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Queen’s Platinum Jubilee part of Open Air Weekends
RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutentant Governor of Ontario, fires a cannon with the aid of the Provincial Marine re-enactment unit Saturday afternoon (left) as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend. A parade sponsored by the Piper’s Port company helped kick off Open Air Weekends Friday (above).
By Ron Giofu The first of this year’s Open Air Weekends had a British flare as a milestone for Queen Elizabeth II was also celebrated locally. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was held over the weekend with events in Navy Yard Park, a visit from Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell, a tea at the Park House Museum, a friendly competition on who had the best fascinator and a concert from the Beatles tribute band The Liverpool 4. The latter event had been scheduled for King’s Navy Yard Park but was moved to the indoor soccer field at the Libro Centre due to the threat of inclement weather.
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As part of Dowdeswell’s visit, she was toured through Navy Yard Park by Mayor Aldo DiCarlo, visited the Park House’s tea, conducted a meeting with town officials as well as members of community groups and participated in a tree planting. Her meeting included DiCarlo, CAO Peter Simmons, director of development services Melissa Osborne, active youth resident Linden Crain, local entrepreneur Richard Peddie, Amherstburg Freedom Museum president Monty Logan, Amherstburg Community Services executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo, Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce vice president and Community Living Essex County program manager Derek Roy and Indigenous community leader,
knowledge keeper and elder Theresa Sims. “It’s been wonderful in the last few hours to learn about the history, geography and spirit of this truly remarkable place,” Dowdeswell stated at the tree planting. Dowdeswell noted she will be crisscrossing the province helping communities celebrate the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. “I’m proud to say that Amherstburg is my very first spot,” she said. “You have so much to celebrate.” Amherstburg is a place where people traditionally pull together and help each other, including being a major crossing point on the Underground
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Railroad. She added Ontario and Canada might not exist had it not been for soldiers who served in the War of 1812. Dowdeswell added she came to learn how many community organizations were able to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tree that has been planted in the south end of the park will act as “a place in time” and Dowdeswell believed the town still has “much potential ahead.” DiCarlo also commented about how the town is rich in history, much of it having a connection to loyalty to the Monarchy. He noted Navy Yard Park was once a ship building yard many years ago. Continued on Page 4
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2 – River Town Times – Wednesday, May 25, 2022
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The Paisley family donated $5,000 U.S. to the GAHS 100 Year Celebration and for unfunded projects at North Star High School. From left: Paisley Bartlam, Maddy Turner, Miranda Harber, Sandra Paisley, Lexi Dodds, Kathy Turner-Dodds and Brian Chapman. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
Paisley family donates $5,000 U.S. to GAHS 100th and future North Star HS projects
Helen McLellan (nee Beecroft) It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Helen on May 20, 2022 at the age of 90. Devoted wife to Maurice (April 23, 2022) for 73 years of marriage. Loving mother to Gene (Treasure), Jackie Sandilands (Neil) and Bert (Pat). Proud Gramma of Mike (Sarah), Leanne ( Jerry), Jeremy (Ashley), Ben (Leah), William (Mandy), David (Heather), Jason (Wendy), and 7 great grandchildren. Helen worked at Rocco’s for more than 30 years saying “I loved every minute of it”. Mom will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her family favourite butter tarts, and creating a home filled with love and special memories. A private family service was held followed by cremation. In kindness, memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. You may leave your condolences or share memories online at www.jhsuttonfuneral.ca
ELECT
A local family has stepped up with a donation of $5,000 U.S. for a local school. As part of the General Amherst High School 100 Year Celebration, organizing committee members have been collecting donations from numerous businesses and individuals throughout the community. The Paisley family thought it would be a good opportunity to use that occasion to pay tribute to their mother June “Roadhouse” Paisley. Wes Paisley, the oldest of June’s four children, said they were looking for ways to pay tribute to her and the high school event was a natural fit. His siblings include brother Tom and sister Sue and Sandra. “The four of us were raised by our mother,” Wes explained. “She was a single mother. She kept us out of trouble.” All of the siblings, as well as future generations of their family, went through General Amherst High School. Wes said while AUT H O R I Z E D BY T H E C FO FO R T H E E S S EX N D P looking for some way to honour their mother, they learned of the 100 Year Celebration and decided it was a good way to pay tribut to her “This is a good enough reason to do something,” said Wes. They presented celebration organizing commit-
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tee member Linden Crain with both a cheque and a plaque last Friday night, with the plaque to go up somewhere inside the new North Star High School. Wes added they want to give back to the school but also in recognition of the efforts put forth by their mother. “It’s a way to give back but it’s really a recognition of our mother, who really saved our lives,” she said. The Paisley family grew up in Amherstburg, and lived for a period of time on Boblo Island. She worked at the Amherstburg Post Office and knew most people in town. The honour for their mother is “long overdue,” according to Wes. “I give all the credit to our mother,” he said. “We could have been abandoned. She kept us all together.” In addition to sponsoring the celebration, funds will be put towards projects at North Star, said Crain. Projects that the committee says need funding included a Mac computer lab ($2,000 per computer); gym bleachers ($140,000); coats, coveralls and shirts ($2,000-$3,000); a foosball table ($1,800), pull-down world map ($550); pull-down Canada map ($550); an art display wall ($2,000); field trips for MAPS students ($5,000), Special Olympics funding ($2,000); Garmin Handheld GPS units ($1,200); outdoor bleachers ($8,000+); glass backboards ($6,000); guest artists and visits ($1,000); technical education trips ($6,000); dry-erase surfaces ($7,000); soccer and football posts ($25,000); an outdoor electric sign ($25,000), a mascot outfit ($6,000) and culinary demonstrations ($3,500). Crain said the committee is grateful for all the donations thus far. Fundraising efforts have currently surpassed the $20,000 mark in total.
