River Town Times - September 8, 2021

NEW

DR. CRANE AND DR. BERNYK

FALL ARRIVALS

Now Accepting

NEW

Patients

ARRIVING DA I LY 519736-2131

433 Sandwich St S., Amherstburg

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Fight Like Mason Foundation raises flag in Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu

To help raise awareness of childhood cancer, the Fight Like Mason Foundation has raised its flag in Amherstburg.

The non-profit organization and the Town of Amherstburg combined on a brief flag raising ceremony last Thursday afternoon at the Libro Centre. For the month of September, the Fight Like Mason Foundation flag will fly alongside the Canadian flag and the Province of Ontario flag.

The town had already issued a proclamation declaring September “Fight Like Mason Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” in Amherstburg. Residents have been encouraged to learn about the need for further research and to extend their knowledge of childhood cancer and how it impacts children and their families.

Victor Tolentino, a childhood cancer survivor, had the privilege of raising the flag during the ceremony.

“It’s kind of a big honour,” said Tolentino. “Not everyone gets to do this kind of thing.”

Tolentino, a 13-year-old Lakeshore resident, was joined by his family for the flag raising and said his cancer right now is in remission. He goes for checkups every six months, down from every three months, and said a bright side to having had cancer was the fact he is lucky enough to do such events.

Tolentino just recently had another checkup to ensure the cancer had not returned, but noted he is feeling much better than he did while undergoing his treatments.

The specific form of cancer was osteosarcoma, something his father Francis pointed out was similar to the cancer Terry Fox had. Tolentino’s cancer was in his shoulder but tests have come back clear, his mother Jo Anne said, since his final treatment in 2019.

After being diagnosed at age 11, Tolentino said his treatments were rough and he didn’t feel well during them.

“It was really difficult,” he said. “It was nauseating every day. It was like being on a roller coaster for 30 minutes a day. It was not good.”

Victor Tolentino, a childhood cancer survivor, raises a Fight Like Mason Foundation flag at a ceremony last Thursday at the Libro Centre. It was the first time the Fight Like Mason Foundation held a flag raising ceremony in Amherstburg but one is done annually in Windsor. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Continued on Page 3

2 ND

FREE Market Evaluation

LOCATION

NOW OPEN

Specializing in

Custom Bracing & Fracture Bracing COVERED WITH BENEFITS

433 Sandwich St. S. Next to Armando’s • 519-736-0972

John D’Alimonte

519-730-1030 www.YouHear.ca

IN LASALLE

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Direct (519) 796-8073 Preferred Realty Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated

Selling Windsor & Essex County

Keep Reading!

Sign up today for your FREE E-Subscription at

791 Front Rd. LaSalle

226-526-5555 thelcc.ca

www.rivertowntimes.com

2 – River Town Times – Wednesday, September 8, 2021

FEDERAL ELECTION

www.rivertowntimes.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

There are ways you can vote early.

You can vote:

September

At your assigned advance polling station from Friday, September 10, to Monday, September 13, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

By mail – Apply by Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m.

At any Elections Canada office before Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m.

Check your voter information card for all the ways you can vote.

Your health and safety is our priority.

At your polling station, poll workers will be wearing masks.

There will also be:

2 metres

Hand sanitizer stations

Clear physical distancing markers

Only one poll worker per desk behind a plexiglass barrier

When you go to vote, don’t forget: 2m

Wear a mask

We will provide you with a single-use pencil to mark your ballot, or you can bring your own pen or pencil

Practice physical distancing by staying at least two metres away from voters and poll workers

If you have tested positive for or have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been in contact with someone who has the virus, visit elections.ca to apply to vote by mail. You have until Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m., to apply.

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 – River Town Times – 3

www.rivertowntimes.com

Catholic, public school boards release back to school plans

By Ron Giofu

The Fight Like Mason flag flies at the Libro Centre for the month of September as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Continued from page 1

The Fight Like Mason Foundation was named in memory of Mason Macri, who passed away from a rare form of cancer known as rhabdomyosarcoma in June 2016 at age four. His parents Iain and Chantelle have led the charity since then with the charity’s mission being to “improve treatment, care, quality of life and awareness of patients diagnosed with childhood rhabdomyosarcoma and other childhood cancers.”

Chantelle, who is also president and CEO of the foundation, pointed out it was the first time the Fight Like Mason Foundation has done a flag raising in Amherstburg. She told the small group that assembled that it was more than just a flag raising but a way to remember and pay tribute to those children who have battled cancer in the past or are currently doing so.

“We are so honoured Amherstburg is raising the flag,” she said.

Mayor Aldo DiCarlo said “it’s a real privilege” to be able to raise the flag at the Libro Centre. He said anything they can do to raise awareness of childhood cancer will be done and he hoped it would lead to the Fight Like Mason Foundation obtaining additional donations as well.

DiCarlo said his family has a history with cancer, noting his father passed away from the disease, but noted the difficulties children and parents go through when a young person is diagnosed with the disease.

For more information on the Fight Like Mason Foundation, visit www.fightlikemason.org, e-mail fightlikemason@gmail.com, call 519-971-6107 or check out their social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) sites.

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) and the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) have revealed their back to school plans.

The WECDSB finalized its “Return to School Guidelines” for the 2021-22 school year last Wednesday, one day after an online meeting of the board. The Catholic board states these guidelines were developed by the board’s senior administrative team and were based upon recommended guidelines from the Ontario government, and consultations with key stakeholders including school principals, employee groups and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

“Our focus throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been on providing safe learning environments for our students and staff,” said WECDSB director of education Emelda Byrne. “With these new guidelines, we are taking a cautious and measured approach to opening our schools and will continue to focus on providing our students with the best learning experience possible.”

The Catholic board states “these guidelines are subject to revision and may change as pandemic related circumstances evolve. We are committed to keeping our WECDSB community informed and will provide notification when significant changes to these guidelines are made.”

Among the components of the WECDSB plan include that elementary schools have re-opened with “conventional in-person delivery of learning” with enhanced health and safety protocols. Students in kindergarten through Grade 8 will attend five days a week, with 300 minutes of instruction per day, remaining in one cohort for the full day.

The elementary cohorts will stay together with one teacher, where possible.

The board states students may be placed into small groups with students for other cohorts for such things as special education support and English-language learning.

“Students may use common spaces (for example, cafeterias, libraries) with physical distancing encouraged,” the policy reads. “Members of different cohorts can interact for small group learning with all safety measures in place.

Specialized education staff and teachers, such as French teachers, education support staff (for example, education assistants) are permitted to go into classrooms, and multiple schools to provide the full breadth of programming for students.”

Continued on page 14

ROMANO’S

Beth Charron Rowberry

ESSEX

Fighting

Backotool Sch

Specialty Meats & Italian Deli Serving the Community Since 1970

OPEN TUES-FRI 8:30-5 SAT 8:30-4 SUN 9-3 CLOSED MONDAYS

Traditions & Values...

Prices in effect Thursday, September 9th to Wednesday, September 15th, 2021

- For Your Freedom - Against Inflation - For our Children and Grandchildren’s Future

49 lb Meatballs ....................................................12$5 per tray Store Made

1099 Lean Stewing Beef ..........................$599 $ 69 Chicken Breast ....................................

4 Beth Charron Rowberry Faith, Family, Freedom. Potato Gnocchi ...................................$199 Mauro Espresso

Coffee Beans

....................................

$

1kg. bag lb

Skinless Boneless

lb

Paesemio

ea 1kg. pkg.

Vote

Beth Charron Rowberry PPC Essex www.windsoressexppc.com

241 SANDWICH ST. S. 519-736-4721 AMHERSTBURG, ONTARIO www.romanosmeats.com Ethnic Market Making a World of Difference

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES

Mon Closed, Tues 8:30-5, Wed 8:30-5, Thurs 8:30-5, Fri 8:30-5, Sat 8:30-4, Sun 9-3

4 – River Town Times – Wednesday, September 8, 2021

www.rivertowntimes.com

Cause undertermined after $700K fire

By Ron Giofu An early morning house fire last Friday severely damaged an Erie Ave. home and left one person displaced.

Amherstburg firefighters were called to the home at approximately 5 a.m. and re-

Back-to-school reminders

The return to school was always something I dreaded for most of my years as a student. I admit it. I enjoyed my summer vacation and didn’t look forward to the return of classes, homework and getting up early.

Now that my school years are long behind me, I don’t actually mind when this time of year rolls around. High school sports get rolling – and I hope somehow football is included in this group this year despite a recent announcement to the contrary – and temperatures start to cool off.

Obviously, I hope schools remain safe from any sort of COVID-19 infections and outbreaks. Like everyone else, I hope schools remain open and stay clear of any issues as much as possible. I know students who have yet to truly experience a high school environment de- JUST A spite starting their Grade 10 year so hopefully there THOUGHT is a return to normal sooner rather than later.

Ron Giofu And then there is the other obvious stuff when it comes to school and student safety. Things we all know, but I’m going to issue a reminder for anyway.

The school buses are back on the roads. If you are out and about, make sure to account for their presence. They have to make frequent stops to let students on and off, so be patient when around them and allow extra time if you have any appointments you have to drive to.

The crosswalk in front of General Amherst High School will also be busier than it was in July and August, so prepare to stop and wait there more often as well.

At any rate, reminders aside, I wish everyone a happy and safe school year for 2021-22. Study hard, work hard and have some fun along the way. And for those counting the days down until the next long weekend, it comes up October 9-11 when Thanksgiving weekend is observed.

Memories of Yesterday...

Photos courtesy of the Marsh Historical Collection 80 Richmond Street Amherstburg 519-736-9191 • www.marshcollection.org

General Amherst High School Girls Basketball Team, 1923. Front row (l to r): Grace Goodwyn, Ada Pearce, Amy Lovegrove. Back row: Stella Morency, Verna McGee, Doris Jones, Miss Coughlin, Miss Wilson, Alma Langlois, Edith Healy, Beatrice Bonsor.

mained on scene for roughly five hours. Assistant deputy fire chief Ron Meloche said no one was home at the time of the fire and no firefighters were injured.

“Upon arrival, we found a fully involved deck and back portion of the home,” he said.

Meloche said it was an automatic two-station response with the third station also being called in for support. He estimated the damage at $700,000.

“The cause is undetermined at this point,” Meloche said, last Friday afternoon.

The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office was contacted, he added, but there will be no further investigation. Meloche also stated they contact the Windsor Police Service’s arson and fraud team in cases like that but, for this matter, there was no cause to investigate further.

“We had a defensive fire from the get-go,” he said of the Amherstburg Fire Department’s approach. “We kept it that way.”

The roof of the home also caved in, he added, as the fire spread into the attic.

