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Letters to the Editor

May Letters

Breast screening across Canada

As of February, 2021, The World Health Organization declared breast cancer the most diagnosed cancer worldwide. In Canada, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. This year alone, that’s ~28,000 Canadians who will be diagnosed with the disease.

With most of the country lowering their screening age to 40, Quebec lags behind – being the only province to exclude women under 50 from its breast cancer screening program.

In a recent survey by Breast Cancer Canada, Canadians expressed their thoughts on the breast cancer landscape in Canada. A few key points include:

94% of Canadians agree that routine screening should start at the age of 40
84% of Canadians would get screened at the age of 40, if eligible

This overwhelming support for earlier screening demonstrates a clear need for Quebec to reevaluate its current guidelines. Despite the urge to lower the breast screening age, the current guidelines aim to better meet the needs of an aging population, leaving out many young Quebec women at risk of developing breast cancer.

With breast cancer, early detection is key to improving survival rates and reducing the physical, emotional, and financial toll on individuals and families. Now is the time to align Quebec’s screening policies with the rest of the country and the preferences of its citizens.

Megan Dunscombe

Sarnia, Ontario

Looking for a home for a yamaha piano

Looking for a home for a Yamaha piano

Please feel free to share my contact email (pilladunham@outlook.com) or forward this message to anyone who might be interested in the instrument.

I can email pictures of the instrument for reference. It's a Yamaha Baby Grand Piano, GC1 model, with dimensions of 161 cm by 149 cm.

I'm giving the piano away for free, just hoping it finds a new home where it will be truly appreciated.

Thanks so much for your assistance!

Best regards,

Philippa Dunham

April Letters

Vote pour Radio-Canada

À l’approche des élections fédérales, je vous écris pour attirer l'attention de vos lecteurs sur une menace imminente visant la souveraineté culturelle du Canada, une menace dont l'urgence grandit de jour en jour, alors que le président Donald Trump poursuit ses attaques économiques non provoquées contre notre pays.

Après des décennies de sous-financement et de négligence institutionnelle de la part de gouvernements de tous les horizons politiques, CBC/Radio-Canada se retrouve aujourd'hui dans la ligne de mire des conservateurs de Pierre Poilievre, qui menacent de la démolir une fois pour toutes.

Nous ne pouvons pas rester les bras croisés. D'un océan à l'autre, les Canadiens et Canadiennes comptent sur leur radiodiffuseur public national pour obtenir des informations, des nouvelles et des divertissements qui correspondent à leurs réalités quotidiennes et réaffirment leurs valeurs communes. Le définancement de CBC/Radio-Canada infligerait des dommages incommensurables à nos communautés, à notre identité et à notre santé démocratique en tant que pays.

Heureusement, CBC/Radio-Canada n'appartient pas aux politiciens. Elle nous appartient à nous, le public canadien, et il est temps que nous prenions la parole. En ce moment critique, les Canadiens et Canadiennes partout au pays resserrent les rangs autour de nos institutions nationales. Nous attendons de nos élus qu'ils fassent de même. Nous ne nous contenterons pas de vagues promesses et nous ne tolérerons certainement plus aucune menace contre notre mode de vie, qu'elle soit étrangère ou nationale.

C'est pourquoi je soutiens les Amis des médias canadiens et leurs centaines de milliers de supporteurs lors de cette élection. Lorsque nous irons aux urnes, nous voterons pour sauver CBC/Radio-Canada. Si les chefs des partis fédéraux veulent obtenir notre vote, ils doivent prendre position et soutenir notre radiodiffuseur public national.

Lucie Rochon-Landry

Outaouais

Confused about health care plans

Your March 19 edition had two very interesting and yet contradictory articles -- unfortunately only in French. One, the front page story about Quebec's massive cuts to our health care system, especially in the Outaouais. Inside was a report on a large federal grant for various initiatives for seniors. I am a senior and in serious need of health care, myself. It is seniors who rely on health care support more than any other age group, judging from our waiting rooms.

First conclusion: how political juvenile of us to allow each province to set its own "universal" health care standards and funding! This old fashioned and childish attitude results in money going to bowling leagues by one jurisdiction and money being taken out of health care by another jurisdiction -- all in the name of "concern for our seniors". Can you hear my swearing under my breath?

Second, Premier Legault, in fact, is using Trump's method -- Trump wants to destroy Canada by destroying us economically so we will beg to be accepted into the US. Legault wants to destroy our public health system so we will accept giving it to corporate interests -- privatisation. Both are designed to benefit only corporate profit-taking.

Third, if anyone here votes CAQ after this, and I did in their first election, they ought to be sent to live in Trump's USA.

Bravo to the people here fighting both these arrogant moves! We must pitch out the few CAQ deputies who are denying help to our seniors in our region!

Name withheld,

Aylmer

Credible information during the election campaign by Lily Ryan, Publisher

Credible information during the election campaign

Dear reader: please keep in mind that Canadian news is blocked from Meta platforms such as Facebook and Instagram and their AI tools. Know that false information has always been part of election campaigns, but with Generative AI, deep fakes, foreign influence and chat bots, the stakes are higher.

If you find fake information, report it. Take a screenshot and send to: mediasmarts.ca and electiontipline.ca

To help figure out how to vote, use: votecompass.cbc.ca

Please send in your questions to candidates: info@bulletinaylmer.com

Lily Ryan,

Publisher

Leaving Aylmer because the Aylmer we knew is gone

The time has come - one house and 5 generations later, we are leaving this wonderful city we called home for more than 70 years

Aylmer is no longer what it once was and is now forever changed.

We live in a home my grandfather built with his own hands in the 50s, for his family, and where five generations have lived and has been passed down, in a neighbourhood that was filled with trees, and a sense of community, where you knew everyone on the block. It was a city where everyone knew all the kids at school, the cops, firemen, the teachers and the mayor, and the local business owners.

Aylmer is where we had our “Carnaval” and the winter Derby. Where horse races, Laflamme, Aylmer BBQ and Dinty’s were pretty much the only places to go (before Zellers came along).

We miss that Aylmer and knowing that it will never come back and only expand further, we are heading to the northern hills with broken hearts to make new roots.

We can no longer tolerate the traffic, the sight of seeing older homes being put down for complexes, the construction noise or the sight of trees being cut.

Our hearts are filled with memories and joy from times with neighbours, friends and family in this wonderful city, and we are so fortunate to take that with us, and to have experienced what Aylmer once was. It was such a perfect city, a real gem, so we don’t blame folks for wanting to be part of this community, but we have done too little to protect it, and it is now just another district that they are pushing to densify.

Thank you Aylmer – from a nostalgic and grateful family

Name with held up on request,

Aylmer

Tip line for election miss-information: Electiontipline.ca by Lily Ryan, Publisher

Tip line for election miss-information: Electiontipline.ca

If you find fake information, report it. Take a screenshot and send to: Electiontipline.ca or mediasmarts.ca.

For help figuring out which party best represents your beliefs in how to run a country, read credible news, talk with thinking people and use votecompass.ca.

Please send in your questions to candidates: info@bulletinaylmer.com

Lily Ryan, publisher

Letter to the Editor Election 2025: Thank you to freedom of the press

Letter to the Editor Election 2025

Thank you to freedom of the press

Everyone, all ages and all cultures, be sure to vote for leaders who know how to listen and create space to hear you. Our culture has no idea how much we need modern day Grandmothers and Grandfathers to mirror to future generations the power of care, love and compassion to bring joy to children in their care.

I am deeply grateful for freedom of speech, listening and love passed on, as Lily Ryan and all the staff of papers like the West Quebec Post, Gatineau Bulletin and Aylmer Bulletin help us especially as unilingual Anglophones thrive by contributing our unique gifts of service as we our way of actioning our thanks to Spirituality, Science and Modern Technology thriving and working together in our West Quebec Outaouais Region! Reminding us of what is most important: Families!

As all ages and all cultures empowering coming together so we can see walk and grow together beyond all our pain, fear and sorrows. We cannot change the past but we can change the present. Beyond all the fear mongering happening. Let us all take back our own individual and collective power to action patience with spiritual love and compassion as shown to us by our Grandparents and Elders.

Yes, we can be sure to also put all our elbows up in inspired ways of collective pro actions and all of us being and becoming vested in being sure to get informed, ask bold questions and vote in Election 2025! Not just for a party but the spiritual quality of the best person individually and collectively that lives from integrity where their actions mirror their words. As they represent to us what it actually means to speak to us of their visions to listen to us of our needs and our voices. Can they think for themselves?

Working together beyond all divisive lines to create unity of common purpose as the late Anishinabe Chief William Commanda talked about... building bridges for all seasons to weather the storms of life. See the vision of this great Spiritual Leader some equate to Canada's South Africa's Elder Nelson Mandela at www.Asinabka.com .

Team Canada the Maple leaf forever is calling us to become as beacons of hope for each other because we know how to live next door to an elephant and are no longer behaving like victims but victors of our life learnings to do things in new ways! To make our individual and collective choices as a Nation in this election 2025 an example for a world now going through great chaos.

On closing old chapters let us write the new in Election 2025. I thank you, all citizens of this great Outaouais region of La Belle Province of Quebec, for being no longer victims of imbalance of any form but victors of healing and restoring faith in our higher spiritual selves to work together in overcoming fears of imbalance of any form. Let us be an example of linking minds and hearts as we the people of this region take back our own power to rise up to live from mutual love and gratitude to each other for being free to be who we are, part of this great Nation from sea to sea voting for a healthy democracy is all our response abilities! It is only as healthy as we choose to make it!

Judith King Matheson,
Gatineau Aylmer Rocking Chair Conversations

Questions for candidates during this federal election campaign

I see in the latest issue of the Bulletin that we can send questions for candidates to you. Here are mine:

Where does your party stand on Canadian international assistance to support the health and well-being of people in other countries?
I want to see Canada continue to be a global leader on nutrition, health, and human rights. What will your party do to ensure we don’t leave millions of people to suffer and die?

Will you be publishing responses to readers' questions? Do you know of any all-candidates meetings? In this past, the Bulletin has always provided a great service by hosting these meetings.

Thanks for this opportunity.

Pat Dolan,

Aylmer

Editor’s note: We are not hosting any political debates or all-candidates’ meetings. Apologies to the public that the teams at the local newspapers are over-worked and too exhausted to run such events during this campaign. We hope the information we have provided in the newspaper help with decisions on how to vote. – Lily Ryan

Voting to save the CBC

With a federal election fast approaching, I am writing to draw your readers’ attention to an imminent threat to Canada’s cultural sovereignty – one whose urgency grows by the day, as President Donald Trump continues his unprovoked economic attacks on our country.

Following decades of underfunding and institutional neglect from governments of all political stripes, the CBC now finds itself in the crosshairs of Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives, who are promising to defund it altogether - an unprovoked attack on our nation's cultural and information sharing capacity.

We cannot stand by and let this happen. Canadians rely on the CBC for information, news, and entertainment that speaks to their daily realities and reaffirms their shared values. Defunding our national public broadcaster would inflict immeasurable harm on our communities, on our Canadian identity, and on our democratic health as a country. The smaller, more rural areas of the country will be left with local broadcasters who tend to rely on American sources and canned programming from unaccountable sources.

Thankfully, the CBC doesn’t belong to the politicians. It belongs to us, the Canadian public – and it’s time we put our foot down. At this critical moment in history, Canadians from all walks of life are closing ranks around our storied institutions. And we expect our elected officials to do the same. We won’t stand for vague promises, and we certainly won’t tolerate any more threats to our shared way of life – foreign or domestic.

That’s why I am standing with Friends of Canadian Media and its hundreds of thousands of supporters this election. When we head to the polls, we’ll be voting to save the CBC. If the federal party leaders want to secure our vote, they have to stand up and support our national public broadcasters - the CBC and Radio Canada.

A H Harry Oussoren

Ottawa

Everyone needs a safe, decent, affordable place to call home

But for too long, our housing system has felt like an unfair game rigged against us all. Rents are skyrocketing. Mortgage rates are unpredictable. Buying a home is beyond reach. In our own community, there just isn’t enough housing for it to be affordable for all.

And our community isn’t alone—Canada has a housing crisis. Now, in the face of Trump’s trade war, it’s more important than ever that we work together to protect all of us.

I’ve joined a campaign that I think more people should know about. The Housing Canada Coalition is made up of leading housing organizations from across the housing continuum, and they’ve figured out that even though they provide different kinds of housing, it’s crucial they work together for solutions. So, they’ve built a 10-point plan to create a housing safety net and build a better system that works for everyone. The solutions are urgent and can really make a difference in this crisis.

I encourage everyone to read about it and become an advocate for housing this election. You can go to endthehousinggame.ca to learn more and join the campaign.

Together, we can end the unfair housing game, and build a fair, resilient housing system in Canada that works for everyone.

Sincerely,

Ellen Lesiuk

Ottawa

A Word From the Mayor

Dear Bulletin d'Aylmer readers,

It is a great pleasure for me to contribute to this special edition of the Bulletin d’Aylmer, highlighting this year’s results of the much-awaited Best of Aylmer, Reader’s Choice awards. I am thrilled to celebrate the special individuals and businesses that make our community such a special one!

Let me start by congratulating all finalists. Whether you are a small business owner, a craftsman or craftswoman, a service provider or a community leader, you contribute to making our neighborhoods dynamic and unique. You have touched the heart of your neighbors, and it is an honor to highlight your contribution to our community. You are living proof that solidarity and support are what sets Aylmer apart.

Our small businesses play a crucial role in Aylmer’s daily life. They are not just places to sell and buy goods or services. They create opportunities to run into old friends; they bring people together for a coffee or a beer after a visit at the Old-Aylmer farmer’s market on a sunny summer Sunday! They make us proud when we take out-of-town friends and family for a stroll down rue Principale to see the sunset at the Marina. Your creativity, your passion and your drive make it all possible. By supporting you, we support our whole community.

The Best of Aylmer awards are a chance to remind us how diverse, rich and talented our community is. A huge thank you to all the people who volunteer their time and energy to make our neighborhoods more inclusive and supportive. Together, we make Aylmer so special. Congratulations to all the winners, you deserve this spotlight.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the Bulletin d’Aylmer. The tradition you have created by organizing these awards, and the local stories you report on are vital to our community life.

We must keep on supporting our local businesses and strengthen the ties that bring us together. These ties make our city warm and welcoming. Once again, thank you everyone for your passion and your drive. I’m honored to be a part of this with you.

See you soon, I hope!

Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, mayor of Gatineau

Prix Hommage Aînés 2025 - L'engagement social et bénévole des personnes aînées mis à l'honneur dans chaque région

L'appel de candidatures pour l'édition 2025 des Prix Hommage Aînés est maintenant ouvert.

La période d'appel de candidatures se déroulera cette année du 28 avril au 30 mai.

Les Prix Hommage Aînés sont organisés annuellement par le gouvernement du Québec dans le but de souligner la contribution exceptionnelle d'une personne aînée de chaque région. Cet apport à la collectivité doit notamment favoriser le mieux-être des personnes aînées et leur participation à la vie de la communauté dont elles font partie.

Chaque année, les candidatures sont reçues par chacune des 18 Tables régionales de concertation des aînés (TRCA), qui regroupent des organismes représentatifs des personnes aînées de leur région respective. Les TRCA soumettent ces candidatures à des comités indépendants régionaux, qui en font l'évaluation. Les récipiendaires sélectionnés sont recommandés à la ministre. Les personnes lauréates sont dévoilées lors d'une cérémonie qui a lieu à l'automne.

Comme chaque année, j'ai très hâte de prendre connaissance des candidatures des Prix Hommage Aînés, qui sont le reflet du très grand dynamisme des milieux bénévoles où s'investissent les personnes aînées de chaque région québécoise. J'aurai grand plaisir à en apprendre davantage sur ces personnes exceptionnelles qui rendent notre société encore meilleure par leur engagement au sein de leurs communautés.

Sonia Bélanger, ministre responsable des Aînés, ministre déléguée à la Santé et ministre responsable de la région des Laurentides

March Letters

Why is Quebec wasting precious money to demolish historical ruins?

We were very sad to learn that Quebec's Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has spent $634,000 on a project that serves no purpose - a plan to demolish the remains of the Deschênes Rapids dam (article in ‘Le Droit’, 23 February 2025).

Sadness, because in these difficult times, we wonder how many homeless people could have been sheltered and fed for that amount of money? how many hours a family doctor could have devoted to those who don't have one? how many kilometres of streets and roads could have been saved from the pitiful state we see all too often?

Since 2015, when this charade began, our Association has been questioning the safety incident figures put forward by the Ministry. In fact, Mayor Pedneaud-Jobin confirmed in 2017, in a letter to MNA André Fortin, that the incidents recorded were elsewhere in the rapids, not in the remains. We also proposed several ways of improving safety at the rapids at a much lower cost than demolition, without ever getting a response from the Ministry.

Specialists in aquatic construction should not need $634,000 to confirm that the costs and complexity of this project would be completely unjustifiable. The project would require the construction of temporary dams to dry out the riverbed, the construction of temporary access roads to the site, and several months of construction work.

The project would require the construction of temporary dams to drain the riverbed, the construction of temporary access roads to the site, and several months, even years (given today's construction schedules) of disruption to the aquatic and riparian environment and to life in the neighbourhood. In addition to the uncertainties associated with working in an aquatic environment, there would be seasonal variations in water levels and the passage of ice.

Sadness, because we are citizens who want to do our bit by paying our taxes - and who understand why citizens become cynical about the priorities of our governments.

Deschênes Residents' Association

Claire Allard, President

Lynne Rodier, Vice-President

Howard Powles, Director

Pipeline, language, pharmaceuticals on the front lines of US bullying of Canada

US President Donald Trump has promoted the idea that Canada should be pushed into economic submission until it becomes the 51^st state. He claims that without defense largely paid for by the US, we are not “viable as a country.” He may impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum on March 12 (possibly on top of 25% general ones on March 4). He is also imposing reciprocal tariffs on most countries and at least 25% tariffs on April 2 on automobiles and pharmaceuticals.

Premier Andrew Furey finds Trump’s comments “incredibly disturbing. “ He reminds us that Newfoundland and Labrador joined Canada in 1949 mainly because of economic necessity and without military force.

Similar tariffs in 2018 were a failure in that in the first year they created only a few new jobs in the steel industry but major job losses in manufacturing. Currently, 25% of US steel and 80% of aluminum are imported. Canada still supplies 23% of US steel imports and 60% of aluminum imports. Neil Herrington warned, “US aluminum producers have no capacity to replace imports.”

For now, we possibly still have period of reprieve. While we tighten up our border controls on immigration and on fentanyl, we must support Canadian workers and businesses. We must also eliminate costly interprovincial trade and labour mobility barriers, and seek non-US markets for our energy, lumber, potash, and critical minerals.

Premiers Danielle Smith, Tim Houston, Susan Holt, and Scott Moe propose a variant of Energy East to provide us with energy security and access to European markets. Mark Carney, were he to become Prime Minister, would confer with provinces such as Quebec, convene a first ministers meeting urgently to discuss the pipeline as well as ways to reduce interprovincial barriers, and if agreeable, would accelerate approvals. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre would repeal Bill C-69 and stated, “I’d strongly support an east-west pipeline. That particular project probably won’t be resuscitated, but the idea of selling western oil to eastern refineries is impeccable.”

Energy East was a proposed 4,600 km long pipeline from Hardisty, Alberta to Saint John, New Brunswick. It would have conveyed 1.1 million barrels of oil per day. Originally proposed by Premier Frank McKenna in 2011, it was favoured by Pauline Marois. Philippe Couillard argued that Quebec, as it received equalization payments, owed it to other provinces to help sell their products. Premier Francois Legault in 2016 indicated that he would support the pipeline if the province received royalties. Later, he and other Quebec politicians and all Federal Liberals opposed this, but a recent Angus-Reid poll showed that 79% of Canadians and even 74% of Quebecers agreed that “Canada needs to ensure that it has oil and gas pipelines running from sea to sea across the country.” A recent SOM poll for La Presse found that 61% of Quebecers favoured Energy East.

Quebecers likely recall the July 2013 Lac Megantic rail disaster that claimed 47 lives. Although pipelines are not perfect, a Fraser Institute study found that they were four times safer than transporting oil by rail.

On February 4, 2025 Premier Francois Legault stated, “There is no social acceptability for this kind of project right now in Quebec.” Yet he qualified his words by adding, “But of course, situation, the economy and what Mr. Trump is doing may change the situation in the future.”

The world will continue to need oil and gas, with peak demand just before 2030. However, Trump’s plans to increase domestic extraction of coal, oil, and gas will accelerate climate change.

Like Canadians, Americans face a housing shortage. About 30% of the lumber used by the US is imported, and 85% of imports are from Canada. As I noted, we are also a major source of steel, less expensive aluminum, and even a minor supplier of gypsum for drywall. In future, there will be an increasing need to replace American houses, office buildings, schools, shopping centres, and other buildings as well as automobiles – all lost due to fires, floods, mudslides, tornadoes, and hurricanes. For many years, the US will still rely on these resources from Canada.

Trump wants to relocate the highly-integrated auto and defense industries to cities entirely within the United States. Yet to do so would incur massive expenses and take many years. Sudden tariffs on steel and aluminum could well result in production shutdowns in a week or so.

This is becoming a war. If Canadians do not unite against an increasingly dictatorial American government, we will all suffer greatly.

Quebecers will pay in at least two additional ways. They will lose equalization payments, largely underwritten by Alberta oil. Quebec last year received 53% of equalization payments - $13.6 billion. The total Quebec budget is $124.3 billion. Much of this comes indirectly from Alberta. In 2022, Alberta accounted for 17.9% of Canada’s total economic growth but had only 11.6% of its population.

Americans have never agreed to permanently accept a second language. Of note is that Hispanics are about 20% of the US population. However, Spanish has no official status in the Senate, House of Representatives, federal or state governments. The New Mexico constitution of 1912 stipulated that all laws were to be in Spanish and English, but this stopped in 1949. California and Texas provide some services in Spanish.

About 20% of the Canadian population is Francophone. If absorbed into the US, these persons would also lose Canadian protection of their language and culture, and Quebecers in particular might eventually become like the Creoles of Louisiana. Trump recently took down the Spanish version of the official White House website and signed an executive order designating English as the only official language of the United States. His lack of logic is exemplified by his threats before Congress on March 4 to annex the Panama Canal Zone and Greenland. Does he envisage that these new colonies will adopt English as their sole language?

President Donald Trump should realize the many advantages of showing respect and cooperating with his Northern neighbour, including the distinct society that is Quebec. He totally underestimates the resolve of Quebecers and other Canadians to remain free and independent politically, and if necessary, more so economically. By imposing tariffs, threatening our sovereignty, and promoting ill-will with a friend and ally, he will definitely trigger major, perhaps permanent adverse effects on citizens of his own country.

As Pierre Poilievre warned, “Never confuse kindness with weakness.”

Charles S. Shaver, MD

Ottawa physician Dr. Charles S. Shaver was born in Montreal. He is the Former Chair of the Section on General Internal Medicine of the Ontario Medical Association. The views here are his own.

Voting to save the CBC

With a federal election campaign underway, I am writing to draw your readers’ attention to an imminent threat to Canada’s cultural sovereignty – one whose urgency grows by the day, as President Donald Trump continues his unprovoked economic attacks on our country.

Arnold & Sally Schaefer

Credible information during the election campaign. by Lily Ryan, Publisher

Credible information during the election campaign.

Dear reader: please keep in mind that Canadian news is blocked from Meta platforms such as Facebook and Instagram and their AI tools. Know that false information has always been part of election campaigns, but with AI, deep fakes, foreign influence and chat bots, the stakes are higher.

If you find fake information, report it: mediasmarts.ca

Please send in your questions to candidates: info@bulletinaylmer.com

Lily Ryan, Publisher

February Letters

Defunding journalism

What can we do to help stop the terrifying trend to defund journalism? I read on your website that MP Sophie Chatel helped ensure there is federal funding for Canadian journalism. Working with Pascale St-Onge and others, I am watching what the current government is doing to get ready to a risky change in government. I listen and watch CBC and Radio-Canada daily. Journalists there work so hard to investigate background information on news. The incredible amount of news that comes through the CBC and Radio-Canada makes a real difference for the future of Canada.