Book Review
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners By Joanna Ho Picture Book
This beautifully done picture book lyrically tells a story of acceptance and the blessings of diversity. A young Asian girl notices that her eyes are different than those of her friends, they are not big and wide with long eyelashes. She does see that they are the same as the people in her family - eyes that kiss at the corners, that glow like warm tea. Beautifully illustrated and celebrating pride, uniqueness and family love this is great addition to any home library that encourages inclusivity and learning about other cultures and people. Submitted by River Bookshop Staff
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022 – River Town Times – 3
CLEC’s “Mayor’s Luncheon” goes virtual again this year
By Ron Giofu Politicians and dignitaries from around the region converged electronically last week for Community Living Essex County’s (CLEC) “Mayor’s Luncheon.” The format was virtual again this year with the goal of making it an in-person event next year, but political figures and other dignitaries from around the region still gathered digitally to learn about what the non-profit organization is doing to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Tony DeSantis, manager of community relations and resource development with CLEC, said the event allows the organization to get acquainted with community partners and let them know what they are doing. DeSantis pointed out it comes during Community Living Month in Ontario. Sue Desjarlais, president of the CLEC board of directors, said a cross-section of community leaders and business owners were brought together to learn about priorities and initiatives. “As a local not-for-profit organization that recently celebrated our 60th anniversary, we know how important community support is to achieving our goals,” said Desjarlais. Desjarlais said hearing directly from those with disabilities about the supports they receive is a highlight and demonstrates the value of what CLEC brings to its communities. Warden Gary McNamara brought greetings from the County of Essex and called the event “always an informative and inspiring lunch” and noted the agency is one of the largest employers in the area. “You are making a profound difference with over 700 residents in our community with an intellectual disability,” said McNamara. McNamara also thanked the groups that operate under CLEC’s umbrella, including Career Compass, Ensemble and New Day. Career Compass is a group that assists those with intellectual disabilities find employment while Ensemble is an organization that works with families of those with disabilities. New Day
is a group of people with intellectual disabilities that work together and advocate for their own needs and desires. “You are blessed with a dedicated and hard working board led by Sue and you have a strong leader in Karen Bolger,” said McNamara. Bolger, CLEC’s executive director, said the “support we receive from communities and municipalities are vital.” She noted the COVID-19 pandemic saw the agency get creative through such things as offering virtual supports and use of technology to “bridge the gap” the pandemic caused. “We look forward to the re-opening of all in-person supports in the not-sodistant future,” she said. Bolger added she is proud of the people who work for the agency, adding they have done their utmost to keep the people supported as well as themselves as safe as possible. She noted CLEC has offered vaccination clinics and testing sites during the pandemic. CLEC continues to promote inclusivity amidst the pandemic, noting they have adjusted and presented new opportunities “with grace and flexibility in the face of the changing landscape.” Brianne Taggart, president of New Day, said their group “has a lot of great ideas” including a new logo, new merchandise and plans to attend the “Speaking Out” conference that people with intellectual disabilities can attend. Ray Renaud, another New Day board member, said they had to “find ways to get creative” with Taggart adding they are living up to this year’s motto of “I want to try everything.” Lois Bebbington represented Ensemble, pointing out the group was founded 22 years ago to address a need to advocate and engage families. She pointed out two new family consultants have been hired, their website and logo have been updated and that the group wants to focus on people’s abilities, not disabilities. Shelbey Pillon, manager of community living supports overseeing Career Compass, said they try to promote meaningful employment and inclusive hiring so that employees of all abilities can work together and
The work of New Day – Leaders of Today was highlighted during Community Living Essex County’s virtual Mayor’s Luncheon last Wednesday afternoon. New Day is a group of individuals with intellectual disabilities who advocate for themselves. Screenshot
participate in workplace culture. Career Compass also works with local school boards and makes connections with employers to stay updated with everyone’s employment goals. They also have job developing and coaching services and collaborate with regional and provincial groups. Essex MP Chris Lewis also brought greetings, thanking the staff members and volunteers who help support those with intellectual disabilities. “This truly is a celebration of doing remarkable things,” added Lewis.
DeSantis added the annual Charity Golf Classic returns this year, with the golf tournament scheduled for July 14 at Sutton Creek Golf Club in McGregor. “It took us two years to get to our 30th tournament but it’s going to be quite the celebration,” he said. Community Living Essex County is also encouraging individuals and businesses to become members of the organization. For more information, call 519-776-6483 or visit www.communitylivingessex.org.
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4 – River Town Times – Wednesday, May 25, 2022
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Music off the Back Porch returns
Music off the Back Porch, a monthly event presented as a fundraiser for the Park House Museum, returned last Friday evening. Organized by John and Liz McDonald, the inaugural musical event of the 2022 season featured The Wellness Band (left) and Adam Butcher (right). Music off the Back Porch will be a monthly event that will last into the fall, with the next event being June 10 (weather permitting) at 6 p.m. Celtic music is on the itinerary for next month. The event is free but donations are welcome. People are asked to bring their own chairs.
RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU
Lieutenant Governor visits during Queen’s Platinum Jubilee event Continued from Page 1 Noting Dowdeswell has championed such things as economic inclusion, social cohesiveness, environmental awareness and reconciliation, he noted the tree itself will offer shade, shelter for animals and oxygen for the planet in future generations. “The tree also references life and its many changes,” he stated. The Open Air Weekend itself was also kicked off for the season last weekend. The new footprint has closures along Dalhousie St. at Richmond St. and Murray St. and Richmond St. at Ramsay St. Lauri Brouyette, part of a company known as “Piper’s Port,” said that company sponsored the parade Friday night which involved a Scottish pipe and drum band as well as a group of summer students from Fort Malden National Historic Site. She said Piper’s Port will be sponsoring these events
throughout the summer. Brouyette added one of her business partners, Kyle McDonald, saw similar events in his travels and brought the idea to Amherstburg. “It really builds momentum in the streets,” she said. “Adding this to open streets is something we needed to do.” The hope is that more and more people will come out to the parades, which will continue going forward. “We want people to come out and enjoy. It’s a people’s parade,” said McDonald. “They can march behind the pipers.” The parade started at Murray St. and Ramsay St. and continued through the Open Air footprint before the pipers performed at the clock in the parkette. Future parade dates include June 3, July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 23, starting at 6 p.m. A lone piper will perform this Friday (May 27), June 10, July 22, Aug. 12 and Sept. 30.
A tree planting was conducted in King’s Navy Yard Park as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Among those participating were Indigenous elder Theresa Sims, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell and Mayor Aldo DiCarlo.
A parade that kicked off Open Air Weekends Friday night also featured summer students from Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada.
A roundtable meeting was held as part of Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell’s visit to Amherstburg Saturday. From left: Amherstburg Freedom Museum president Monty Logan, director of development services Melissa Osborne, ACOC VP and Community Living Essex County program manager Derek Roy, heritage committee member Jennie Lajoie, Indigenous elder Theresa Sims, Dowdeswell, Mayor Aldo DiCarlo, CAO Peter Simmons, ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo, entrepreneur Richard Peddie, youth volunteer Linden Crain.
The Beatles tribute band known as “The Liverpool 4” performed before several hundred people Saturday night at the Libro Centre. The concert was supposed to be in Navy Yard Park but was moved earlier that day due to concerns over inclement weather. Jim Heyens PUBLISHER
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022 – River Town Times – 5
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Police investigating after singlevehicle crash injures two The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment are continuing to investigate a single-vehicle crash that occurred May 14. Officers were called to the 4500 block of Concession 4 North around 2 a.m. that night and, upon arrival, believed it was clear the vehicle involved was in a rollover collision. Police say the driver and passenger were both transported to hospital, one with life-threatening injuries. Both occupants – a 23-year-old male and a 24-year-old male – are from Windsor. The vehicle involved is a red Ford Fiesta with black on it. Police are asking that anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them at 519-736-2252 or via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-TIPS (8477). Homeowners in the area with surveillance equipment are asked to check it to see if there is any activity on it from around that time. This is an active investigation, police add, and charges have not been laid as of press time.
Golf cart complaints
The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment are reminding residents to stay off the road if they are in a golf cart. Police say they have once again received reports and complaints of people driving golf carts along roadways and in subdivisions and are asking people to refrain from doing that. According to police, there are many Highway Traffic Act (HTA) offenses that a person could be charged with if found operating a golf cart on a roadway. Some of these offenses could include operating a motor vehicle on a roadway with no automobile insurance (which carries a $5,000 fine), operating a motor vehicle without required equipment, operating a motor vehicle with no vehicle permit, not having an odometer, and operating a motor vehicle on a roadway with no driver’s license. The latter offense could be applicable to youth with no driver’s license, police add.