The Amherstburg Fire Department has also concluded its investigation, stated Meloche.

Downtown Mission and ACS partner to feed the hungry

By Ron Giofu A pair of announcements are good news to those seeking assistance with obtaining

food locally.

The Downtown Mission and Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) state they have entered into a partnership to help feed people in the Amherstburg, LaSalle, McGregor and Harrow communities, who do not have food security.

ACS stepped forward to operate a local food bank when Amherstburg Food Bank ceased operation. However, the agency has struggled to maintain adequate volumes of nutritional foods in their pantry, which operates out of the Amherstburg Community Hub. Through this joint venture, the Downtown Mission states it will supply ACS with fresh vegetables, fruit, packaged goods and other food essentials for people in the community who use the food bank program. The partners have wasted no time in getting started, the first delivery of food has already been received by the agency.

“Our driver arrived at the Mission on Thursday morning to make the first pick-up.

Our first food bank client arrived at 11 a.m. and was thrilled by the fresh items and variety of food the Mission donated. Our hearts are full. We look forward to the partnership with the Downtown Mission and welcome their service to our community residents,“ said Peggy Thompson, Community Awareness and Fundraising Coordinator with Amherstburg Community Services.

The Downtown Mission has strong relationships with human care service providers across the region and welcomes the opportunity to help hurting people wherever they may reside.

“The Mission is pleased to join with this of this vital community service provider and help provide a secure source of food for people in the greater Amherstburg area. It’s a natural extension of our food program to feed the hungry, regardless of where they live.

But most importantly, there will be no disruption of ACS’s food bank program,” said Reverend Ron Dunn Executive Director, Downtown Mission.

Meanwhile, the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission is denying reports it has any intention of closing. Mission president Tim McAllister said he has heard rumours the independent organization he and his volunteers operate is here to stay despite what he has heard on social media and from others. He said it has been a stressful time because of the false rumours.

“The mission is here to help the people of Amherstburg,” said McAllister. “We are here to stay for a long time.”

McAllister said they want supporters to know they are going to keep doing what they have been doing for over 20 years.

“We’re not going anywhere,” he said.

The mission is seeking donations, however. Food that is needed at the moment includes peanut butter, jam, ketchup, mustard, Sidekicks, cereal (any kind), corn starch, onion soup mix, radishes, chicken and beef broth, barbecue sauce, canned peas, canned cut green beans, canned pea & carrots, ranch dressing, egg noodles and canned fruit.

Your Local Newspaper Team...

The River Town Times Inc. is locally owned and operated!

We are proudly published every Wednesday from

80 Richmond Street, Amherstburg, ON. N9V 1E9

Phone 519-736-4175 Jim Heyens PUBLISHER

Ron Giofu EDITOR

Laura George

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Kim Meloche OFFICE ADMIN

Kelly French

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Tom Warwick

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ian Phillips EDITORIAL

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: : The River Town Times welcomes letters to the editor on a wide variety of topics. Our pages are always open to opinions on local issues, criticism, or recognition of those who deserve praise. The River Town Times retains the right to edit, or reject submissions. All submissions will adhere to ethical standards. Note: All letters printed in the River Town Times are the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the newspaper.

Please submit your letter (under 250 words please) to mail@rivertowntimes.com, or drop off at the office, 80 Richmond St.

Fax 519-736-5420 • Editorial: mail@rivertowntimes.com• Sales: sales@rivertowntimes.com

A Division of Southpoint Publishing Inc. Your #1 Source for Local News, Sports & Community Information

www.rivertowntimes.com

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 – River Town Times – 5

Candidate Q&A’s new Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit to bring different generations under one roof. We will support Indigenous Housing and work with municipalities to end homelessness.

3. Home Buyers Bill of Rights - to ensure that the process of buying a home is fair, open and transparent; setting guidelines for realtors, inspectors and mortgage lenders. Additional rules for a 2 year ban on foreign buyers/ownership so that housing stock is available for Canadians while reviewing the tax treatment of Real Estate Investment Trusts in order to curb excessive profits while protecting small independent landlords and ensure that rents are fair.

AUDREY FESTERYGA

(1) How do you and your party propose to get us through the COVID-19 pandemic and what will the post-COVID-19 economy look like afterward?

Canadians have stepped up, getting their vaccinations, social distancing and washing their hands. The Liberals are the only party to provide a Plan that is costed and doable. One that will ensure a better future for our kids, grandkids and the next generation. It includes: • mandatory vaccination for travelers, • providing a $1Billion Proof of Vaccination Fund to the Provinces and Territories, • building a better Healthcare System including $600Million to address the opioid crisis, • hire 7,500 new Doctors, Nurses and Nurse Practitioners, • eliminate the backlog of surgeries and procedures, • increasing rural and underserviced communities’ access to Health Care by offering incentives of up to $15,000 to set up practice in those areas; • Improving Mental Health Care across Canada ($4.5 Billion over 5 years); mental health care for everyone including veterans; • safer better Long-Term Care including 50,000 new PSW’s with a minimum $25/hour wage; • supporting teachers (increasing the Refundable tax credit to 25%); and students (Safe Return to Class Fund for Ventilation improvement projects across Canada) and developing a National School Food Policy; • addressing systemic inequalities.

The Liberals are building a Better Canada for Everyone – that includes $10/day daycare, so parents, particularly women can re-enter the workforce; supporting seniors, their families and those who care for them; permanently eliminate the federal interest on Canada Student Loans & postpone repayment until earning at least $50,000 annually.

Canada is transitioning to a Green Economy creating one Million jobs. Building a net-zero national power grid will support green jobs in the auto and construction sectors. We will retrofit our homes to be energy efficient and continue the $5,000 rebates to help Canadians get into an energy efficient vehicles.

(2) Finding a house or apartment that is affordable is important to a lot of people. What measures will you take to ensure people can find a place to live at a price they can manage?

Liberals have a three-part housing plan: 1. Unlock Home Ownership- Liberals will help save a family buying their first house up to $30,000. This includes a new 5 year Rent-to-Own Program, a new Taxfree First Home Savings Account, a more flexible First Time Home Buyer Incentive, and to save on closing costs a re-elected Liberal government will double the First -Time Home Buyers Tax Credit to reduce monthly mortgage costs we will reduce the price charged on mortgage insurance; 2. Build More Homes - build, preserve or revitalize 1.4 million homes by 2025-26 while working with municipalities and developers – to accelerate Housing Construction, build and create affordable and social housing, convert empty office space into housing & introduce a

(3) What does protecting the environment mean to you and what measures will you fight for to carry out your vision?

Protecting the environment is everything. Climate change is real. It is a real crisis. Canadians are demanding and I am demanding Real Action.

A re-elected Liberal government will move forward with an ambitious plan to accelerate climate action for more jobs, cleaner communities and less pollution.

How? By building a net-zero electricity grid and ending thermal coal exports, making it easier and more affordable to own a zero-emission vehicle and create new jobs in the clean economy while supporting all workers to ensure no one is left behind.

Liberals will support the training of 1,000 new firefighters to help monitor and contain wildfires across the country and invest in the equipment they need to fight fires and stay safe. We will help Canadians make their homes more resilient, and we’ll partner with the private sector to innovate climate adaptation, including by lowering insurance premiums that would save Canadians money.

Canadians need us to act boldly now to keep people safe and healthy from these extreme weather events and climate-related disasters. These commitments build on the progress made over the last few years, including record investments in public transportation projects, green infrastructure and clean technology. We are the envy of the world.

But we also need to protect nature and a re-elected Liberal government will over the course of the next 5 years establish 10 new National Parks and 10 new National Marine Conservation Areas, together with at least one National Urban Park per province while working with Indigenous communities to co-manage them. A singleuse plastics ban, oceans clean up and Freshwater Action Plan are also essential as we continue to plant 2 billion trees.

(4) What are the major healthcare issues facing people of the riding of Essex and how would you address those issues?

The public universal healthcare that Canadians enjoy is a system that is a model to the world. I know firsthand how fabulous our healthcare system is; in 2014 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by surgery, chemo and radiation therapies. I was the lucky one- to be born in Canada.

But over the last 18 months, our health care system has been under attack. We have a backlog of surgeries and procedures and waitlists from before the pandemic. We have difficulty accessing primary care and we need mental health care for everyone. Long Term Care needs to be safer, for the residents, families and front-line workers.

I’ve worked in healthcare and long-term care. The plans outlined by a re-elected Liberal government are not band aid solutions nor a step backwards. Funding will support the elimination of waitlists, and hire 7,500 new doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners; establish a new federal Canada Mental Health Transfer - permanent, on-going funding for mental health services ($4.5 Billion over 5 years) and a comprehensive strategy to address substance abuse and the opioids crisis. It is essential that we develop a Safe Long-Term Care Act - to ensure that seniors are guaranteed the care they deserve, no matter where they live. And train up to 50,000 new personal support workers and raise their wages to a minimum wage of at least $25/hour. Additionally, incentives to the Canada Student Loans forgiveness program will expand the number of family doctors and primary health teams

in rural communities.

Accessible, well-funded public health care is a cornerstone of equality in Canada.

(5) How would a vote for you improve the lives of the people of Essex?

I will be your voice in Ottawa- compassionate, effective and tenacious. My experience as a lawyer and business owner, negotiator and health care administrator will ensure that Essex issues are heard and responded to. As a first generation Canadian born to German immigrant parents, I have a strong work ethic which comes from my parents drive to succeed, my roots on the family farm, which I still farm today with my mom and my brother and my desire to give back for all the blessings I have received. As a mother of two, I advocate for children and youth with a focus on the future and the environment.

I also advocate for seniors, childcare and affordable housing while championing the region’s agriculture, small business and manufacturing sectors. I know that climate change/green technologies offer our Region innumerable opportunities. I plan on working with my federal, provincial and municipal counterparts to lead the way and ensure that families can afford to live, thrive and prosper in Essex.

Progressive voters should review the entire detailed Liberal platform and they will note that this is the way to move Essex and country ahead.

I will be an MP constituents can count on. My constituency office will be run to serve the communities in the same way they have come to expect of me as a lawyer.

Essex deserves compassionate, effective and tenacious representation.

Vote Audrey, Working for a better future in Essex.

CHRIS LEWIS (Incumbent)

(1) How do you and your party propose to get us through the COVID-19 pandemic and what will the post-COVID-19 economy look like afterward?

Conservatives have a comprehensive “Economic Recovery Plan to Secure our Future”. It is available to the public online at conservatives.ca/plan/. Our Jobs Plan is a key component.

Over the course of the pandemic, millions of Canadians lost their jobs, with women accounting for more than half of year-over-year employment losses. The tourism and hospitality sectors were among the hardest hit, as well as part-time and temporary workers.