Is there a way that regular citizens can help turn this crisis around? Will the Bloc and the NDP help preserve our democracy by protecting journalism? Can anyone look forward in their minds to what our country will be without credible journalism? Think of any country where truth is a footnote, do we want that? I cannot understand why voters can be so fickle as to imagine that democracy is an automatic part of Canada. It takes a few fundamental social pillars to ensure a healthy democracy – including a public news service. And I mean public like what we have now, I don’t mean government mouth-piece.

If the future of information here is left to radicals on tik tok, I will wish I had done something when there was still time. What can we do? What can the Aylmer Bulletin do? And will you do your part?

Josée Thérien

Gatineau

A major blow for Francophone culture !

The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) has just announced that the subsidy program for Francofête 2025 has been suspended, and that our request to this effect will go unheeded. This is a huge blow for Quebec culture, an indispensable pillar of the French language.

In 2024, this program enabled Impératif français to showcase Quebec culture in the Outaouais region. Seven shows were presented on various stages in the Outaouais region. In Quebec as a whole, nearly a hundred shows were offered to Quebecers. Not only does this represent a major boost to French culture and language, it's also a major source of income for hundreds of Quebec artisans. Unfortunately, this year, our artists will have to add another hole to their belts. Other projects under consideration, such as the third volume of Mots et expression québécois, have also been cancelled. OQLF budgets, we're told, have been frozen until the end of March 2025.

At the same time, Impératif français is currently organizing the 49th edition of the L'Outaouais en fête festival, and we are anxiously awaiting a response from the Legault government to subsidize the largest 100% francophone festival in Quebec. Impératif français absolutely needs subsidies to make this festival happen. Faced with the onslaught of American culture, let's hope Quebec doesn't give up!

It is imperative that the government reaffirm its commitment to Quebec culture and the French language. The cancellation of this program jeopardizes not only artists, but also the cultural organizations that work tirelessly to promote our identity. Culture is an essential economic and identity driver: need we remind you that every dollar invested in culture generates considerable spin-offs for society as a whole?

Linda Larocque

President, Impératif français

Impératif français and L'Outaouais en fête

Aylmer

Keep neighbourhood health services local!

The Vaccination and testing Centre, next to Pharmaprix, has recently been giving out questionnaires to its users.

Rumour has it that the centre may be scheduled for closure, in order to save costs. The Centre opened to accommodate the increasing number of Aylmer residents who were trying to get appointments at the local CLSC.

The current centre is withing walking distance of several seniors' residences, as well as having accessible access, being centrally located and with ample parking. The staff at the centre are courteous and, in my experience, appointments are always on time.

It is an outrage that there should be any consideration to closing this facility. It seems that the push for 15 minute cities applies to building housing, but not to providing health care. Despite the increasing population of Aylmer, we can no longer get an x ray in Aylmer. We need the current vaccination and testing centre to stay open and an expansion of health care services, not cut-backs. Not everyone is able to drive into Hull or Gatineau to receive these services."

Judith O'Rourke,

Aylmer

Exceptional work by a local company at the Aylmer Arms Apartments

I am a resident at the Aylmer Arms Apartments. Because of a serious fire in the building on June 29, 2024, many repairs, demolition, and re-construction efforts are taking place.

Recently, a local company appeared on site. This company specializes in asbestos removal and water damage repair.

I want the community to know what an excellent job did in a 5-week period. The employees were so courteous and polite to we, the residents that I feel it is important to let our community know. Honest and trustworthy, there are still honourable companies in Aylmer. Our experience is a testament to what still exists here !

Barry D Jones,

Aylmer

Stunned by councillor Duggan glorifying US president as Canadian hero

Councillor Duggan’s remarks (Jan. 29th) at Gatineau’s first council meeting put the new American President on a pedestal. A hero for the Canadian people? Conservative organizer and former federal Conservative candidate Duggan implied that all Canadian candidates in elections be as grand. This same councillor was stripped of his council committee duties as reprimand for supporting pro-slavery symbols on parliament hill. If this is the best the Conservatives have to offer, Canada is in deep trouble.

Duggan said that Trump would reduce wars. But in his very first breath as president, Trump floated the idea of seizing the Panama Canal, Greenland, and making Canada an American state.

Let’s remember that Trump said he’d stop the Ukarine-Russia war in one day if he became president. Obviously that has not happened. Now he threatens to deport Palestinians from Palestine and seize that land.

One hundred and fifty years of peaceful relations between neighbours has been shot down because of the unbelievable bellicosity of the man. Canada needs to stand firm and adopt a robust plan that thwarts American predatory expansionism. Canada needs to diversify its economy by making more international trading partners. Until the American people speak with a saner voice, Canadian sovereignty is in peril.

Canadians must continue to resist the American threat and support our independence and social cohesion. The challenges are immense, but we must continue to build a country without the dire inequality, aggression, and rancour of the new America.

Carl Hager

Pat Dolan

Gatineau, QC

Quebec health care system needs urgent care

M. Legault's latest pronouncement on taking away "well" patients from doctors and giving them sick patients in return is not going to solve the health crisis in Quebec. People who are well today may be sick tomorrow.

Who will care for the child who has whooping cough, the young woman who finds a breast lump or the young man who gets a concussion playing hockey? Does M. Legault not realize that many people are well today because they have received prompt medical attention, at some stage, or who have received preventive medicine.

Does M. Legault think that taking away 100 well patients from family doctors and giving them 100 sick patients instead, is going to help the morale of the doctors or give them a lighter work load? What it means is that it will make it even more difficult for anyone to make an appointment.

Who will decide who is "well" and who is sick? The doctors already are overloaded and heaven help us if non medical people are making the decision. M Legault needs to look at other solutions, such as making it easier for foreign doctors to be accredited and by supporting doctors currently in practice.

Judith O'Rourke

Aylmer

Quebec, pipelines & trade with the US

Premier Andrew Furey finds Trump’s comments “incredibly disturbing”. He reminds us that Newfoundland and Labrador joined Canada in 1949 mainly because of economic necessity and without military force.

Energy East was a proposed 4600 km long pipeline from Hardisty, Alberta to Saint John, New Brunswick. It would have conveyed 1.1 million barrels of oil per day. Originally proposed by Premier Frank McKenna in 2011, it was favoured by Pauline Marois. Philippe Couillard argued that Quebec, as it received equalization payments, owed it to other provinces to help sell their products. Premier Francois Legault in 2016 indicated that he would support the pipeline if the province received royalties. Later, he and other Quebec politicians and all Federal Liberals opposed this, but a recent Angus-Reid poll showed that 79% of Canadians and even 74% of Quebecers agreed that “Canada needs to ensure that it has oil and gas pipelines running from sea to sea across the country.” A recent SOM poll for La Presse found that 61% of Quebecers favoured Energy East.

The world will continue to need oil and gas, with peak demand just before 2030. However, Trump’s plans to increase domestic extraction of coal, oil, and gas will accelerate climate change.

This is becoming a war. If Canadians do not unite against an increasingly dictatorial American government, we will all suffer greatly.

President Donald Trump should realize the many advantages of showing respect and cooperating with his Northern neighbor, including the distinct society that is Quebec. He totally underestimates the resolve of Quebecers and other Canadians to remain free and independent politically, and if necessary, more so economically. By imposing tariffs, threatening our sovereignty, and promoting ill-will with a friend and ally, he will definitely trigger major, perhaps permanent adverse effects on citizens of his own country.

As Pierre Poilievre warned, “Never confuse kindness with weakness.”

Charles S. Shaver, MD

Ottawa physician Dr. Charles S. Shaver was born in Montreal. He is the Former Chair of the Section on General Internal Medicine of the Ontario Medical Association. The views here are his own.

Flag day showing: Sad-disappointing-worrisome

Last Saturday, the 15 of February was the annual celebration of our National Flag of Canada Day,

commonly known as ``FLAG DAY ``. On this day everyone in our country, especially this year, was reminded to show their Love for our country by flying our very distinguished and recognisable Maple Leaf flag world-wide.

On this day, my wife and I decided to take a drive around Aylmer and parts of Hull.

Starting on Eardley at Allumettières to Principale to Ch. Aylmer to Vanier covering the business

Sector. We saw 4 Canadian Flags.

Over to Park Champlain, 1 Flag.

Driving around many other main arteries and side streets: 8 flags.

Our final survey was from Vanier via Blvd du Plateau to and including some streets and the shopping center: 0 Flags!

The end result of our 2-hour unscientific survey: 13 visible Canadian Flags.

Very sad, extremely disappointing, and terribly worrisome, or is everyone waiting for the

Flag of the United States??!!!

Name withheld upon request,

Aylmer

Defaults - banks have us covered.

No worries. Our six largest Canadian banks hold around 13% of Common Equity Tier 1 capital of risk-weighted assets, 11% is minimum. And recent 3 month net revenues of our 5 largest totalled $41.1 Billion. Yes, just in 3 months and "user fee performance also remains strong".

However, some may say the canceling of our bank user fees (around 5% of net revenue) may help struggling Canadians in this moment and that may be appreciated. After all, the difference in 3 month combined net revenue would then be $38.8 Billion, not that much different to some looking up from below.

We should never simultaneously decide to jump from a glass tower on Bay Street in despair, due to a shared $2.3 Billion loss. We can toss a bone though - by removing banking fees, which in some small way may have help struggling Canadians from coast to coast to find their grace and gratitude.

Larry Prickett,

Aylmer

Canada needs to support working class

Working people power Canada’s economy. But despite our hard work, workers and our families are struggling to get ahead.

Our pay cheques are stretched thin. Grocery prices are sky-high, interest rates are crushing us, and the cost of a home is through the roof – all while the wealthiest corporations keep taking bigger profits.

Corporations won’t keep themselves in check – so we need our governments to step up.

Recent provincial election results show that voters are rejecting anti-worker agendas and demanding policies that support working families. With a federal election on the horizon, any politician that wants workers votes must ensure that big corporations and the wealthiest are held accountable and made to pay their fair share.

Workers deserve a better future. We’re ready to make it happen.

Josh Lucas,

Kanata

January Letters

Aylmer is the community living I love

My 15-year-old son, full of youthful energy and adventure, takes the bus to Hull to go climbing with his friends. Like many teenagers, he’s not always careful, and somewhere along the way, he lost his wallet. As days turned into weeks, we assumed it was gone for good.

But then, three weeks later, a shimmer of hope: His school received a call—the wallet had been found. It was waiting for us at the STO service point. When I arrived to retrieve it, I opened it, preparing myself for disappointment—and instead found all $45 in cash still inside.

I won’t lie: tears filled my eyes in that moment, and they’re back now as I write this. To the kind-hearted stranger who turned it in without expecting thanks or reward, I want to say this: you restored our faith in humanity.

Your simple, selfless act reminded us of the goodness in our community. You didn’t just return a lost wallet; you gave us a reason to feel hopeful and grateful in a world that can sometimes feel so selfish and disconnected.

Thank you for being the person who chose to do the right thing. You’ve made a difference, more than you know.

Alexander R. (Proud resident of Aylmer)

Wanted: volunteers

Since January 2021, I've been a volunteer with Alliance Parc Deschênes (APD), whose mission is to protect the Deschênes forest and, more broadly, to work with local authorities to create Parc Deschênes. What a great adventure it's been for me so far, and I'm sure that 2025 will be another great year of learning, appreciation and achievement! Being part of APD allows me to continue learning about our local and regional environment, to get to know the community I belong to, and to forge bonds and friendships, with all the people involved with our organization and with other Gatineau organizations that are just as passionate about conservation and their environment. It's a whole network that deserves to be better known! I realize that it's all about working together, whatever time we can spare, for the causes we care about, that make our community stronger, more resilient and better connected. If you're interested in volunteering or joining the ODA Board of Directors, come and join us at our Annual General Meeting in March.

For more information: parcdeschenespark@gmail.com

(Translated)

The President, Lucie Métras

Voltaire, the Enlightenment, and the Value of Local Newspapers

I wish to share these observations with my community. I wish to share them because I believe they are valid. I know they are important.

The French philosopher Voltaire (François Marie Arouet (1694-1778)) was at the centre of a social transformation known as the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment supported freedom in all facets of human life: freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom of language, freedom of life-style, freedom of thought.

Local newspapers support these tenets of the Enlightenment.

The spirit of the Enlightenment has been challenged often in human history, and the loss of local newspapers is a further challenge to this spirit.

Local newspapers chronicle our lives in a way we are often unable to do and they do this with objectivity & diligent investigation.

Of course there exist credible multi-national media outlets; there also exist those two weapons of the ill-informed: hear-say & gossip. The former will not inform us about what is occurring on our very streets, the latter is best to be ignored.

The objective view of local newspapers, in print or on-line, provide us, as citizens, with the dependable, relevant information we need to make important decisions in our day-to-day lives, they also provide a venue to voice our opinion.

In this sense the absence of local newspapers diminishes our freedom of expression.

In this sense the loss of local newspapers diminishes the spirit of the Enlightenment.

Less pragmatically, but by no means less important, is that local newspapers have for centuries been the place where the major literary works of western civilization have first appeared: writers such as Alexandre Dumas, Jules Verne, Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, Edgar Allan Poe, their writing all appeared first in local newspapers.

In this sense local newspapers support both our cultural lives & our creativity.

Voltaire wrote: ‘I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.’

Local newspapers, like the Bulletin d’Aylmer, support the Enlightenment: freedom of speech, freedom of expression; clarity of information; a place to speak.

Local newspapers, and their content, are not free. They are priceless.

Necessitas non habet legem. This Latin phrase speaks volumes: necessity knows no law. As the voices of Voltaire & the Enlightenment speak to us every day: we need freedom of expression; we need enlightened & relevant information.

We need local newspapers. We certainly need them now.

Stephen Lloyd,

Gatineau (Aylmer Sector)

How to find information about the city?

Dear Bulletin team, I know that the world of local newspaper publishing is difficult. I used to read all about what the city was doing with zoning changes, building demolitions, developments. You would publish little maps for everyone to see what the city was aiming to change.

Why are you not publishing those anymore? Is it just too expensive? I see the ad on the front page about going on the city website for public notices, is this the same thing? I can’t find what I’m looking for on the city website. My neighbours and I watch the town around us change and we don’t know what’s going.

So, back to you Aylmer Bulletin! Why did you stop running those pages of maps and changes the city is planning?

Pam Beauregard,

Aylmer

Seeking volunteers

The Centre d'action bénévole Accès is seeking amazing individuals who are willing to share their skills with the elderly or engage in fun activities. Become a volunteer and give back to the community! We have 3 wonderful groups Tuesday 10 am - 3 pm in French, Wednesday 1 pm - 3:30 pm in English, Thursday 10 am - 3 pm in English.

Please contact intervenant@cabacces.ca

GARAGE SALE

Did you know that for the modest sum of $350,000 you can buy a political party? Indeed, the position of Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada is yours for this amount; within the reach of all rich people or those who say they are rich or think they are.

Invitation to all millionaires, professional hockey, baseball, football players and Lotto-Québec winners!

You must submit your bid before January 23, 2025, and become a member of the LPC before January 27, if you want to take advantage of this sale. The draw will take place on March 9. You will then have 15 days of worries before you get trusted by the Commons.

NOTICE TO CURRENT MPS AND MINISTERS “DO NOT RUN” unless you can explain where and how you were able to accumulate so much money in your pocket during your mandate.

Antoine L. Normand,
Gatineau

Breast screening across Canada

With most of the country lowering their screening age to 40, Quebec lags behind – being the only province to exclude women under 50 from its breast cancer screening program.

In a recent survey by Breast Cancer Canada, Canadians expressed their thoughts on the breast cancer landscape in Canada. A few key points include:

94% of Canadians agree that routine screening should start at the age of 40
84% of Canadians would get screened at the age of 40, if eligible

Megan Dunscombe

Sarnia, Ontario

Shout Sister! Choir: Aylmer chapiter starting soon

Shout Sister! is an all-women's choir that takes an unorthodox approach to choral singing. There are no auditions and we sing a fun variety of music from pop to Motown, to folk, to a touch of country and blues. We learn from recorded music tracks so we require no reading of music. Our method is fresh and fun and we are warm and welcoming. For over 20 years, Shout Sister! has been bringing people together to experience the joy and benefits of singing together, and a new chapter is starting right here in Aylmer.

You all know how much I enjoy music (and dancing) and I truly believe that singing together is a magical experience.

I am inviting you to the information session, so you can learn more. Join me and Choir founder, Georgette Fry, for a crash course in what Shout Sister is and how we operate. Expect to do a little bit of listening as well as a bunch of singing, and bring any questions you might have about what to expect as a Shout Sister member!

When and where:

Sunday, February 2, 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Christ Church Aylmer (in the Hall)

101 rue Symmes, Aylmer, Qc

Note: this is the location of the information session only. The regular meeting location will be at the 5e Baron (55 rue Principale), Tuesdays (they are closed that night) from 7-8:30 pm from Feb 18-June 17.

The music repertoire will be in English, but I will facilitate in both languages as needed.

Please use this link to fill out the Google Form to register for the information session:

https://forms.gle/D9Rk6A9Wy2kSTdsq6

Please share this email with anyone you think would be interested in joining this choir.

Hope to be singing with you soon.

Elyse McCann,

Aylmer

Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Mr. Fitzgibbon!

Tell me, Mr. Fitzgibbon, what is going on here? Do we need to take cold showers now? Apparently, we're dunces? Bottom of the class? What class are you talking about?

Does Hydro-Québec belong to Quebecers? I mean, when Premier Adélard Godbout created Hydro-Québec in 1944, was it to belong to Quebecers? I mean, to belong to its sole shareholder, our Government of Quebec? I thought that in 1963, when the Lesage government continued Godbout's initiative and nationalized the eleven major companies that were charging too much for us Quebeckers, it was to allow us to take hot showers, right? After all, wasn't it us, Quebeckers, who paid for all the dams with our taxes? Manic 5, the Rivière La Grande, the Romaine, the Baie James, it was we Quebecers who paid for it!

I remember going to New York City, to First Boston, with the Quebec Minister of Finance to make a private sale of 50 million$ of Quebec bonds to help finance Hydro-Québec's projects. It was we, the Quebeckers, who served as collateral for these debentures. It's true that you were young at that time. Maybe you missed it?

And what about all of us who removed our 250-gallon tank of heating oil and replaced it with an electric heater at the instigation of the Government of Quebec? Those of us who replaced our gas stove and gas water heater with electric stove and electric hot water tank? What about the Quebecers among us who have added mineral wool to the attic of our homes at our own expense? who have insulated their garage and basement? What about those of us Quebecers who have agreed to build according to the R-20 insulation standard and install electric baseboard heaters throughout our homes?

On the one hand, you have the goal of one million electric cars in Quebec by 2030; On the other hand, you are telling us that we are already consuming too much electricity. You want to build electric streetcar systems in Quebec City and Gatineau when it will consume more electricity, not to mention the vulnerability of the infrastructure. What do you say to all of us Quebeckers who have paid and continue to pay for everything called "electricity" in Quebec? That we are dunces, at the bottom of the class, that we consume more electricity than anyone else?

Let me, Mr. Fitzgibbon, mention that tonight I plugged in my electric car, which I have been driving for 7 years, and I allow myself to take a hot shower; because I don't care about your taunts and mockeries about Quebecers.

Antoine L. Normand

Aylmer

Palliative care in Outaouais needs attention

Dear Bulletin team: Can you investigate something that concerns me. I have been told that two directors of palliative care have been fired recently at local hospitals. Readers are asking for the facts.

Could the Bulletin team verify this situation? We need to wake up and talk together about how to care for our ill and aging. We are not getting the funding for health care in our region. Something is terribly wrong.

When my husband passed away, we had palliative and hospice care at home. It made a world of difference in our grief process to have this human approach.

Judith Matheson

Aylmer

World Cancer Day: reminder to do what we can

This World Cancer Day, February 4^th, we are reminded that while cancer touches millions of individuals worldwide, no two cancer journeys are the same. The 2025 theme, “United by Unique,” underscores the individuality of each cancer experience – shaped by every patient’s story.

Precision oncology is the embodiment of this principle, transforming cancer care by tailoring treatments to the specific characteristics of each patient’s disease. By moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach, precision oncology ensures that the right person receives the right treatment at the right time.

I hope that readers will talk with their doctors about their options and do what they can to raise research money.

Megan Dunscombe

Sarnia, Ont

Ontario and Quebec not that different in housing crisis

Just before the holidays, Premier Ford proposed an inhumane new approach to homeless encampments that punches down on people already suffering and will do nothing to help them – while making the problem of encampments worse.

The so-called "Safer Municipalities Act" would give Ontario cities unnecessary new powers to clear homeless encampments with police force and arrest our neighbours experiencing homelessness.

No one believes a tent in a park is an appropriate place to live, but this is not the answer. It’s ineffective, it’s expensive, and it’s cruel. It’s an unserious plan for a very serious and urgent problem our most vulnerable neighbours are facing.

I don’t support Premier Ford trampling the basic human rights of our neighbours when there are effective evidence-based solutions we can use instead to house people quickly. And it is high time we got serious about addressing the root cause of this crisis – a lack of affordable housing, something the Ford government has done little to solve.

We need an urgent solution to encampments and that solution is homes, not handcuffs.

A H Harry Oussoren (Rev. Dr.)

December Letters

Petition against the Vanier Road high-rise?

I am writing to find out where I can find the petition against the high rise at Vanier Road and des Allumettières. I hear there is a petition, is it at the Bulletin office? I know we are in a housing crisis and need more housing. And I saw in the Aylmer Bulletin that the plans are beautiful. I just don’t think that intersection can handle the traffic. I was at the Maxi recently around 3:30 pm. In order to go home in Deschênes, I needed to sit in traffic that was in the shape of ‘U’ in order to loop through that development back down towards the river. When there is no traffic, it would take seven minutes to get home. That day it took me 45 minutes!!!

Before we bring more people in, can we have some intelligent planning? I’ll sign a petition asking for more infrastructure before we have more condos.

Betty Smith

Aylmer

No English for Christmas festivities in Aylmer?

I know the language of public life in Quebec is supposed to be only English when there aren’t many anglophones. But I was at the Santa Parade in Aylmer and everyone around me was talking English. Except the official announcer. I was across the street from the radio announcer on the microphone and was stunned that it was all in French. This keep happening in Gatineau since amalgamation. I love speaking English. I love speaking French. And I’ve loved to be learning understand my wife’s family’s language (neither of these). We are teaching our kids three languages.

We want multilingualism to a source of joy for our kids. But this bizarre situation in Gatineau where people are made to whisper English for fear someone overhears us is starting to get disturbing. I heard a radical Anglophobe threw a bagel at an employ last spring here in town. I mean – why?

My question is sincere. Why? Ms Mayor, why do you not speak English? Why do city officials never speak English at meetings or events? We don’t bite. And we’ve been here a long long time. We are as Quebecois as the next person. Our love for Aylmer is no different. And our love of Santa is no different either.

Please keep my name confidential as I wouldn’t want a bagel thrown at me because I’m asking simple questions.
Aylmer

Literacy Changes Lives: Give the Gift of Reading This Christmas

As Christmas approaches, many people face the dilemma of what to buy for a family member, friend, school teacher, or work colleague. Today in Quebec, a literacy charity launched the Give the gift of reading campaign to take the hassle out of finding a suitable present while passing on a goodwill gift to a child who doesn’t own a single book.

Residents of Quebec can select children’s books to benefit their region or choose to send gifts to other parts of the world, such as Africa, Latin America, or Afghanistan. Find the information online or at a bookstore near you.

A book and a child's discovery of the love of reading can change the direction of their life.