Alleged stunt driver
Another motorist has been stopped and charged with stunt driving in Amherstburg. Police say officers were monitoring speed and conducting radar in the 100 block of Sandwich St. North around 10 p.m. May 14 and noticed a vehicle travelling at what appeared to be a high rate of speed. A blue Pontiac was allegedly travelling in the area 40 km/hr over the posted speed limit. The speed limit in that area is 50 km/hr. The vehicle was towed for an automatic 14-day impoundment. The driver also faces a 30-day automatic license suspension. Police add stunt driving is a newly amended offence under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. Drivers pulled over if travelling 40 km/h or more above the speed limit on a road where the posted limit is less than 80 km/h can be charged with stunt driving. If there is a conviction, the driver could face penalties of six demerit points, fines of $2,000 to $10,000, a six-month jail sentence, or license suspension. —All information courtesy of the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment
140 RICHMOND AMHERSTBURG (519)736-2826
The return of ACS’ Wine ‘n’ Hop was on display last Wednesday night, as one of the stops was Burger Sixty-Seven. That restaurant won the award for favourite stop. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
Return of popular “Wine ‘n’ Hop” fundraiser a hit for ACS By Ron Giofu A popular fundraiser returned with Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) being the beneficiary. ACS resumed its “Wine ‘n’ Hop” fundraiser last Wednesday night after not being able to present the event since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, ACS added a fifth restaurant to its route of downtown eateries with four being the number in the past. Participating restaurants included Burger Sixty-Seven, the Artisan Grill, Lot 10 Brewing Co., Caffeine & Co., and Chicano’s Tacos & Tequila. The route started and ended at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157. ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo pointed out next year is the agency’s 50th anniversary. She said proceeds from last Wednesday night’s Wine ‘n’ Hop will go towards ACS’ general operations, as they have added several new programs and now have the Amherstburg Food Bank under its umbrella. While there are usually a lot of people who return to the event, DiBartolomeo commented she also was told there were some newcomers last Wednesday. “I’m hearing from a lot of people that this is their first night,” she said. Five people from the community helped lead the groups around the community, with each group spending about 30 minutes or so in each location. Bev Bechard, Chris Gibb, Lori Bezaire, Ray Bezaire and DiBartolomeo served as group leaders. There were 100 tickets sold for the latest Wine ‘n’ Hop. “We’re very happy,” said DiBartolomeo. “Our sold out event surpassed our expectations, yet again. The rain did not dampen anyone spirits. The community stepped up to the plate every year to support this event and we were so thrilled to be able to host it this year, after a two-year absence.” Burger 67 was the winner of the “favorite” stop. They served Vegan wings and pickle chips with a wine pairing. They also had Adam Butcher live entertainment to add that “extra” touch to the evening. “We thank all the participating restaurant/bars and appreciate the Legion for always welcoming and support ACS,” she added. “We’re happy to work with the restaurants and our sponsors.” DiBartolomeo said ACS staff could “feel the excitement” as people were buying their tickets. “Everyone was anxious to get back at it,” she said. “I think it’s just a great night to try local restaurants and meet new people. It’s a casual, fun night.” For more information on ACS and the programs the agency offers, please call 519-736-5471 or visit www.amherstburg-cs.com.
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6 – River Town Times – Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Candidate Q&A’s
MANPREET BRAR
Q: Affordability is an issue for many residents, whether it be for housing or other needs like food, energy and other necessities. What would you and your party do to ease concerns people may have over the cost of every day living? A: While Doug Ford’s Conservatives like to talk about the little guy, they’ve been missing in action these past four years as life gets more expensive for Ontario families. Fortunately, help is on the way. Ontario Liberals have a balanced, progressive, and fully costed plan to help families with rising costs. We will remove the provincial HST off of prepared food under $20, replace the minimum wage with a regional living wage (starting at $16/hr), and build 1.5 million new homes and deliver rent control. The Ontario Liberal Party will also help those who need it most, with a 20% increase (over two years) to those on ODSP, $1,000 pension top-up for seniors who need it most, and increased minimum wages that transitions into a real liveable wage. Ontarians deserve a government with a real plan, that makes life more affordable. That is what Ontario Liberals are offering. Q: Where do you and your party stand on the environment and sustainability? A: The climate emergency is happening now. Ontarians know this – they see it when they’re driven out of their homes because of floods and fires. Ontario used to be a global leader in climate action – then the Ford conservatives happened, and Ontario went
backwards. An elected Ontario Liberal government will re-establish Ontario’s leadership on the environment, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. In addition, we will slash all public transit fares across the province to $1 until January 2024, taking 400,000 car trips off the road, reducing pollution and congestion. We will designate 30 per cent of land as protected by areas by 2030 and take the equivalent of 500,000 cars off the road by planting 800 million new trees over the next 8 years. For Ontarians concerned about the impacts of climate change, the choice is clear: soaring emissions or a costed plan that makes polluters pay and that makes sustainable choices more affordable for families.
Q: How would you define the state of health care in this region and what improvements would you and your party implement for the overall betterment of the region? A: In order to have a healthy economy, we need to have healthy people. Ontario Liberals recognize that. The Ontario Liberal team includes doctors, nurses, and hospital leadership. Ontarians have a clear choice between a Liberal Party that will make much-needed investments to clear the surgical backlog, reduce wait times for mental health services, and support modernized care for everyone, and the Ford Conservatives, who hoarded federal COVID-19 funding while our hospitals and long-term care homes scrambled to stay afloat. We would train and hire 100,000 nurses, doctors, and other health care workers over the next six years as we replace returning workers and expand our system, clear the surgical and diagnostic backlog with a $1 billion investment. As a growing community, we are now more than ever dependent on increasing health care resources. The development of a new hospital is top-of-mind for me, many of the residents in Essex, as well as the Ontario Liberal Party. Q: How would you define the state of education in the province and what plans do you and your party have to ensure students get the best education possible? A: Students across the province have been dealt an unfair deal over the past two years: remote learning, lost social time, and struggles with isolation are familiar to every family. Unlike the Ford Conservatives, who cut last year’s education budget by $1.3 billion, I am proud to be a part of a team of Ontario Liberals that will make important investments in our schools Continued on Page 14
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Q: Affordability is an issue for many residents, whether it be for housing or other needs like food, energy and other necessities. What would you and your party do to ease concerns people may have over the cost of every day living? A: If you work in Ontario, you should be able to afford to live in Ontario. Years of poor leadership and policies from many sectors of Provincial and Federal governments have resulted in a financial crisis across Canada. The solution isn’t simply raising minimum wage. Minimum wage is a symptom of the problem. Minimum wage increases will result in higher costs of goods sold and contribute to a higher cost of living for all Ontarians. Ontario needs to start producing products and services again. Our economy needs to be stimulated through job creation and innovation. Ontario’s economy needs to become attractive to entrepreneurs, corporations and small and medium businesses. Unfortunately, the Doug Ford government has decimated economic activity in Ontario during COVID 19. Commercial bankruptcies have increased nearly 40% year over year. Businesses are wary of investing in Ontario due to unfriendly economic environments and government overreaches. An Ontario Party government will keep our businesses open and advocate for further investment in Ontario in a wide range of industries of all sizes. Q: Where do you and your party stand on the environment and sustainability? A: An Ontario Party government will propose an inter-provincial energy corridor from Alberta to Ontario. Canada’s reliance on foreign energy is unnecessary, costly and dirty. An interprovincial energy corridor will vastly reduce Canada’s energy footprint, stabilize market pricing, reduce our bloated provincial debt and create well paying Canadian jobs. We will also continue to bring the most innovative technologies and renewable energy sectors to Ontario. Q: How would you define the state of health care in this region and what improvements would you and your party implement for the overall betterment of the region? A: Ontario’s health care system is overpriced and underperforming. Despite being near number one in terms of funding, compared to other jurisdictions and countries providing universal health care (i.e., access Continued on Page 14
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Candidate Q&A’s the minimum wage • Broadband expansion • Extending the 10% tuition cut into the 2022-23 school year • Freezing driver, vehicle and hunting fees • Implementation of the CARE, LIFT and Staycation Tax Credits• Putting a stop to driver, vehicle and hunting licence fees that were set to increase on January 1, 2019 • Freezing rent in 2021 for most rent-controlled and non-rentcontrolled residential units • Holding electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour during 2020
ANTHONY LEARDI
Q: Affordability is an issue for many residents, whether it be for housing or other needs like food, energy and other necessities. What would you and your party do to ease concerns people may have over the cost of every day living? A: Doug Ford and our PC team are getting it done by putting more money in your pockets. We were elected on a promise to keep costs down for the people of this province and we are the only party that has a track record of success. Our record speaks for itself, for example: • Lowering gas taxes • Scrapping license plates stickers for 8 million people. A savings of $240 for the average family • Dropping tolls on Highways 412 and 418 • $10 a day child care by 2025 • Hiking
Q: Where do you and your party stand on the environment and sustainability? A: Under Doug Ford, Ontario is set to be a world leader in the manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicles. This includes investments in Stellantis, Honda, General Motors, and Ford to retool their plants to manufacture electric vehicles and securing Canada’s first electric vehicle battery plant right here in Ontario. On top of that, we partnered with ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton and Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie to make Ontario a world-leading producer of clean steel. These two initiatives alone are equivalent to taking nearly two million vehicles off the roads. We’re getting it done by making the fuel that drivers use everyday cleaner by becoming the first province to increase renewable content in gasoline, roughly the same as removing 300,000 cars from the road every single year. We are making it more affordable for families to spend time in provincial parks by reducing the price of popular seasonal day use permits and making them free this past summer. And, in Ontario’s Plan to Continued on Page 15
We Celebrate Life.
