into the town of Fraser. If you plan to stay overnight, the resort has a host of options in the base village including the ski-in, ski-out Zepher Lodge. Whether you pop up from Denver for a day of skiing or you are in Colorado for an extended ski vacation, make Winter Park part of your Colorado ski country experience. New friends might be silver but old friends are gold n Winterparkresort.com coloradoski.com 41 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
Copper Mountain, Colorado 90-Minutes West of Denver, Copper Mountain is Calling orget that it’s easy to get to, the F super friendly locals or the low-key vibe tied to its mining history, 3oo
days of sunshine and 300 inches should be reason enough to head to Copper Mountain in Colorado ski country. No? How about free cat skiing? Well, not totally free.You have to have a lift ticket but unlike other resorts were you pay a premium for the privilege to ski the back bowls, at Copper it’s included in the price.
are no mountain-top lunch spots but the hill is a cinch to navigate so friends can easily meet up for lunch at one of the many restaurants in any of the three base villages. The suns out, Colorado’s famous champagne powder is beautiful, it’s mid-week and there are only a handful of riders all cutting fresh tracks in the new snow that fell over night.
You can take as many runs as you want but the kicker is that the cats only come out Friday to Sunday.
We hit Spaulding Bowl for some nice wide-open steep stuff above the tree line. The only thing better than the snow on this bluebird day is the view. Just beautiful.
When it comes to the lay of the land, Copper is a rare hill. Its three peaks are naturally divided by ability level. There
On the far east side, Too Much challenges us with its moguls the size of VW bugs. We rest our wobbly legs
PHOTOS:KAREN TEMPLE
Woodward at Copper Mountain
is a 19,000-square-foot cool, bounce, jump, flip and fly “barn” for the future Alex Bilodeau’s in the family. Year-round programs are run at the indoor space located in the village to teach boarders and skiers, both young and old, air awareness. Started in Pennsylvania in the 70s, Woodward now has world-class training facilities in five states. The guides are all young, keen and happy to see you improve. The ramps, bowls, trampolines and foam pits are great for developing skills, regardless your level of ability.
Ottawans live at 70 metres and the base of Copper Mountain is close to 3,000 metres above sea level. Drink lots of water, wear sunscreen and be aware of altitude sickness.
in the East Village and fuel up at JJ's Rocky Mountain Tavern on fantastic wood-fire pizza. The US Ski team heads to Copper Mountain in November to train but there’s no rush to get here, the snow lasts late into the season. Most locals turn to teeing off long before the snow is done for the season so the lift lines are generally light. We finish the day by hitting Union Peak leading to some challenging glade runs then a table at Jack & Jill in Center Village for some après beers.
New this year, Woodward is offering ski and snowboard lessons slope side. No terrain park ability is required; as long as you can link your turns and stop, you are a candidate for a Woodward lesson. Don't miss out . . . sign up before leaving home. campwoodward.com
All the lodging at Copper Mountain are in the three Villages close to the lifts, shops and restaurants. Center Village sports a good size ice outdoor ice rink while East Village is home to a tubing hill. We opted for a soak in the outdoor hot tub, a great dinner a C.B. Grill and an early turn in . . . Another great mountain day in Colorado n coloradoski.com coppercolorado.com
opinion by Patrick Gossage
THE NAC : CANADA’S STAGE,
Transformed
not often that the head of a major Itot’scultural organization has been able thank both the Harper and Trudeau
governments for major investments in their organizations. But on July 1, 2017, at the lavish opening of the revitalized and expanded National Arts Centre, the Centre’s Peter Herrndorf did just that with Prince Charles and the governor general in attendance. In a rare show of solidarity on the importance of the Elgin Street icon in the capital’s and Canada’s life, John Baird, the NCC minister under Prime Minister Harper announced in 2014 a $110.5 million grant for NAC revitalization, and in the 2016 Liberal budget a further $114.9 million was announced for production and performance hall upgrades. Herrndorf, who in September announced his departure as president and CEO of the NAC after 18 years at its helm, is typically modest about his role in pulling off the major transformation of the facility. Although he was close with Baird and has great respect for Trudeau’s Minister of Culture Melanie Joly, he credits his staff and board members as the team which cultivated “champions at cabinet level and at Treasury Board” to get the successive grants - with the help of convincing renderings of the new NAC. Ottawa now has a true palace of culture on Elgin St. It was Lester B. Pearson’s dream to have a cultural centre in the capital to celebrate Canada’s centennial in 1967. 44 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
In his friend G. Hamilton Southam, an ex-diplomat and influential Ottawa resident, he found a willing and energetic patron. He became the NAC’s director general for the first 10 years of its existence and recruited Mario Bernardi as the NAC’s orchestra’s first conductor. The varied program of music, dance and theatre quickly became the principal performance attraction for Ottawa’s residents and visitors. It now boasts 1.2 million attendees annually, and as the venue for important national occasions has welcomed royalty, presidents and prime ministers. Interestingly, Southam’s influence lived on, as Herrndorf for the past 10 years has had regular lunches at which he said Southam often told “what I should be doing, and what I was not doing.” He was asked by the family to deliver the eulogy at Southam’s funeral in 2008. He was flattered to be considered “an honorary member of the family.” Southam would be pleased by the magnificent new hall which still bears his name. Herrndorf ’s gift for making and keeping friendships is legendary. You always get a personal Christmas card, and he keeps in touch. He is rumoured to have the largest rolodex (now contact list) in Canada. I worked with him at the national CBC Sunday TV program The Way It Is. We were both involved in the 80s with the Canadian Journalism Foundation. I worked with him as well on the illfated 1995 w on the CBC, NFB and Telefilm Canada.