Andrew Kay,

CEO of the World Literacy Foundation

Old Aylmer’s Christmas spirit unbalanced

What a lovely Christmas market! I heard someone call it in the style of a European market and I see it. My family enjoyed it and found a few cute gifts.

The parade was fun, festive, and heartfelt.

But what is going on with the lack of Christmas lights? The most basic addition to any main street is hanging lights – either right across the street to make it light up or along the way, some kind of festive images. Even colourful lights in the trees.

Is this another example of Gatineau moving all the nice things to Old Hull? Are Old Hull streets lit up with Christmas cheer?

JF Vaillancourt,

Aylmer

Notice to subscribers:

We are deeply sorry that you are unable to receive your newspaper at home due to the Canada Post strike. Rest assured that we will mail your copy of the newspaper to you once the strike is over. You can also pick it up in person at our office located in the Galeries Aylmer. If you would like to make arrangements, please contact us by email (classifieds@bulletinaylmer.com) or by phone (819 684-4755).

Saint Maxime

In a letter to the West Quebec Post, Robert Drapeau, regional president of the Parti Québécois de l’Outaouais, gave his party’s warm endorsement of the appointment of former Gatineau mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin as Director General of the Musée national de l’histoire du Québec. Pedneaud-Jobin has been an outspoken proponent of a strengthened local government. One of his ideas is the desirability of a municipal income tax.

A local income tax, unlike the property tax, would be progressive. It would be more costly for those with higher incomes. So if this is what he advocates, what is the position of the PQ? One way of looking at the question is to imagine the party as a dog. There is the main body and the tail. The animal makes radical noises from time to time but it ends up with leaders like Pierre Karl Péladeau, seen as anti-labor. Municipal income tax? Are you kidding? Those advocating such things are the tail, not the body. Social advo

Reuel S. Amdur

Aylmer

What’s good for the gander is good for the goose.

Votre correspondant anglophone anonyme (édition du 4 décembre dernier), qui craint d’être lapidé avec des bagels s’il s’identifie, devrait traverser la rivière et assister à des défilés de Noël à Pembroke ou à Lanark pour constater à quel point la langue française y est inexistante. Pourtant, les franco-ontariens sont, comme les anglo-québécois, une minorité historique.

Quand les droits des francophones de l’Ontario seront respectés comme ceux des anglophones historiques du Québec le sont depuis toujours, on en reparlera. Ces droits historiques ne peuvent pas être transférés aux immigrants anglophones - ils doivent apprendre le français.

Et contrairement à ce qui est dit dans la première phrase (très confuse) du texte, la seule langue officielle au Québec est le français.

Si on veut me lapider avec les excellents bagels de Bagels Bobino pour mes propos, soit!

Jean-Claude Carisse

Pontiac (Québec)

Canada must stop aiding Israel assault on innocent people

We’ve all witnessed the devastating impacts of Israel’s bombings of Gaza and Lebanon - refugee camps set on fire, apartment buildings flattened, schools demolished. Tens of thousands of people have died from the blasts or been crushed by the rubble. Cities have been turned to ruins.

It is horrifying that Canada is continuing to arm and fund Israel's military violence through its ongoing arms trade with Israel. It is inexcusable that Canada is STILL shipping key components of the war planes and combat helicopters being used by Israel to carry out what is already the most destructive bombing campaign of the 21st century. The blood on both Canada and Israel's hands could not be clearer.

Despite Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly saying in September that Canada wouldn’t have any arms or parts of arms be sent to Gaza, she has not suspended 88% of active weapons permits to Israel, and has taken no action to block Canadian companies from using a loophole to continue to sell weapons to Israel via the US without even needing a permit. This loophole currently allows, for instance, over 100 Canadian suppliers to continue to ship key components to build the F-35, the most advanced and devastating fighter jet used by the Israeli military. Every single F-35 warplane used by Israel to drop 2000-pound bombs on Gaza and Lebanon contains over $2 million dollars of Canadian parts.

As a person of conscience in this country, I say this must end. We need an arms embargo on Israel now.

Sincerely,
Alex Bellavance

Gatineau

A word from the publisher, Lily Ryan

A word from the publisher

Readers may be interested in an update about the state of publishing small newspapers. The Aylmer Bulletin, like about 35 other small local newspapers across Quebec is still printing. The fact that you, dear reader, are holding a print newspaper in your hands is something to celebrate! Just this week a First Nations newspaper south of Montreal closed.

Outaouais is a unique region in Quebec for newspapers. There are six minority-language newspapers here, more than anywhere else across Canada -- and this, in such a sparsely populated region. This is a testament to involved readers, advertisers, and dedicated staff. Key to the paper's success are the people who make it happen, the team is hard-working and loves the community.

Newspapers are at the heart of minority-language communities, and Pontiac has benefited from the Federal government’s Action Plan, recently updated. This helps cover some of the costs of delivering and printing newspapers (Aid to Publishers), as well as paying some reporters (the “Local Journalism Initiative” and the “Journalism Internship Program”). There are also refundable tax credits at both levels of government and Quebec has recently opened up programs for more than just online publishing as they realize the population isn’t rushing towards digital living only.

This financial help from governments is important to mention for a number of reasons. First, it helps explain to readers how this newspaper is even possible. Yes, it is my fundamental belief that every household should have access to credible information, free if possible, to reduce inequity between "have" and "have-not" families. But seeing the long list of people who work to produce the newspaper and knowing the high cost of printing and delivery, it isn't hard to understand that a handful of ads can't cover all the costs.

Clearly, this newspaper is a critical part of marketing for local businesses. And government funders understand that in helping newspapers, they also help local economies and isolated communities by keeping advertising costs affordable.

Meta (Facebook and Instagram's parent company) has blocked genuine news on its platforms, but the federal government has recently reached a deal with Google, so Canadian news will still be found in Google searches. The Bulletin, with its total and free distribution, brings the news that’s important for citizens to know about on a local and regional level---right into your homes!

With PubliSac’s closure in April, readers need to be involved in getting the paper to their homes. Canada Post is so expensive, we can’t afford their distribution system, at least not right now. Options are: Buy a paid subscription for home delivery, pick up the free paper at a local shop, come into the office for a free copy. Please advise us if your local store does not have a stack of newspapers, we’ll add it to our delivery list.

Readers should know that the managers and staff of the Aylmer Bulletin are working hard to keep this newspaper healthy and rolling, assisted by our MP and MNA and municipal representatives.

With bad news everywhere concerning the future of democracy, journalism is itself threatened. But in Aylmer, we are holding steady. And, all of us are part of this process. So, please shop with our advertisers, write letters to the editor, continue sending in news tips, and, especially, talk about what you read at every level of government – this is the role our readers play in this big puzzle that is local newspaper publishing.

Lily Ryan,

Publisher

November Letters

Where to find information about city changes?

Dear Bulletin: I wish you were informing readers earlier about what is happening at City Council. Sometimes I drive around and see there is a building to be demolished or a new complex going up. Then I see it in the paper, but too late to really do anything. Why can’t you publish more information and earlier? I’m not driving around all the time to find out what’s happening, and I feel like you used to publish information a month ahead of the city plans. I know you keep a note on the front page about going to the city website for notices about bylaw changes. Is this what I’m supposed to do? Go to the city website all the time?
Would appreciate more information in advance, thank you.

Lorrie-Ann Wilno

Gatineau

Le District seniors busy with festive spirit

Seniors in the Aylmer area continue to help their neighbours and contribute to the spirit of the season. Not only are they collecting food for the Aylmer Food Bank, but are creating home made objects of art perfect for the gift giving of the season. For example, on Saturday November 23, a Christmas craft fair will be held open to the public at Le District seniors residence on Lucerne Boulevard. Seniors will be displaying and selling their creations. Come and meet your neighbours and be part of the festive season.

Marie Trappitt,

Aylmer

Archéo-Pontiac - Célébrons l’archéologie dans le Pontiac

L’organisme local les Amis du Sault-des-chats tiendra un événement pour célébrer le succès des fouilles archéologiques publiques 2024. Lors de cet événement, les résultats des activités de fouilles seront présentés en compagnie des partenaires impliqués (partenaires financiers, organisateurs, participants et résidents du territoire).

L’événement aura lieu le vendredi 29 novembre 2024, de 9h30 à 11h, au centre communautaire de Quyon, adjacent au traversier. Cet événement célébratoire permettra aux invités.ées d’assister à une conférence de presse, d’entendre des témoignages, de voir les artéfacts, d’apprécier des aquarelles faites lors des fouilles et d’échanger avec les autres participants.

Nous sommes très heureux de partager le succès de cette activité et les découvertes faites sur le territoire de la Pointe à l’indienne à Quyon. Les artéfacts retrouvés lors de ces fouilles permettront aux archéologues de corroborer les hypothèses sur l’utilisation des lieux et de leurs habitants. Ce genre d’événement communautaire est important pour susciter de l’intérêt auprès des résidents, développer des liens dans la communauté, créer des occasions de s’impliquer et découvrir les richesses culturelles de la région.

Cette matinée de reconnaissance a pour but de rassembler toutes les personnes impliquées et de leur permettre de voir l’impact de leur participation en constatant les répercussions de cette collaboration sur les succès du projet Archéo-Pontiac!

chatsfallsfriends@gmail.com

Note de la rédaction : Êtes-vous impliqué dans une association locale ? Une organisation communautaire ou une association de résidents ? Envoyez un courriel dès aujourd'hui pour obtenir un emplacement gratuit dans le journal !

Public letter to Gatineau city councillors regarding plans for 435 Vanier

As a follow-up to the email I sent you on October 15 and in the wake of the November 12 consultation with the developer of the 251-unit housing project at the corner of Vanier/des Allumettières, which I will not be able to attend, I would like to raise a few points for the elected officials and the City of Gatineau's Urban Planning Department.

I suggest that a ten-year moratorium on all construction in Aylmer, and more specifically in the Vanier/des Allumettières sector, be decreed IMMEDIATELY. This will give the City the opportunity to make the necessary and long-awaited catch-up in terms of infrastructure. Ten years will not be too long to carry out this heavy task!
That we put in place an initiative that can be similar to a special urban plan (plan particulier d’urbanism - PPU) such as it currently exists in Old Hull and that will soon be deployed for Old Aylmer. The Vanier/Allumettières sector is a key sector that requires long-term planning before continuing with any development or expansion. It should no longer have any "surprises in our neighbourhood" such as a 15-storey tower that does not harmonize with the existing architecture.
That this "PPU" address elements that affect the quality of life of citizens, such as the creation of significant grey areas due to the height of buildings, the impacts on traffic volume and parking, as well as the lack of structuring transportation that will not be resolved before the arrival of the tramway, which will not materialize, let's be realistic, at least fifteen years from now.
That any development project after the end of the moratorium be designed and built "on a human scale" to harmonize with the residences of the surrounding neighbourhood.

The 435 Vanier Road project must therefore be immediately withdrawn.

Marion Barfurth

Gatineau

High-rise at 435 Vanier, how do we stop the plans?

I write to you of Tuesday's meeting re a proposed high-rise at Vanier and des Allumettières. I would like to start by thanking the mayoress for asking for and attending the meeting. It was very much appreciated, and I think she did a good job especially considering the temperature of the room.

I would like to know the best way to stop this high-rise project. Would 1,000 people showing up at the council meeting next week work? Also how do we change the 15-storey zoning for all projects below des Allumettières?

My reasons for objecting to the project are the same as for the citizens of Aylmer …. it will directly affect our quality of life.

Traffic:

- That corner is impossible for Aylmer residents to navigate as it is. Residents choose to go into Aylmer or Ottawa rather than use that corner.

- Adding 250 families to that corner when they have no direct access to Vanier is absurd by any measure.

- During their presentation, the developers relied on old circulation data from 2011 and 2020. They minimized the impact of the extra traffic which has much increased since then.

- Gatineau does not have plans to widen Vanier until 2029.

- It is a dangerous crossing and there will be small children in the new building.

Reduce Property Values of neighbouring homes:

- The occupants of the 15-storey high-rise will peer directly into people's homes, pools and yards. The privacy of homes located east of the building will be especially harmed. From 15 stories high you can see up to 20 kms away.

- The building will cast 15 storey shadows over these neighbourhoods, affecting air circulation and blocking light and heat.

- The construction noise, dirt and dust will be horrible for neighbouring homes.

Parking:

- There is insufficient parking for 250 families and so the tenants will overcrowd nearby already overburdened merchant parking lots and neighbourhood roads.

Green Space:

- There is no room for green space in the plans. No park for the children. This should be mandatory for all high-rise building projects.

Danger to Flora and Fauna:

- The shadows cast by the building and the extra pollution during construction will adversely affect nearby flora and fauna.

Densification of Aylmer has been disproportionate to the rest of Gatineau:

- From the time I moved here in 1989 from Montreal, I can remember hearing that developers wanted access to Aylmer’s lands. We had a great community with lots of parks, especially ideal for raising children. Since the merger, Aylmer has borne the brunt of densification and the price to the citizenry has been high.

Yet another high-rise at the old Manoir Quesnel at 1175 Aylmer Rd?

- It has come to my attention that, yet another residential property is being demolished by developers to build a 10 storey, 172-unit high-rise.

The same problems that apply to the Vanier project are true for this property as well. In addition, rue Principale is overburdened as it is. Traffic during rush hours is unbearable and adding more congestion to the route is irresponsible.

I plan to retire in the new year. If you think I can contribute to the development of a long-term, citizen friendly urban plan, would be happy to help.

Champlain Park,

Aylmer

Hey Bulletin team: Sorry for writing about this, but

I read the article about a housing tower planned for Vanier Road on Page 1 of the Bulletin just now ("Aylmer residents voice...") and couldn't help but notice a few things. The opening sentence has a misplaced comma, there's a sentence fragment on the second page ("Highlighting..."), there's a missing quotation mark at the beginning of the final paragraph, and I would suggest rewriting the sentence "After a traffic expert presented their findings from their traffic studies...”. I’m a teacher and if my students submitted this, I would send it back. I've never noticed any problems with articles in the Bulletin before, but this one had my eyebrows go up a bit. You guys don't use grammarly? Are there cuts at the paper? I am worried about the future of my local newspaper.

Thanks for covering the topic - it's obviously very important to me!

Take care,

A loyal and concerned reader

Aylmer

Notice to subscribers:

We are sorry to advise you that, because of the Canada Post strike, the newspaper cannot be delivered to your home. You can either pick it up at our office or we can mail it to you when the strike ends. Please let us know what arrangement you prefer by emailing us at: classifieds@bulletinaylmer.com or by calling 819-684-4755.

Public letter to Gatineau city councillors regarding plans for 435 Vanier

I suggest that a ten-year moratorium on all construction in Aylmer, and more specifically in the Vanier/des Allumettières sector, be decreed IMMEDIATELY. This will give the City the opportunity to make the necessary and long-awaited catch-up in terms of infrastructure. Ten years will not be too long to carry out this heavy task!
That we put in place an initiative that can be similar to a special urban plan (plan particulier d’urbanism - PPU) such as it currently exists in Old Hull and that will soon be deployed for Old Aylmer. The Vanier/Allumettières sector is a key sector that requires long-term planning before continuing with any development or expansion. It should no longer have any "surprises in our neighbourhood" such as a 15-storey tower that does not harmonize with the existing architecture.
That this "PPU" address elements that affect the quality of life of citizens, such as the creation of significant grey areas due to the height of buildings, the impacts on traffic volume and parking, as well as the lack of structuring transportation that will not be resolved before the arrival of the tramway, which will not materialize, let's be realistic, at least fifteen years from now.
That any development project after the end of the moratorium be designed and built "on a human scale" to harmonize with the residences of the surrounding neighbourhood.

The 435 Vanier Road project must therefore be immediately withdrawn.

Marion Barfurth

Gatineau

Love the Aylmer Bulletin photo section!

I love seeing the beautiful photos in each issue of the Aylmer Bulletin of our beautiful Aylmer and area.

I am sending along one of my photos taken along the Ottawa River at Queen's Park, this day, November 18, last year. Feel free to use it if you wish in the Aylmer Bulletin.

Thanks,

Nancy Ray

Gatineau

October Letters

STO and public transit troubles

Yesterday, I spent more than 30 minutes downtown (Albert/Slater) waiting for the 55 or 59 to get home. I kept following the Transit app and each time these lines were cancelled and a new timetable appeared. Of course, when the bus arrived, it was full by then. And this isn't the first time this has happened. So STO and the government don't know why we drive to work if we can't rely on the public transport system!

Tatiana Lermontov

Aylmer

Local news key to our community

Wow – what an image: a non-newspaper newspaper. The edition last week was gutsy and honest. I’m all in, I’ll subscribe, here’s my letter to the editor. And I’ve been talking about the paper to everyone I know.

I sure hope things go right and we have the Aylmer Bulletin for years to come.

Lorraine Carrière

Aylmer

CAQ’s latest health care plan hurts Quebecers

Who will care for the child who has whooping cough, the young woman who finds a breast lump or the young man who gets a concussion playing hockey?

Does M. Legault not realize that many people are well today because they have received prompt medical attention, at some stage, or who have received preventive medicine. Does M. Legault think that taking away 100 well patients from family doctors and giving them 100 sick patients instead, is going to help the morale of the doctors or give them a lighter workload? What it means is that it will make it even more difficult for anyone to make an appointment.

Who will decide who is "well" and who is sick? The doctors already are overloaded, and heaven help us if non-medical people are making the decision. M Legault needs to look at other solutions, such as making it easier for foreign doctors to be accredited and by supporting doctors currently in practice.

Judith O'Rourke

Aylmer

Legislating the protection of Gatineau Park

The National Capital Commission (NCC) stated in the latest Gatineau Park Master Plan the advantages and the need for modernizing the park’s legal framework. As the plan points out, legislation would firm up the park’s conservation mission and its protection, modernize pricing of activities, establish regulations and assign powers of protection.

To be sure, the idea of governing legislation for Gatineau Park is not new: Over the past several decades, individuals and conservation organizations have petitioned Parliament, and met with ministers, senators and members of Parliament. Social media campaigns to “make it a real park” are ongoing.

This may surprise readers who think Gatineau Park is a “real park” under a federal act. Sadly, Gatineau Park’s boundaries are currently not legislated, and as such lands can be sold, or traded without parliamentary approval.

To date, Senators and MPs and even ministers have sponsored thirteen pieces of legislation. However, each died on the Order Paper for a variety of reasons. This underlines the absence of real parliamentary commitment and the lack of a clear assignment of responsibility in a ministerial mandate letter.

We now have a fourteenth effort to have legislation passed led by Senator Galvez and MP Chatel. This Bill is noteworthy for the effort to get input from interested parties and individuals. The Ottawa Valley Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society has been directly involved in helping to draft the legislation, drawing from decades of research and consultation.

This Bill aimed at modifying the National Capital Act is important in that it clearly prioritizes the importance of maintaining ecological integrity, much like the National Parks Act. Further, boundaries would be legislated and authority would be provided to the NCC to draw up and enforce regulations. A new and important proposed amendment is the need to work closer with the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation and neighbouring municipalities, including offering economic opportunities for the former.

Gatineau Park, on the doorstep of the National Capital, is significant in that it belongs to all Canadians and not just people in its vicinity. With climate change impacts on our horizon, expanding urban developments and growing recreation demands, it is critical that Gatineau Park’s biodiversity be given the high level of protection it deserves. The 118 rare or endangered species in the Park and 50 pristine lakes count on the passages of this Bill.

Nikita Lopoukhine,

Retired Director General National Parks and former chair of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas

Another thanks to give

It's no coincidence that Thanksgiving occurs in the Fall.

If "the Fall" refers to the change in colour and dropping of leaves from the trees around us, Aylmer has a lot to be thankful for.

According to a study in 2019 by the NCC entitled "Tree Canopy Assessment - Canada's Capital", Ottawa/Gatineau has the largest tree canopy of any Canadian region at 46%. (Tree canopy is defined as the layer that provides coverage of the ground when viewed from above.)

In fact, according to the study the largest in our region is the Deschenes District in Aylmer with 65% coverage.

Raking leaves may be a pain for some. Others may be offering their thanks this time of year for the colour, fresh air and exercise under the largest tree canopy in Canada.

Larry Prickett

Aylmer

September Letters

Record number of doctors leaving Quebec's public system

I listened to an interview about the record number of doctors leaving Quebec's public system.

It's already scandalous that hundreds of thousands of Quebecers are without a family doctor in our public system, and have been for many years. The situation is particularly serious in Gatineau. We're losing more and more doctors to private clinics. Some patients even feel compelled to follow their doctor to the private clinic, where they pay exorbitant fees. Worse still, some clinics set their fees according to patient age - in one reported case, $4,000 for an 80-year-old patient! After contributing so much to Quebec society for so long, our seniors are faced with shameful, unbridled ageism. Is this the kind of society we want in Quebec, as one doctor once said? We don't want to end up like the United States.

And why the exodus to the private sector? Yet doctors in the public sector receive a gross salary of $369,000. That's more than Ontario's salary of $304,000 (2021 figures). So why the doctor shortage here? Writing to the Minister of Health didn`t elicit a response. (Trans.: BA)

P. Trottier

Aylmer

Refreshing editorial

I would like to thank Didier Périès for his editorial on the 28th of August. It is so refreshing to hear the truth from a local "paper" instead of the hype we are normally subjected to by local media.

Paul Guibord

Aylmer

Back to School - Share the Sidewalks!

Well it's that time of year when the kids are going back to school. Seeing your friends after a long summer break, walking or cycling to school gives new independence to some, first school bus ride, parents seeing their kids off for the first big day and all of this happening on a beautiful sunny morning. Don't get me wrong, I've gone through all of this with my kids many years ago and every year I enjoy watching the students starting off on their new adventures. However in all of the excitement, students may have forgotten the rules of the road and sidewalks. People riding bikes please use bike lanes where they are available in order to let pedestrians of all sorts use the sidewalks. If there are no bike lanes and you must use the sidewalks please ensure that you slow down and make your presence known to pedestrians of all sorts. Better get a bell for your bike and use it in those circumstances. Congratulations to all of you who are going back to school. Keep yourselves and others safe today and for the school year. Thanks

Laurie Anne Manion

OUR COMMUNITY STAND ALONG SIDE AYLMER ARMS:

Following the fire which seriously damaged the Aylmer Arms apartments, let us show solidarity.

On the night of June 29 to 30, the Aylmer Arms building, which contains 101 affordable housing units for low income people aged 55, was seriously damaged by fire. Around thirty residents are currently temporarily relocated. Smoke, soot and water left damage throughout the building.

We have mobilized our resources since the disaster to ensure the safety of residents and minimize damage. The reconstruction and decontamination of housing represents considerable financial challenges given that a large number of residents were not insured.

The Aylmer Arms Appartments does not benefit from any government subsidies. The average rent is $700/month, including heating, lighting and basic furniture (fridge and stove).

We are reaching out to you today because we depend on your immediate financial support. We estimate that the cost of the necessary work for the uninsured will be approximately $350,000.

This amount will be used to carry out the decontamination work, as well as the disposal and storage of goods during the work.

We will do everything to enable the residents of the Aylmer Arms Apartments to return to their homes, their friends, their routine and above all, their community.

Let’s show our solidarity with the Aylmer Arms Apartments and their residents.

About Aylmer Arms Solidarity

The Aylmer Arms Solidarity campaign is a community initiative aimed at supporting residents affected by the fire on June 29 in Aylmer. Its goal is to raise funds to help families and individuals rebuild and
to regain stability after this tragedy.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Street racing in Aylmer

I think we can rename some streets in Aylmer to the Luskville Dragstrip, AKA Wilfrid Lavigne Blvd. Never any sign of police to catch the many drag racers speeding competitively, screeching by on a daily basis in front of the school zone.....and I mean all out Drag Racing.

Pat Aylmer

Aylmer

Tired of tipping

Dear small businesses of Aylmer: Please know that it is very tiring to be always asked to tip. All around town I’m regularly asked to tip when there was very little service rendered. Yes, I buy things in town. But do I need to pay another 20, even 30% more than the price of the coffee to go that I pick up at the counter? I put my own sugar and cream in the coffee, I clean up after myself I do so, and I’m still asked to pay extra! I didn’t realize that the tip amounts are calculated on the bill price after tax! AFTER TAX! What is going on?