lower energy cost for homeowners. We have seen the Conservative government fail on their promise to reduce hydro bills by 12% as they have increased them by 4%. The Ontario NDP will pursue gridscale storage and make grid interconnection with Quebec and Manitoba resulting in cheaper electricity imports which will lower electric bills for Ontarians. The NDP will make childcare affordable so that families don’t have to struggle. We will implement a universal, public, nonprofit $10 a day childcare with the federal government so that Ontarians don’t have to worry about leaving their work and not being able to provide for their family. We will ensure that all children regardless of their location, race, and whether they have a disability or not, are provided care options and are given the care and need they and their families deserve. We will also ensure that any expansion of child care funded by the government will be exclusively public/ Q: Affordability is an issue for many non-profit to ensure there is no competiresidents, whether it be for housing or tion. other needs like food, energy and other necessities. What would you and your Q: Where do you and your party stand on party do to ease concerns people may the environment and sustainability? have over the cost of every day living? A: I personally believe that the climate A: The Ontario NDP has a plan to crisis is one of the most important issues we make affordability and everyday living need to solve, not just provincially or fedcosts cheaper for all Ontarians. With reerally, but globally. The Ontario NDP will spect to gas prices, we will give the Ondo it’s part in ensuring Ontario does it part tario Energy Board mandates in order to to protect the environment by investing in monitor the price of gasoline and reduce green energy. price volatility. We will implement a mandate for all For our housing plan, we will introduce newly built public, commercial and resithe Home in Ontario Program (HOP), dential building to be net-zero emissions where we will give home buyers 10% of by 2030. We will also ensure all municipal the purchase price as a down payment. transit is electric by 2040 to make our comWe are going to implement rent control munities cleaner and target 100% electric and end vacancy decontrol so that landvehicle sales by 2035 while also giving lords cannot increase prices in between Ontarians $600 dollars to households to rents. The NDP will ensure that newly install electric vehicle charging stations to built homes are built more efficiently at a Continued on Page 15
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8 – River Town Times – Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Candidate Q&A’s
KEVIN LINFIELD NONE OF THE ABOVE PARTY In the last provincial election, only 58% of the eligible voters chose to cast their ballot. Does that mean that 42% of voters wanted none of the above? A None of the Above Direct Democracy government would work to end partisan politics. All parties should work together for the benefit of Ontario and Canada. We would start by asking the best MPPs from all parties to join our Cabinet while allowing them to sit with the parties who elected them. “We would change the partisan, party-based system of politicking in Ontario for one that respects your community.” In the first 100 days we would pass every Bill where there is agreement or consensus among most MPPs from all the parties elected. Then within the first six months we will send out a plebiscite information package on everything proposed by the government and its opposition, to voters who must reply within 30 days for the House to consider. We will consult experts. We will spend the next six months passing Bills with the most public and MPP support from the parties in the house. From then on NOTA would allow referendum, plebiscites or recall to decide everything else that we would pass using our majority. Do politicians listen to their constituents? Do they do what’s in the best interest of the people they represent? To the long-time residents of Essex county were you asked if you wanted to amalgamate? Whatever happened to Malden? Anderdon? They were forced to merge with Amherstburg by the provincial government. And will you be triggered if I mention Colchester North? Colchester South? Gosfield North and Gosfield South? Maidstone? Mersea? Almost 25 years later people still complain about these forced amalgamations. Was there ever any serious thought to having a referendum and asking the people who lived there what they wanted? I ask of you - if you are tired of the lies and the double-talk, please consider giving your vote to the None of the Above Party to elect independent M.P.P.s who are not bound by party control and who truly can represent their constituents first. We support the 3Rs of Direct Democracy: Referendum, Recall, and Responsible Government laws for true Legislative and Electoral Reforms. For the RiverTown Times questions, • Livable Wages! I support making the minimum wage a livable wage. Tax reforms including no income tax for those making minimum wage. Elimination of the capital gains tax credit and a flat tax for those earning over a threshold amount. Work on simplifying the tax code. Taxing our medical doctors, lawyers, and professional engineers 54% of their salary is not fair. • Housing! Encourage more multi-family housing such as duplexes, triplexes and walk-up apartments. Implement a tax on non-resident homeowners. • Clean Energy! Getting rid of coal power plants was a necessary first step. We also need to eliminate oil and natural gas burning plants. Ontario requires clean energy, including solar, wind, and Canadian designed and built CANDU reactors. • Health Care Crisis! We need teams of medical doctors, nurses, and economists to revamp our system. It’s broken - one source says 40% of the Ontario provincial budget goes towards health care. Are you Continued on page 14
DANIELLE SYLVESTER
Q: Affordability is an issue for many residents, whether it be for housing or other needs like food, energy, and other necessities. What would you and your party do to ease concerns people may have over the cost of everyday living? A: New Blue recognizes the inflation problem, that’s why we intend to lower hydro rates, decrease HST to 10 and drop Doug Ford’s industrial carbon tax. I think the most noticeable increase recently is gas. The price of gas and diesel directly link to the cost of everything we purchase. Companies try and keep their bottom line the same, so additional costs are tacked onto goods and services, which means the consumer ends up paying the difference. As the cost of diesel goes up, some industries are hit particularly hard, like farming and freight (plane, train, ship, truck). If we don’t start to fix this issue now, some of the smaller corporations will go out of business, and store shelves will begin to empty. If we want relief for our wallets, we will need to drill for more oil, and this will help keep the prices down. People want to see a difference daily; New Blue will fight for that difference, both at the pump and in the stores. Q: Where do you and your party stand on the environment and sustainability? A: Currently, Ontario is slowing oil drilling and coal burning and leaning on solar and wind energy more. Our grid will not have the energy to supply our current needs if this continues. With our current technology, solar and wind energies simply cannot provide Ontario with the energy it requires. Maybe someday it will, but not now. California is trying to “go green” too, relying on “renewable” sources and they are already calling for rolling blackouts due to a lack of energy. We don’t want that happening here! I would also like to point out that less drilling also leads to pain at the pump, less product and the same demand equals increased prices. As a matter of fact, in recent years, scientists have discovered that oil fields that were used and dried, are now refilling. So, this concept of “fossil fuels” is becoming a thing of the past, and we are learning that oil is a renewable resource, a by-product created by a living earth. Canada also has the greenest refineries in the world, we should be using what we have, and saving us all a bit of money while keeping citizens employed. Oil Fields Are Refilling...Naturally - Sometimes Rapidly There Are More Oil Seeps Than All The Tankers On Earth (rense.com) Q: How would you define the state of health care in this region and what improvements would you and your party implement for the overall betterment of the region? A: I am sure many people were shocked, while in the middle of a pandemic, when hospitals needed the most help, the province allowed workers to be fired or go on unpaid leave. First, we called them heroes, then kicked them to the curb. It was humiliating, as a citizen, to see that type of behaviour toward those who worked so hard to help patients during the pandemic. Plus, many patients had to post-pone procedures, and they were thrown onto a backlog list and now Continued on page 14