To get our economy back on track, Canada’s Recovery plan will recover the million jobs lost in the sectors hit hardest by the pandemic and get as many people back to work in good jobs, in every part of Canada, in every sector, as quickly as possible.

Once the Canada Emergency Wage subsidy (CEWS) ends, we will introduce the Canada Job Surge Plan. An O’Toole government will pay at least 25% of the salary of net new hires for six months after CEWS expires.

To help those who have been unemployed longterm, our plan will cover up to 50% of the salary for those who have been unemployed for 6 months or more.

Continued on page 6

6 – River Town Times – Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Candidate Q&A’s

CHRIS LEWIS (Incumbent)

Continued from page 5 As well, we will restore stability to Canada’s economy and balance the Budget in ten years. I am confident that our comprehensive plan to “Secure Canada’s Future” is the right mix of government investment to lead Canada’s Economic Recovery.

(2) Finding a house or apartment that is affordable is important to a lot of people. What measures will you take to ensure people can find a place to live at a price they can manage?

I continue to hear at doors how scared our young adults are. They wonder even if they could afford to buy a home if they could they even find one. The biggest issue for affordable housing is the demand far exceeds the supply. The pandemic worsened that condition. So does non-resident foreign speculators buying Canadian real estate and then leaving these homes empty.

Conservatives are committed to building one million homes over the next three years. As part of our plan, we will release 15% of federal government owned land for development. We will also make mortgages more affordable, for example - open up a new market for seven to ten-year mortgages to stabilize the market. We will also address the soaring cost of renting a home by partnering with municipalities and the private sector to bring new rental units into the market. We will also ban foreign non-resident buyers. Our housing plan is laid out in full on Pages 54 and 55 in our “Canada’s Recovery Plan” - conservatives.ca/plan/ (3) What does protecting the environment mean to you and what measures will you fight for to carry out your vision?

I have a number of local environmental concerns that I would continue to prioritize - flood mitigation in Lakeshore; shoreline protection, and large algae blooms in the western basin.

I also will prioritize the agriculture sector. I want our local producers to know that I have their backs as they continue to steward the land now and for future generations using the latest, most innovative practises.

Also, I will support municipalities to upgrade their aging infrastructure so heavy rains will not leach raw sewage into our waterways. Essex residents deserve to enjoy our magnificent Great Lakes and local beaches without the fear of e-coli contamination.

(4) What are the major healthcare issues facing people of the riding of Essex and how would you address those issues?

Increased care transfers - Conservatives are committed, within 100 days of taking office, to work with the Provinces to increase health care transfers at an annual rate of 6% over a ten-year period.

Mental Health Action Plan - will address the mental health crisis. We will work with the provinces to invest in mental health as the priority, with the goal

of providing enough funding through health transfers for an additional million Canadians to receive mental health treatment every year. Also, we will: • Encourage employers to add mental health coverage to their employee benefit plans.

• Provide $150 million over three years in grants to non-profits and charities delivering mental health and wellness programming.

• Create a nationwide three-digit suicide prevention hotline.

Support for our Seniors: Help our seniors Stay in their Own Homes by amending the Home Accessibility Tax Credit - increasing the limit from $10,000 per dwelling to $10,000 per person.

Allow seniors or their caregivers, including their children, to claim the Medical Expense Tax Credit for home care.

We will introduce the Canada Seniors Care Benefit, paying $200 per month per household to any Canadian who is living with and taking care of a parent over the age of 70.

Fixing Long-Term Care: Canada’s Conservatives will invite the provinces to work with us to develop a set of best practices for Long-Term Care homes.

In the meantime, we will help seniors receive the care they need by: • Devoting $3 billion of infrastructure funding over the next three years to renovate Long-Term Care Homes across Canada.

• Encouraging partnerships with private non-profits that have historically provided a significant amount of Long-Term Care.

(5) How would a vote for you improve the lives of the people of Essex?

We live in the greatest country in the world. With the right leadership Essex and Canada will prosper again. I believe our Economic Recovery Plan provides the right path forward.

My economic priorities are jobs and affordability, support for small businesses, especially those hit hardest by the months of shutdown and partnering with advanced manufacturers to capitalize on emerging markets such Electric Vehicles.

The cost of everything is going up - grocery bills are up five per cent and gas prices have skyrocketed. With inflation at the highest level in 20 years and rising, families are struggling to make ends meet.

A few highlights from our Affordability Plan to help Canadians’ pocketbooks by: • Lowering food prices by increasing the maximum fine for price-fixing from $24 million to $100 million; introducing criminal penalties, including jail times, for executives convicted of price-fixing; and, bringing in a tough code of conduct to protect suppliers and to promote grocery competition.

• Giving our competition laws real teeth to prevent a few big companies from dominating whole industries and pushing up prices.

• Standing up to corporate Canada and rejecting mergers that substantially reduce competition and lead to layoffs and higher prices.

I covered our Jobs Surge Plan to create 1 million jobs in Question #1. And our plan to build one million homes in three years in Question #2. Jobs and affordable housing are key to a high quality of life in Essex.

Conservative’s “Rebuilding Mainstreet” will provide a 25% tax credit for small business and a $200,000 loan, a percentage of which will be foregivable.

For complete details of the Conservative’s Economic Recovery Plan, go to conservatives.ca/plan/

Hearing tests, hearing aids, wax removal

Book an appointment online at www.YouHear.ca or call

519-730-1030 Essex ....................... 519-961-9285 LaSalle ................... 519-970-9587 Amherstburg ..........

www.rivertowntimes.com

TRACEY RAMSEY

(1) How do you and your party propose to get us through the COVID-19 pandemic and what will the post-COVID-19 economy look like afterward?

1. So many of us have been struggling, while billionaires and corporations made a fortune. That’s why once the pandemic ends, we can’t return to normal.

We have to fight for a future that is more affordable, more equitable and more optimistic.

The NDP fought for solutions to the challenges Canadians faced, like making rent and paying the bills.

We have a plan to make life more affordable, by tackling Trudeau’s housing crisis and making the ultrarich pay their share so we can provide services for everyone. And we’ll continue to help people get vaccinated.

(2) Finding a house or apartment that is affordable is important to a lot of people. What measures will you take to ensure people can find a place to live at a price they can manage?

1. Since Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister six years ago the price of buying and renting a home has become out of reach for a lot of people in Essex County.

New Democrats believe that it’s time to help people – now. We have an ambitious plan that will make a difference for families in Essex County– because finding a good, affordable place to live shouldn’t be like winning the lottery. It’s time to relieve the stress and worry that people feel by choosing to make it easier to rent and buy a home.

We have an extensive plan to tackle the housing crisis. We will build 500,000 new affordable homes in ten years across the country, with half of those being built in five. A New Democrat government will also spur the construction of affordable homes by waiving the federal portion of the GST/HST on the construction of new affordable rental units – a simple change that will help get new units built faster and keep them affordable for the long term. We will also implement supports to help people buy a home and pay for rent.

(3) What does protecting the environment mean to you and what measures will you fight for to carry out your vision?

1. This summer, Canadians watched in shock as temperatures repeatedly smashed record levels, and out of control wildfires endangered lives and communities. Smoke from fires hundreds of kilometres away blanketed major cities throughout the country. And excessive heat has taken hundreds of lives.

Consecutive Liberal and Conservative governments have continuously failed to meaningfully tackle this crisis. Justin Trudeau can’t talk his way out of the climate crisis, and the Conservatives can’t be allowed to drag us back to a time before the climate emergency was acknowledged.

The climate crisis remains an urgent priority and an existential threat. It calls on all of us to be courageous, act decisively, and be accountable. Future generations are counting on us. We can show that we are up to the challenge. That’s why we have committed to cutting Canada’s emissions by more than half by the year 2030 with projects like electrifying public transit.

Continued on page 7

www.rivertowntimes.com

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 – River Town Times – 7

Candidate Q&A’s

TRACEY RAMSEY Continued from page 5 Canadian workers are worried about their place in the changing global economy. The global climate is changing, and Canadian jobs are changing too. But successive Liberal and Conservative governments have left workers to navigate these shifts on their own. New Democrats know that skilled Canadian workers – manufacturing, construction, trades, engineering and others - will be needed to build a low-carbon economy. We will put those workers front and centre of our climate action plan, and fight for workers and their communities to make sure nobody is left behind.

(4) What are the major healthcare issues facing people of the riding of Essex and how would you address those issues?

1. The stress placed on our public health care system has been clear through the pandemic. We also have seen the impact on our doctors and nurses, long term care workers and those working on the frontlines to keep us safe. Years of cuts and neglect by Liberal and Conservative governments brought the health care system to the brink of collapse – and resulted in catastrophic loss of life in long term care.

After decades of promises, the Liberals have once again failed to make sure every Canadian can afford the medications they need. That’s why New Democrats are fighting for a national, universal, public pharmacare program to make sure that all Canadians can access the prescription medicine they need with their health card, not their credit card – saving money and improving health outcomes for everyone. These programs will also free up resources to tackle emerging threats to public health, like the COVID-19 pandemic.

An NDP government would create a $250 million Critical Shortages Fund to address the shortage of nurses and health care workers across Canada and ensure that provinces also commit funding specifically for health care workers. The federal fund would help train and hire 2,000 nurses.

A New Democrat government will work with the provinces and territories to tackle wait times and improve access to primary care across the country – and we’ll work with the provinces to develop public infrastructure for secure, accessible virtual healthcare.

(5) How would a vote for you improve the lives of the people of Essex?

1. I’m hearing from a lot of people in Essex that they don’t feel that their concerns are being listened to and they don’t feel represented in Ottawa.

I care about people in my community, I’ve seen how much they have struggled, especially over the past 18 months and I want to make their lives better. Along with my experience as an MP for this community, I know I can be that strong voice in Ottawa for us all in Essex.

People in Essex are worried about jobs, the health of our loved ones, and the public services that everyone counts on. The past 18 months have shown that Canadians can confront any challenge – when we have to, when we choose to, and when we come together. It’s also shown us that thanks to the decisions of Liberal and Conservative governments, many of the supports that we rely on just aren’t there when we need them. If we want different results, we need to make different choices.

What we need now is the courage to act together.

And that is exactly what New Democrats offer to Canadians. Ready for Better is our vision for what we believe is possible. And it is our commitment to the real results that we’re going to deliver for Canadians.

BETH CHARRON-ROWBERRY

(1) How do you and your party propose to get us through the COVID-19 pandemic and what will the postCOVID-19 economy look like afterward?

The unprecedented government response to the covid-19 pandemic has had massively negative repercussions on Canadians’ physical and mental health, economic well-being, as well as their rights and freedoms.