Please – we need to come up with a way that is fair. Business owners, if you can’t pay your staff enough, raise the prices but stop asking the public to pay all this extra tip amount when there’s nothing in return.

Name with held upon request

Gatineau

August Letters

Improving Democracy in Gatineau!

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, Maude Marquis-Bissonnette of Action Gatineau was elected Mayoress of Gatineau with 41.68 % of the votes cast. Official results from Élections Québec reveal that the voter turnout was only 33.06 %. Mathematically, her mandate to be Mayoress has, therefore, been provided by only 13.78 % of the population eligible to vote.

The three larger metropolitan areas of the province of Québec – Montréal, Québec, and Laval – all have multiple municipal political parties presenting candidates, making use of provincial funds for political organzing.

Taking into account, that a former mayor Yves Ducharme led the six pack of independent candidates with 30.91 % of the votes cast, it is very interesting to note that Ducharme received more votes than the other five independent mayoral candidates combined.

Encouraging news now circulating that two new political parties are being organized for the next municipal elections in Gatineau scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025.

All I can say is that it is about time.

It will be a long overdue move to true democracy at the municipal level in Gatineau.

Brian Rock

Aylmer

Discovery walk in the Deschênes Forest

Sunday, August 11, you are cordially invited to join our discovery walk in the Deschênes Forest. This activity is part of the Programme d’activités estivales of the Ville de Gatineau. You will learn all about its biodiversity, history and geographical aspects.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to get a better appreciation of our forest and to discover its emblematic species.

Please join us on Sunday, August 11, from 9:30 to 11:00 across from 100 chemin Fraser, Aylmer sector

Looking forward to meeting you there

Public Opinion Letter: Building bridges in a changing linguistic context

To me, the project we call “Canada” will never be complete. In my lifetime and in the past 55 years that our Official Languages Act has been in existence, I’ve seen linguistic concerns in our country ebb and flow.

It’s clear that we’re at a point where these concerns are very present, particularly among the Quebec population.

And yet, in their interactions with neighbours, colleagues and friends, a vast majority of Quebecers describe their exchanges with members of the other language group positively. Just like in any relationship, there were of course some opposing views, but there was also a lot of common ground.

The Englishspeaking communities of Quebec are also highly bilingual and value the French language and culture. Unfortunately, this isn’t always—or even often—what’s commonly portrayed in the public arena.

In recent years, these communities have been the focus of much public discourse and debate, at times even questioning their legitimacy as official language minority communities, given the global preponderance of the English language in Canada and in North America.

As a new chapter begins in the history of Canada’s official languages, with a modernized Official Languages Act that recognizes the need to protect French, both in Quebec and across the country, I felt it was important at this time to take the pulse of Quebecers and test some of the perceptions that exist about Englishspeaking communities of Quebec, their relationship with French in Quebec and bilingualism in Canada.

There are still some enduring misperceptions about Englishspeaking communities of Quebec, which in reality often also live in French. This is what my new research study entitled Building Bridges: Perceptions and Realities about the Englishspeaking communities of Quebec and their relationship with French in Quebec and bilingualism in Canada demonstrates.

Building understanding among and between our panCanadian official language communities is fundamental. Englishspeaking Quebecers are in large part allies of French in Quebec, and they encourage the promotion of bilingualism among English speakers elsewhere in the country and defending Francophone minorities’ rights outside Quebec.

Without this, and without official language minority communities who show by virtue of their very existence and vitality that both language groups have a place in this country, the project we call “Canada” is simply untenable.

Linguistic debates will inevitably continue in our society. However, Quebecers, both Frenchspeaking and Englishspeaking, remind us that there is a foundation of goodwill, a way of living together that they express on a daily basis. That we continue to talk to each other justifies, I believe, a cautious optimism for the future of linguistic relations in Quebec and Canada.

This, for me, is the crux of what my study confirms and what we should always remember as we face linguistic tensions in society.

Raymond Théberge

Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada

*Note: The study Building Bridges: Perceptions and Realities about the English-speaking communities of Quebec and their relationship with French in Quebec and bilingualism in Canada is available on the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages’ website.

Editorial about hate, a timely reminder

Lily, you wrote a beautiful, moving and thought-provoking editorial in the July 17 edition of the Gatineau Bulletin. I just read it and will pass

this on for more people to read on the website.

André Pinard

Aylmer, Gatineau

Aylmer Meals on Wheels update

Aylmer Meals on Wheels program turns 40 years old this year. Founded in 1984 by veterans, for veterans, it has now grown into a much-needed program in the Aylmer community. Our seniors, those who temporarily need help with meals and “shut-ins” benefit greatly from home cooked meals and a visit from a friendly face to chat with for a few minutes a few times a week. It can make all the difference in someone’s life. It can cut the loneliness.

The Aylmer Meals on Wheels now has a new home. It operated out of St. Mark’s church for years and then moved to the Aylmer Legion. These arrangements are no longer suitable, and we had to move on but we have not shut down, on the contrary, our services are needed more now than ever.

To celebrate our 40th year, there will be a fund-raising event on October 19th. Cold and hot buffet, silent auction and dancing the evening away with “Heart and Soul”. Tickets will go on sale very shortly and it’s opened to everyone. Keep an eye on our Facebook page at: Popote Roulante Aylmer Meals on Wheels.

More information about the eligibility for the Aylmer on Wheels program can be obtained by calling 819-664-2529, leaving your name and phone number and someone will call you back.

Thank you for your support,

Mary-Ann Latimer

President, Aylmer Meals on Wheels

New research underway in Quebec related to Multiple Sclerosis

In Quebec, one in 425 people is affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). This represents over 20,000 individuals, a number that is likely to increase in the coming years with the aging population.

Did you know that diet could play a crucial role in multiple sclerosis (MS)? Or that gender might influence the progression of this disease? What if we could not only slow down but also prevent MS?

I am writing to share some new research being conducted right here in Quebec, made possible by funds raised by MS Canada. Here is an overview of three ongoing studies that hold great promise for people with MS:

Sex Chromosomes and Th17 Cells: This research explores how gender influences the incidence and progression of MS, paving the way for new personalized treatments.
Gut Microbiota and Diet: Focusing on diet, this study aims to regulate neuro-inflammatory and degenerative processes, offering a new approach to alleviate MS symptoms.
Remyelination: Scientists are working to understand the molecular mechanisms of remyelination, with the hope of developing ways to promote this crucial process.

About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is considered an episodic disease, characterized by the occurrence of disabling symptoms whose severity and duration vary and are often followed by phases of remission. This condition can also present in a progressive form.

Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world.
On average, 12 people in Canada are diagnosed with MS every day, which is one every two hours.
More than 90,000 Canadians are affected by it.
MS is the most common central nervous system disease among young adults in our country.
Generally, MS is diagnosed in people aged 20 to 49.
Two out of three people with MS are women.
According to data from the Quebec health system, it is estimated that more than 22,000 people live with multiple sclerosis in Quebec.

Jasmine Guilbert

Montreal

Garbage pickup confusing

The new garbage pickup can be confusing. Many have their garbage as well as their compost left behind. Their wheels are either facing the wrong way or, there's not enough distance between them for the "claw".

Understandably, it takes a little time to adjust to new procedures. We have called the city because they neglected to take both our bins. The first employee from 311 said to call after 6 pm to issue the complaint and that there would be a pick up the next day but, I had to call after 6 pm.

I called and it seems that the procedures had changed over a few hours. They were not going to pick them up and, that I was stuck with my garage bin for the next 2 weeks and my compost until next week. 1 day later, we received an automated phone call from the city stating the new procedure for bin pick-ups. I think that there should have been at the very least a "forgiveness" pick-up.

The aging population, such as myself, may be confused by the new procedures and may not be tech savvy to look up or understand the new procedures. The forgiveness day should be applied to come back for only one pick-up with clear verbal instructions.

Claude Poulin

Gatineau

July Letters

Gatineau’s new waste plan puts yard bags all over town for weeks: a pretty pickle for someone to fix

It seems the city is now only picking up yard bags in the Spring and Fall. As I went for a walk through my usual route today, I counted 27 yard bags not picked up from this week’s collection (on one street). Considering there are 13-14 more weeks before the next pick up, this could become a major problem for residents and weekly collection. Here are a couple of photos at the same corner (2 different compositions). Considering they haven’t used the robotic arm on my street in 3-4 weeks, there really is no reason they were not picked up with the rest of the compost.

Imagine in 13 weeks, how many of these there would be for pick up. There will be thousands of compost/yard bags in each area. I feel this is very short sighted and am also sending my Municipal Councilor the same message.

Colin Clarke

Aylmer

People of Aylmer, speak out to your representatives

Further to Ms. Morin's positive opinion letter in the Aylmer bulletin, which read: "How fortunate for the people of Aylmer that the hospital is so close by". Firstly, thanks to Ms. Morin for her positive outlook.

Nonetheless, the Asticou center is still a long way from Gatineau's west end. It's not much easier to get to than the former site unless a special exit is provided from the parkway (not very likely). Moving the future hospital from the site near the Casino to the Asticou site will only reduce travel time by 2 minutes (1 km) out of 23 minutes from downtown Aylmer (off-peak).

Travel discussant: what are our representatives from west Gatineau waiting for to request and obtain an exit from the 5 southbound for the 50 west?

For your information, our city has scheduled 3 consultation sessions on citizen participation next week, one in Buckingham, one in the Gatineau sector and one in the Hull sector. Find the error! When asked about the absence of a session in Aylmer, the City representative simply replied that Gatineau citizens could go to any site...

When will there be an outdoor pool in Aylmer?

A reminder to all: soon, more than 40% of Gatineau's population will live west of Gatineau Park, so we need to plan ahead and act accordingly!

Please, speak to your representatives (mayor, MPs, city councillors, neighborhood associations, 3-1-1) and not just on social networks. (Translated: BA)

Boris Lamontagne

Aylmer

What needs to be done for Aylmer to be treated equally?

I was not surprised to learn from Mr. Boris Lamontagne that no consultation sessions on citizen participation have been organized in the Aylmer sector, whereas there are some in the Buckingham, Gatineau and Hull sectors (early July). Our population must be around 70,000. The question is.... What needs to be done to ensure that the population of the Aylmer sector is treated equally?

On two occasions, the entire population of Aylmer was expected to move to the Gatineau sector to receive the H1N1 and Covid vaccines. We completely ignored the fact that a large part of the population would have to do without the vaccine for lack of transportation or mobility reasons. No one in power seemed to care about this aberrant situation. It was only when citizens mobilized that the situation improved.

Mr. Lamontagne is absolutely right to encourage people to make their voices heard by their elected representatives, both municipal and provincial. We elected these people to work for us. They have a vested interest in knowing what we think, what we want and what we don't want. It's very easy to find their e-mail address. Don't feel intimidated to communicate with them, despite their titles they are citizens like us. (call 3-1-1)

Nicole Morin

Aylmer

Reunion 2024, alumni of École Polyvalente de Hull :

Retrouvailles 2024 Retrouvailles 2024, alumni of École Polyvalente de Hull (EPH) OYÉ, OYÉ, OYÉ, this is a call to all alumni who attended École Polyvalente de Hull during its existence, from 1966 to 1974. To mark the 50th anniversary of its closure, a reunion evening will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The event will be held at the Centre Asticou, which will change its identity to become, for one evening, the École Polyvalente de Hull. EPH has welcomed thousands of young people from all over the OUTAOUAIS region. For us alumni, this will be an unforgettable opportunity to return to our roots. Are you an alumnus or alumna who would like to participate? Keep an eye on this section of the BULLETIN for the latest news on preparations. The next step is to put tickets on sale. Are you a FACEBOOK subscriber? Join us on the POLYVALENTE DE HULL page to follow the progress of the event, catch up with friends, and share your stories and photos. We can't wait to see you again! -30- In the coming weeks, we'll have more notices with additional info. Could you please tell me when this first one will be published. In both weeklies? Do you have an e-mail address to which I could possibly send you this information?

Claude Tremblay

Gatineau

Myth of crypto being low-impact on environment

With the crypto industry requiring more and more resources to run and cool down the formidable processing power used for mining I think people should pay attention.

As websites such as crypto exchanges consume a lot of energy, which is often generated from coal and other nonrenewable fossil fuels, they are responsible for the release of a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. The CO₂ impact on the environment has been a growing concern for years, yet the role of single websites is often ignored.

We calculated the annual emissions from each of them using the Website Carbon Calculator v3, which also shows the electric power producing the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. One example is the centralized cryptocurrency exchange P2B, with its massive trading volume and web traffic, emits 736.3 metric tons of CO₂ annually - an amount equivalent to the electricity generation of 1,920 MWh if derived from coal.

To put that in perspective, this electricity could charge 438,322 smartphones every day for one year or 33,447 Tesla Model Ys.

Martin Cohen
Data Scientist

Tribute to the oak

Did you know that the toponym "Deschênes" originated with the aboriginal peoples who noticed the abundance of oak trees on the portage; the name was taken up by French explorers.

The oak is a majestic tree that contributes to the richness of our forest. We have identified three species: the white oak (which is rather rare), the bur oak and the red oak.

The tree is easily distinguished by its leaves and fruit. Here are a few characteristics to help you recognize each species.

The white oak leaf has rounded lobes and deep sinuses. The acorn is enclosed in a small, scaly cup (called a cupule).

The bur oak leaf also has rounded lobes, but the sinuses are deep near the stem and shallow at the tip. Its acorn is surrounded by a highly fringed cupule.

And the red oak has more indented leaves with acute lobes, and its acorn is inserted into a scaly, beret-shaped cupule.

The oak plays an essential role in an ecosystem. It's an exceptional food tree for squirrels, deer, rabbits and other mammals that love its acorns.

To learn more, we invite you to visit our website, www.parcdeschenes.ca. Click on the Resources tab. Under Scientific Projects, choose the second link: APDHabitatetBiodiversité2023en.pdf. You'll find the oak tree illustrations on page 7.

We hope that on your next walk in the forest, you'll be able to recognize them too.

The Importance of Local Newspapers

Thank you, Lily Ryan. In the Bulletin de Gatineau last week I read an editorial written by Ms. Ryan highlighting the importance of local newspapers in our communities.

Without reservation I concur with Ms. Ryan’s view.

Local newspapers are essential.

Local newspapers are an opportunity for every person in the community: they are an opportunity for each citizen to speak of that which concerns them, in a manner available to each, in the language of their choice; they are an opportunity to discuss issues relevant to them.

The objective content of local newspapers, on-line or paper, rewards citizens without resorting to the subjective information available on social media, through ‘hearsay’, or the internet.

The objective information provided by local newspapers is essential to every citizen.

I support, without reservation, local newspapers. They are essential to every citizen in every community, be it in our province, or in our country.

Thank you, Lily, for articulating this in your editorial.

Stephen Lloyd

Aylmer

NUISANCES: City gives residents new rules, free pass for themselves

I have been living at the same rural residence since 1998. I was stunned to receive a registered letter from the City of Gatineau with an infraction notice on Regulation 658-2010, which came into effect in 2010. This is news to me.

Apparently, it is up to property owners to maintain city-owned ditches and signs located in the front or side rights-of-way of their property. This includes mowing and weeding.

You must also weed and mow your lawn to a maximum height of 7.8“. So do they send out the grass patrol with rulers to make sure you’re in compliance?

This is another example of the City of Gatineau washing their hands of their responsibility and dumping it on land owners.

What next? Do they expect landowners to now fill in pot holes in the street because the road is in front or side of their property?

Don’t bother calling your Councillor either. They are just going to quote the regulation number. When I contacted my Councillor I stated that the city is derelict of their own made up regulations. Take a ride in the urban and rural areas and you will see city-owned property breaking their own regulation.

Take a moment to read about Regulation 658-2010. It is in French only but they provide a link where it is translated in English.

Diane Paquette

Aylmer

June Letters

Question pour les candidates à la mairie de la part des membres de l’Association de patrimoine d’Aylmer

Comment entrevoyez-vous la coexistence et l’harmonisation entre, d’une part, le développement résidentiel et commercial et, d’autre part, la protection du patrimoine bâti du milieu naturel à Aylmer ? Et quelles mesures concrètes (réglementaires et autres) allez-vous prendre pour garantir cette coexistence et cette harmonisation ?

Pay for service in health care

I am deeply troubled by the direction we are taking in public health care in Quebec. There should be no private health care offered at all here. Let’s fix our broken system, not let services bleed out to the private providers.

There are those who say they’d rather pay in the private system so that a), they get quicker service and so that b), they leave space in the public sector for those who can’t afford private care. I say bollocks to this! We need to all care for each other, in one system.

Let’s get rid of the rot and what doesn’t work, and all make a system that is healthy and equal.

Please, let’s stay as the caring society our grandparents worked so hard to create. Free health care for all, and let’s add in dental and eye-care.

Mandy Kwong

Gatineau

My subscription to the paper

Hello: please find attached my subscription fee to the Bulletin. I understand that the money covers only Canada Post but I know if we are to have a long-term newspaper, we all need to be part of the solution. So I’m sending a donation every month of twenty dollars in addition to the annual subscription. Maybe if everyone does this we will have a newspaper for a long time.

Garry Tremblay

Gatineau

Can politicians just come clean with the people, please?

Canada’s Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland recently commented in Parliament that Pierre Poilievre wore more make up than she did. The uproar caused her to apologize for the remark.

Freeland’s remark did however highlight Poilievre’s cover up of the Conservative agenda. Quips like “Axe the tax” and “Jail, not bail” are not policy statements, however much they have captured media attention. These quips masquerade as policy and are cover-ups of the real policy to be unleashed on the Canadian people.

Hinting he wants to install a balanced budget will Poilievre cancel $10. a day daycare? Pharma care? Dental care? Fighting climate change must be based on more than wishing people buy green energy appliances. How will he help farmers? More affordable housing will not magically appear because he asks developers to do so. What is his plan fort helping seniors live in dignity with the quality care they deserve? Governing a country as modern and complex as Canada is, with its multi-level jurisdictions, requires real world experience and insight into real solutions. Talking about transparency, it’s time to take the wraps off Conservative “No Policy Poilievre” solutions. It is time to come clean with the Canadian people.

Carl Hager

Gatineau

What does gender have to do with the elections?

I was late getting my May 22 Aylmer Bulletin through the mail. However I read it

assiduously and was shocked to read in your letters to the editor the

one entitled "Who to vote for Mayor".

The correspondent, who wishes to have his/her name withheld, lists the

reasons why he will not vote for the various candidates. The reason

given for not voting for Maude Marquis-Bissonnette is that she is a

woman and possibly subject to bullying, as our previous mayor was. The

same seems to apply to Olive Kamanyana.

What has gender got to do with selecting a candidate? In my opinion

the comments reflect those who did the bullying in the past and will

keep bullying women candidates!!

I am sure Madame Marquis-Bissonnette, who has been in politics for

awhile, is quite aware of the risks, but she made her choice and so did

I. I will certainly vote for her!

Name with held upon request

Gatineau

Survey of your readers about mayor vote

I am writing to ask if your newspaper did a survey of readers about the mayoral race. I would be very interested to know how your readers plan to vote. I am having a difficult time deciding and there is not much time left.

Hearing about how others intend on voting, and why, is very helpful, I find. There are so many issues that the mayor needs to be responsible for, and we all notice different aspects. A leader like the mayor of Gatineau needs the support of the people – this is a huge city! And the administration is very big. So, the administration can have more trust in the leadership (and so work better) if they know that the new mayor has a strong mandate.

Will there be more news published on the Bulletin’s website, even after the next paper comes out? There will be so much campaign trail news!!

Geneviève Macron

Gatineau

Keep children AWAY from lawn mowers!

As we are now in the season of lawn maintenance and outdoor activities, I would like to remind everyone about the potential hazards associated with machinery such as lawn mowers, especially in the presence of children.

I was only two when an accident forever altered the course of my life. Innocently playing outside, I ventured too close to a moving lawn mower, unaware of the danger it posed. The operator was unaware of my presence and backed up, not realizing I had stumbled and fallen behind the lawn mower. I was rushed to the hospital where doctors had to amputate my right arm above the elbow and part of my left hand.

As a graduate of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, I am advocating for safety measures around lawn mowers. I accept who I am today, but I wouldn’t want another child to go through what I did.

It’s important to recognize that accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, with lifelong consequences. By sharing my story and raising awareness, I hope to encourage greater caution and vigilance among parents, caregivers and communities alike.

Denise Swedlo

The War Amps

Reply to letter on bike lane sharing

You should be aware that the letter published by your paper is displayed by search engines online. This causes a lot of problems, because what Mr. Darveau suggests goes against the rules. In fact, many people who read his text may think it's right, because they found it on the Internet.

Misinformation is the cause of many problems on bike paths. What's more, most users of scooters, electric scooters and all-electric bikes don't read the regulations associated with their vehicles. As for pedestrians, some believe they are within their rights “because they pay their municipal taxes”.

First of all, bike paths were created to provide a safe space for cyclists. Today, one might think that cyclists are the ones who have to get around all the obstacles. Pedestrians like cycle paths either for the social aspect or for the scenery. We can't blame them. But they need to understand that it's a privilege granted to them, as long as a cycle path is a cycle path. Indeed, it's sometimes decided to include everyone and use a bike path as a multi-use trail. Not only is this non-compliant, it's also dangerous and irresponsible. A multi-purpose path should be wider, i.e. 4 m. on an ach axis.

So all published opinions are just that: confusing opinions. (Trans. BA)M-L. Bernier

Cyclist and pedestrian

FOREST CHARADES

A group of us got together recently for an outing in the Deschênes Park to look for the numerous spring plants that grow there.

There were two plants in particular that caught our attention.Can you guess which ones ?

Charade 1

My first is produced by bees

My second is the act of a baby or young animal drinking milk from the mother

My whole is a bush with fragrant flowers

Charade 2

My first is the last word in the expression to hem (or hum) and ...

My second is a small, sharp, pointed growth on the stem of a plant

My whole is a thorny bush with early blooming pink or white flowers.

We also came across Solomon Seal plants, a beautiful perennial with green foliage and arched stems lined with small white bell-shaped blooms.

The ground was covered with white-flowered field strawberries and Waldsteinia (also known as barren strawberry), a non edible plant with yellow flowers.

These are only a few examples of the gorgeous plants in bloom that grow in our forest in the springtime. Next time you are out for a walk, take a few moments to observe your surroundings. Who knows what you could discover!

Sotution 1 : Honeysuckle Solution 2 : Hawthorn

Gratitude from the Aylmer Food Centre

The Aylmer Food Centre wishes to thank the Sleeman Hockey League that has donated a total of $5,000 raised with the 2024 edition of the 50+ recreational tournament that was held on May 4 and 5.

Since the first 50+ tournament of 2016, the League has donated close to $35,000 to the Aylmer Food Bank.

Denis Parizeau

Directeur général

Centre alimentaire Aylmer

Ecoforestry Inventory Activity - Deschênes Forest

Have you ever been invited to participate in an ecoforestry inventory?

No! Well now’s your chance!

Every Friday starting June 21, we will be in the forest observing and taking inventory of plants and trees in different plots.

We will be collecting ecological data such as soil type, abundance and size of various plant species, shrubs and grasses as well as measuring the diameter and height of mature trees.

You don’t need to be an expert to participate. This activity is open to volunteers of all age groups that are passionate about nature.

If you are interested in joining us, you can contact us at parcdeschenespark@gmail.com to let us know which Friday works best for you.

Since the meeting point may vary from week to week, this will allow us to provide you with the relevant info.

Looking forward to sharing this unique experience with you!

Shawville & Wakefield medical imaging technicians

I am appalled at the CAQ’s discriminatory tactics whereby in a complete lack of wisdom and fairness, they decided to give pay raises to Papineau- and Maniwaki-based medical imaging technicians…

… While, for some peculiar reason that’s frankly unfathomable, the CAQ excluded our six excellent, hard-working medical imaging technicians at Shawville’s Pontiac Community Hospital, plus those who work in Wakefield. I am appalled and I stand by these medical imaging technicians who have been ignored.