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NICHOLAS WENDLER
(Questions were sent to the Green Party but answers have not been returned as of press time. The following is his bio that is listed on the Green Party’s website) Nicholas Wendler is ready to bring the fight for better healthcare and social support to Queen’s Park on behalf of the people of Essex and all Ontarians. As a person living with Spina Bifida, Nicholas has extensive experience navigating Ontario’s healthcare system as a patient. He recognizes the great value of community nursing care and how it enables people to continue day-to-day living while managing ongoing treatments. A recent amputee, Nicholas believes that cuts should not result in cuts to healthcare funding and quality of services. A recipient of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Nicholas manages his care through the Direct Funding Program of Ontario. Nicholas completed his Master’s degree in spiritual care and psychotherapy at Wilfrid Laurier University after completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in social development studies at the University of Waterloo. Nicholas is very fond of learning about global wildlife and delves into experiencing nature to the best of his ability, given his physical circumstances. A dedicated volunteer for the Greens, Nicholas ran provincially for the party in 2018 and federally in 2015 and 2019. Nicholas is prepared for the hard work ahead to build the Ontario we want for Essex.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022 – River Town Times – 9
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Student raising awareness for Brain Tumour Foundation By Ron Giofu
An area student is doing her part to help with brain tumour awareness and it is because of her personal history. Mckenna Metcalfe is a member of the local brain tumour walk committee and the committee held a “Hero’s Huddle” at Vin Winery in Essex. Not only does Metcalfe advocate for those recovering from brain tumours, she had a brain tumour herself when she was younger. Metcalfe, who is a Grade 11 student at Walkerville Collegiate Institute in Windsor, works summers at Fort Malden National Historic Site and because of her ties with Amherstburg, made the town one of the municipalities she went to when requesting proclamations. Amherstburg town council proclaimed May as Brain Tumour Awareness Month. When she was four-years-old and then in kindergarten, Metcalfe was suffering from flu-like symptoms that wouldn’t go away. Taken to her doctor, X-rays didn’t detect anything but a follow-up MRI revealed she had a benign brain tumour and she was operated on in London. “I went through two surgeries that took 22 hours in total.” After spending two months in the hospital, she spent another two months recovering before going back to school. She had to re-learn how to walk and re-establish her fine motor skills but she has recovered for the most part. Metcalfe is now healthy and the only signs that she had a brain tumour is the scar on the back of her head and a permanent inability to spell. When she was in Grade 2 and her spelling became an issue, she was tested and it was discovered the brain tumour caused a learning disability. “Spelling isn’t the only symptom but it’s one of the most prominent,” she said. Metcalfe quips that her inability to spell is “slightly annoying” but her mother Karen added “we have a good sense of humour about it.” Metcalfe added she is not below her classmates on an intellectual level, but she has to be accommodated for her learning disability by taking tests in the LST room or guidance department where she is able to use special voice software to take tests. She said she knows how to read but can’t retain the information when translating it into the written word. The brain tumour has been completely removed but she has to go to London for tests annually to make sure nothing has grown back. She said tests are actually very relaxing and “I don’t mind them at all.” Metcalfe has also become involved with the Brain Tumour
Above - A “Hero’s Huddle” was held to promote the Brain Tumour Foundation’s walk for brain tumour awareness. From left: Ryan Malone, Kyle Malone, Abby Warnock and Metcalfe. Right - Mckenna Metcalfe designs a glitter tattoo during a “Hero’s Huddle” event. RTT Photos by Ron Giofu
Foundation of Canada, with last week’s event being part of a virtual walk to help raise funds and promote awareness of brain tumours. She said since her recovery, she speaks at various events to share her story and spread the word. Through her learning of how to make “glitter tattoos,” she has helped raise funds that way as well and pointed out that she and her friends raised over $8,000 in six years for the Brain Tumour Foundation at her school carnivals. “I participate in the Brain Tumour Foundation and give back as much as I can,” said Metcalfe. Metcalfe also said she is looking forward to another summer at Fort Malden. “It’s great and so much fun,” she said of her summer work there. “Firing a musket is so much fun also.” Metcalfe encourages anyone impacted by a brain tumour to reach out to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. “They have a lot of great resources,” she said.
Book Review The Paper Palace By Miranda Cowley Heller Adult Fiction
A book about love, loss, and overcoming childhood trauma. A dynamic story starting in present day when Elle, a happily married mother of three, reconnects with a childhood friend and in one impulsive action throws her entire life into question. This one action leads Elle to re-evaluate her life - weighing her truly loved husband against her first childhood love. The most interesting aspect of this novel is its approach to memory and how the way we look at the past changes as we grow and become wise to the ways of the world. It also attempts to examine how the same event can be remembered differently by different people. Furthermore, this novel highlights the struggles of multiple generations of women in a way that is honest and raw. It examines how the harm done to our parents and our parents’ parents trickles down to us. An excellent read! Submitted by River Bookshop Staff
10 – River Town Times – Wednesday, May 25, 2022
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Windsor TFC’s Jonathan Agapito (10, right) slides to try and retrieve the ball from a Hamilton player last Wednesday night. Hamilton won 3-1 at the Libro Centre. Photo by Fred Groves
By Fred Groves
SUDOKU ANSWERS
The Windsor TFC are six games into their League 1 Ontario soccer season and still looking for its first win. Saturday in Waterloo, Windsor fell 5-0 to BVB IA and now sport an 0-4-2 record in the 21-game schedule. Next home game for TFC, is 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 29 against visiting Unionville. “It was not good, we had five injured players. It’s hard when we don’t have all our players,” said coach Valter Cosenza. Last Wednesday night Windsor hosted Hamilton United and came up short 3-1. After the visitors went up 2-0 on goals by Sebastian Guerrieri at the 20th minute and Amir Shirazzi in the 25th, Windsor’s Kellan Landefeld pulled the hosts to within one on a penalty kick. Hamilton’s Kyle Cordeiro made it 3-1 as he scored in the 82nd minute.
SCRAMBLE ANSWER
SUDOKU ANSWERS
SHIFTER
SUDOKU ANSWERS
TFC Premier team still looking for first win “Wednesday for me was not a good game. The weather is not an excuse, it was bad for both (teams),” said Cosenza. A late start, 8 p.m., playing under the lights and a damp rainy night made it hard for both teams to be at their best. “We made some mistakes and we need to fix them. It’s a lack of experience,” added the coach about his young team. Cosenza said that despite not winning a game yet, the environment within the Windsor TFC side continues to be good and that they want to win. As far as the injuries go, he says that they have a whole week to recover and should be well rested and prepared for Sunday’s game against Unionville. North Toronto Nitros continue to dominate the League 1 premier men’s division with an undefeated 5-0-1 record in which they have only allowed two goals.