The standard approach to pandemic management had always been to protect the vulnerable and allow the rest of the healthy population to go about their regular lives while building herd immunity. Lockdowns of entire populations were never part of any pre-COVID pandemic planning.

Lockdowns, mask mandates, school closures, and other authoritarian sanitary measures have not had any noticeable effect on the course of the pandemic. Regions or countries that implemented strict measures have been as impacted as those that did not.

Both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated can get infected and transmit the virus, which negates the rationale for segregation and vaccine passports.

To get through the pandemic the PPC will promote a rational and scientifically based approach to the pandemic that focuses on the protection of the most vulnerable, guarantees the freedom of Canadians to make decisions based on informed consent, and rejects coercion and discrimination.

What the post-COVID-19 economy looks like will greatly depend on which faction wins the most influence. COVID-19 is not going away and therefore the PPC would: • Support emergency provincial measures to protect the most vulnerable, but stop bailing out provinces that impose economically destructive lockdowns.

• Support medical research and development of therapies to treat covid-19 and other viral diseases (2) Finding a house or apartment that is affordable is important to a lot of people. What measures will you take to ensure people can find a place to live at a price they can manage?

The current housing issue is a supply issue. One of the biggest factors influencing the supply issue is mass immigration, compounded by a high volume of new study permits. In 2019 alone, Canada issued 402K study permits.

This inflates the rental market as the supply is low and the demand is high. It also inflates the housing market as investors purchase homes to rent to these students based on low interest rates. We have individuals from the GTA speculating in our market based on high returns from the sale in their market. Both factors alongside increased immigration to our area has left us with more demand than we have supply. Experts in the housing industry express the need for government to alleviate the red tape to allow development of new housing get to market faster. The supply must ramp up to keep up with population growth or the demand needs to be lessened.

(3) What does protecting the environment mean to you and what measures will you fight for to carry out your vision?

It is an undisputed fact that the world’s climate has always changed and will continue to change. Until twelve thousand years ago, much of Canada was under ice, and it is thanks to natural climate change that we can live here today.

The policy debate about global warming is not grounded on science anymore. It has been hijacked by proponents of big government who are using crude propagan-

da techniques to impose their views.

Climate change alarmism is based on flawed models that have consistently failed at correctly predicting the future. None of the cataclysmic predictions that have been made about the climate since the 1970s have come true.

No new ice age. No steady warming in direct relation with increases in CO2 levels. No disappearance of polar ice caps. No exceptional rise in ocean levels. No abnormal increase in catastrophic weather events. No widespread crop failure and famine.

In fact, CO2 is beneficial for agriculture and there has recently been a measurable “greening” of the world in part thanks to higher levels. Despite what global warming propaganda claims, CO2 is not a pollutant. It is an essential ingredient for life on Earth and needed for plant growth.

The PPC will: • Invest in adaptation strategies if problems arise as a result of any natural climate change.

Prioritize implementing practical solutions to make Canada’s air, water and soil cleaner, including bringing clean drinking water to remote First Nations communities • Abolish the Liberal government’s carbon tax and leave it to provincial governments to adopt programs to reduce emissions if they want to. Our emissions have not gone since the carbon tax was implemented, yet we still only account for less than 2% of the World’s global emissions.

• Withdraw from the Paris Accord and abandon unrealistic greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

• Stop sending billions of dollars to developing countries to help them reduce their emissions.

(4) What are the major healthcare issues facing people of the riding of Essex and how would you address those issues?

Healthcare is an exclusive provincial jurisdiction. However, for years the federal government has insisted that the provinces satisfy a series of conditions set in the Canada Health Act in exchange for transfer payments. The money does not directly fund health care services. It is simply added to the provinces’ budgets and they decide where and how they spend it.

Ottawa’s health care transfers to the provinces have more than doubled since 2006, from $20 billion to $43 billion in 2021-22, with nothing to show for it.

Provinces must implement reforms in line with more efficient and less costly mixed universal systems of other developed countries. Throwing more federal money at the problem, as all the other parties are proposing, is not the right approach. On the contrary, it is part of the problem. We must end the current confusion over who does what and who is responsible for the problem.

The PPC will: • Replace the Canada Health Transfer payments with a permanent transfer of tax points of equivalent value to the provinces and territories, to give them a stable source of revenue. In practice, Ottawa will give up its Goods and Services Tax (GST), and let provincial and territorial governments occupy this fiscal room. In 2021-22, the GST is expected to bring in $41 billion in revenues, almost the same amount currently transferred by Ottawa.

• Establish a temporary program to compensate poorer provinces whose revenues from the tax will be lower than the transfer payments they used to receive.

The provinces will be fully responsible for health care funding and management, and fully accountable to their citizens for the results, while Ottawa will respect the Constitution and stop meddling.

(5) How would a vote for you improve the lives of the people of Essex?

The implementation of the platform items mentioned above, would bring immediate benefits to the Essex riding, especially the removal of the carbon tax. We know the farmers got a bit of relief, but every constituent counts and the increased carbon tax makes it more expensive to travel, heat your home, purchase gas and increased food costs. Reducing the red tape for developers for new homes would mitigate some of the housing issues. I look forward to clarifying for those in my riding which responsibilities fall under federal versus provincial and municipal jurisdiction. These responsibilities need to be clearly defined and the management for those responsibilities must be understood and held to account. A vote for myself and the People’s Party of Canada, would provide you with truly transparent representation within the walls of Parliament. People in the Essex riding would have an accurate picture of how their tax dollars are being utilized within our region and within the country.

8 – River Town Times – Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Candidate Q&A’s

www.rivertowntimes.com

you take to ensure people can find a place to live at a price they can manage?

The CHP will empower and facilitate unencumbering businesses through less regulation and lower corporate taxes to allow Canadians to reduce unemployment themselves. The government does not create jobs, people do. Get the population working and let them find the housing they desire with their newfound income and independence. In addition, balancing the budget i.e. it doesn’t balance itself, paying down the astronomical national debt, and reeling-in runaway vote buying subsidies would all serve to prevent hyperinflation and minimize housing market instability.

JEREMY PALKO

(1) How do you and your party propose to get us through the COVID-19 pandemic and what will the post-COVID-19 economy look like afterward?

Our focus within the CHP (Christian Heritage Party) has and will be on honouring the Constitution and Charter of Rights & Freedoms that has been effectively trampled, shredded & burned by Trudeau & Co., which would only continue with most of the other parties to varying degrees. Rightful interpretation of our founding documents is the only way through and out of this reckless casedemic fearmongering approach that has crushed quality of life and left Canadians anywhere from despairing to frustrated to infuriated, with no demonstrable justification.

The economy under the CHP platform would recover and grow like never before because that’s what low taxes, less bureaucracy, and rightsized regulations do.

(2) Finding a house or apartment that is affordable is important to a lot of people. What measures will

(3) What does protecting the environment mean to you and what measures will you fight for to carry out your vision?

Canada is blessed with beautiful landscapes and immense natural resources that deserve proper stewardship. Enforcing existing regulations without favouratism will protect the environment. Carbon tax or similar is a nonsensical approach with no objective data-based logic or reasoning that only serves to further hinder a struggling economy by punishing productivity. Canada needs a balanced approach to our environment, not globalist social engineering that appeases international special interests, that are not in the best interests of Canadians as it ought to be.

(4) What are the major healthcare issues facing people of the riding of Essex and how would you address those issues?

There are many healthcare issues, but the top three are abortion, quality of care, and wait times.

Abortion law that recognizes that life begins at conception is desperately needed. We can no longer be in the dark ages with no acknowledgement of life in the womb. Canadians tax dollars should not be used for morally sensitive issues such as this.

Quality of care would be recovered & improved with a judicious level of privatization, for example, there is no reason to not have locally & readily available MRI machines that are open in design to compassionately accommodate those requiring the best in digital imaging for accurate and timely diagnoses.

Wait times is a function of facilities & staff. Where these are lacking, resources would be targeted to correct deficiencies.

There is no easy solution to complex and/or difficult problems, however, the CHP would emphasize long-term solutions following rigorous study to understand the root cause of each issue to implement the most effective & efficient corrective actions.

(5) How would a vote for you improve the lives of the people of Essex?

See above, and additionally as follows. The CHP is distinct in having principled leadership and a party that is guided by a constitution by consensus. In other words, the flip-flopping that is all too prevalent in politics today would be replaced by integrity and servanthood for the people.

NANCY PANCHESHAN

(1) How do you and your party propose to get us through the COVID-19 pandemic and what will the postCOVID-19 economy look like afterward?

COVID-19 is very much shaping our present our future and has taught us many lessons. If we pay attention, the pandemic will help us shape a better future for all.

The big lessons are; the need for a Guaranteed Livable Income, more local economic activity, local food security, more teleworking and less commuting, expanded health care/pharma care, and a huge shift to renewable energy.

Reimagining our future is considering things to hang on to; cleaner air, cleaner waterways, less congested roads, and respect for seniors by providing care that suits their needs.

We need a healthy economy. Greens are committed to seeing Canadians get back to work. Leading world economists state investments that will restart an economy are investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency retrofits. The strongest economic recovery will be green.

A Green vote will see an end to the bailout money Canada gives to fossil fuel and nuclear corporations. The International Monetary Fund estimates that Canada provides these corporations $25 billion a year. Remember the Chrysler and GM bailouts? That was a one-time bailout worth $13.7 billion. Instead of bailing out a dying industry, Greens will tackle the climate crisis by creating green jobs in the $26 trillion global clean economy. This generation has the potential to capitalize on the single biggest business opportunity in human history: the shift to a post-fossil fuel economy.

(2) Finding a house or apartment that is affordable is important to a lot of people. What measures will you take to ensure people can find a place to live at a price they can manage?

The average house in Essex costs $542, 000, people are spending 30-50% of their income on housing, and spending more on basic living costs. Many younger Canadians will not be able to afford a home. We are one of the richest countries in the world, yet many cannot afford to buy a home. Our rent costs are also out of the park. The Green vision includes; creating incentives to make homes more energy-efficient and affordable to run, building 25, 000 affordable housing units, refurbishing 15, 000 more, and introducing tax incentives to support the construction of rental housing. Federal incentives for the purpose of rental housing were eliminated in the 1970s. Every party has a similar plan, I would work across party lines to achieve affordable housing in our community. A Green vote would also strengthen regulation of foreign investment in residential real estate and create an “empty home” tax for foreign and corporate residential property owners who leave buildings and units vacant.

The 2020 deficit is likely to be in the region of $2.434 trillion and the cost to servicing this debt will be $22.1 billion or 6% of government revenue. The federal government spends over “187 times more servicing its debt than it does supporting Canadian veterans”. Imagine what $22.1 billion could do to alleviate poverty and provide affordable housing in Canada. We will cut spending and/or subsidization to fossil fuel corporations and set a disciplined schedule to pay down debt while maintaining programs that meet social and environmental needs.