Equal pay for equal work must be policy in Canada. And in Quebec.

But here in Quebec, fairness is not upheld in this instance.

Therefore, I am writing because I strongly object to this ill-considered decision. I urge the CAQ to immediately rectify their mistake. They must admit they were wrong, give our Shawville and the Wakefield medical imaging technicians parity with the rest of the Outaouais. And? They must assign these maligned workers full retroactive pay plus an apology.

An apology to our Pontiac communities who depend upon the excellent work of our medical imaging technicians would also be helpful.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday June 19, I was at the Shawville hospital being attended to by two extremely helpful, efficient and kind medical imaging technicians. I told them I am outraged at their treatment by the CAQ, expressed that I hope they stay at our Community Hospital, and that I stand by them. I took the time to thank them for their help and their extremely sensitive assistance during my procedure.

I hope we don’t lose them.

Thank-you, André Fortin and Jane Toller for advocating for our Shawville and Wakefield medical imaging technicians. We must win this fight for pay equity – and simply professional fairness.

Katharine (Howarth) Fletcher

Quyon

Did you know ....

Amphibians and reptiles in Parc Deschênes - a herpetological outing

Deschênes is home to more than a dozen species of amphibians and reptiles. Come and discover them with Alliance Parc Deschênes and the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club on June 22, from 8 a.m. to noon, in front of 100 chemin Fraser. Our largest amphibian, the spotted nectar, which lives in and around rapids, will fascinate you. You'll see hundreds of leopard frogs hunting in a rocky meadow, or painted turtles basking on tree trunks in a beaver pond. You might even be lucky enough to spot a rare spotted garter snake basking in the sun on a rock.

And who knows what else we'll see!

Reply to letter concerning the problems on the bike path.

M-L Bernier couldn't be more accurate about scooters, skate boards and speeding e-bikes on the bike path.

But what he failed to mention was the dog walkers. THEY are the most dangerous. The least they can do is walk their dogs on their right hand side. Why don't they go in designated dog parks, sidewalks?

You don't see cyclist in the dog parks. Like Mr Bernier wrote, "It's a privilege for pedestrians, granted to them." Same goes for dog walkers. "A cycle path is a cycle path".

Bob Rousselle

Gatineau

The survival of local news must be addressed by Gatineau's municipal council

The Federation of Quebec Communiciations and Culture workers hope the new mayor sticks to her campaign commitments. The Conseil central des syndicats nationaux de l'Outaouais (CCSNO-CSN) and the Fédération nationale des communications et de la culture (FNCC-CSN) congratulate Madame Maude Marquis-Bissonnette on her election as mayor of Gatineau. "During the election campaign, we called on all candidates to commit to working to preserve local information, which is in danger as a result of the media crisis. Ms. Marquis-Bissonnette made that commitment. Now that she's mayor, we're asking her to put the issue of preserving local information on the city council agenda as soon as possible," says Alfonso Ibarra Ramirez, president of the CCSNO-CSN.

FNCC-CSN President Annick Charette points out that for communities, local information is a public good. "We launched a campaign on this issue last spring. It is imperative to save our right to information, threatened by media closures and reduced local coverage. Faced with this situation, the various levels of government must better support the media. We propose solutions that are easy for local governments to implement. Adopting a government advertising purchasing policy, aimed at obtaining advertising from local media rather than from the Web giants, is one measure that can be implemented by a municipal administration," explains Ms. Charette.

The two organizations will follow up on this issue with Ms. Marquis-Bissonnette's office in the coming weeks.

Eve-Marie Lacasse

CSN

May Letters

EXPOSITION VIDANGES GATINEAU 2024

Vous l’ignoriez ? Alors laissez-moi vous révéler la primeur. Notre belle Ville de Gatineau est l’hôte actuelle d’une fascinante, époustouflante exposition de vidanges à ciel ouvert. L’endroit : le Ruisseau de la Brasserie. Oui, oui, tout juste située avant d’emprunter la bretelle menant à la voie rapide de l’autoroute 50 ! Spectacle gratuit, coloré, édifiant pour les enfants, en même temps qu’un ravissement pour l’œil et un incontournable pour le contribuable qui… raffole de la prolifération et de l’étalement de détritus sur sa propriété.

Le promoteur de l’événement et les artistes de cette magnifique croûte à l’égal d’un feu d’artifice sur fond de verdure restent d’illustres inconnus (?). Le Conseil municipal, entendre les inconditionnels d’Action Gatineau et les autres, semble se trouver fort aise de l’oeuvre. On aurait pu penser que chez nos représentants municipaux, le bon sens, le souci de la propreté et la fibre écologique prévalant, la monstruosité aurait été éliminée vite fait dans la foulée de son apparition. Oh que non ! Il faut croire qu’ils y ont vu la combinaison d’une expression artistique de haut niveau et de décoration urbaine originale.

L’Exposition Vidanges Gatineau 2024 semble destinée à défier le temps. Aucune indication à ce jour que nos conseillers et maire intérimaire comptent agir et redonner au Ruisseau de la Brasserie sa végétation originelle, monceau de déchets en moins. Donc, vous avez encore le temps d’aller admirer ce tableau panoramique unique en son genre : création artistique d’une Ville désireuse d’innover pour attirer le touriste ! Mais, faites vite, les experts en rebuts sont formels : l’œuvre est vouée à disparaître en se liquéfiant pour se retrouver dans les eaux du Ruisseau.

Triste. Que non ! On parle d’art ici, alors le Ruisseau et la propreté de ses berges on s’en moque, élus municipaux les premiers.

Francois Brisebois

Secteur Aylmer, Gatineau

Et la faim dans le monde?

Les journaux nous apprenaient récemment que la faim s’était intensifiée dans le monde en 2023 et que près de 282 millions de personnes dans de nombreux pays étaient ainsi confrontés « à une insécurité alimentaire aiguë » ou, pour l’exprimer de façon moins prosaïque, qu’elles étaient en train de mourir de faim…

C’était 22 millions de plus qu’en 2022 et la cinquième année consécutive où l’on assistait à une telle augmentation. Quelque 600 000 d’entre eux se trouvaient d’ailleurs à Gaza, victimes du génocide en cours - un chiffre qui a depuis grimpé à plus de 1,1 million de personnes.

À moins de s’être retrouvés dans une telle situation, ce qui risque peu de nous arriver ici, nous pouvons difficilement mesurer le niveau de souffrance physique et de détresse psychologique que cela implique. Ces situations ne nous en affectent pas moins, en témoignent les très nombreuses manifestations partout dans le monde pour que cesse la famine et la tuerie de masse perpétrée par l’État d’Israël en territoire palestinien.

Nous ne sommes plus dupes, depuis le temps, des appels lancés par des ténors des organismes internationaux en vue de créer une certaine volonté politique pour mettre un terme à ces famines. Ce ne sont là que des vœux pieux, visant tout au plus à noyer le poisson dans l’eau.

Ces appels, nous le savons, témoignent d’un parti pris idéologique où l’on refuse de reconnaître l’intérêt manifeste des pays riches et des riches industriels dans le maintien et l’augmentation de leurs pouvoirs économique, technologique et politique. Cet intérêt ne les amène pas à éliminer la pauvreté ou plus généralement à protéger la vie sur la planète. Elles les amène au contraire à perpétuer sans retenus l’exploitation des populations pauvres en entretenant les luttes, les conflits et les guerres qui servent leurs intérêts, engendrant sans état d’âme la misère des populations, des tueries, des déplacements de populations ou, dans le cas qui nous concerne, des famines – entraînant aussi, il faut le dire, les changements climatiques aussi en partie responsables de ces famines.

Oxfam, qui lutte contre la pauvreté, partage ces vues : « Il est impardonnable, écrit l’organisme, que plus de 281 millions de personnes souffrent de faim aiguë alors que les plus riches du monde continuent de réaliser des profits extraordinaires, y compris les sociétés aérospatiales et de défense qui contribuent à alimenter les conflits, principale cause de la faim ».

La question qui se pose est toujours la même, vue de notre point de vue, soit de celui des sans-voix : Que pouvons nous faire pour mettre un terme à ces famines et autres fléaux? Et poser la question, c’est y répondre : nous ne pouvons pratiquement rien faire, nos propos, nos demandes et nos cris étant sans conséquence réelle, aussi nombreux que nous soyons à les exprimer.

Et c’est là que se pose l’importante question de la démocratie, ce vocable dont on nous rabat sans cesse les oreilles. Parce que ce terme, voyez-vous, n’a cessé d’être perçu comme quelque chose de dangereux et néfaste pour l’intérêt des élites que jusqu’à ce qu’il puisse être utilisé comme synonyme de suffrage auprès de populations rendues blasées par leur perpétuelle exclusion du domaine public.

Le suffrage n’est pas la démocratie! Et seule la démocratie directe, la vraie démocratie en fait, nous permettra un jour, collectivement, de mettre un terme aux famines et aux guerres perpétrées dans la vaste majorité des cas dans le seul intérêt des riches et des possédants. Pour changer les choses, il faut que nos voix soient entendues! Elles ne le seront jamais dans le contexte de sociétés capitalistes qui empêchent cette démocratie et qui nous laisse sans voix et impuissants à changer les choses.

Bruno Marquis

Gatineau

ET SI ...

Le 22 avril est le Jour de la Terre. C'est par milliers que se sont rassemblés des gens du Québec pour le souligner.

Et si... en posant de petits et grands gestes on faisait de chaque jour le Jour de la Terre.

Et si... on compostait davantage pour redonner au sol ce qu'il nous a si généreusement donné.

Et si... on baissait le chauffage d'un petit degré. On ne sentirait même pas la différence.

Et si... on cessait de jeter nos cochonneries le long de nos routes, dans nos parcs et dans nos forêts.

Et si... on conduisait moins vite : 1 km moins vite c'est 1% de GES en moins !

Et si... on plantait plus de fleurs et arbustes dans nos pelouses; ce serait si beau.

Ce n'est pas uniquement à la St-Valentin qu'on se parle d'amour. Pourquoi ne pas aussi donner de l'amour à la Terre tous les jours. Elle nous le rendrait bien.

Alliance parc Deschênes

Communauté internationale dites-vous?

Les journaux d’ici et d’ailleurs utilisent encore souvent le terme « communauté internationale » pour représenter un groupe de pays exprimant une prise de position ou un jugement à l’encontre d’un ou plusieurs autres pays. Seulement en avril, le terme s’est par exemple retrouvé quinze fois dans les pages du Devoir, neuf fois dans celles du Journal de Montréal et une fois dans celles d’Acadie Nouvelle.

Le terme « communauté internationale », faut-il le rappeler, n'a pas de fondement juridique. Il ne regroupe ni l’ensemble des habitants de la planète, ni l’ensemble des pays du globe. Il est d’ailleurs insensé que ce terme, qui se veut par définition regrouper tous les pays ou tous les habitants de la planète, puisse servir à condamner, comme c’est souvent le cas, un pays ou un groupe de pays ou d’habitants qui font eux-mêmes partie de son entièreté. Imaginerions-nous par exemple, dans un groupe plus restreint, la France, l’Allemagne, l’Italie, la Suisse et l’Autriche réprimander politiquement l’Italie et la Suisse?

Sans compter que le mot « communauté », qui est un mot à connotation positive qui suggère l’intérêt commun de ses membres, est presque toujours utilisé ici de façon négative en mettant en opposition deux parties de son tout. La preuve, encore une fois, dans cet enchevêtrement de contradictions, que le ridicule ne tue pas!

Mais en fait, ce qui pose bien davantage problème, particulièrement en terme de communication et plus encore de désinformation, c’est qu’on ne sait jamais clairement quels pays sont ainsi compris dans cette supposée « communauté internationale » s’opposant à un pays ou à groupe de pays.

De notre point de vue occidental et à la lumière des textes dans lesquels on retrouve ce terme, il appert qu’il s’agit le plus souvent :

soit des États-Unis et de ses États vassaux ou de ses alliés de circonstance,
soit du G7 (dominé bien sûr par les États-Unis),
soit des pays de l’Organisation du Traité de l’Atlantique Nord, (l’OTAN, cette détestable organisation militaire, sous la coupe des États-Unis, qui sème la pagaille en Europe),
soit parfois du G20,
ou soit encore – plus rarement - des pays membres de l’Organisation des Nations unies (ONU), ce qui relève encore une fois de l’absurdité, puisque cette organisation regroupe essentiellement tous les pays du monde.

C’est probablement le linguiste et philosophe américain Noam Chomsky qui définit le mieux ce terme tel qu’il est utilisé dans nos journaux et par nos politiciens : « Lorsque le terme communauté internationale est utilisé en Occident, écrit-il, la communauté internationale désigne les États-Unis et quiconque va dans son sens. » Il arrive donc ainsi que cette soi-disant communauté internationale ne regroupe en fait… que les États-Unis.

Ne serait-t-il pas beaucoup plus honnête, de la part de nos journaux et des agences de presse, de toujours définir clairement à quels pays on fait précisément référence dans tel ou tel article? À titre d’exemple, une nouvelle comme « La communauté internationale a accusé l’Iran… » pourrait devenir en réalité : « Les États-Unis, la Grande-Bretagne, le Canada et Israël ont accusé l’Iran… ».

Il serait d’ailleurs intéressant, dans le cas qui suit, de connaître à qui l’on fait expressément référence quand on écrit « La communauté internationale demande à la Chine, à l'Inde et à d'autres pays de réduire... », cette « communauté internationale » n’incluant nécessairement pas ici ces deux pays, la Chine et l’Inde, qui sont les plus populeux de la planète, ni un certain nombre d’autres pays...

L’utilisation fréquente de ce terme imprécis - la communauté internationale – nous offre en fait une fausse image du monde. Elle est malhonnête et trompeuse et s’inscrit bien davantage dans une tentative de brouiller les pistes, de désinformation en somme, et de propagande, que de nous bien informer. Les journaux, qui ont mission de nous informer et de bien nous informer, devraient en prendre note!

Bruno Marquis

Gatineau

Associations de résidents : Envoyez vos nouvelles gratuitement !

Vous êtes membre d'une association de résidents une des cinq districts d'Aylmer ? Envoyez-nous jusqu'à 150 mots par semaine pour vos nouvelles. Si vous avez des événements à venir, si vous recrutez des aides ou si vous recherchez des signatures, utilisez votre journal local ! Envoyez les nouvelles de votre association de résidents avant 16 heures chaque semaine, dans n'importe quelle langue.

Veillez à ce que les nouvelles comportent une signature et des informations de contact, ainsi que le nom de l'association. (Trad.)

- Le rédacteur en chef

Questions d’intérêt public aux candidats à la mairie de Gatineau

À l’approche de l’élection à la mairie, les électeurs et les contribuables veulent savoir avant de finaliser leur choix…

Quelle est votre position sur les coupes à blanc naturelles et culturelles, l’étalement, la déforestation, la folie des hauteurs et la gentrification en zone urbaine et quelles mesures envisagez-vous de mettre en place pour que cesse cette approche municipale de destruction systématique des espaces verts, l’étouffement des centres-villes… causés entre autres par l’appétit des développeurs pour les « faux Ontariens »?
Il est maintenant bien connu que la voracité pour plus de taxes, le Conseil a inventé un taux de taxation violent et punitif qui, lui, ne relève plus que de l’évaluation, mais de décisions « arbitraires et politiques » de politiciens à la recherche de revenus de taxes, peu importe que ceci pollue ou détruit l’environnement et les espaces verts privés. Annulerez-vous cette nouvelle forme de taxe antiécologique cachée dans les taux ?
En cette période de hausse des prix et de baisse du pouvoir d’achat, quelle est votre position sur l’augmentation des factures de taxes municipales en ces temps difficiles d’étouffement pour les contribuables, mais plus dramatiquement pour les moins nantis ?
Quelle est votre position concernant la taxe municipale sur l’immatriculation des véhicules? Taxe qu’encore une fois, les « faux Ontariens » n’auront pas à payer?
Qu’entendez-vous faire pour que cessent l’anglicisation et l’ontarionisation de Gatineau, encouragées par la fraude fiscale et le trafic identitaire pratiqués à grande échelle par les « faux Ontariens », phénomène observable et audible en dangereuse croissance, qui favorise la défrancisation?
Une étude sérieuse et documentée menée par l’historien Albert Lebeau, appuyé par plusieurs autres historiens de la région, établit, sans l’ombre d’un doute, l’obligation de réparation historique par le retrait de l’espace public du nom de Leamy. La recherche est disponible sur demande. Quelles sont vos recommandations au Comité de toponymie de la Ville?
Les « faux Ontariens » créent une surenchère de la valeur des propriétés et des loyers causant une hausse étouffante des prix, une rareté de loyer et la croissance de la pauvreté et de l’itinérance. Où vous situez-vous à ce sujet?
Il est facile de constater les dégâts identitaires de l’unilinguisme anglais, du non-apprentissage et de la méconnaissance de la langue commune, et de la défrancisation des francophones, pour promouvoir Gatineau comme ville québécoise et non ontarienne, que ferez-vous?

Nous profitons de l’occasion pour nous souhaiter une campagne électorale où vos déclarations et programmes occuperont une place incontournable sur ces vrais enjeux municipaux.

Jean-Paul Perreault

Impératif français

Serait-il trop demandé aux candidat(e)s d'afficher au moins un slogan?

Nous avons commencé à voir fleurir une pléthore d'affiches électorales dans notre environnement urbain. Qui devons-nous choisir dans cette valse de plus ou moins élégants sourires ? Ces placards publicitaires ne nous donnent aucun slogan ou intention politique, à de rares et timides exceptions près. Bien malin qui peut deviner les compétences et visions politiques de chacun des candidat(e)s. Les électrices et les électeurs voteront-elles/ils pour la meilleure coiffure, pour un prénom, pour une barbiche, une paire de lunettes à la mode, le style cravaté ou le style sport et décontracté ? En d'autres termes, devons-nous nous contenter de voter pour une image ?

Serait-il trop demandé aux candidat(e)s d'afficher au moins un slogan ou même seulement 4 ou 5 mots-clés illustrant leur programme et leur style de leadership. Souvenez-vous de la petite école: en début d'année scolaire, on nous demandait de nous présenter à la classe en utilisant les lettres de notre prénom comme acronyme pour décrire notre personnalité, nos qualités ou nos objectifs pour la classe. Une bonne activité brise-glace pour faire connaissance. J'ai du mal à croire que nos futurs élus fassent preuve d'aussi peu de créativité.

La démocratie municipale serait-elle dans un cul-de-sac ? De grâce, si vous escomptez séduire l'électorat, commencez par le respecter en affichant un discours substantiel, intelligent et de préférence intelligible. Merci de prendre vos électrices/électeurs et cette élection au sérieux.

Guy Lemele

Aylmer

La population veut savoir !

Les candidats à la mairie de Gatineau répondent à vos questions d’intérêt public, sauf ???

À l’adresse suivante : https://imperatif-francais.org/articles-imperatif-francais/articles-2024/elections-2024-a-la-mairie-de-gatineau-pour-une-democratie-et-un-vote-eclaires/ sont publiées les réponses des candidats à la mairie de Gatineau

Pour une démocratie et un vote éclairé merci de « partager » généreusement.

Les réponses et engagements de Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mathieu Saint-Jean et Rémi Bergeron. Le choix est le vôtre ! Les autres candidats n’ont pas encore répondu à vos questions d’intérêt public.

Jean-Paul Perreault

Président, Mouvement Impératif françai

Joanne Zalera fait des vagues

J'ai adoré le reportage sur une jeune femme dynamique (Aylmer Bulletin Page 1, 8 mai 2024). Merci au Bulletin d'Aylmer, vous continuez à nous fournir de belles histoires locales. Aylmer est spécial et les Joanne Zaleras et Aylmer Bulletins de ce monde rendent notre communauté extraordinaire.

Je craignais que le journal soit fermé lorsque je n'ai pas reçu mon PubliSac. Mais j'ai trouvé le journal en ville. Je ne sais pas comment vous faites, mais continuez ! (Trad.: BA)

Melissa Francoeur

Aylmer

Sortie printanière

Le printemps, synonyme de renaissance, fait son grand retour chez nous. Sous l'effet de la douceur des températures, de la pluie et du soleil, on assiste à l'éveil de la nature.

Les premières manifestations sont timides, mais au fil des jours et des semaines, les arbres reverdissent.

C'est le moment idéal pour redécouvrir la forêt Deschênes et sa palette de verts et de nuances printanières.

L'Alliance vous invite donc à participer à sa sortie printanière, le dimanche 26 mai. Le départ se fera à 10 h, en face du 148 chemin Fraser, dans le secteur Aylmer.

Ce sera l'occasion rêvée d'en apprendre davantage sur les arbres qui peuplent la forêt et les jeunes plantes qui y poussent comme les érythrones et les uvulaires. Certaines ne fleurissent que quelques semaines, ne ratez pas la chance de venir les admirer.

Bioblitz de la Fondation Boucher

Les membres de l'Alliance vous invitent à venir les rencontrer à leur kiosque d'information pendant le Bioblitz; une visite guidée d'un alvar par un de ses membres est prévue. Le Bioblitz aura lieu le 25 mai à compter de 9 h 30, au 1214 chemin Antoine-Boucher. Il sera reporté au 1er juin en cas de pluie. Un rendez-vous à ne pas rater.

Le droit à l'avortement de nouveau dans l'actualité : cessez d'attaquer les femmes, s'il vous plaît !

Je suis surpris que ce sujet revienne dans l'actualité, mais c'est le cas, et je me dois de l'aborder. L'avortement. L'avortement fait partie de la santé des femmes. Il arrive trop souvent que le mouvement anti-avortement s'en prenne aux femmes. C'est à l'envers. Si les hommes sont opposés à l'idée de l'avortement, plutôt que de passer à l'offensive contre les femmes et la santé des femmes, il existe une solution simple. Ils n'ont qu'à porter un préservatif lorsqu'ils ont des rapports sexuels avec des femmes. Quoi de plus simple ?

Paulette Gervais

Gatineau

Réponses des candidats à la mairie

Les réponses des candidats à la mairie sont publiées dans le site Web d’Impératif français à www.imperatif-francais.org

Jean-Paul Perreault

Impératif français

Gatineau

Qui voter pour le maire ?

J'ai pensé qu'il y avait beaucoup de bonnes options pour le poste de maire. Avec sept candidats, il devrait y en avoir plusieurs qui seraient excellents, non ? Voyons les choses en détail.

Deux ne sont pas sur le radar, Bergeron et St-Jean n'ont aucune chance de gagner mais ils rendent la course intéressante. Bisson n'est pas une option, c'est un agent immobilier. Je suis un agent immobilier, donc je ne vais pas voter pour la concurrence. Ducharme est une vieille garde, et peut-être une option. Mais regardez la politique, les personnes expérimentées ont tendance à ne pas être réélues, ce serait peut-être un vote inutile. Feeny, qui est-ce ? Kamanyana, qui est-ce ? Apparemment, c'est parce qu'il était une femme que le dernier maire a été la cible de brimades. Marquis-Bissonnette, encore, sera-t-elle un autre objet d'intimidation qui sera écrasé par la terrible politique d'aujourd'hui ? Peut-être que son parti l'aidera, mais c'est quand même un risque pour lequel je ne peux pas voter.