SCRAMBLE ANSWER
SHIFTER
Camryn Carmack pitches during last week’s General Amherst slo-pitch game versus Kingsville. The Cavaliers beat the Lady Gens 14-5. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
Lady Gens split pair of games last week on slo-pitch diamond By Ron Giofu The General Amherst Lady Gens entered the final week of the 2022 WECSSAA girls slo-pitch regular season with a 3-2 record after a win and a loss last week. The Lady Gens travelled to Leamington last Monday afternoon to play the Cardinal Carter Cougars and ran their winning streak to three games. General Amherst knocked off Cardinal Carter by a final score of 11-6. After last Wednesday afternoon’s game in Essex was postponed, the Lady Gens returned to the diamond last Thursday afternoon in Kingsville. General Amherst dropped their second game of the season, coming out on the short end of a 14-5 decision to the Cavaliers. “They are a good hitting team,” said General Amherst’s Jennifer Dufour, of the Cavaliers. “We started off well in the first inning. Our pitchers struggled with the wind.” Dufour said despite the loss last Thursday, the Lady Gens are a good group of girls with high hopes this season. “We are a good team,” she stated. “We play really hard. It’s a good team to be on. We pick each other up.” The Lady Gens planned to practice hard and get ready for this week, which is now the final week of the regular season. The team played the Leamington Lions yesterday (Tuesday) at Co-An Park in McGregor before travelling to Essex Wednesday to make up last week’s game against the Red Raiders. Wednesday’s game is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.
12 – River Town Times – Wednesday, May 25, 2022
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022 – River Town Times – 13
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Kicks & Giggles WORD AD
$ ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 You may be questioning some of your relationships this week, Aries. Periodic reflection is good for your long-term wellbeing, but move ahead with caution. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, finding balance between your professional life and your home life may be challenging this week. Try not to hurry through your decision-making process.
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WORD SCRAMBLE Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to cycling. ANSWERS ON PAGE 11
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WITH OVER 30 YEARS of renovation and construction experience I can ensure your project is WANTED TO BUY completed professionally, LOOKING TO BUY Older correctly and with pride. Gibson or Fender guitar. Locally owned & operated. Steve 519-300-0961. Call or text 519-567-4446. ______________________ ______________________
Community Calendar
FRIDAY, MAY 27 PARK HOUSE FISH FRY - Held at the Columbus Community Hall (formerly the K of C Hall), 190 Richmond St., from 4:30-6:30 p.m. One-piece fish $10, two-piece fish $13, chicken $10, kids $8. Dine-in or take-out. Proceeds benefit the Park House Museum. For more info, call 519-736-2511. FRIDAY, JUNE 10 FISH FRY FOR ROTARY CLUB - The Rotary Club of Amherstburg hosting fish fry at Columbus Community Hall, 190 Richmond St. from 4:306:30 p.m. Fish or chicken dinner, 50/50 draw. All proceeds to Easter Seals Ontario. FRIDAY, JUNE 10 MUSIC OFF THE BACK PORCH - Held at the Park House Museum, 214 Dalhousie St. Entertainment TBA. Starts at 6 p.m. (weather permitting). Bring your own chairs. Free to attend, donations welcome.
ONGOING GIANT YARD SALE ACCEPTING DONATIONS - Hope of St. Joseph Shelter is now accepting donations of good, clean, quality sellable items for our huge charity yard sale to be held the last two weekends of July. We are also collecting empty beer, wine and alcohol bottles/cans as another way to raise funds. Questions? Deliveries? Call Mary Beneteau 519-996-4800 or Larry Allen 519-736-6731. MISSION RE-OPENING FOR IN-PERSON MEALS - The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., will return to serving meals on an in-person basis Monday, May 9. The mission will be open from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with lunch served between 12-1 p.m. Mission’s food bank will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. For more information, call 519-736-9140 or visit www. aburgmission.ca. Stop by for food, fellowship and a warm welcome.
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL - Lighthouse Church, in conjunction with Feeding Windsor, invites the public to join them Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for a free meal. Everyone welcome. Come meet others in the community and enjoy some good food. No registration required. Bring a friend! Lighthouse Church is located at 266 King St., with the entrance off of Gore St. RAPID TEST KITS - Free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test kit distribution program being supported locally by the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce and Amherstburg Community Services. Since the inception of the program in May 2021, they have distributed over 13,000 free rapid antigen tests to 179 local businesses. More information can be found at https://amherstburgchamber.com/ covid-19-rapid-screening-program/. Small and medium sized businesses with under 150 employees complete the Program Agreement form found at the above link and bring the completed form to Amherstburg Community Services between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to pick up test kits. They are currently distributing boxes of 25 test kits/per box. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Community service volunteer hours are available for high school students. Outside jobs at Bryerswood Youth Camp. Please contact info@bryerswood.com. Thank you. RIVER CANARD K OF C EVENTS - Join the River Canard K of C for bingo. Barbecues the first Friday of every month, take-out only. For information, call 519-734-8575. BOTTLE DONATIONS - The AMA Sportsmen Association continues to accept donations of empty beer and wine bottles. People who wish to donate their empties can drop them off at the rear of the club, located at 468 Lowes Side Road in Amherstburg. For information, visit www. amasportsmen.com or call 519-736-5706.
ANNOUNCEMENT
25
Starting at...
$
HOME FOR CAT LOOKING FOR SOMEONE to adopt seven-year-old cat. All supplies free. Very loving cat, likes to be spoiled. 519-736-6338. ______________________
RUMMAGE SALE
ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - 129 Simcoe St. Amherstburg, Friday May 27, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. & Saturday May 28, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Great bargains - ladies, mens, children clothing, housewares, books and so much more. Something for everyone. If you wish to donate call 519-9956957 before May 26 to arrange for pick-up. ______________________
HELP WANTED
HERITAGE COMMUNITY RESIDENCE Assisted Living and Care Home. We are looking to hire both full-time and parttime employees. If you enjoy helping and working with people come join our wonderful and friendly team. Located at 184 Victoria Street South, this is a beautiful home that is very intimate, quaint and family oriented. Please contact us at 519-9972081 if you would like further details. ______________________
WANTED TO BUY
FREE ESTIMATES - CASH for all Unwanted** Gold JEWELRY (even Broken), **Sterling flatware, **ALL GOLD + SILVER COINS*, All MINT SETS, *ALL ROLEX WATCHES **+ windup watches + Sterling JEWELRY, some COSTUME, Flatware, GUITARS. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Friday, May 27 at K of C Hall, 190 Richmond St., Amherstburg. Sunday, May 29, Essex Legion, 103 Talbot St. N., Essex. June 3 & 4 Essex Railway Station, 87 Station St., Essex. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed.54 years Exp. House calls available - 519-818-1805. ______________________
14 – River Town Times – Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Candidate Q&A’s
MANPREET BRAR Continued from Page 6 so that our students can make up for lost time. As a mother of two and advocate for education, I know just how important a strong education system is to our society. Ontario Liberals will improve the quality of schools by capping class sizes at 20 students in all grades, eliminate mandatory online learning and end academic streaming. In addition, we will reinstate an option grade 13 as a more structured alternative to the informal and often-discouraged “victory lap,” end EQAO and replace it with a new assessment strategy and hire 10,000 more teachers. Our province and our kids deserve the best education in the world, not chaos and disruption – only Ontario Liberals can deliver that. Q: What does the riding look like in a post-pandemic world and what economic measures are needed to ensure businesses and individuals thrive going forward? A: We all know that Essex has always been a community that has been able to thrive when our businesses and individuals are given the means to do so. Of course, COVID-19 has certainly set many members of our community back. For much of the past two years, Ontario hasn’t been “open for business”. The pandemic’s devastating impacts on people’s jobs and small businesses were made worse by Doug Ford’s chaotic decision-making. It’s time to get the fundamentals right, to make life easier for small businesses, so that they can bounce back stronger than ever. An Ontario Liberal government would eliminate corporate taxes for small businesses hurt deeply by the pandemic for two years. In addition, we’d backstop loans to tens of thousands of small businesses. We’ll fund programs that can help small and medium-sized businesses go digital. We have a comprehensive plan to give Ontario businesses so much more support than they have received from Doug Ford, who has sided with big box stores over mom-and-pop shops. Ontario can be a place to grow, but only the Ontario Liberal Party has a competent and inclusive plan to grow our businesses.