Continued on page 9

www.rivertowntimes.com

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 – River Town Times – 9

Candidate Q&A’s housing, provide refundable tax credits for all energy retrofits, and promote tax-deductible Green Mortgages for homeowners retrofit costs.

NANCY PANCHESHAN Continued from page 8

(4) What are the major healthcare issues facing (3) What does protecting the environment mean to people of the riding of Essex and how would you you and what measures will you fight for to carry address those issues? out your vision?

Mental health, care of our seniors and hospital In Essex, one-hundred-year storm events are wait times are some of the major healthcare issues now routine events. Some people are worried their facing the people of Essex. According to the Windhouse is going to flood every time it rains. The storm sor Essex Health Unit; self-harm is up 28%, opioid events of 2016 and 2017 cost $526 million alone. overdoses are up 40%, and Ontario has seen a 60% This does not include the millions our towns have rise in hospitalizations and 54% increase in emermade in repairs to roads and bridges. Essex also has gency department visits from our children and the highest air pollution and cancer rates in Canada. youth. Greens will expand access to mental health Essex boasts unique ecosystems, providing natural and addiction services. drainage, cooling and cleaning our air and water. A We also want people to have the opportunity for Green vote will see an end to the yearly $25 billion people to age safely in their own homes and receive bailouts given fossil fuel corporations. These funds quality care. The Green Party of Ontario supports will be used to expand our natural areas from 5.7% increased funding for home and community care to and to reach the 30% mark advised to Environment provide support for people to live at home longer: Canada to prepare Essex for climate change. Cur- smart home technology, implementing more meanrently, we are very ill-prepared. A vote for Green ingful community programs to help seniors remain would protect Essex’; unique beauty, natural drain- active citizens. age systems, air and water.

The Green Party is focused on developing a health Most of today’s housing stock will be standing in care capacity plan that utilizes existing resources: to 2040, the date we target an 85% overall reduction reopen hospital beds, operating rooms and services. in Canada’s carbon emissions, so retrofitting our Increases in health care funding will be allocated to buildings is crucial to achieve this goal. frontline services, hiring more nurses, rather than In Essex, research shows the average home uses administration to ensure that people receive quality twice the global best practice amount. We have a care when they need it. It is incredible the current big appetite for energy use. plan is to spend billions on a new hospital, yet we The Green Party will; Restore the EcoENergy will see no gain in additional hospital beds, nurses, program, providing federal loans to retrofit home- and the plan loses an ER for Essex County. owners, dedicate $250 million/year for low-income It is the only party that is proactive to prevent illretrofit grant program, upgrade low-income rental ness in the first place, sustaining our natural world,

investing in clean tech and retrofits to reduce impacts of air quality and promote green infrastructure or more cycling paths.

(5) How would a vote for you improve the lives of the people of Essex?

Voting Green will send a vote to improve our quality of life, away from polluting energy use, and eliminate fossil fuel subsidies. Instead of lining the bank accounts of Canada’s fossil fuel corporations, let’s use Canadian funds to improve our quality of life; • Purchase and protect natural areas, protecting our beauty, air, water and natural drainage • Hire staff to open closed beds at our hospitals and reduce wait times • Create incentives to make homes more energyefficient and affordable to run.

• Build affordable housing units and introduce tax incentives to support the construction of rental housing.

• Investments in green innovation and research; There are tens of thousands of ‘green collar’ jobs.

The green economy is worth an estimated $26 trillion dollars. A vote for Green will bring some of that economy to Essex i.e. retrofitting businesses and/or building charging stations for the electric cars here.

• Support for family farms rather than subsidizing industrial food production • Support for small businesses, holding tax rates at 9% We need a bold new vision for our quality of life, what energy we use and the businesses we support.

My name is Nancy Pancheshan and I will work hard to bring a green vision to Essex.

ASC would like to thank the generous support from our sponsors for both our House League and Windsor TFC Fusion Teams. With their support back in 2020, despite not having a season last year, their continued backing ensured we were able to have a season this summer.

We also want to thank the Coaches and volunteers that allowed us to make this happen.

We also want to thank the families for doing their part, with daily Covid health screenings and following the rules, with respect to the new health guidelines and physical distancing rules that we implemented.

Even though we weren’t able to play House League in Town this year, we will be back for 2022. We do need to thank our partners at LaSalle Soccer Club for working with us this year which saw us combine our programs to offer a season to all in the area.

GYORI FARMS Landscape Supplies

HOURS OF OPERATION DIANNE & VINCENT CARDELL A

Our family TECUMSEH • L AKESHORE • FOREST GL ADEtaking care of your family!

LLP

Dr. Roy Petras began treating patients in Amherstburg in 1984. He has over 35 years of experience as a general dentist. His son, Dr. Dennis Petras, graduated graduated from dental school in 2014 and joined the practice, as well. Dr. Dennis and Dr. Sandra have three girls together. Dr. Roy enjoys being able to work with his son and daughter-in-law!

Day

Hours

Monday

7:30am-4:00pm

Tuesday

10:00am-7:00pm

Wednesday

7:30am-4:00pm

Thursday

10:00am-7:00pm

Friday

7:30am-4:00pm

HealthSmart Pharmacy We accept emergency Sunset Welding patients and same-day walk-in appointments.

Baker Busch Barristers & Solicitor Cynthia Thrasher Barrister &Contact Solicitor Information Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

519-713-8985

PRACTICE INFORMATION

10 – River Town Times – Wednesday, September 8, 2021

www.rivertowntimes.com

Ontario to require proof of vaccination in select settings

By Ron Giofu

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, will require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings starting Sept. 22.

The measures were announced last Wednesday, with the provincial government stating requiring proof of vaccination “reduces risk and is an important step to encourage every last eligible Ontarian to get their shot, which is critical to protecting the province’s hospital capacity, while also supporting businesses with the tools they need to keep customers safe, stay open and minimize disruptions.”

“As the world continues its fight against the Delta variant, our government will never waver in our commitment to do what’s necessary to keep people safe, protect our hospitals and minimize disruptions to businesses,” said Premier Doug Ford said in a news release. “Based on the latest evidence and best advice, COVID-19 vaccine certificates give us the best chance to slow the spread of this virus while helping us to avoid further lockdowns. If you haven’t received your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, please do so today.”

The province states that as of Sept. 22, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities. This approach focuses on higher-risk indoor public settings where face coverings cannot always be worn and includes: •Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout); •Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment); •Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres; •Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport; •Sporting events; •Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;

•Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas; •Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).

The Ontario government added these mandatory requirements would not apply to outdoor settings where the risk of transmission is lower, including patios, with the exception of outdoor nightclub spaces given the risk associated with the setting. In addition, the province states these requirements will not apply to settings where people receive medical care, food from grocery stores, medical supplies and the like. Aligned with public health measures currently in place, indoor masking policies will continue to remain in place.

“We know vaccines provide the best protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

“To protect the health and well-being of Ontarians, our government will offer one more tool to encourage even more Ontarians to receive the vaccine and provide further protection to fully vaccinated Ontarians as they safely enjoy activities with their loved ones and support their local businesses.”

Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate, the Ontario government adds.

Children who are 11 years of age and younger and unable to be vaccinated will also be exempted from these requirements.

The province added for the period between Sept 22Oct. 12, “it is intended that people attending wedding or funeral receptions at meeting or event spaces will

be able to provide a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test from no more than 48 hours before the event as an alternative to proof of vaccination. These rapid antigen tests would have to be privately purchased.”

The Ontario government stated in its announcement it will develop and provide additional tools to improve user experience, efficiency and business supports in the coming weeks, including establishing alternative tools for people with no email, health card or ID. The government states it will work to support implementation of vaccine certificates for Indigenous communities whether or not they have opted to enter their data into COVaxON, while maintaining Indigenous data governance, control, access and possession principles.

As of Sept. 22, Ontarians will be required to show their vaccine receipt when entering designated settings along with another piece of photo identification, such as a driver’s licence or health card. This is similar to an initial implementation approach announced in British Columbia.

Ontario will also introduce an enhanced digital vaccine receipt that features a QR code. This digital vaccine receipt can be kept on a phone and used to show that you’ve been vaccinated if you need to. In addition, the province will launch a new app to make it easier and more convenient for businesses and organizations to read and verify that a digital vaccine receipt is valid, while protecting your privacy..

“We are already seeing a rise in the number of cases of COVID-19 as we head into the fall,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “As we enter the last mile push to increase vaccination rates, the introduction of a vaccine certificate is an important step to give people the tools to limit further spread of the virus so that we can ensure the safety of all Ontarians while keeping the province open and operational.”

“Combining the use of a QR code with a trusted, made in Ontario verifier app will help support the province’s health measures,” said Kaleed Rasheed, Associate Minister of Digital Government. “These tools will provide a simpler, faster, and better way to prove vaccination status that is both convenient and secure – while also supporting businesses with an easy validation process.”

Justin Trudeau and Erin O’Toole teamed up to vote against making your life more affordable: They voted against: • Lowering the cost of prescription drugs • Lowering your cell phone bill • Lowering dental fees And they voted against forcing the rich to pay their fair share.

   

140 Pickering Dr, Amherstburg, ON N9V 3A6 (226) 782-4420 info@traceyramsey.ca fb.com/essexfndp @traceyram

TraceyRamsey.ca Paid for and authorized by the official agent of the candidate. cope:225-rd

On September 20th, vote NDP to ensure the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share—so we can get these things done for people.

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 – River Town Times – 11

www.rivertowntimes.com

gibbinsurance.ca

519 736-8228

SPORTS > LIFE > ANNOUNCEMENTS > CLASSIFIEDS

chris@gibbinsurance.ca 535 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS

Public school board trying to save football The Greater Essex County District School Board is trying to salvage some form of a football season as they voted to have helmets certified at their Sept. 1 special meeting and to make an attempt to get something started this year.

The three area participating school boards and the Windsor-Essex County Secondary School Athletic Association (WECSSAA) had cancelled football for the 2021-22 school year.

RTT File Photo

By Ron Giofu Could there be a high school football season after all?

The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) is at least making an attempt for one.

The GECDSB board of trustees passed a motion at a special meeting last Wednesday night to send out their helmets for certification “as soon as possible” with the aim of getting a season started this calendar year. The vote came after a lengthy debate on the matter with vice chair Cathy Cooke giving an impassioned plea for a season.

Cooke withdrew her original motion to have helmets sent out for certification by Sept. 17 and having coaches certified by Sept. 30 in favour of the motion by trustee Julia Burgess, but Cooke was steadfast in her support for having football players hit the field this year.