Et c'est tout. Personne pour qui voter ? (Trad.: BA)

Nom retenu pour des raisons de confidentialité

Gatineau

Réparation du boulevard Lucerne

Les habitants d'Aylmer espèrent vivement que les travaux de réfection du boulevard Lucerne auront lieu cette année, comme cela a été promis à maintes reprises. Cela fait plusieurs années que l'on prévoit de refaire l'asphaltage de la " route du bas ". Le tronçon entre le boulevard Vanier et Frank Robinson comporte un certain nombre d'intersections dotées de feux électriques. Afin d'accélérer la circulation, le service de la voirie de la Ville de Gatineau devrait sérieusement envisager l'installation de carrefours giratoires à Fraser et à Victor Beaudry. Il nous arrive souvent d'attendre à un feu rouge alors qu'il n'y a absolument aucune circulation transversale. S'arrêter inutilement aux feux n'est pas non plus très écologique. J'espère que ce n'est pas trop demander à la ville de trouver des solutions innovantes. (Trad.: BA)

Carl Hager

Aylmer

Engagement envers la Foresterie urbaine, la biodiversité et les milieux humides

Contexte et enjeux :

• Le Canada s’est engagé, au terme de la cop15 tenue à Montréal en décembre 2022, à protéger 30% des espaces naturels d’ici 2030. L’atteinte des objectifs liés à cet engagement passe par la prise en compte de la valeur de la nature dans les prises de décisions aussi bien à l’échelle locale que régionale et nationale.

• La Ville de Gatineau souhaite adhérer à la cible internationale du Cadre de la biodiversité en mettant en place un plan d’action de la biodiversité dont les orientations vont de la protection, concservation et restauration des milieux naturels, al réduction des menaces qui pèsent sur la biodiversité, l’intégration des pratiques municipales exemplaires pour préserver la biodversité, l’implication de la communauté et partage des connaissances en biodviersité au suivi et reddition de compte. La fondation forêt Boucher par sa mission et ses activités coche plusieurs de ces cases et se positionne comme un acteur majeur dans la région.

• Les négociations sont en cours entre la Ville de Gatineauj et la fondation forêt Boucher pour un protocle d’entente à moyen ou long terme.

• La Ville s’est récemment dotée d’un plan de foresterie urbaine. Le plan d’action et la chartre de la biodiversité sont en cours de rédaction. Le plan régional des milieux humides et hydriques est en phase de finalisation

• La crise de logements que traverse le Québec et le Canada en général augmente plus que jamais le niveau de pression sur les espaces naturels avec un juste équilibre à trouver entre le développement économique et social et la protection des espaces naturels.

Question pour la candidate ou du candidat :

Quels sont vos engagements en matière de protection et de préservation des milieux naturels, de la charte de biodiversité et de protection des milieux humides ?
Comment comptez-vous accompagner la fondation forêt Boucher dans sa mission de conservation et de préservation de la biodiversité?

L'information sur l'Alliance Deschênes est un excellent ajout !

Merci au Bulletin d'Aylmer - j'adore lire des articles sur ce joyau qu'est la zone humide. La forêt de Deschênes est un concept assez nouveau, mais ma famille et moi avons toujours aimé cette région. La meilleure amie de ma grand-tante avait un chalet au bord de l'eau. Je crois qu'il en reste des ruines, un mur, etc. Depuis que je suis petite, j'aime me promener dans cette région. Lorsque les gens ont commencé à s'organiser pour protéger la région, j'ai été soulagée. Beaucoup de gens se sentent comme moi - nous pensons que la zone devrait être protégée, mais nous ne sommes pas prêts à faire du bénévolat.

Le fait que le groupe ne se contente pas de protéger activement la zone, mais qu'il s'occupe également de la sensibilisation du public, c'est formidable ! (Trad.: BA)

Mary Lavigne

Aylmer

April Letters

Bulky waste pick-up: aka free yard sale?

Last week was the first bulky waste pick up with nice weather in a long while. Driving around Aylmer in the days of this household waste pick up for bulky garbage was a real treat. It hadn’t occurred to me that perfectly useful household items would be free for the taking. But they were!!! I’m retired and my neighbour as well. Together we did a few little tours around town to see what we could find.

And wow!!! Did we ever clean up! I’m thinking next time I’ll gather items for the women’s shelter and a find other places that help people setting up homes (refugees, homeless etc). But what I’m thinking now is that the city can get involved. Since the waste pick up schedule is organized by the city anyways, couldn’t they also do a city-wide neighbourhood flea market day? A city-wide yard-sale day would be really fun. This would be a way for people to get rid of items they don’t need any more and for others to refresh their stuff.

I hope all city councillors jump on board and help make this big new city a real community, one fun activity at a time.

(Trad.: BA)

Glenn Gauthier

Aylmer

Geese moving into the back of the Galeries?

Hey Bulletin team: What’s the news with the geese and goslings behind the mall? Seems like your news team is getting a little distracted by housing developments, mayoral by-elections etc. Come on! Get down to the real news, please!!!! (Trad.: BA)

Al Grenville

Aylmer

Housing crisis needs attention

The number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase in our community, caused by rapidly increasing housing costs. In the upcoming federal budget, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland must focus on housing and ending homelessness, with a particular emphasis on providing direct financial support to those at greatest risk of losing their home or already experiencing homelessness, through a Homelessness Prevention & Housing Benefit.

Sincerely,
Rosemary Williams

Aylmer

Marie-Soleil for mayor!

Thank you, Bulletin team – the paper has been interesting and great! I love that Marie-Soleil is on the cover this week (March 27). I have followed her career over the last few years, thanks to the Aylmer Bulletin. She is my pick for the Mayor of Gatineau!!!! This Aylmer young lady has proven herself as a person with focus, someone who sets goals and works towards them. She has volunteered so much time and energy towards helping organizations and people who benefit by them (literacy etc). She’s really a bright light that brings hope for the future.

Three cheers for Marie-Soleil!

Brenda Smith

Aylmer

Old Aylmer can be dynamic & fun, city needs to step up

Somewhere I read that another daycare is going into the building on Principale where the Club 61 used to be? Most recently it was Bostaurus Restaurant and then a yoga center on the second floor. I’m not knocking the need for more daycare. And I’m really not knocking the people who are starting the daycare business.I understand it is a big investment and personal risk, so kudos to them.

But when I read this in the Aylmer Bulletin a few months ago, I didn’t quite catch the impact on our main street. It was during the Maple Sugaring Festival this weekend that I was hit with the magnitude of this coming change.

Our Old Aylmer should be reserved for businesses on the ground floor that are welcoming to visitors and create a fun environment. I understand that we can’t force shops and restaurants, dance clubs and cafés to stay open if the money isn’t there.

But can’t Old Aylmer or Gatineau help with keeping these businesses open long enough for visitors to have the appetite to return time and again? Femme à marier café closed recently, it was such a treat. This is so sad as it would have become a destination, had it been open long enough for visitors to return multiple years.

Where is our mariner style shop? Old Aylmer’s logo is a sailboat. Where is a rental subsidy for businesses who stay open? Where was the subsidy when the popular Italian eatery, Vitalia, needed building upgrades to stay open?

Our city slogan is “Gatineau: Ville d’affaire”, touting the city’s focus on business development. Not sure where this business development is, considering Old Aylmer’s healthy service business industry is being forgotten in favour of whatever comes along (daycare in an iconic service industry building in the heart of vibrant part of town).

Aylmer deserves better.

Melany Godin

Aylmer

Disappointment and concern about IGA area abandonment

We certainly share the disappointment about the closing of the IGA on Principale and the potential abandonment of the shopping centre. The abandoned former Poulet Frit Kentucky has been a dreadful eyesore for many years. However we should all remember that we have an excellent grocery store right in the middle of old Aylmer, Marché Laflamme. We are always impressed when we go there – they have a huge selection for a small store, excellent butcher, deli and fresh produce – the staff are always helpful and pleasant. It is a real neighbourhood grocery store, which are harder and harder to find in Canada these days. I hope when people are considering whether to truck up to the congested, soul-less asphalt area around the “new” IGA, they will consider supporting our long-term neighbourhood shop.

Howard Powles

Aylmer

Thank you, Lily Ryan

I want to thank Ms. Ryan for her astute editorial in last week’s Bulletin on the changes to Aylmer’s downtown. Her editorial was succinct, concise & direct.

I concur with Ms. Ryan’s views without reservation.

I, too, am a long-time resident of Aylmer. I too have seen the changes in my community over the past years. When I go through le Vieux-Aylmer I am filled with admiration for the ambience of the buildings, for the history contained on the streets. I remember when the Canadian Tire store on rue Principale was transferred to le Plateau. That was a loss.

I want to thank Lily for expressing how these changes affect us all.

Well done, Ms. Ryan.

Stephen Lloyd

Aylmer

Did you know that marshes are precious ecosystems that need protecting?

There are several marshes in the Deschênes forest. One of them is just a stone's throw from the public car park at the end of Chemin Vanier.

It's a seasonal marsh, filled in the spring with water from the melting snow and the flooding of the Ottawa River.

It is populated by large trees, including the silver maple, a tree well adapted to short periods of flooding.

In summer, it dries out and is adorned with rich vegetation that proliferates thanks to the nutrients left by the receding waters.

Sincerely,

Lucie Métras and Christine Gandy- Leduc

Alliance Parc Deschênes.

Is it time to say ‘Au revoir’ to Quebec?: Let’s Talk about Quebec

Is it time to say ‘Au revoir’ to Quebec?

Let’s Talk about Quebec

With the current provincial government’s failures in all aspects of responsible governance, the CAQ administration joins a long, unimpressive list of governments who failed at the fundamental tasks of responsible financial and environmental stewardship, fostering harmony, and caring for citizens.

What's becoming more apparent to Quebecers across the spectrum of generations, ethnicities, regions and political leanings, is how the status quo of political power working against the interest of the minority anglophone community and other groups is unacceptable.

Heavily weighted ridings, a skewed electoral system, and stringent, traditional old-style party politics favor majority whim, which has led to demonstrably anti-democratic agendas that are damaging and harmful to minorities, our cities and some of Quebec's core institutions.

“The Quebec Conservative party garnered almost as many votes as the official opposition Liberals yet did not win a single seat” says Marc Perez, organizer, Coalition of Independent thinkers Parlons Du Québec. “Meanwhile, the Liberals are quickly becoming a rump relegated to a portion of greater Montreal, unable to capture the votes or imagination of enough Quebecers to make a difference. That means there's nobody to defend our interests, or the interests of our schools, healthcare institutions or business centres, imperiling future generations.”

“Francophones and anglophones have had enough of the division caused by the Legault government. Instead of focusing on the economy and health care, he's breaking his campaign promises again and blames the anglophone community. Montreal is the economic and cultural engine of Quebec, yet its institutions are constantly under attack by a majority government watching itself flail in the polls.”

The playbook is well-worn. Economic fails? Instigate a language crisis; Environmental scandal? Start an immigration scrap. And it goes on. We saw great hype around promised changes resulting from Montreal’ wresting metropolis status from Quebec, but to what avail?

One simply can no longer deny that Montreal and some Quebec regions are as distinct from Quebec as a whole, as Quebec claims to be from Canada. Regional perspectives are as valuable as any other and should not be dismissed as a mere chapter in a desperate party platform.

Perhaps it's time to consider another arrangement.

“People are so fed up with this, that partition, once a taboo topic, is now worth a conversation” says Perez. “Hardworking, engaged citizens envisage a province where equality and vision reign, and unity is not a bad word. Removing the perennial troika of boogeymen: language wars, constitutional scraps and referenda, we will finally have peace and catch up to Toronto.”

It's time to cherish what we are, protect what we have. Is it time to bid Au revoir to Québec?

We deserve better. Let's talk about it.

Join our April 18^th consultation where we will discuss and evaluate the concepts of partition. Everyone is welcome to voice their support for meaningful change in Quebec.

About Let's talk about Quebec

Let's talk about Quebec/Parlons du Québec is a Montreal-based think-tank conducting comprehensive research, analyzing data, and cultivating innovative solutions to offer informed advice on diverse political, economic, and social issues. To reflect a broad spectrum of insights, we commit to consulting with experts across various fields and engaging the public through structured voting, fostering rich dialogue, and incorporating diverse perspectives.

Marc Perez

Montreal

Questions for mayor candidates

Thank you Aylmer Bulletin, glad to ask questions to the candidates for the mayor’s office. And thank you for publishing information about the council, about the mayor candidates – and I saw there is a debate in person? Fantastic, I’ve never missed one of your debates. It’s refreshing to see the candidates in action, how they act on the spot and how they might perform if elected. Keep it up!

Okay: here are my questions to the candidates:

How will the mayor steer the council in a way that makes funding available to all the old cities equitably? It still feels like all the resources go to Old Hull where they are wasted.
Would the mayor declare a tax moratorium for small businesses in struggling areas such as Old Aylmer where businesses are closing like a flies trapped in a window?
Will the mayor find a solution to partisan politics at council? The residents don’t win with party politics (municipal party, provincial or federal allegances).
Finally, will Gatineau respect and serve all residents regardless of sexual orientation, religion, heritage and language? And knowing that every candidate will answer “of course”, my follow-up question is: How will you serve minorities, in a concrete way?

Thank you Aylmer Bulletin, for publishing my questions in both languages,

Michèle Bertrand,

Gatineau

All Quebecers have a responsibility to preserve, protect and promote the French language

Mark Twain famously wrote there are three kinds of lies: Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics – expressing his frustration at how the selective use of statistics prove almost anything, including opposing viewpoints.

The Coalition Avenir Québec government, language hardliners, and those who seek to achieve Quebec’s independence, have relied on certain statistics to cement the notion that the French language in Quebec, especially in Montreal, is in peril.

This becomes the justification for harsh legislative measures to “protect” French by curtailing English, restricting access to services in English – including health, education and justice – and damaging “English” institutions like McGill, Concordia and Bishop’s University.

In a propitious bit of timing, the same day the Quebec Community Groups Network held a conference to discuss the status of French here, no less an authority than the Office Québécoise de la langue française, reported the proportion of Quebec’s population using French in public HAS BEEN STABLE in Quebec since 2007 at about 80 per cent. And the proportion of those using English only in the public sphere has dropped over the same period, it said.

In other words, the draconian measures contained in Bill 96 haven’t changed anything, weren’t necessary and missed the target.

The QCGN has been arguing this for some time.

Featuring one of the editors and two contributors to an increasingly widely read book Le Français en déclin ? Repenser la francophonie Québécoise, the conference heard that while French will always be fragile because of its minority status in a sea of North American English, the statistics the government emphasizes – mother-tongue language and language spoken at home – don’t reflect the reality of Quebec’s public sphere. The OQLF numbers do.

The percentage of mother-tongue francophones has declined, along with the birth rate among historic Québécois descendants, while immigration has soared in recent years, said Jean-Pierre Corbeil, a Sociology professor at Université Laval, and one of the book’s editors. So focusing on Quebec’s English-speaking population is an error, he said.

The evening of the event was slushy and snowy, on a night filled with nuance-appropriate, because there are no hard and fast, cut-and-dried answers to most questions about language.

It was heartening to see the degree to which the speakers shared the QCGN view that ALL Quebecers, regardless of mother tongue or origin, have a responsibility to preserve, protect and promote the French language – and that doing so does not require the repression of English, which will always be a part of Quebec society, as it has been for more than 300 years.

It was also encouraging to sense that this event marked a positive step in the necessary effort to find common cause between all Quebecers, a harmonious place where all rights and privileges are respected, where no one is less a citizen because of the language they were born speaking.

Because, as full-fledged Quebecers, English speakers also have a vested interest in this essential element of Quebecers’ identity.

Eva Ludvig

President of the Quebec Community Groups Network

Enough taxing us, Gatineau councillors, I don’t even take the bus!

After reading in the April 10 Bulletin “STO proposes $90 hike to vehicle registration” I needed to say something. First of all, wouldn't it be a conflict of interest for such a proposition to be made from a municipal councillor who also sits on the board of directors of STO? Not everybody wants to ride the bus. We already pay $30, which is more than enough. Cost of living is very high and it’s not going to get better. We live in a province that is highly taxed, and now our city is taxing us even more. I’m sure the property valuation increases (which in some cases grossly over evaluated) will in turn fill up the coffers nicely. The municipal council should not agree to this and if they do, I hope the citizens of Gatineau fight it!

Sylvie Dazé

Aylmer

Further to article published earlier this month on city transparency

City councillors Caroline Murray and Steven Boivin decry the lack of communication from Gatineau City officials (City drops ball on communicating with residents: councillors speak out, Lily Ryan, April 3, 2024), with Councillor Murray calling for a public meeting. But the City administration is accountable to Council, which approves City plans and spending, including infrastructure. Councillors Murray and Boivin’s comments are equivalent to a Chief Financial Officer of a corporation complaining the finance department isn’t telling her what the corporation is spending money on, or setting the right spending priorities.

It is ultimately up to the elected Council to set the spending priorities through an annual budget exercise, and it is ultimately up to Council to ensure those plans are communicated to constituents. It is possible the repair of Lucerne Blvd. does not figure prominently into the City’s fiscal priorities, or that the City is not telling residents about those plans, but if that is the case, it is Councillors that are in a position to get these details from the City and ensure they are communicated to residents. If the Councillors want a public meeting and better communications from the City, they should do something about it, rather than blame the bureaucrats.

Gregory Jack

Aylmer

Did you know that...

An oasis of nature in the city of Gatineau almost disappeared in the summer of 2020. Fortunately, hundreds of citizens have mobilized to protect this much-loved urban forest.

The Alliance Parc Deschênes (APD), a non-profit organization, was born in the wake of this citizen mobilization.

The magnificent forest lies in the heart of Aylmer, along the Ottawa River from Deschênes Rapids and Conroy Island to Fraser Road.

The APD's mission is to conserve and enhance the park's biodiversity and natural habitats, while ensuring its recreational and educational role.

Through a series of articles to come, we'll help you discover the beauty and richness of this unique environment.

March Letters

Ian Barrett’s editorial, March 6

This is in response to Mr. Barrett’s "Missed Opportunities to Boost Downtown" editorial of Wednesday, March 6.

Why are you still writing about the "injustice" of federal workers creating a ghost town in downtown Hull and Ottawa?
Federal employees aren’t the main factor keeping businesses thriving in their downtown core. What about provincial employees? Do they not share some of the blame?

As well, if any business wants to thrive in this economy, they need to make entrepreneurs welcome. Quebec is putting up barriers for businesses to compete in the real world by creating language laws. Businesses will go to other provinces where they are more welcome. Downtown Hull will get worse as more people and businesses leave.

And many businesses have diversified. A lot of the old brick-and-mortar businesses prefer sharing office space and have their employees work from home or from anywhere in the world. Many people prefer online shopping. It all comes down to money. Even the federal government has sold and will continue to sell off underused buildings.

Diane Paquette

Aylmer

Destruction in Deschenes forest

Majestic trees have been damaged with axes and chainsaws in the Deschênes forest during the winter. The damage was discovered, March 3. In the heart of the oak forest in the northern part of the forest near the corner of Lucerne Boulevard and Fraser Road, several young and mature trees (over 4 metres tall) were damaged, and trunks and branches used to build a shelter. This lack of awareness of the value of our urban woodlands, and the need to protect them, is deplorable.

Since 2020, Alliance Parc Deschênes has been working to protect this urban forest, which was saved in response to a strong public mobilization. Residents of the neighborhoods surrounding the forest benefit from its beauty, its flora and fauna, its clean air and the serene calm it provides. We are appalled by this act of destruction and have requested that the city penalize such actions.

As neighborhood residents for whom this peaceful place is precious, let's educate our fellow-citizens, denounce this lack of civic and environmental awareness, and take action if we witness acts of destruction that affect us all. See (parcdeschenes.ca)

Deschênes Park Alliance (APD)

Deschenes / Gatineau

Gas prices will be rising

The bloodthirsty leader of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia loves his dictatorial soul-mate Donald Trump and is today setting the stage to intervene in November’s election in a big way, much like he did with a smaller test run during the fall of 2022 when he drove US gas prices up above $5, forcing President Biden to release oil from the US strategic petroleum reserve.

As Stanley Reed reported for the Business pages of The New York Times three days ago: “Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, said Sunday that it would extend [their one-million-barrels-a-day] cuts in oil production through June, noting that it was acting ‘in coordination with some’ other states.”

That “other state” would be their OPEC+ partner Russia, which also announced last weekend a simultaneous production cut of 471,000 barrels a day. Putin wants Trump back in the White House, too.

This time, though, because Trump refused to block the sale of America’s largest gasoline refinery to Saudi Arabia in 2017 (completed in 2019 with Trump’s blessing), no matter how much oil Biden releases from the reserves will be irrelevant: if the Saudis shut down their Port Arthur, Texas refinery this October “for maintenance,” gasoline prices will explode.

Thom Hartmann

cyberspace

Home & School Associations ask federal action on Law 21

The directors of the Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations Inc. (QFHSA) are surprised and disheartened by the Québec Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold Bill 21, a law that infringes on individual rights and further restricts an already strained education system.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, has said that the Government of Canada would defend the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms should the matter be taken to the Supreme Court of Canada. The QFHSA believes that a passive response to this problematic and discriminatory law is no longer possible.

To hear the Government of Québec call the Notwithstanding Clause the “parliamentary sovereignty clause” is nothing less than an affront to our values as Canadians. Our federation strongly urges Canada's government to refer this case in specific and Québec's repeated use of the Notwithstanding Clause in general directly to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Quebec's government must understand that it cannot create laws that allegedly reflect the will of the majority, but trample over the rights and freedoms of minority individuals and communities.

The Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations

Montréal

Quebec refuses $3.1 billion health-care aid?

I quote Global News: “Since the pandemic, we’ve seen the health-care system was in many respects, holding on by a thread. And that thread is continuing to unravel,” the federal Minister o f Health said.

As a result of this, in February 2023, the federal government offered the provinces and territories a health funding deal worth $196.1 billion over 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new money. As of Monday, all provinces and territories have agreed to the health accord in principle except for Quebec.

Last month, Ontario was the latest province to sign a $3.1-billion health-care funding deal that will see the province hire more health-care workers, deal with surgical backlogs and upgrade to a digital data system."

Would any CAQ deputy or even supporter care to explain this stupidity?

Andy Black

Aylmer Nord

Federal grants for greener homes

The federal government’s announcement that a new phase of the Greener Homes Grant will offer support targeted to households with low-to-median incomes is timely, although consistent and appropriate funding for this initiative is not assured.

Low-income Canadians need barrier-free programs that can provide them with efficient homes and affordable energy. We need help available at Canadian doorsteps within the year. In the Ottawa Valley, I see the impact of a lack of energy efficiency, expensive energy costs, and energy poverty in a variety of ways. Low-income families cannot afford their energy bills on top of the current cost of living.
Members of Parliament across the country should take action on this immediately.

One-off programs should be replaced with consistent public investments focused on achieving net-zero emission and affordability goals.
Federal funding must be enough to increase existing program delivery capabilities. Now is the time to support efforts to reduce emissions, increase affordability for all Canadians, and address the climate-related challenges communities are already facing.

Aidan Belanger

Pembroke

CBC, The Bulletin, & local news

I understand that the Israeli assault on, and ethnic-cleansing of, Gaza is an international crime, probably outside the concerns of our local newspaper -- the only public voice that we have! -- but when news concerning our area, Ottawa, is ignored by our national broadcaster, CBC, you, Bulletin, are the only voice we do have. Please excuse me for breaking rules about local/national coverage! Complaints to the CBC are treated as jokes, apparently. The latest was the day before Valentines, when local protesters shut down the offices of Canada's major arms dealers --- CADSI, the Canadian Office of Defense & Service Industries, on Laurier, which represents the interests of 900 weapons & security companies. Have you ever even heard of this private lobby? They are part of CANSEC, the Canadian weapons industry's fair. Have you heard of that? Bold and unabashed, they will present a "Middle East Show" this May. They provide space for these weapons companies to show their wares and make their pitches to Uniforms from many nations, embassied in Ottawa.

This gesture of protest against Canada's duplicity, funding weapons for the Israeli outrage, went unmentioned in CBC's broadcasts. What's going on, CBC? What's going on, Canada? Where's Lester Pearson's legacy these days? Why has CBC reporting of Israeli "attacks" morphed into reports of their "military actions"? Oh, poor CBC. Pierre P. wants to defund it? Who's he kidding? The Conservatives could also use such a pliable national platform! Anyway, this letter is news we did not get on CBC.