FRANK CAUSARANO Continued from Page 6 to care regardless of ability to pay), our wait times are among the highest, we have fewer physicians, acute care beds, and medical technologies such as MRIs and CT scanners. An Ontario Party government will firstly end all vaccine mandates that effect all industry. Secondly, open up more spots in Canadian medical schools which have become notoriously challenging to gain entry. Many smart, young prospective Canadian medical students are travelling to schools in Ireland, the Caribbean and elsewhere, and then finding jobs in the USA. Time to keep these smart students at home. Q: How would you define the state of education in the province and what plans do you and your party have to ensure students get the best education possible? A: According to the current provincial government’s own data, year after year, the math and literacy skills of students in Ontario continues to decline. At the same time, growing numbers of parents are expressing shock and frustration as school time and resources are diverted from the teaching of core academic skills toward “ideological” instruction Parents feel powerless as schools and school boards refuse to heed their calls for reforms. An Ontario Party government will reform the province’s K to 12 educational system so that public schools return to their core mandate, toxic instruction is removed from the classroom and parents and children have the power of educational choice. Through educational vouchers, fund K to Grade 12
students directly allowing families to choose the education providers that best meet their children’s needs. Currently, Ontario public schools spend an average of $12,500 per student per year. Between two-thirds and a third of that funding will follow the child to wherever they receive an education—whether it be a charter, private or home school. Parents of children with special needs who choose charter, private or home school will receive additional funding to support their child in their chosen classroom.
Q: What does the riding look like in a postpandemic world and what economic measures are needed to ensure businesses and individuals thrive going forward? A: Our economy needs to be stimulated through job creation and innovation. Ontario’s economy needs to become attractive to entrepreneurs, corporations and small and medium businesses. Unfortunately, the Doug Ford government has decimated economic activity in Ontario during COVID 19. Commercial bankruptcies have increased nearly 40% year over year. Businesses are wary of investing in Ontario due to unfriendly economic environments and government overreaches. An Ontario Party government will keep our businesses open and advocate for further investment in Ontario from a wide range of industries of all sizes. Furthermore, we need energy friendly policies that create job growth in Ontario and Canada. While our cost of energy down. A solution to the energy issue is an inter-provincial energy corridor from Alberta to Ontario.
DANIELLE SYLVESTER Continued from Page 8 the waiting lists for procedures are longer than ever due to the “shortage of workers.” New Blue wants to clear those backlogs by hiring back the well-trained and well-deserved staff that was let go. We also want to expand early treatment, like using monoclonal antibodies (already in use in Hamilton), to help those with Covid recover quicker. I also think that Essex would benefit from a level 3 hospital, and would advocate that the new mega-hospital be a level 3 hospital, one with more services and specialties. I think we are all tired of driving to London or Toronto to see a specialist. Q: How would you define the state of education in the province and what plans do you and your party have to ensure students get the best education possible? A: As an educator I am alarmed at how the school system has gone from teaching basic arithmetic, language, and science to injecting woke ideologies in every area that they can. We need to understand that much of the world doesn’t share these ideologies as the norm and many parents are upset that their family values and faith values are not being respected in the schooling system. New Blue believes that parents should be aware of what their children are learning and should have a say in what happens in the classroom. Western society and culture have changed but the basics
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of schooling should not. New Blue wants to stop the “woke” activism in our schools, starting with the removal of critical race theory and gender identity theory. New Blue will fight for parents who have opted for alternative schooling, albeit private or home school, should receive a tax credit. New Blue is also looking to reduce administrative costs, so we give more money to the classrooms, to our future generations.
Q: What does the riding look like in a post-pandemic world and what economic measures are needed to ensure businesses and individuals thrive going forward? A: I would love to see this medical apartheid and discrimination towards the people who believe in bodily autonomy end. I found it highly disturbing when companies and government wanted to subjugate the will of individuals. Such tyranny has only been matched by dictators and communist regimes. New Blue will fight for medical freedom and demand that the Bill of Rights is upheld concerning all matters. Freedom is a basic human right, as is the ability to provide for one’s family. People who lost their jobs because of lockdowns or mandates were not treated well by the Ford government. Some were able to collect CERB, but that was temporary, and this past tax season proved just that. Individuals who collected CERB had to pay back thousands! There needs to be a better way to protect the vulnerable while keeping our economy open. And while keeping families together, not isolated. I would love to say that we are post-pandemic, but Theresa Tam has already hinted toward more lockdowns in the fall and winter and Doug Ford has just passed Bill 100, a bill that gives him full control to call for a lockdown without a parliamentary vote. We need to be forward thinking, and prepare, but this time better.
KEVIN LINFIELD Continued from Page 8 happy with what your tax dollars are providing? Do you really want to pay more taxes? No! We need more care workers including medical doctors and nurse practitioners. Better incentives, including housing, pay, and travel allowances would help. • Affordable Education! Additional options for post-secondary education are needed. More funding for universities and colleges, especially in the STEM fields. Replacing student loans with grants and bursaries for graduates who stay in Canada and pay taxes would help minimize the brain-drain.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022 – River Town Times – 15
Candidate Q&A’s
ANTHONY LEARDI Continued from Page 7
Build, we have committed to creating the first new provincial park in 40 years. Since 2020, 94 per cent of Ontario’s electricity system has been emissions free. Unlike Andrea Horwath and the Del Duca-Wynne Liberals, our plan is based on getting real results. We are cutting through the excuses and getting it done. By ramping up manufacturing of hybrids, electrical vehicles, and electric batteries, coupled with clean steel production, we are showing that our province can hit its climate targets without imposing more taxes on everyday Ontarians. Q: How would you define the state of health care in this region and what improvements would you and your party implement for the overall betterment of the region? A: After years of frozen budgets and neglect by the Del Duca-Wynne Liberals, Ontario’s health care system was stretched to a breaking point. That’s why Doug Ford and the Ontario PCs have invested billions to ramp up hospital beds and support and recruit more frontline health care workers. As David Musyj, President & CEO, Windsor Regional Hospital said, “Doug Ford has made more progress on the new Windsor-Essex hospital in the last 18 months than the previous eight years.” Only a re-elected PC government will build a new hospital for the people of Windsor-Essex, including an investment of nearly $10 million to plan for a stateof-the-art facility with more beds for the community. Once complete, the new Windsor-Essex hospital will consolidate Windsor Regional Hospital’s two separate acute care campuses to expand services, add more beds and replace outdated infrastructure with hightech facilities to provide better care for patients and families in the region. The new hospital will provide services such as cancer care, complex trauma, obstetrics, neurology and cardiology. There will also be more single-patient rooms to increase patient privacy and prevent the spread of infection. Families in Windsor-Essex will also have access to a new Centre of Excellence in Mental Health and Addictions for the region. Plans for the new hospital include the transfer of 68 acute mental health beds to Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, making it easier for patients to receive mental health and addiction services in one location. Q: How would you define the state of education in the province and what plans do you and your party have to ensure students get the best education possible? A: Doug Ford and our PC team is moving forward on our plan to get it done by investing $14 billion over ten years to build schools and giving the next generation the skills to succeed in the workforce. We overhauled the education curriculum mandating financial literacy, coding, entrepreneurship and leadership development. We introduced Canada’s first anti-sex trafficking protocol and an anti-bullying plan for every school. We revoked Regulation 274 - the regressive hiring practice introduced by the Liberals. This ensures that instead of seniority, teacher hiring is decided by merit. Our PC team also reimbursed families $1.6 billion to assist with the extra costs of extra learning and child care caused by COVID-19. To ensure our next generation gets back on track in more normal and healthy classrooms, we are increasing investment in public education by $683.9 million to $26.6 billion in 202223 - the single largest investment in Ontario’s history. Q: What does the riding look like in a post-pandemic world and what economic measures are needed to ensure businesses and individuals thrive going forward? A: While the Ontario Liberals and NDP have been constantly advocating for closing Ontario, Doug Ford and the Ontario PCs have a plan to keep Ontario open, giving small businesses the certainty they deserve. Not only that, but after years of job-killing policies imposed by the Del Duca-Wynne Liberals, Doug Ford and Ontario PCs are keeping costs down for busi-
nesses. Our plan has enabled an estimated $4.1 billion in cost savings for Ontario small businesses this year alone. Whether it’s reducing WSIB premiums by 47 per cent without any reduction in benefits, cutting the gas and fuel tax, or continuing to slash hundreds of millions of dollars in red tape, Doug Ford and Ontario PCs are getting it done for small businesses. The PC team is rebuilding Ontario’s economy with good manufacturing jobs, including securing Ontario’s first electric vehicle battery plant with the largest investment in Canada’s history ($5 billion). We are building highways and infrastructure, including widening Highway 3 from two lanes to four. We are working for workers by encouraging apprenticeships and opening up jobs in the skilled trades, allowing colleges to grant three-year degrees and increasing the minimum wage. We are keeping costs down by lowering gas taxes and getting rid of license plate stickers.