Superintendent Todd Awender noted it costs $70-$80 per helmet to be certified. Burgess noted at least half of the 882-1,000 players in the area are enrolled in public schools but Cooke criticized any debate over cost, particularly since there was not a season last year.

Cooke added other boards are playing across the

“Service You Can Trust” Auto • Home Boat • Farm BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL

province. She also noted there have been local athletes to get scholarships due to their talents and that all players should get “the opportunity to show their skills” and that many have worked hard for years to get better at the sport.

“We're going to sit here and debate money?” she asked. “You've paid it all along. What is it? What's really going on with football?”

Director of education Erin Kelly said there's nothing going on with football and called it “a unique circumstance.”

“We are absolutely not trying to stop football. It's the last thing we want to do,” added Awender.

Trustee Linda Qin said her constituents have complained about the cancellation of football.

“We should try our best to make it happen,” she said.

Trustee Aimee Omstead wondered what would happen if other boards and the students there see public students playing and wondered what relationships with other boards and WECSSAA would be going

NOTICE

Notice of intention to dispose of this vessel under subsection 63(1) of the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act This wreck – Pontoon Boat - found at Detroit River, was reported to the Receiver of Wreck on July 29th, 2021.

519-736-2122 • Fax: 519-736-1406 e-mail: insure@hlhamilton.com

Phil Kasurak Sales Representative

519-977-3402

Sept. 11th, 12th, 2021 Sat. 12-6pm, Sun. 12–4pm CoAn Park, McGregor

An amazing display of antique tractors, engines, farm equipment, steam engines, overhead lineshaft operating a small machine shop Craft vendors and food booths Admission: Kids entertainment Adults Child (6 - 12) and more!

Visit us online or Facebook.

FACE MASK IS REQUIRED.

$5.00 $3.00 Under 6 FREE

For further information, contact Gary Struhar at rsesbulletin@aol.com or 519-817-5712

#

ROYALCANADIAN CANADIAN LEGION LEGION BR. BR.#157 157 ROYAL 281 DALHOUSIE ST., AMHERSTBURG 281 DALHOUSIE ST., AMHERSTBURG ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BR.#157 IMPORTANT REMINDER! The private 281 DALHOUSIE ST., AMHERSTBURG

KITCHEN NEWparking HOURS Legion lot is for our patronsOPEN ONLY!

OPEN SEATING IS LIMITED NEW HOURS KITCHEN SEATING IS LIMITED MONDAY CLOSED LIVE TASTYTUESDAYS TUESDAY KITCHEN OPEN NEW HOURS TASTY MONDAY- -11AM CLOSED TUESDAY - 7PM TASTY TUESDAY SEATING IS LIMITED 11 5 AM PM ENTERTAINMENT 11AM - 5PM WEDNESDAY - CLOSED TUESDAY - 11AM - 7PM MONDAY--11AM CLOSED THURSDAY - 7PM WEDNESDAY - CLOSED Saturday: TUESDAY 11AM 7PM FRIDAY - -11AM - --9PM THURSDAY 11AM 4:00 - 8:00 pm-7PM WEDNESDAY - CLOSED SATURDAY 11AM 9PM FRIDAY - 11AM - 9PM ADAM --BUTCHER THURSDAY - 11AM 11AM-- -7PM 7PM SUNDAY SATURDAY 11AM 9PM (CAESAR BAR ALL -DAY) FRIDAY 11AM 9PM SUNDAY - 11AM - 7PM Sunday: SATURDAY - 11AM - 9PM (CAESAR BAR ALL DAY) 2:00 FISH -- 6:00 pm SUNDAY 11AM - 7PM FRIDAY SPECIAL

102 Murray St. S., Amherstburg

Market Evaluation

Mini Steam & Gas Engine Show

TC File: W2021-401963

Call Today for a Quote

FREE

forward. She noted the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has recommended no extracirrcular activities until at least October. Kelly said it is incumbent for the GECDSB to follow the advice of the WECHU. “We don't even know if we are capable of playing this season,” she said.

Chair Alicia Higgison said the public board is going outside the decisions of its athletic associations and other boards, particularly when a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is starting. She said she trusts administration and their decision.

“We want (football) to happen but we need it to happen safely,” said Higgison.

Ron LeClair, the trustee for Amherstburg/LaSalle, said he is a football fan and voiced displeasure with the decision to cancel this year's WECSSAA football season. He said it is more than just scholarships.

“Team sports are an important opportunity for students to build working relationships,” he said. “It's an opportunity for our kids to deal with mental health issues by being on a team and active by participating in sports.”

LeClair said the GECDSB wanted the return to school to be as normal as possible. He said if the WECHU gives other direction, “then fine” but believed they have to plan to have some sort of football season.

“I think we have a responsibility to our student athletes,” said LeClair.

(CAESAR BAR ALL DAY) PAUL BERESFORD

This notice is issued in accordance with subsection 63(1) of the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (WAHVA) and is official notice of the Receiver of Wreck’s intention to dispose of this wreck after 30 days from which this notice was given (September 8th, 2021).

Should you have any questions, you may contact, the Receiver of Wreck at: Navigation Protection Program 100 Front Street South Sarnia, ON N7T 2M4 nppont-ppnont@tc.gc.ca 519-383-1863 Notice posted by: Courtney Bice, on behalf of the Receiver of Wreck

11AM - 5PM TASTY TUESDAY FRIDAY

FISH FRIDAYS 211 PMAM - 7-PM5PM FRIDAY

(with regular menu items available) 2PM BREAKFAST - 7PM SUNDAY 3PM -FRIDAY 6:30PM AM - -17 PM 10 SUNDAY BREAKFAST 2PM PM BBQ10WEEKENDS AM - 1PM SUNDAY 3PM -BREAKFAST 5PM CHICKEN WING SATURDAY 10 $ AM - 1PM 15

- 7PM CHICKEN WINGGONE SATURDAY FRIDAY4PM FISH SPECIAL 3PM- UNTIL $ 15 4PM - 7PM HELP YOUR LOCALCHICKEN LEGION! NO SUNDAY CAESAR BAR WING SATURDAY FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL 3PMUNTIL GONE

BREAKFAST

ALL-DAY15 SUNDAY

$ are struggling to During these unprecidented times, organizations like ours continue4PM our daily operations whileLOCAL providingLEGION! the necessary assistance to our -HELP 7PM YOUR 3PMUNTIL GONE Veterans and their dependants, as well as promoting remembrance and community service. ANY donations, as well as like volunteer help, is alwaysto During these unprecidented times, organizations ours are struggling appreciated! continue our daily operations while and providing theLEGION! necessary assistance to our HELPwelcome YOUR LOCAL Please the Branchtimes, to how you might able help!and Veterans andcontact their dependants, assee well as promoting remembrance During these unprecedented organizations likebe ours aretostruggling

HELP YOUR LOCAL LEGION!

During these service. unprecidented times, organizations like ours areis struggling to community ANY donations, asproviding well as volunteer help, always to continue our daily operations while necessary assistance 519-736-4485 rclbranch157@cogeco.net continue our daily operations while thethe necessary assistance to our welcome andproviding appreciated! to our Veterans and their dependants, as well as promoting remembrance For membership information, contact: 05-157@legion.ca Veterans theirthe dependants, as well remembrance and Pleaseand contact Branch to see how as youpromoting might be able to help!

Stay up to community date!

Follow service. us on Facebook!

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RCLBRANCH157 community service.

ANY donations, as wellasas volunteer help,help, is always and ANY donations, well as volunteer 519-736-4485 rclbranch157@cogeco.net welcome and appreciated! is always welcome and appreciated!

Please contact theinformation, Branch to seecontact: how you05-157@legion.ca might be able to help!

For membership

Please contact the Branch for membership information

519-736-4485 rclbranch157@cogeco.net and to see how you might be able to help/assist.

Stay up to date! Follow us on Facebook! WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RCLBRANCH157

For membership information, contact: 05-157@legion.ca

519-736-4485 rclbranch157@cogeco.net

Stay up to date! Follow us on Facebook! WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RCLBRANCH157

Stay up to date! Follow us on Facebook! WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RCLBRANCH157

12 – River Town Times – Wednesday, September 8, 2021

www.rivertowntimes.com

Advertise here for only $25.99*per week, plus tax. Call 519-736-4175 for details. (Must run min. 4 weeks*) AUDIOLOGY

CABINETS

BOOKKEEPING AND TAXES

Bernice A.

L.C Bookkeeping and Taxes

McKenzie

Accounting Specialist Specializing in Canadian and US Taxes

DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY, AUDIOLOGIST

Call to book an appointment.

519 713-9199

503 Sandwich St. S.

www.YouHear.ca

519-730-1030

Laurie Cavanaugh Owner

CEMETERIES

Amherstburg, ON cavanaugh_laurie@yahoo.com

INSURANCE & FINANCE

COMPUTERS

Computer Data Products

“Successful Planning For Life”

80 Richmond St., Heritage Plaza

519-736-5561 CDP

•Custom Built Computers •PC Repairs •Upgrades •Laptops •Printers •Networking •PC Peripherals •Office Supplies •Software •Hardware •Cable Internet •DSL •High Speed Rural Wireless Internet Provider

Fax: 519-736-5584 www.cdppc.com

www.jeremiebornaisins.com

MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS for All Your Needs!

www.timmatlock.com

This Spot Could Be Yours Call Laura George 519-736-4175

PHYSIOTHERAPY

PLUMBING

REAL ESTATE

Agent

Auto-Home-Life-Business

519-736-4918 experience experiencethe the difference difference

Èä£Ê-> `Ü V Ê-Ì°Ê-ÊÊUÊÊx£ ÇÎä ££££ Èä£Ê-> `Ü V Ê-Ì°Ê-ÊÊUÊÊx£ Ç ÇÎä ££££

www.milestonephysiotherapy.ca www .milestonephysiothe erapy.ca

I

Phone: (519) 736-7983

Email: bornaisinsurance@gmail.com

MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS

TIM MATLOCK

S RE

Jeremie R. Bornais BA, FIC, CPCA

YOUR BUSINESS

INSURANCE

IA NT

DE

Life Insurance, Disability, Critical Illness, Long Term Care, Health & Dental, Group, Travel, Business Insurance, RRSP’s, TFSA’s Segregated Funds, GIC’s, Estate and Financial Planning.

L

Newmodern modern • New accessiblefacility facility accessible

More than 23 years • More than 23 years of physiotherapy of physiotherapy experience experience Neurological&& • Neurological orthopaedicpatient patient orthopaedic care care Evening hours • Evening hours available available

 2nd Mortgages

 Refinancing

 Debt Consolidation

 Pre-Approvals

 Self-Employed

It’s worth a call... truly independent advice - I work for you, no fee service*,

lower than bank posted rates and more!