Marcel Paquette

Aylmer (I work in Ottawa)

No more Pontiac pipe-dreams, please!

The Pontiac continues to lurch from one pipedream to another. Every few years, a new plan to bring prosperity to the area is promoted, by some passing PT Barnum or by our Warden. Several years ago an investor was to put $7 billion into a project at Fort Coulonge. It didn't happen. A few years later, a community pool costing millions was coming. Hasn't happened. Next, a lumbering renaissance -- all the mills would re-open! One did. And now, our very own half-billion dollar garbage incinerator!

Why on earth would we in the Pontiac want this?

The cost is staggering, the risk of contamination, pollution and high carbon emissions has been found in other regions, and we would need to import more than 90% of the waste from Ontario to fuel it. The Pontiac generates a bit over 5,000 tons of waste annually. When the burning is done, the Pontiac would be left with 100,000 tons of toxic ash to get rid of every year. If this sounds like it doesn't make any sense, it doesn't.

Certainly, some jobs would be created, and hydro and steam could be generated, but at what cost, both financially and at the expense of our environment? That question is yet to be answered.

At the recent Campbells Bay meeting, the Warden stated that the steam produced could be used to heat buildings, since it can be piped more than 50km, and Shawville Hospital is only 26km away from the site. She stopped short on what the cost of building a steam pipeline from Portage to Shawville would be...but maybe that's the next act!

This whole idea is a pipe-dream. The environmental risks are not worth taking for a small region with a tourism-dependent economy that has a small amount of its own waste (to get rid of) and an even smaller tolerance for the financial risks.

The Warden and Mayors need to refocus their efforts on realistic, achievable goals for waste management, not pipedreams. We are both afraid of, and uninterested in, their political legacy/vanity project. We are not interested in mega-projects as much as good, responsible governance.

Let's not be sold another bill of goods, Pontiac! Contact your local councilors, mayors, and the Warden to let them know how you feel. Failure to do so could result in this cockamamie idea getting passed and sealing Pontiac's future.

Gerry Bimm

Otter Lake

The Lemon Award!: Reflections on municipal taxation, here the case of Gatineau

The Lemon Award!

Reflections on municipal taxation, here the case of Gatineau

Almost all taxpayers feel it is imperative that governments not increase taxes, ancillary fees and charges, given the substantial loss of purchasing power caused by inflation and rising consumer and mortgage interest rates. The people of Gatineau are losing purchasing power, and Gatineau is raising taxes! I don't know what you think, but I'm sure you do!

Common sense should have prevailed over Gatineau's stifling vision. The current economic situation would have called for a freeze, or almost! Nothing less! Or better still, a reduction in taxes by optimizing and rationalizing the use of revenues and resources.

Even though taxpayers are running out of oxygen, Ville de Gatineau, its Municipal Council and its administration preferred to play on the confusion between the review of assessments and tax rates. But taxpayers know how to read a total and can see quite clearly from their 2024 municipal tax bill that, instead of going down, the bill has risen drastically, and this at a time of stifling restraint for many citizens!

You are being forced to pay higher municipal taxes to accommodate, among others, the "fake Ontarians" who move to the Outaouais to take advantage of the generous services, but continue to fraudulently pay their taxes in Ontario. The city encourages this fraud because it collects HIS municipal taxes, and like Pontius Pilate, it washes its hands of it by not enforcing the Highway Safety Code! This pressure from people in Ontario, 90% of whom don't speak French, is creating high inflation and overbidding on property and housing prices, not to mention anglicisation and ontarianisation, while misery, homelessness and poverty continue to grow!

An anti-ecological vision! The Council is talking about eco-taxation to further tax vacant lots, those essential green spaces in private homes that are the green lungs of ecology and quality of life. The damage caused by systematic clear-cutting by real estate developers and promoters, by promotional campaigns designed to charm Ontarians, by uncontrolled, ugly and chaotic development, by pollution, by sprawl, by densification and by the lack of public transit can be felt everywhere. But the city, its council and its administration want more!

Just one example - 300% more for green lungs! In a situation where two identical plots of land of the same size are located side by side, one a vacant green space and the other a built-up area, the vacant plot is obnoxiously taxed. The tax rate for the vacant green space is 0.018217% compared with 0.006318% for the built-up area, i.e. almost 300% more for a green lung! In terms of the total tax bill in these two cases, the vacant lot pays more in taxes than the identical built-up lot. All this deserves a LEMON award!

This is the result of a "political" decision by "our elected representatives" who are supposed to "represent" us. Politician's manipulation, that's what we call eco-taxation, a term that hides the opposite!

Keep an eye on your tax bills and rates, and don't be shy about discussing them with your municipal councillor.

Jean-Paul Perreault

Taxpaying citizen

President of Impératif français

Support for Ms Stonehouse on speeding problem

It was good to read the letter in March 20’s edition of the Bulletin about speeding. We live on Du Caveau Street, approximately 150 ft. from a stop sign at des Paysans street. The stop sign is simply used as a launching pad for cars heading west, where there is an elementary school and water park, neither which are fenced.

We are convinced that by the time vehicles get to our house, the majority have reached speeds of 75 to 80 km per hour. Du Caveau is the only street, other than Aylmer Road, to get from Samuel Edey to Wilfrid Lavigne and a lot of people have that figured out. There is a bike lane on one side of the street and a sidewalk on the other side, which is used by a lot of school children and adults out for a stroll. Streets such as Samuel Edey, Des Paysans and Du Valon, all in proximity, have speed bumps, but not Du Caveau, the most dangerously used by walkers.

Our councillor contends that bollards, bike lanes and speed indicator sign, which by the way, is on the wrong side of the street to indicate the speeding cars, are enough to slow drivers down but it simply seems to have the opposite effect.

We have requested the police for a speed check, which they contend was done, yet we have yet to see any results of this happening. We have also asked, on more than one occasion, for one speed bump, but to no avail.

So good luck to you, Ms. Stonehouse and arm yourself with lots of patience, you will need it!

Marcel Routhier and Carol Ann Hodgins

Aylmer

I want my newspaper: how to get an Aylmer Bulletin after PubliSac

Hearing that PubliSac will cease soon and that the Bulletin will no longer be delivered is certainly a blow to the Aylmer community. You folks are one of the main things that make Aylmer feel like a community.

Could you please, in upcoming issues, make it PAINFULLY obvious how to subscribe for delivery. I certainly will. Advertise yourself as well as you do everyone else.

Laird Wilkie

Aylmer

Editor’s note: Thank you! Indeed, folks can purchase a paid subscription to the paper by calling the office (819 684-4755, emailing: classifieds@bulletinaylmer.com, or stopping by (Unit C-10 in the Galeries Aylmer at 181 rue Principale). Copies can also be picked up free around town. If there’s a spot we missed in the free distribution, let us know! Dear readers: the entire team at the Aylmer Bulletin works tirelessly to bring professional news to Aylmer. Please support us by shopping with our advertisers, talking about what you read and sending in news tips. Happy reading!

– The Editor

February Letters

Doctors waste millions of hours on paperwork

According to the new report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released as part of the 15th edition of Paperwork Awareness Week™, Canadian governments are starting to make progress in reducing the administrative burden on physicians. In 2023, CFIB's Patient Before Paperwork report revealed that Canada's doctors collectively spend approximately 18.5 million hours per year on unnecessary administrative tasks. We therefore challenged all provincial governments to help doctors catch up on consultation delays.

This year's report provides an overview of the progress made by those provincial governments that have accepted the challenge and reiterates the need to prioritize reducing red tape in the health sector. (Transl.)

Maud Lariviere, CFIB

Ottawa

Oil sands spew more polluting gases than all Canadians

Canada’s oil-producing tar sands generate as much pollution-causing emissions as all of the country’s other human-generated sources combined. The researchers tracked only carbon-based molecules that can seed particulate pollution and react to form ground-level ozone. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide were factored out. Data collected on 30 flights over 17 oil-sand operations show that their emission rates were up to 64 times greater than reported by industry. “No rules have been broken, or guidelines exceeded here,” says oil and gas analyst Janetta McKenzie. “But that speaks to some issues in our rules and our guidelines.” This is taken from NATURE magazine, a very reputable source. What this doesn't calibrate is how much "hush money" the sands generates for Alberta's oil-supporting politicians!

Andy Black

Aylmer nord

Big junk: what? where? or, who are they?

In April, 2022, in a letter I called on Mayor France Bélisle to report the endemic uncleanliness and the omnipresence of bulky waste scattered in my neighborhood.

Return to duty in June, 2023, same recipient, same grievance. Since then: nothing. No evidence of intervention on the part of the city administration. It is now February, 2024: the little snow that has fallen is not enough to cover the debris, “forgotten”, half-buried along the streets. A recent call to 3-1-1 revealed municipal stupidity when it comes to bulky waste control. The attendant explained to me, at length, that to hope for a result (opening of a file, intervention, inspection, etc.), I had to identify addresses in order to facilitate the work of building and environmental inspectors. I do not at all feel like an informer, nor do I have the profile of one.

Secondly, as a tax-paying citizen, I expect, from our elected officials to humble inspectors of all categories, that they display some professionalism in the exercise of their functions. In short: get moving and take action, and not ask me to handle the hassles for them! No more prevaricating: time for energetic intervention, municipal regulations in hand, fines to back it up and… eradication of the problem at the source!

The municipal tax inspector up-valued my property by taking a photo while sitting in his car. What initiative! His fellow building or environmental inspectors could jump in their vehicles and start spotting the big junk along our streets. No? Unless they're blind -- or teleworking!

Could it be that our city administration itself is overloaded with “burdensome” civil servants or even elected officials, serving under the categories of inefficient, incompetent, or incapable? Disturbing question. If so, in the next elections, forget the vague explanations given at 3-1-1, and go vote. For a change. That's the way to dispose of expensive and unnecessary “bulky” items -- of all sorts! (Translated)

François Brisebois

Sector Aylmer

Grocery Carts

Hello Editor Lily, there have been 15 Super C grocery carts parked on the street in front of 295 North Street for three weeks. I have called the City of Gatineau twice and also Super C. Today, they are still there on the street.

First of all, this is a safety risk. These carts take up space where two-way traffic cannot get by. Secondly, when it snows, plows will not be able to properly get by to plow this busy street. I have given up at this point trying to rectify this situation. If there is an accident because of this ongoing issue, at least I tried.

Colleen Dinelle

Aylmer

Aylmer must fight to keep its services here

There is another battle ahead to service people here in Aylmer. The CLSC should provide all the services folks need right here. Recently, a sign went up on the door saying people need to go to Hull. But getting to Hull is quite a difficulty for many people.

If going to another part of Gatineau is a long-term plan for CLSC, the public transit should follow. A bus service should be put on routes for services the health system is directing people towards. Right now, elderly and sick people might walk to the CLSC, read the sign saying go to Hull. So - there should be a bus that passes right in front of the CLSC and goes directly to the Hull CLSC. That would be smart planning.

And frankly, the waiting room is empty. It is an insult to all of us that we have a building and opportunity for local health care but we are ignored. Authorities need to take local health care seriously.

Frank Foran

Aylmer

Cutting taxes is shifting taxes

I wish to comment on the coming Quebec's budget. Budgets are very complex, with many details, too many for any one person to catch them all. We hear the rah-rah we are hearing about "cutting taxes". It is very deceptive for the CAQ to claim they are reducing taxes. This is merely a shifting of taxes, not a reduction. For example, our municipalities -- and don't even mention the health care system!-- they are short year after year just keeping infrastructure adequate. The provincial grants to municipalities will be cut, because less tax means the province now has less resources! And our municipalities will increase property taxes! Where is our savings, M. Legault?

This trickery has completely removed any support I had for the CAQ. I once thought they could end the baloney about separatism.

Lastly, your editorialists have several times called for more finances to the health system -- and not privatizing it! Cutting taxes means less money to maintain a good health system. Where is the benefit here? What deception!

Antoine Michel

Norway Bay (Pontiac)

Citizens’ groups ask Federal Court review of license to radioactive waste facility beside Ottawa River

Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area, Ralliement contre la pollution radioactive and the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility have launched a legal challenge to the recent decision by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to license a giant radioactive waste mound beside the Ottawa River, above Ottawa. The mound is called a “Near-Surface Disposal Facility” (NSDF).

These groups ask the Federal Court to review the Commission’s failure to consider the following evidence:

Radiation doses from the NSDF (as estimated by the proponent) would exceed some limits prescribed by Canadian regulations and international standards;
The proponent, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), did not provide sufficient information about the waste that would go into the NSDF, rendering its Safety Case unreliable;
CNL's key document, the “Waste Acceptance Criteria,” includes an override section that would allow CNL to add waste to the NSDF that does not meet the acceptance criteria. This override nullifies any guarantee that 'only acceptable waste would be put in the mound' and it makes the Safety Case a fiction;
Waste checking processes are inadequate to ensure that waste going into the NSDF meets Waste Acceptance Criteria;
CNL failed to provide information about many other projects it is undertaking on the same property that are likely to contribute to cumulative environmental impacts of the radioactive waste mound;
CNL proposed mitigation measure, a pipeline into Perch Lake, would actually increase the flow of radioactive tritium into the Ottawa River, rather than decreasing it; and
Habitat and residences of protected species would be destroyed by site preparation and construction of the NSDF.

The application for judicial review submitted to Federal Court on Wednesday, February 7, also submits that the CNSC decision is unreasonable because the Commission did not issue a licence to prepare a site, or conduct the necessary assessment in relation to site preparation.

Comment: "In our view, the Commission’s decision to license the giant radioactive waste mound, one kilometer from the Ottawa River, is a serious mistake,” said Lynn Jones of the Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area. “The mound is designed to last 550 years, while much of the waste that would go into it will remain hazardous and radioactive for thousands of years.”

Represented by Nicholas Pope of Hameed Law

Ottawa

Urgent Call: Sustainable Development for 674 Aylmer Road

We appeal to each of the council members to reconsider the decision of the Demolition Applications Committee which, by a vote of 2 to 1, authorized the demolition of the heritage house located at 674 Aylmer Road. This will have a lasting negative impact on the City’s only remaining historic route, dating from settlement: the Aylmer Road

The sole reason for the demolition is to accommodate the plans of a developer. In fact, there is sufficient land in the proposed plan to develop the property while also retaining the existing building. This early 1900’s house now requires substantial repair, something the developer prefers not to do.

It is the view of the Association’s Board that, if the City of Gatineau is committed to both protecting built heritage and upholding its commitment to sustainable development, the house at 674 chemin d’Aylmer must be retained and repaired. A demolition permit for this property runs counter to the principles adopted by the City.

We urge Council to carefully review its position with respect to this property.

Enid Page, co-president,

Aylmer Heritage Association

Letters to the Editor Guidelines:

To make sure your letter is published:

All letters must be signed with a phone number (not published).

Any language ... but be clear, civil, and not rude.

All letters are edited for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. -- and for length.

Expect your letter to be edited. Do not send PDFs; they will not be published. And no personal attacks, nor promotional pieces for political candidates or parties accepted. These are ads.

The Editor

What can you trust on social media?

Our survey statistics on internet use reveal a substantial shift in attitude in Canadians across the country from conventional wisdom, based on past reports and anecdotal thinking. About 60% of Canadian internet users find it tough to distinguish between real and fake online content. Although 42 percent of respondents claimed to decline cookies on websites some of the time, content verification emerged as a significantly bigger worry than protecting personal data for them.

A technology expert, Steffan Black, offers some valuable, simple steps to maintain your content credibility:

1. Verify the source: Cross-check any new information you've received with other reliable sources or news platforms you trust because you've actually tested their reporting -- not because they agree with your own opinions!

2. Be especially cautious of sensational headlines: Overly dramatic or controversial titles can often indicate a deceptive content source. Big sensational reveals are almost-always deceptive.

3. Analyze the writing style: Poor spelling and grammar are also often associated with fake content.

4. Think before sharing: Sharing unverified information just contributes to the spread of misinformation. This is crucial. Be extra-cautious about "sharing"; it can be gasoline on a fire! Cancel people who do this, even friends.

Think of online credibility as not only a personal responsibility but also a collective one. As Canadians in the digital age, it’s essential for us to be aware and proactive in the fight against online misinformation. We can't trust our own opinions, hunches, and beliefs as if they are verified sources of accurate info. These simple steps can be a good start. Thank you!

V. Casimir, ZenShield

Gatineau

Step up for children!

International Development Week 2024, February 4 - 10, was a celebration of Canada’s contributions to eradicating poverty and building a more peaceful and inclusive world. But Canada needs to step up for children at a time of growing hunger and malnutrition, when access to education, especially, continues to be lost instead of gained, thanks to the focus on Covid-19. The growing needs of children and the risks of such insufficient action are being ignored.

The Canadian government needs to keep its commitment to increase its International Assistance Envelope every year and invest an additional $3B over five years, including CAD$600 million in 2024, to ensure that investments in immunization, nutrition, and education can #ReachEveryChild.

On November 21, 2023, Canada's aid for Ukraine was to surpass $800 million for 2023. On February 14, 2024, Canada was to send another $60 million to Ukraine for F-16 supplies and equipment. Surely, Canada providing $600 million in 2024 to ensure that investments in immunization, nutrition, and education can #ReachEveryChild is just as important as Canada providing $800 million to Ukraine last year.

Marnie Shaw

Calgary

A new church in Hull

After almost a year of preparation, with a core group of participants, Grace Gatineau, a new church, started Sunday meetings in January this year. English is the common language of our church. Since our community displays the diversity of language and culture in Gatineau, French is spoken and sung, and we have much of our services translated so anyone attending will understand and participate.

As the Bible teaches, God's love is not something we can earn through good behaviour, nor does his love lead Him to ignore all the wrong we have done. Rather, God's love for us is seen in His becoming a human in the person of Jesus, living a perfect life, and graciously paying, through his sacrificial death, for all the damage we have caused, so that, through Him, we can be restored both to God and one another. Grace Gatineau is committed to learning more of this grace, practicing it with one another, and sharing it in our home community.

Our leadership is Presbyterian (PCA) in polity and Reformed in theology (as expressed in the Westminster Confession of Faith). We are happy to work alongside other gospel-focused churches in the city.

Worship services: at 20 Hanson, Gatineau (Hull sector) at 4 :30 pm, followed by a fellowship meal for all. For more info, updates, and ways to get involved, visit: gracegatineau.ca

Skeptics and truth-seekers welcome!

Pastor Franky Garcia

Hull

Post-Valentine's exercises

In a world often consumed by romantic gestures and couple-centric narratives, it's time to shift the focus inward. This Valentine's Day, we've encouraged individuals to embark on a journey of self-love—an empowering and transformative experience that goes beyond the confines of traditional relationships.

A big component of self-love is appreciation for your personal and your inner beauty. Here are some tips to strengthen your self-love:

Don’t compare: Embrace your uniqueness by letting go of comparisons. Recognize that every body is distinct, allowing you to accept and appreciate your remarkable self.
Do you boo: Do activities, buy things that make you feel good!
No Negative Nelly’s allowed: Challenge the negative thoughts in your head. Turn negative self-talk into positive self-talk
Celebrate the good and the bad: The good, the bad and the ugly deserve some love too! The good keeps you motivated, and the bad offers a learning opportunity. And, hey, you got through it didn’t you?
Thank you, NEXT: Don’t be afraid to get rid of the toxic factors in your life. If it’s not good for you, it’s gotta go. You'll be the happy one.

Megan Dunscombe

Toronto

Road trip!

Let's talk about Quebec is going on a road trip! Our Rally and Meet & Greet is coming to the Eastern Townships on Sunday, February 25, where we will gather, dress our cars, and drive to a meeting point in solidarity with signs, flags and voices held high.

Look at the CAQ’s tuition hike imposed on out-of-province students which led to an immediate enrollment drop, 30 percent, at McGill and Concordia universities.

Stick around and hear our guest speakers. On the roster: Dr. Arthur Fischer will discuss the recently imposed, monolithic Bill 15 health care bill; Scott Kilbride will talk immigration and housing; Danilo Velasquez on First Nations issues; as well as expert speakers on energy and farming.

The Rally starting point is Carrefour de l'Estrie, 3050 Boulevard De Portland, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1L 1K1. The rally leaves at 2:00 PM, and will arrive at the Canadienne Legion Royale, 2615 Rue Hertel, Sherbrooke, QC J1J 2J4 for 3:00 PM. People are welcome to meet directly at the Legion.

Let’s talk about it!

Marc Perez, Organiser of the Coalition of independent thinkers

Montréal

AI's theft of content is unregulated

Are AI-powered chatbots covered under fair use laws, or are they stealing copyrighted content at the expense of the newsrooms that paid to produce it? We need much more and better legislation that would help news organizations grapple with quick-moving changes in the tech world.

Annon. publisher

Ottawa

Really, more big highways?

Steven Guilbeault, the federal climate change minister, said recently the federal government is moving away from funding huge new road developments -- which aroused a thunderstorm of media accusations. Remind me who owns big media in Canada, please?

From a climate point of view, this shift in planing is needed and crucial. More roads will further snarl traffic and increase carbon dioxide emissions from gas-burning cars -- hello! What is needed is a shift to more mass public (electric) transit and organizing cities so people can walk or cycle to where they need to be for their work or shopping or whatever. No question public transit is the best way to move citizens around, reduce emissions and improve public health -- not building more Doug Ford super-highways and parking lots!

What will it take for us to wake up -- forest fires all year long? Drought everywhere? Climate refugees banging at our doors?

Nigel Acevedo

Aylmer

Make our voices heard!

It’s no secret that many of you, like myself, and many of our fellow Quebecers who have yet to make their voices heard, are increasingly unhappy with the way François Legault is running this province.

Many of his government's policies — some with a measure or even full support of the opposition — are detrimental to Quebec: to the economy; to the social cohesion we’ve forged through various trials and tribulations over generations; to our already fragile health care system; to immigration and more.

It's time to come up out of the trenches, to do more than gripe about it, to rise above pithy comments on social media. We need to show up in numbers, show our faces and be heard. We need to demonstrate that we are unhappy and, more importantly, we have ideas.

This government’s, and years of successive governments’, legislative agendas and core ambitions have had immediate consequences on our economy, our children's future and our international standing.

Look at the CAQ’s recent tuition hike stubbornly imposed on out-of-province students which led to an immediate enrollment drop, some 30 percent, at McGill and Concordia universities. And this, despite the government's own advisory committee’s opposition, and the earnest pleas and good-faith cautions from most of civil society. True to form, the Legault administration, comfortable with its majority, went full steam ahead.

But here's the kicker: the government, in its drive to leverage out-of-province tuition cash for its underfunded French network, could have easily achieved the same results with a more modest $1,000 increase, instead of the $3,000 “compromise,” which has now had the concrete effect of denying many Canadian youth the opportunity to pursue their studies and perhaps their futures here in Quebec.

Whether an underhanded attempt to limit the growth of the anglophone population in our metropolis, or an earnest but desperate overreach for funding, this was a complete and utter failure by an elected government, showing little evidence of acting in good faith.

Marc Perez, Coalition of independent thinkers

info@parlonsdu.quebec

Montréal

Canada must revamp immigration policy

Canada’s recent changes to its immigration policies are making this country less competitive and successful in selecting top talent, a new study from the C.D. Howe Institute indicates. We need to re-develop immigration policies and restructure the points-based system to find the right balance between quantity and quality, to be more in line with our competitors abroad, and to boost Canadian economic growth and productivity.

The goal would be to improve the immigration selection process and ensure that newcomers are set up for long-term success in Canada.

Based on the international comparison, we presented four recommendations in improving immigration policy:

Setting a minimum points threshold for eligibility
Considering a pre-admission earnings factor
Boosting standards under the language requirement
Raising business immigration numbers

By enacting these recommendations, Canada’s immigration policies and express-entry system can be more in line with three peer countries, while also benefitting the country’s economic growth

CD Howe Institute

Toronto

The Aylmer Legion's new leadership

Our mission is to help veterans, including active duty members of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, and their families, to promote Remembrance, and to serve our community and our country.