opinion by Michael Coren
He was always calm, effective, organized and devoted completely to whatever he took on. For probably the most effective leader of a cultural organization in Canada he has a remarkably low profile. “I have very consciously felt I could be best kind of advocate by being understated, and let the eight to 10 senior people speak on behalf of the NAC,” he said. This characteristic, his ability to listen and delegate makes him the “dream boss," one of his senior staff told me. He is a huge fan of Ottawa even if he returned to his home and family in Toronto most weekends. “Ottawa has become a second home,” he told me lauding its mix of “fascinating people of every kind." Perhaps his most important accomplishment is taking the NAC out of Ottawa and putting the national firmly into it. As Board Chair Adrian Burns said, “He has helped countless artists and arts organizations fulfill their creative aspirations. More than anyone else, he has helped the performing arts thrive across the country.” The most striking recent example of this nation-wide inclusivity was his recent announcement that the NAC will open a new Department of Indigenous Theatre to mark its 50th Anniversary in 2019, led by Indigenous actor and playwright Kevin Loring. Indigenous artists across Canada have lauded the move as an important step in reconciliation. The NAC’s future has never been more promising or secure thanks to Herrndorf. As for Herrndorf ’s future, he has received many offers. He looks forward to advising, not managing. Ottawa might not have seen the last of him n PHOTO: DAVID KAWAI
LYNN BEYAK AND STONE-AGE ATTITTUDES ynn Beyak is not someone who Limpression would usually make much of an on the public world with her background in real estate, insurance and selling cars.
But in 2013, then Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed her to the Senate, where she remained fairly anonymous. Until, that is, her appalling comments back in September about First Nations people came to light. She first defended “well-intentioned” teachers at residential schools, and then wrote that Indigenous people should lose their status cards, become Canadian citizens and promote their culture “on their own dime, on their own time.” The crude nature of all this is beyond dispute. What did shock many people is how long it took for Tory leader Andrew Scheer to comment and condemn what Beyak had said. He eventually did distance the party from her views and removed her from all Senate committees but the image of pulling teeth comes to mind. As it does when we recall how difficult it was to have the leader of the opposition ostracize Rebel Media, long after most responsible people – including Conservatives – had made their disgust at Ezra Levant’s media outfit well-known. Many commentators have been stunned by what they see as Andrew Scheer’s dithering and incompetence but this might well be getting it all terribly wrong. ILLUSTRATION: OLM STAFF
The Tory leader could be showing that he is one of the more skilled politicians of recent times. Because as much of us might be disgusted by Rebel and find Lynn Beyak an embarrassment, this country is not unanimous in its views and opinions. The degree of anti-native feeling among Conservative voters is far greater than we think. It’s not blatantly racist, not some hatred of people simply for their ethnicity, but a raw populism that dismisses injustice as being purely historical and irrelevant, and sees any form of financial compensation or monetary support as unfair and antiwhite. THE DEGREE OF ANTI-NATIVE FEELING … (IS) A RAW POPULISM THAT DISMISSES INJUSTICE AS BEING PURELY HISTORICAL AND IRRELEVANT, AND SEES ANY FORM OF FINANCIAL COMPENSATION… AS UNFAIR AND ANIT-WHITE.