Sharron Carr, AMP Mortgage Agent

519.736.6562

sharron.carr@migroup.ca

FSCO Lic.10428. H.O: 1.877.667.5483 *OAC

Boilers Plumbing Plus Residential,Commercial & Industrial Licensed and Insured

•New Construction •Service Plumbing •Install or Repair Natural Gas •Install/Repair Boilers - Steam or HotWater •Test Backflows •Floor Heat Radiant Panel

Mike Heaton Cell: 519-988-5906 2304 County Rd. 20, Harrow, ON N0R 1G0

REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

JOE SHAW

FREE ESTIMATES

Sales Representative of the Pedler People

 Purchasing

PREFERRED REALTY LTD 80 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 1Z6 Each office independently owned and operated

JOHN HALL SALES REPRESENTATIVE CELL OFFICE EMAIL WEB

226.347.8956 519.736.1766 CALLJOHNHALL@GMAIL.COM WWW.CALLJOHNHALL.CA

Call Hall Today!

ROOFING

Office: 519.966.3750 Cell: 519.259.2105 Email: shawz444@sympatico.ca • ROOFING • RE-ROOFING • NEW CONSTRUCTION

Million Dollar Gold Club Member since 1990

519-736-6372

519-819-4309 www.clerouxroofing.com

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 – River Town Times – 13

www.rivertowntimes.com

15

WORD AD

$

ANNOUNCEMENT

25

Starting at...

$

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY TIM ROBINSON ~September 3 ~

At this time, classifieds are only being accepted by emailing sales@rivertowntimes.com and payment is only being accepted by VISA/MASTERCARD

Celebration of Life In Loving Memory of

Gignac, Simon Joseph “Si” Passed away on September 1st, 2021, just 13 days shy of his 92nd birthday after a hard-fought battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Dad is at home now with his beloved wife, Lois (nee Parks, 2010).

He was a wonderful father and mentor to Karen and Ed Jones, Eileen and Doug Bratt (both 2013), Lorraine Snively (1985), Monica and Wayne Crowder, Al and Donna Gignac, Greg (2010) and Derek. He was very proud to be called Pepe by 21 grandchildren and 37 greatgrandchildren.

Si loved working with his hands and went into the world of tool and die making upon graduating from high school. He worked in tool shops in Windsor and Detroit, before getting a job at SKD in Amherstburg, where he worked for 18 years, becoming a well-respected apprentice instructor. During that time, he and his brother John, opened Seaway Marine and Sports, repairing small engines and marine craft. He also had opened his own machine shop in the garage behind his house on Dalhousie Street. In his late-30’s, he went into teaching.

With his wife, Lois, and 7 children at home, he worked full time at SKD, ran his machine shop nights and weekends and started summer courses at University for 4 successive summers to become a machine shop teacher at General Amherst HS. He taught machine shop for 29 years at the high school, but his greatest passion was working in his little machine shop in his garage. He was a very skilled tool and die maker, renown for the quality of work he produced. He always had a warm welcome and an open ear for anyone who’d drop into his shop for a chat. He had a deep love and respect for nature, which he found joy in everyday, but never more so than at his haven “up north”, where he and Mom spent every summer for many years, and, after losing her, where he continued to go alone until he was 88. Anyone who knew him considered him a friend. He was a gentle, kind and tolerant man whose greatest attribute was his humility.

Visitation was held at James H. Sutton Funeral Home, (401 Sandwich Street S., Amherstburg 519-736-2134) Sunday September 5, 2021 from 2pm - 5pm and 7pm - 9pm. Funeral Services were held Monday September 6, 2021, from the Funeral Home at 10:15am proceeding to St. John the Baptist Parish (225 Brock St., Amherstburg) for 11am Funeral Mass.

At Simon’s request, cremation will follow. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.

If you so desire, donations may be made to Windsor - Essex Community Living. Share a memory or Sign the Book of Condolence at www.jhsuttonfuneral.ca

KEYBOARD LESSONS

PRIVATE KEYBOARD INSTRUCTION Taught with 35+ Years Experience Located in Amherstburg For Rates & Availability contact:

Sylvia Samek

B.ED M.A.T.

519-566-0609 HOUSE CLEANING HELP WANTED EXPERIENCED CLEANING TAXI DRIVERS WANTED, LADY - will clean your home Call 519-736-2449. at a good rate. Contact Tara ______________________ at 519-818-9617 or Tiffany at 519-819-9798. ______________________

BILL MAILLOUX Sept. 1, 1960 - May 13, 2021

OPEN HOUSE

September 11, 2021 1:00 - 4:00 pm Sportsmans Club, 468 Lowe Side Road, Amherstburg We will be gathering to share our favourite memories, our stories, to laugh, to cry, to raise a toast and remember a wonderful person who is greatly missed.

You are still just as handsome after all these years!

Love you always and forever, Leigh

50

th

Anniversary

Congratulations!

BARB & CARL KING

WARREN, EDWARD A. “PAT” 1928 October 1 - 2021 June 24

The family of the late “Pat” Warren wish to express sincere thanks to relatives, friends and neighbours for their support and many acts of kindness during the illness and subsequent loss of our loving patriarch. A special thanks to Carol Ouellette, Deacon Matt Sutton and the exceptional staff of J. H. Sutton Funeral Home for their guidance and professionalism. Pat was a devoted family man who will be mourned and missed. He cherished family gatherings and would have been so pleased with the arrangements and attendance at his funeral, as well as the gathering of extended families and friends at the town park following the burial ceremonies. We will never forget him.

WANTED TO RENT LOOKING FOR SMALL POWDER COATING PLUS, farm house to rent. 519SANDBLASTING AND 913-1098 or 519-562-0566.

POWDER COATING, Quick ______________________ Turnarounds, Reasonable rates. Call, text or email WANTED TO BUY 519-919-3360, CASH FOR GOLD SILVER shadow@xplornet.com JEWELLERY + ALL COINS _______________________ - Friday, September, 17, K of C Hall, 190 Richmond APT FOR RENT CASA BLANCA & BELLA St. Amherstburg (side Vista 365-369 Dalhousie. parking lot door). Private Large, clean, quiet with appointments available. any security entrance. Laundry, All gold jewellery, patio or balcony, stainless Gold, even teeth, old steel appliances, parking. coins, Canada, USA, War medals, Centrally located to all World amenities.

Starting at windup watches. Covid 19 $1395 utilities included. precautions in place. Dan Call to view (519) 995- Jones B.A.B.Ed. 53 years experience. House calls 1565. ______________________ available - 519-818-1805.

SERVICES

_____________________________

Please join us in celebration BEST WISHES ONLY

Open House

September 12th • 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the AMA Sportsman Club, Lowes Sideroad Amherstburg

14 – River Town Times – Wednesday, September 8, 2021

www.rivertowntimes.com

Education minister visits Amherstburg

Back to school plans released

Continued from page 3 Secondary schools within the Catholic system will provide daily in-person learning Local author Victor DiNardo for the full duration of the school day, which is five instructional hours. (left0 presented a copy of his “We will be returning to a four-course semester model, but with only two periods a book “Za Mari: My Immigrant day. Each day will consist of two 150-minute periods as well as a 40-minute lunch peMother” to Ontario education riod,” the board’s policy states. “Students will attend periods 1 and 2 in week one, folminister Stephen Lecce (right) lowed by periods 3 and 4 in week two. Regular start and end times for the day will be last Thursday at Downtown followed. This alternating week schedule will be in effect for the entire first semester.”

Espresso. Essex PC candiThe WECDSB states remote learning remains an option and “students from Junior/ date Anthony Leardi (centre) Senior Kindergarten to Grade 8 engaged in remote learning will be placed in virtual helped arrange the meeting. classes and follow a traditional school timetable that will be communicated to parents.

In accordance with PPM 164, students will be engaged in 300 minutes of learning per day. Remote learning for JK/SK consists of 180 minutes of synchronous instruction

By Ron Giofu each day. Grades 1-8 remote learning consists of 225 minutes of synchronous instruction and 75 minutes of asynchronous activities.”

The Ontario Minister of Education made a pair of stops in Amherstburg last week.

The Catholic board added: “Secondary students who choose remote learning will acStephen Lecce was in town last Thursday where he spent an hour meeting cess their classes via webcam in a hybrid model. Secondary school classes will consist supporters at Downtown Espresso with Essex provincial Progressive Conservative of both in-person students and remote learners. Students will be engaged in both syncandidate Anthony Leardi before touring the site of the new, yet-to-be-named high chronous and asynchronous activities through the Google Classroom platform.” school with officials from the Greater Essex County District School Board.

Staff and students must self-screen for COVID-19 every day, the board added, and Lecce said he and his staff were in the Windsor-Essex County area touring schools anyone who is experiencing symptioms must not attend school and follow proper and childcare centres that the province has funding as part of its plan to invest in guidance in the board’s screening tool, which is available through the board’s website. “quality, state-of-the-art learning spaces for families and students.” He believed Only essential visitors are allowed and must have pre-arranged appointments. students of this area “have not received the supports they deserve by former govern“Students in Grades JK to 12 are required to wear properly fitted non-medical or ments and I’m down here to demonstrate my commitment to building modern statecloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Students in of-the-art schools with internet that are accessible and are safe.”

Grades JK to 12 are also required to wear a non-medical or cloth mask on school buses The province is “excited” about the new $26-million, 819-student public high according to the Windsor-Essex Student Transportation Service (WESTS) Protocol,” school being built in Amherstburg. That is scheduled to be open in September 2022. the WECDSB states. Masks may be temporarily removed indoors to consume food or “We need these schools to open for the benefit of our children,” said Lecce. drink. Students are not required to wear masks outdoors, but distancing will be encourThe education minister said the message to families is “you are not forgotten by our aged as much as possible.” government, we care deeply about children and we are going to continue to invest Students seeking an exemption from masks “must provide a doctor’s note affirming and be there for the families of this region.” that wearing a face mask could exacerbate their condition and be harmful to them. In Lecce said he has been talking to students as well while in the area as well. such cases the board shall provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations in ac“I’ve never met a more energized group of young people that want to go to school cordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.” and I think with all the ventilation improvements we’ve made with public, Catholic Elementary nutritional breaks will be in their respective classrooms with the sharing and French boards here and the high vaccination rates, we are looking forward to of food not allowed. In middle and secondary schools, “schools will employ various getting students back to safer schools and keeping them in their schools,” he said. means to limit the number of students eating lunch in proximity to each other” with As for assurances to people who may be concerned about the safe re-opening of some schools – including St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School – having two lunch schools, Lecce touted “significant ventilation improvements” in all Ontario schools. breaks. Students are encouraged to bring their own lunches but are permitted to eat “We’re using the highest quality filters, they are changing them more frequently. We off-campus.