RON LE CLAIR Continued from Page 7 encourage Ontarians to be net-zero. The Ontario NDP has a solid plan when it comes to lowering emissions and respecting the Paris Climate Accord, something the Liberals and Conservative governments have neglected in the past. We will reduce greenhouse gas to a 50% reduction from 2005 by 2030 and will be net-zero no later than 2050 to help limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius as stated in the Paris Climate Accord. Ontario needs a government that will protect it’s future generations which is why the Ontario NDP will invest in flooding defences with groups such as the Insurance Bureau of Canada to make sure that Ontarians have access to affordable flood insurance.
party have to ensure students get the best education possible? A: I believe that our education system could fair much better, especially with how our teachers, students and schools are being treated and run. To ensure the best education, we will abolish Bill 124 as recently mentioned so that teachers and education workers are given the respect they deserve and will reduce the shortage of teachers. We will hire 20,000 more teachers and education workers while also investing in school learning programs to help students. The Ontario NDP will also increase in-school support for students by hiring more mental health, child and youth workers. We recognize that especially now, more and more people and especially children are struggling with issues they may not feel comfortable speaking about. We want to ensure that our children feel they are in a safe space when they come to school and that someone is here for them and help them. We will also lower class sizes so that students have more one-on-one time with their teachers and also to ensure that our teachers are not overworked and overstressed. We will also ensure Ontario schools teach inclusive history lessons about Canadian Indigenous history, of Black Ontarians and Ontario’s history with the Underground Railroad, and ensure our children know the history about events such as the Holocaust and make sure we teach our children that there is no place for hatred within our society.
Q: What does the riding look like in a post-pandemic world and what economic measures are needed to ensure businesses and individuals thrive going forward? A: I believe that our riding of Essex looks in good shape and ready to bounce back after the hard three years we’ve struggled since the pandemic. Windsor Essex has always been the automotive capital of Canada and we continue to be so, with plans to grow our economic plans and help our community. Recent announcements such as the E.V Battery plant that was just recently announced will help the people of Windsor-Essex by opening thousands of new jobs within our community. The current unemployment rate in Ontario is 6% of the general population and the youth unemployment rate is 10.8%. To help individuals in our community, the Ontario NDP is looking to implement a $20 minimum wage. This will help all Ontarians be able to provide for themselves better, whether they are young youth looking for their first job, or somebody trying to get a second job, we are going to make sure Ontarian’s are able to support themselves, their families and be able to afford a car, a house, a loan, school, groceries, gas, etc. We will make sure Ontarian’s are able to keep up with the standard of living in our province. We will introduce 10 permanent sick days for work so that individuals are able to take care of themselves and put their health first while also ensuring the health and safety of our own community. We will make sure individuals do not have to risk losing their job and being laid-off due to sickness.
Q: How would you define the state of health care in this region and what improvements would you and your party implement for the overall betterment of the region? A: I would personally define the state of health care in Ontario as needing improvement. I recognize the amazing work our healthcare workers, doctors, and nurses have done for years and especially throughout the pandemic, however, we can do better for them and for Ontarians. We will abolish Bill 124 which puts non-profit care homes at a disadvantage as it prevents them from retaining staff. We will show our nurses the proper respect they deserve with respect to their wages and actually treat them as “heros.” We will overhaul our long-term care homes and create 50,000 new care homes and make them all publicly owned and non-profit. This is to ensure that we do not have the two systems (non-profit vs profit care homes) competing against each other and protect our seniors and loved ones. We will also clear the waiting list as there are approximately 39,000 people who have been waiting years for a bed and longer for an appropriate home. By investing in resources and building more long term care homes, we will ensure our homes have the proper ressources needed while also making sure that our seniors and loved ones are looked after. We will also restore hospital funding to ensure our hospitals are kept up to date with our growing communities and also create and fund new projects such as the hospitals in our own Windsor-Essex, Niagara Falls, Kitchener, etc while ensuring our existing hospitals are not Amherstburg .......... sacrificed. We will make sure Ontarians are looked Essex ....................... after and cared for.
Hearing tests, hearing aids, wax removal
Book an appointment online at www.YouHear.ca or call
Q: How would you define the state of education in the province and what plans do you and your
519-730-1030 519-961-9285 LaSalle ................... 519-970-9587
16 – River Town Times – Wednesday, May 25, 2022
MAY Town facilities remain open pre-scheduled appointments are encouraged. Town Hall 519-736-0012 Building and Planning 519-736-5408 Infrastructure Services 519-736-3664 Recreation 519-736-5712
www.rivertowntimes.com
WED
25 Thurs
FREE Drop-in IIndoor Pickleball 6-8 pm @ Libro Sponsored by:
Nomination Packages are NOW available at Town Hall. Must be done in person.
SUN
29
Yoga in the Park 10am Music in the Park 3pm
26 FRI
Amherstburg Accessibility Advisory Committee 5pm Council Chambers
WHITE GOODS PICK UP (Last day to call for a pick up is May 20th)
MON
FREE FUN-DAY Sunday Turf Tots @ Libro 9-11 am $3.50/child Ages 0-5
Dog Tags were due April 30th
Thurs
2
Economic Developement Advisory Committee Meeting 5:00pm Amherstburg Farmers Market Council Chambers Are you on the Voters List? Voterlookup.ca
31
Turf Tots @ Libro 9-11 am $3.50/child Ages 0-5
Yard Waste South Zone
FRI
3
SAT
4
Music in the Park 3pm
Open Air Weekends Come join us for some FUN! 8728 Howard Ave, Amherstburg, ON Saturdays 8:30-1:30
Turf Tots @ Libro 9-11 am $3.50/child Ages 0-5
Watch Recorded Candidate Info Session Amherstburg.ca/ 2022candidate
Sponsored By
Turf Tots @ Libro 9-11 am $3.50/child Ages 0-5 Recycle
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Music in the Park 3pm
30 TUE
FREE Drop-in Indoor Pickleball 5:30-8 pm @ Libro Sponsored by:
27 SAT
Renew your Fire Permit ONLINE! Amherstburgfire.com/ burnpermit
WED
1
FREE Drop-in Indoor Pickleball 6-8 pm @ Libro Sponsored by:
Clean Air Day
SUN
5
Yoga in the Park 10am Music in the Park 3pm
FREE FUN-DAY Sunday Turf Tots @ Libro 9-11 am $3.50/child Ages 0-5 Sponsored By
To Register Call 519-736-5712 Leaders in Training will receive a uniform T-shirt, a Certificte of Completion and will attend field trips.
519-736-0012 • www.amherstburg.ca 271 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2A5