Beyak spoke the way she did because it’s precisely what she thinks, and while Andrew Scheer might well have a more sophisticated understanding of the cultural genocide that took place in this country, he appreciates the enormous resonance this cruel nonsense has with those who voted him into leadership. Similarly with Rebel. I remember lunching with Chris Alexander at the University of Toronto the day before he left for Alberta to speak to a Rebel-organized rally – the one where the crowd chanted, “Lock her up” about Rachel Notley. This was when he was running to be
Conservative party leader. Whatever one thinks of Alexander’s politics, the former minister is a highly intelligent and experienced man. I advised him not to do it, and asked why he would attend a gathering of angry extremists. “I have no option . . . not if I want to win.” Scheer delayed his criticism of the Rebel for as long as possible because he likely hoped the controversy would evaporate and he could continue his relationship. People who support the Rebel vote Tory, and are activists at that. They are Scheer’s people, his constituency, and his voters. But here’s the political dichotomy that’s at play. If the Conservatives are to win the next election that have to mobilize a potentially large constituency that feels that Justin Trudeau, what they see as “special interest”groups,the mainstream media, intrusive government, and an Ottawa and Toronto-based elite has stolen the authentic Canadian voice. The plan for Scheer’s victory is the politicization of the Don Cherry phenomenon: the good old boy reactionary types who escapes harsher descriptions because they laugh a lot and speak fondly of small towns, hockey, and old Canadian values. Scratch away at the surface, however, and you’ll find view of foreigners, natives, gays and liberals who defend abortion rights that are eerily similar to those of the people who projected Donald Trump to power. But be warned. Complacency is always a very bad quality in politics n 45 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
education by Catherine E. Clifford
Reformation 2017: Can’t Buy Me Love n Oct. 31, 1517, a young O Augustinian monk hung a note on the community bulletin board inviting colleagues and church leaders to challenge and reform the corrupt preaching of his day.
When Martin Luther posted his 95 theses in Wittenberg, Germany, he could hardly have predicted the course of subsequent events. He had no intention of founding a separate “Lutheran” church. Luther sought to restore the Bible to the centre of Christian preaching. He insisted, with St. Paul, that human persons could not attain salvation though their own action, but that God’s love is a free gift of divine grace that God alone can bestow. Johann Tetzel, a Dominican friar and Grand Commissioner for Indulgences, was selling grace and forgiveness to raise funds for the construction of St. Peter’s basilica in Rome. Unmasking this sham preaching, Luther taught that friendship with God is, as the Beatles’ tune goes: “The kind of thing that money just can’t buy . . . money can’t buy me love.” Luther’s call for the reform of the Roman church triggered a heated confrontation. His sincere motives were quickly lost in a wider conflict between religious and political forces of his day that gave rise to religious wars and fractured Western Christendom along Protestant and Catholic lines. Now, remarkably, after 500 years of
division, Lutherans, Catholics, and other Christians have chosen to commemorate these events together. When the worldwide leadership of the Catholic Church met at the Second Vatican Council from 1962 to 1965, seeking to update the Catholic Church, it renewed efforts to heal the divide between the Christian churches. Since 1967, Lutherans and Catholics have engaged in a process of dialogue that has dispelled many misunderstandings and helped overcome doctrinal disagreement. In 1999, Lutheran and Catholic church authorities signed a historic agreement on the doctrine of “justification by faith.” St. Paul’s teaching that humans are brought into right relationship with God, with others, and with God’s creation through God’s gift of grace, and not by purely human effort. Other Protestant communities, including the Methodist World Council (2006) and the World Communion of Reformed Churches (2017), have since adopted this same agreement. While these developments might not have caught the world’s attention, Catholics and many mainline Protestant churches have been quietly turning the page on the conflict of the 16th century. So much so, that when faced with the 500th anniversary of the events that gave birth to their churches, Lutherans said they could not imagine commemorating the Reformation without Catholic fellow Christians.
Pope Francis travelled to Lund and Malmö, Sweden, in Oct. 2016 with Bishop Dr. Munib A. Yunan, then president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), and Rev. Dr. Martin Junge, LWF general secretary, to launch a year-long joint commemoration of the Reformation. Expressing regret for the continuing separation of the churches, they underlined the faith in Jesus Christ that Lutherans and Catholics share, and renewed their commitment to strengthen efforts for reconciliation. Throughout this year, Lutherans, Catholics, and other Christians have been meeting, studying, and praying together to renew their friendship and to find ways to work together in the service of others. Luther’s message, that God’s liberating love is not for sale, inspires them to work together against the trafficking and exploitation of human persons (human beings are not for sale) and against environmental devastation (creation is not for sale). Together they are sponsoring refugees, supporting students and planting trees and community gardens. Protestant and Catholic Christians continue to reform the life of their communities today by returning together to Jesus’ message of God’s gracious, unconditional love n Catherine E. Clifford is a professor of theology at Saint Paul University in Ottawa.
You can be the face of change! Saint Paul University (1848) is the founding college of the University of Ottawa, with which it has been federated since 1965. Bilingual and on a human scale, it offers programs in social communication, counselling and psychotherapy, canon law, public ethics, conflict studies, philosophy, human relations, and theology. 46 OTTAWALIFE DECEMBER 2017
ustpaul.ca
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