The GECDSB board of trustees met last Wednesday night. According to their return are running our air systems two hours before and two hours after (school hours) to to school plan, the public board is planning for a return to in-person learning for all maximize air flow. We’ve calibrated our HVAC systems to ensure they are providing students, K- 12. the best quality air,” said Lecce. “We’ve invested over $600 million this year alone “We believe that this is the best place for our students to learn. Working with the in air ventilation improvements and we have deployed 20,000 more HEPA units Windsor Essex County Health Unit, we will continue to update school safety plans and into classrooms, all kindergarten classrooms, all schools with mechanical ventilaprotocols.

Elementary students will attend full day, every day in September.” tion. We have stepped up our investments and our protocols.”

Those elementary students who opted for virtual learning will be timetabled in the Lecce said the province is committed to “do whatever it takes” to keep students, virtual school and follow a schedule similar to 2020-21. staff and families safe.

Secondary students will attend full-day, every day in September, the public board Asked about his stance on lower class sizes, Lecce stated “the medical community states. has been clear. You have to introduce a multiple layers of prevention, one of which “Secondary students will be scheduled in a four-course, semester model. Students is distancing.” He said $300 million has been invested this year to hire teachers, will participate in two, 150-minute classes each day. Students will participate in Course educational assistants (EA’s) and more custodians to improve distancing and to keep 1 and Course 2 in Week 1, and in Course 3 and Course 4 in Week 2 to limit the number school safe. He emphasized the $600 million investment into air ventilation. of student interactions throughout the day,” the public board states. “This schedule Continued on Page 15 will alternate each week for the first semester. Regular school bell times will be followed, with a 40-minute lunch break between morning and afternoon courses. Students attending in-person will remain in that learning model for the entire year.”

For secondary remote learners, the learning model will be the Greater Essex Virtual Secondary School, the public board states.

Visitors/spectators have been “paused” by the GECDSB based on direction from the WECHU, the public board adds. This applies to indoor and outdoor events. Libraries and learning commons will be open to CANADA’S RECOVERY PLAN students.

Our clear choice in Essex Each student and staff member will be required to selfSECURE JOBS screen for COVID-19 and those with an “unsuccessful SECURE ACCOUNTABILITY result” should contact a health care professional and not attend school.

SECURE MENTAL HEALTH “The GECDSB has chosen to pause school assemblies and other student /school gatherings based on direction SECURE THE COUNTRY from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit in order to SECURE OUR ECONOMY maintain the focus of our resources on the healthy and safe return to school for staff and students. This may be revisited later in the year,” the board states.

As for masks, the GECDSB states: “All students in grades Kindergarten through – Grade 12 are required to wear a non-medical or cloth mask when attending inOrder your sign, donate, or get in touch person instruction at school. A supply of non-medical HQ 52 Talbot St N, Essex • 226.946.1055 masks will be available at schools for those students who require one. For those students who chose to wear @ChrisLewisEssex a cloth mask, parents/guardians will be responsible to ensure that it is appropriately cleaned.”

Authorized by the Official Agent for Chris Lewis To review the full back to school documents, visit www.wecdsb.ca or www.publicboard.ca.

RE-ELECT

Chris Lewis

chrislewisessex.ca

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 – River Town Times – 15

www.rivertowntimes.com

Break-ins being investigated by police The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment is investigating a break-and-enter at a local business.

Police say the Amherstburg Criminal Investigations Division is seeking any information that may assist with the break and enter investigation that occurred in the early morning hours of Wednesday.

On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at 4:20 a.m., Windsor police say patrol officers responded to an alarm at a business located in the area of Sandwich St. N. and Alma St. When officers arrived they determined the business had been broken into.

With the assistance of the K-9 Unit, the business and surrounding area was searched for suspects, however none were located.

Through investigation, police believe at least two suspects were involved.

The suspect vehicle is described as a grey sedan, possibly with a hatchback.

It is believed the suspect vehicle was in the area from at least 2:45 a,m, until the break and enter occurred.

Investigators are asking all residents and businesses in the area with surveillance cameras to check their footage for possible evidence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment - Criminal Investigations Division at 519-736-2252 ext.

230, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www. catchcrooks.com.

Other B&E’s and attempted break-ins •The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment is investigating an attempted break-and-enter at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 Aug. 25. The Legion posted on its Facebook site someone tried to get in sometime between 3-5 a.m. with police confirming a phone line was cut, a screen was damaged and someone made an attempt to pry open a door. A white Chevy SUV with dark rims was spotted in the area. The matter is under investigation.

•A business in the 200 block of Sandwich St. S. was the site of an attempted break-in Aug. 28. Police say a suspect or suspects managed to force open a rear side door of the business but nothing was taken. Police believe the suspect(s) may have been scared off by the alarm that went off. The investigation is ongoing. It was reported at 7:16 a.m. but the break-in attempt is believed to have occurred overnight.

•A 25-year-old Amherstburg man was charged with mischief after a side door was damaged at a residence on Queen St. It is alleged that the man, whom police say was intoxicated at the time, tried to go through that door after thinking it was a different residence. It was reported Aug. 28.

•Police are investigating a report of shattered glass at a local school. Police responded to St. Joseph School in the 9300 block of County Road 8 for the report of damage, which was called in Aug. 29 at 5:55 a.m.

Accidents •A two-vehicle motor vehicle collision took place at around 3:36 p.m. Aug. 27, causing the temporary closure of a portion of Front Road North. According to police, both vehicles were northbound when one car was attempting to turn onto Canal St. only to be struck from the rear by the second vehicle. There were minor injuries and Essex-Windsor EMS and the Amherstburg Fire Department also attended the scene. A 20-year-old Amherstburg woman was charged with careless driving. Police say there were minor injuries.

•A two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Richmond St. and Balaclava St. resulted in a 66-year-old Amherstburg man charged with making an improper left turn. It was reported Aug. 30 around 10:39 a.m.

•Another Aug. 30 crash occurred at 4:45 p.m. at Front Road North and Middle Side Road (County Road 10). Police say one vehicle was stopped at a red light and was rear-ended by another vehicle. An 18-year-old LaSalle woman was charged with careless driving.

Lecce stops in Amherstburg Continued from Page 14 The province has invested in “the highest quality masks” for students and staff.

“We have increased and enhanced the cleaning within our schools with more cleaning of the high contact spaces,” Lecce stated. “We’ve doubled the public health nurses. We’ve quadrupled mental health funding and we’re investing in learning loss.”

The education minister added the province introduced a “very cautious reopening plan” that still allows for “a more normal experience” while keeping the schools open. Restrictions can start to be lifted once the data allows for it, he added.

“For now, our priority is take no chances with this Delta variant, keep the students safe, keep the schools open and invest in the measures and protocols that are going to make a difference,” said Lecce.

Leardi called it “a great visit” by Lecce.

He said the riding of Essex is definitely on the mind of the provincial government, given three ministers have visited in three months, and the PC party is “really reaching out to all sorts of communities.”

Leardi pointed out Lecce’s visit to the new public high school and also pointed out the education minister also heard of local author Vic DiNardo’s book “Za Mari: My Immigrant Mother” and it was arranged that the two meet so DiNardo could present Lecce a copy of the book.

The Essex PC candidate also tried to assure people schools are safe for the resumption of classes. It will be the first time since February that in-person classes will resume.

“Let’s look at the record first – 99 per

cent of all schools in Ontario remained open because they were functioning without any reasonable fear of COVID infection,” he said.

While it was a December 2020 statistic, Leardi maintained “that statistic carried on.” He added that while he wasn’t going to interfere with the decision made by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit to close schools a week before Christmas, he emphasized that the 99 per cent that were open had no COVID-19 shutdown.

“At the same time, there are about two million students in Ontario. Ninety-eight per cent of them were COVID-free,” Leardi continued. “When you trace the infections that did occur among the student population, the vast majority were from social events. It tells us schools are and were very, very safe.”

Leardi credited “the excellent work of teachers” and principals encouraging people to follow the COVID-19 rules as well as the ministry of ensuring “proper ventilation and cleaning regiments.”

Teachers unions have criticized the reopening plans, as recently as last month.

“The Ford government has not learned any lessons from its mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. For months, teachers and education workers have been saying that in-person learning is the best and most equitable way for students to learn. Although the Ford government is saying the same thing, its actions do not back up their words. Our members look forward to welcoming students back into school buildings, but expect the government to ensure that it is done safely.”

Unions call the ventilation plan “too little and too late” and question why the investment wasn’t made 18 months ago?

TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST NOTICE

—All information courtesy of the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment

Columbus Community Hall

OPENING MON., SEP. 13 BURGER MONDAY IS BACK @ 12 NOON Everyone is welcome!

BINGO scheduled for October if allowed.

St. Johns Building Corp.

190 Richmond St., Amherstburg

Bookings and Information 519-736-4870

LIBRO CENTRE FOOD SERVICES FOR AN INFORMATION PACKAGE, PLEASE CONTACT purchasing@amherstburg.ca CLOSING: SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 AT 11:00AM

16 – River Town Times – Wednesday, September 8, 2021

www.rivertowntimes.com

Electronic Meeting Link: amherstburg.ca/livestream SUBSCRIBE to receive Council Agendas right to your email amherstburg.ca/council

WED

8

THURS

9

FRI

10

SAT

11

Parks and

OPEN AIR Weekends

Recreation Advisory

MUSIC IN THE PARK 4:00pm

Committee

OPEN AIR Weekends

Meeting Electronic

Friday Recycle moved to Saturday

Participation 6:00 p.m.

SUN

12 OPEN AIR Weekends

FREE Yoga in KNYP 10:00am

MUSIC IN THE PARK 4:00pm

THURS

16

MON

13

Special In Camera Council Meeting 4:30pm Public Participation via Livestream Regular Council Meeting Town Hall, Council Chambers 6:00 p.m.

FRI

17

TUES

14

Committee Meeting Electronic

OPEN AIR Weekends

WED

15

SUN

19

Advisory Committee Meeting Electronic Participation 5:00 p.m.

SAT

18 OPEN AIR Weekends

Advisory

Recycle

Mayor’s Youth

Amherstburg Accessibility

Friday Recycle moved to Saturday

MUSIC IN THE PARK 4:00pm

Participation 5:00 p.m.

8728 Howard Ave, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2Y7

OPEN AIR Weekends FREE Yoga in KNYP 10:00am

MUSIC IN THE PARK 4:00pm

Saturday 8:30am-1:30pm 519-736-0012 • www.amherstburg.ca 271 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2A5