We thank the outgoing 2023 Executive Committee, and are pleased to welcome our new 2024 leadership team.

We would like to renew affiliations and create new partnerships with community organizations and businesses in support of our mandate. All are welcome, members and non-members. We are located at the heart of old Aylmer. Come check us out!

Manon Grégoire Fleury, President

Aylmer Legion Branch 33

The mayor who laughed too loud

This train-wreak at city hall shows how out of touch we citizens have been; it seemed to many of us that Mayor Belisle might be the fresh face, from outside the political piranha-bowl of city council, to get things moving -- at least get the real estate vampires off the city's throat -- but how wrong we were! First, creating municipal political parties was a disaster, thanks Quebec City!, causing a guaranteed "them vs us" environment, one blown out of all proportion by our un-social media, plus the region's publicity-hungry commentators, columnists and journalists. A perfect storm -- that anyone could see coming!

Interesting that Belisle, our first female mayor, blames herself for this mess as much as her political-party rivals; good on her, but although her departure may save her skin, it won't save ours. As she said, all this just feeds public cynicism about politics. Maybe that's what "toute le gang" has always wanted, a disengaged public.

A last ingredient in this political poison-pot is mysogeny -- fear of women, that is, women with the slightest authority. We who survived the twentieth century and thought women's rights were finally human rights, are now facing a world-wide, religion-driven counterattack. It seemed impossible that we would return to ancient prejudices (except in Afganistan, of course), but here we are, in Gatineau, facing the real grim reaper: prejudice, greed and "tradition" all over again.

We're lucky in Aylmer to have an honest community media; folks, pay attention!

Andy Black

Aylmer nord

January Letters

Group Show by La Lanterne, Galerie Old Chelsea

February 1 to 14, 2024

La Lanterne, an organization whose mission is to help people living with intellectual disabilities to realize their value as people. The group hired an art teacher to work with these budding artists to teach them a variety of methods and to encourage them to experiment with different styles. The results are striking.

Ginette Marcoux, the Centre’s Director, has noticed that participating in artistic activities has boosted their confidence and self-esteem and brought a number of benefits.

Anne Swiderski, La Lanterne

La Pêche

The Task Force applies for an Interlocutory Injunction

The Task Force on Linguistic Policy has applied for an interlocutory injunction and judicial review of Bill 96, the changes to the Charter of the French Language. The injunction has been filed with Superior Court by Michael Bergman and Associates. Me. Bergman is the lead counsel for the Task Force’s challenge to Bill 96, filed on May 31, 2023.

The injunction states: “The issues raised in Bill 96 are all serious and justiciable as they constitute encroachment on constitutional and human rights with respect to rights to life, liberty, and security; equality; healthcare services; government services; education; employment; as well as freedoms of expression and mobility, and freedom from undue state interference.”

The President of the Task Force outlines the damages the law has wrought to Quebec society: “When the law was passed in June of 2022, there were egregious impacts on English-speaking Quebecers. But since June 1 of 2023, they have become even more intrusive. Our injunction contains evidence from 30 people who have been the victims of outright discrimination, and we know they are the tip of the iceberg. We have to stop the application of the law before things become worse.”

The injunction outlines the implications of the Legault government’s zealotry in implementing the letter and spirit of the law, adding “The Government of Québec has created and promoted a social climate where the use of the English language is restricted and disdained and is considered to be a threat to the survival of the French language and identity in Québec.”

It also anticipates the Legault government’s plans to introduce 50 new measures to promote French, which will likely involve greater hardship for English-speaking Quebecers.

The Application for Interlocutory Injunction is available on our website.

Andrew Caddell, The Task Force on Linguistic Policy

Montreal

Homeless, no sense of urgency for the City?

I live in a building that has some units dedicated to low income tenants. It concerns me that when tenants move out, it is taking months for new tenants to be housed in the vacant units. While I understand that a unit may need cleaning and even re painting, that should not take that long to do. We have a large number of homeless people living in tents. The City of Gatineau needs to be more vigilant in getting the apartments under their control occupied in a more timely manner.

Judith O'Rourke

Aylmer

Local papers can counter mainstream prejudice

I write as a concerned community member, urging our local paper to cover the unfolding tragedy in Gaza with fairness, balance and objectivity. I ask you to write about the human suffering facing millions of displaced Palestinian people, including thousands killed. Biased mainstream outlets have failed to acknowledge the horrific experiences lived by Palestinian communities, who are calling for an end to the violence against their people (many of whom are relatives).

This crisis is a continuation of the Nakba of 1948, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled or massacred to make way for an illegal settler colonial project. Now, 2.3 million people are trapped in the Gaza Strip, and 1 million children are deprived of necessities due to indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes. Our media must cover the importance of an immediate ceasefire and a humanitarian corridor for medical aid and relief. Addressing root causes of this issue and ending the occupation and apartheid are vital roles you can help facilitate using your platform and voice.

Amina Balihodzic
Aylmer

Civil society and MPs reject nuclear future hype

Green Party's Elizabeth May, Liberal MP Jenica Atwin, Bloc Québécois MP Mario Simard and NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice joined others to express their serious concerns about an expansion of nuclear energy and the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).

In a non-partisan press conference at the National Press Theatre, the four Parliamentarians called for Ottawa to hit the pause button on federal funding to develop experimental SMRs until Parliament and independent scientific experts have critically reviewed these plans.

Civil society representatives said that SMRs are not cost-effective nor a smart climate option. New nuclear is already far more expensive than proven renewable energy sources like wind and solar, and there is no guarantee these nuclear experiments will ever generate electricity safely and affordably. While waiting to find out if SMR designs will work, Canada is wasting time that must be spent urgently on genuine climate action.

Eva Schacherl

Ottawa

Housing "crisis"= no profit

Today's crisis in housing, including housing people forced to live on the streets, is less a crisis in housing but a crisis for our economic system, which has caused it. And which maintains it.

Forever, we've been told that our economic system of "free enterprise" is best in the world, the final result of history's experiments. But when things don't go well, these free-enterprisers yell -- at the government! They blame "Trudeau", as if one man is the cause of years of deliberate neglect, just because the top dogs can't make enough profit on it! How stupid do they think we are?

There are many examples around the world of community-built and -owned housing that works well, provides good, healthy living space for everyone who needs it. There are impressive examples in Vienna, Vancouver, and New York City, to name only these.

Do a little research in community housing. Break the mental barriers we've accepted just to defend "free enterprise". Free resources have made Western nations successful, not the profit motive. That only causes wars and economic crisis!

Pat Dulmage

Aylmer

Exclusionary zoning

On my way to work each morning, we pass several gigantic homes hidden in a grove of trees. They are more visible now with the leaves gone. I ask how this is possible in this age of so many homeless and destitute people?

My desk-mate says "It's exclusionary zoning". What the heck! I thought our city, claiming to be so "liveable", was working toward higher-density zoning? And more outward sprawl is not the answer either -- it just creates more and longer-lasting problems. City council has got to grow up, but I also suspect it's public servants who are bending the rules and accommodating these insults to the rest of us, insults like "exclusionary zoning".

If the Bulletin can't investigate and expose this practise, who will? That's a genuine question! Please!

M.B. Wallace

Aylmer

Electoral Reform!

The vote on Motion M-86 for a National Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform is near! NDP, Greens and Bloc are voting for it. We need to convince enough Liberal and Conservative MPs to say YES to a stronger democracy!

For months, volunteers have been meeting with Liberal and Conservative MPs, canvassing and collecting petition signatures. Calls from constituents are critical in moving undecided MPs off the fence.

Anita Nickerson, Fair Vote Canada

Ottawa

Anti-Semitic vs Anti-Arab (racism)?

Anti-Semitic vs Anti-Arab (racism)?

Thank you for the few letters on the Israeli-Hamas war. Not that I really wish to see more, but here's a point ignored by North American media: if the Israeli on-going assault on Gaza, coupled with Israeli leaders' promises to 'get rid' of the Palestinian people living there, effectively claiming that Gaza will become settlers' territory, because who will live there safely once it is 'emptied', if all this is not to be reported as such (as on CBC news) because 'any criticism of Israeli is automatically anti-Semitic', then it stands to reason that any criticism of the Palestinians is automatically racist, anti-Arab -- does it not?

Marie-France Powell

Aylmer

Vertical farm launches in Montreal

As Canada’s first and largest commercial vertical farm, GoodLeaf is in the process of a national expansion, with its Montreal farm opening in the spring of 2024.

(Besides the Guelph farm), the company’s latest expansions are into Eastern and Western Canada, and the new farms in Quebec and Alberta will begin operating this year. Goodleaf plans to redefine the food supply chain via greenhouses and vertical farming.

GoodLeaf’s baby greens and microgreens are relatively new products in the market. There are a load of micronutrients in baby greens and microgreens compared to regular lettuce or greens. More minerals. More vitamins. Compounds good for our health.

GoodLeaf was founded in Halifax in 2011. Using multi-level vertical farming, GoodLeaf can grow fresh produce anywhere in the world, 365 days of the year. The system combines innovations in LED lighting with leading edge hydroponic techniques to produce sustainable, safe, pesticide-free, nutrient-dense leafy greens.

For more information, please visit goodleaffarms.com

Emily Zwart, Enterprise Canada

Guelph, Ontario

Bury Quebec City's tramway!

While François Legault meets Quebec City's mayor, Bruno Marchand, the head of the Parti conservateur du Québec, Eric Duhaime, demands that the CAQ put an end to the proposed "tramway" in Quebec City. Just the rolling material will potentially cost more than a hundred million dollars -- for taxpayers.

Mr Duhaime points out that this project has never had wide social acceptability, and that all the opposition parties don't seem worried about supporting such an anti-democratic measure.

"The most recent surveys show that no more than 30% of the population favours a tramway. Meanwhile, 100% of the political parties still support the project. The time has come to listen to the people!" concludes M. Duhaine.

Cédric Lapointe, Parti conservateur du Québec

Québec

December Letters

Advice for snow season

I am now recovered from a back injury last winter -- from shovelling snow. It happened very quickly, almost without noticing, and I was stuck with it for months.

Let me pass along a few tips:
1. Warm up with a few exercises before starting.
2. Use a light shovel, not too large, ergonomic is best.
3. When shovelling, pushing is better than lifting.
4. Keep your back straight, bend at your knees, not hips.
5. Take several light loads, not one big shovelful.

There are more tips, but I am using these five for a good start, at least, and a good winter. Be especially careful if you have been strained previously, and careful if the snow is wet and heavy, with a crust.

Arthur Reynolds
Aylmer

The price of democracy

Open Letter to Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Fergus,

You recently called on Canadians to engage in democratic life "with optimism", against a backdrop of indifference to political parties in general... and especially a swing in voting intentions towards the Conservative Party of Canada.

But for there to be democracy, parliament must faithfully represent the citizens, whereas thanks to the current system, you were elected with 25% of registered citizens. Continuing to promote a two-party system (or almost) - when you promised to modernize it - is an insult to democracy and only feeds the cynicism of Canadians.

Liberals, are you afraid of seeing everything you've done since 2015 to "create economic growth while fighting climate change" disappear?

But the growth you're talking about is questionable, from a sustainable development perspective; and it's anaemic, especially in Quebec, with a recession in the months ahead.

As for the climate crisis, your policies are like your decision to exempt the Maritimes from the carbon tax: one step forward, two steps back, with far more words and (unkept) promises than deeds or achievements. Canada is not decarbonizing, our greenhouse gas emissions are still a long way from projected targets, and we can't see how they'll reach them in the future!

Canadians disapprove of your handling of the economy, Aboriginal issues, and the climate crisis. You're worn out and your party hasn't delivered the goods. Apart from electioneering measures, you're not proposing anything. To suggest that there is no progressive alternative to the right-wing Conservatives other than the Liberals is dishonest.

The Green Party of Canada is progressive and ecological. It is an alternative that is more necessary than ever, and one that many other countries, particularly in Europe, trust.

The Green Party is the only one that dares to propose the necessary measures, some of them unpopular, but for the happiness of generations following us! Claims to the contrary are pure lies ... or denial. It's time for the Liberal Party to hand over the reins.

Green Party of Canada Electoral District Association
Hull-Aylmer

Civil society and MPs reject hype about “glowing” nuclear future

Green Party leader Elizabeth May, Liberal MP Jenica Atwin, Bloc Québécois MP Mario Simard and NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice joined others to express serious concerns about an expansion of nuclear energy and the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).

Civil society representatives said that SMRs are not a cost-effective or smart climate option. New nuclear is already far more expensive than proven renewable energy sources like wind and solar, and there is no guarantee these nuclear experiments will ever generate electricity safely and affordably. While waiting to find out if SMR designs will work, Canada is wasting time that must be spent urgently on genuine climate action.

Eva Schacherl
Ottawa

Winter travel

Nothing comes with winter snow like planning for travel south toward the sun. The airports are crowded and chaotic, many worse than others. Usually the chaos is unavoidable, although we should do our best to avoid or at least sidestep everything from canceled flights and lost luggage to aching backs and -- count on it -- exposure to Covid and other germs. It's also flu season, right?

Some tips: don't limit yourself to the cheapest flight. They're cheap for a reason, and often they're not so cheap after all, once you count all the extra fees. Next thing will be vouchers to use the plane's bathrooms! Thus, there is no "cheap flight", anywhere, counting everything.

And no matter what you go for, buy cancellation insurance, especially if you are buying very early. Depending on your destination, health insurance may be a good buy.. You won't believe the peace of mind it add.

There are, however, cheap seats. Don't go here. Pay for extra leg room, especially on flights of four hours or more. Extra leg room is extra room for your whole body.

Try, too, to find non-stop flights, especially over multiple take-offs and landings, and especially avoid changing plans at any of these breaks. They are guaranteed luggage-losers. Pay for the non-stop, unless you are a teenager doing the equivalent of our old days' hitch-hiking across the country.

Luggage: of course carry-on is best, and so many people bring on literal small trunks which they call carry-on! You could do that, too, if you've got the muscle to heave any of those maxi-bags up onto the rack, and if you have sufficient self-centeredness to ignore the inconvenience you are adding to all the other passengers.

If you have good ear-phones/buds, bring them, and here's a great opportunity to get into that reading you been struggling to find time for.

Good luck; tip well; use your sun-tan lotion liberally.

Gracie Kendall
The Plateau, Gatineau

“When Language Policy becomes a matter of Life and Death”

The latest changes to Bill 15, whether withdrawn or not, will not change the ongoing threat to healthcare for English-speaking Quebecers. That is because Bill 96 requires all government bureaucrats to ensure the exemplary and primary use of French in all public institutions unless excluded by exception.

This means the English-speaking community needs to fight for every single exception until such time as this divisive, mean-spirited, discriminatory law can be rendered illegal by the courts since our Federal government continues to do nothing to stop it. “We expect many are still in disbelief that in a country such as Canada, basic rights are under attack. However, make no mistake, there indeed will be a continuous bombardment - the latest potentially being a matter of life and death,” says Andrew Caddell, president of the Task Force on Linguistic Policy.

The amendment to Bill 15, which was tabled in the National Assembly on November 29th is an affront to all fair-minded Quebecers, and a sop to extreme nationalists, says Andrew Caddell. “We have been watching the discussions on Bill 15 with great concern, as the centralization of any government service is bound to be problematic for any minority community. But this latest amendment is the stuff of our worst nightmares.”

Bill 15 would create a government corporation controlling all health care services run from Quebec City, rather than offering the current autonomy and oversight of regional committees and health administration. This amendment would limit health care services to an ambiguous description of “where numbers warrant” . While he has offered to withdraw this egregious amendment, we don’t believe for a second that Health Minister Dube didn’t know the details nor the impact of such an amendment.”

Since Bill 142 was passed by the Bourassa government in1986, English-speaking Quebecers and citizens of other minority linguistic groups have had the right to be served in their language. “This was a land mark law, which has been copied by other provinces. The reason is simple: offering a diagnosis or explaining a complex medical procedure, especially in the stress of a health care emergency, is vital for patients. It is literally matter of life and death”, says Andrew Caddell. “This is why oversight committees with the CIUSS and the CISSS were established. With the stroke of a pen, all this would be gone. It is outrageous.”

Caddell added that the definition of who is an English-speaking Quebecer varies across government levels: “For municipalities, it is someone whose mother tongue is English. For public services under Bill 96 the criteria is education in Canada. We believe anyone who uses English as their main language is an English-speaking Quebecer. And, there are 1.25 million of us, according to Statistics Canada.

Fighting Bill 96 is what we do.

Andrew Caddell

The Task Force  Montréal

Old dogs & local news

Having just turned 80 last month (November), I qualify as an old dog. There is plenty I both miss and plenty that I appreciate among all the changes affecting us these days. It is as if we are caught in a storm or hurricane we cannot escape. One example is the closing of so many newspapers. Maybe I am one of the last generation which enjoyed the value of old-fashioned newspapers. Our local paper does a good job with our local news (take a bow, Bulletin!) but it is the national and international news that grabs my attention most, although I will be the first to admit that it is local news which actually affects our lives, day by day -- not the wars in the Ukraine or Gaza, but waste recycling or water quality, all right here at home.

I have discovered the wide choice of on-line news; the Canadian Observer site, for example, leaves the poor old Citizen in the dust, in terms of news coverage, national and international. There are several more such sites, and it's our obligation to our own well-being that we seek them out, discard the extreme sites (they're like blackflies), and pay attention to commentators from overseas.

All of this seems rewarding to this old dog, but I'll never ignore the Bulletin! So, thank you! Nothing beats trained, experienced journalists.

Bertrand Sellers
Aylmer

The storm of climate disinformation

For the past few months Canadians have been banned from sharing news articles on Facebook and Instagram, places where many people turned to for information.

This is a direct result of the ban Meta, Facebook and Instagram's parent company, imposed on Canadian news outlets this past summer. Enacted in response to a new federal law designed to force social media companies to pay for news, Meta's ban has fuelled a media environment where disinformation can run rampant.

As a reporter covering climate disinformation, I knew the ban would only exacerbate the problem of false or misleading information.

A few months back, I wrote a story about how Facebook was helping far-right leaders of last year's Freedom Convoy spread disinformation about wildfires ravaging Alberta. Local authorities were so exasperated by the problem Yellowhead County mayor Wade Williams implored residents to "take Facebook and throw that thing in the garbage."

The problems continued as the summer of fire wore on. Across the country, authorities battled disinformation alongside the fires, with the problem only getting worse after the news ban. In Yellowknife for example, evacuees said the city-wide evacuation was made more dangerous because of Meta's news ban.

Marc Fawcett-Atkinson, Reporter
The National Observer (Canada)

Letters to the Editor Guidelines:

To make sure your letter is published:
   - All letters must be signed with a phone number (not published).
   - Any language is acceptable ... but be clear, civil, and not rude.
   - All letters are edited for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc, and for length.
   - Expect your letter to be edited.
- No personal attacks, nor promotional pieces for political candidates or parties accepted.

The Editor

Here's what makes sense

Help support Aylmer's shops and workers and get your gifts and other merchandise directly from us, the businesspeople in our city! Instead of Amazon. We have to think ahead, of our kids' future opportunities, here at home. You want them to work at Amazon?

Richard Guay
Aylmer

It's here! Petition on radioactive waste (upstream)

The "https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4676" House of Commons Petition E-4676 on radioactive waste just opened for signatures December 11. It was initiated by Ole and authorized by Pontiac MP Sophie Chatel. It already has 569 signatures so has surpassed the threshold for valid signatures, which is 500 for electronic petitions. But the more signatures the better!

If the above link doesn’t work use "https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4676"https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4676 . Use both addresses.  The petition calls for an international review of the three bargain basement radioactive waste projects, including the NSDF, that are being promoted by CNL. It also calls for federal government to not allow these facilities to be licensed unless Canada's obligations to obtain free, prior, and informed consent from Indigenous Peoples have been met.  The petition is open for signatures until January 10, 2024 and requires a minimum of 500 signatures in order to be certified and presented to the House of Commons and to receive an official response from the government.  The choice of the short timeframe of 30 days was deliberate in order to get the petition to the government asap.

Thank you for taking the time to sign. Please share with others you know who might be interested.

Deb Powell,
Pontiac

Story about a young businessman

Following letter is a story about a young businessman who certainly contradicts commonly held assumptions.

Recently, we called an owner-operated local mobile business for help repairing two generators. A young man arrived as scheduled and within two hours both machines were functional. He was competent, quite polite and obviously very efficient, demonstrably dispelling assumptions that often are used to characterize young people these days. Surprisingly, he refused any payment for his labour, suggesting that we pay it forward. “There are just too many folks struggling these days and every one could use a little help”, is what he said.

There’s a reason for this story; it resonates as a reality check.

My family move here from Saskatchewan nearly 50 years ago and learned, very quickly, the wonderful attributes of Aylmer. However, progress seems to have translated into the demise of small business enterprises and to misconceptions about youth. This is not our experience!

If ever we need any small motor repair, we will call Riley (Mecanicien Mobile)….a young and local small businessman whose response reminds us of the importance of extending a helping hand in time of need.,

Charles A. (Skip) Brooks
Aylmer

Don't miss this!

The editorial, The Value of Education, by Ian Barrett (Aylmer Bulletin, 2023-12-13) should not be missed.

Anyone who has not read Barrett’s analysis of the current state of elementary and secondary education in Québec, complicated further by the extended strike action led by classroom teachers, must find a copy and read it through carefully.

As a retired school principal and former secondary teacher, I am 100 % behind the actions of teacher unions across the province. Ian Barrett presents an insightful analysis of the lack of resources delivered by the present government of Québec to overworked teachers and support personnel in our schools. Our students deserve a better education! Our teachers deserve receiving increased governmental resources in our schools!

Brian Rock
Aylmer

Urban forests : start now!

I read the Bulletin's letters about the city's loss of green space & trees -- and the pros of urban forests; here's the word from an expert (the German forester, Peter Wohlleben):

"It’s impossible to reconstruct a city forest to be the same as a primeval forest, but reforesting a city is still heavily discussed in Europe. In Paris city council tried to cool the city using pipes under the city. Now they’re trying to make Paris greener. City streets on hot summer days that have trees growing on them are 20 degrees C cooler than streets without trees. It’s a serious health problem to live on a street "https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/06/29/Vancouver-Shady-Inequality/"without trees.

"It’s a very hard life for trees to grow in a city, but it’s also a good laboratory for native species of trees to see what they are able to withstand. If the conditions are bad but they’re still growing it’s good news: if they can grow in the city they can grow in the forest. ... It’s important to make cities green as fast as possible because that’s our best air conditioner. I can’t imagine a machine which is able to cool streets by 20 degrees C every hot summer’s day without any energy input. Plus trees are good for birds and mammals living in cities.

"That also brings people to act locally, which gives me and my family hope. I’ve gotten emails from local NGOs who are caring for their city’s forest. People are aware of how important every tree is.

"I don’t think my own book will rescue the forest. But they will do a little part. I’m also very optimistic that we can handle climate change and we can have a good future. So long as we have big intact forests we can restore them by letting them come back. We can fight climate change efficiently and we don’t have to wait 50 to 100 years. We can start right now, on every single spot on Earth where trees are integral. Even planting a single tree in your garden or in front of your office can make a difference." Fait attention, Gatineau!

Andy Black
Aylmer north

Annual Christmas Bird Counts coming up

Greetings Pontiac Birders

Calling on you once again to count the birds of Christmas (CBC) and be part of North America's longest-running Citizen Science project! If you can’t remember which count area you are in - ask me or consult the maps on either of the following sites: "http://www.birdscanada.org/" or "http://www.audubon.org/"
The dates for upcoming CBCs are:

- Quyon/Bristol/Shawville, Wednesday December 20;
- Île-du-Grand-Calumet and area, Thursday, December 28;
- Breckenridge/Dunrobin, Tuesday January 2;
- Fort-Coulonge and area Thursday January 4.
- (Sorry, but I’m late for Allumette Island/Pembroke)

Remember to count the maximum number of any one species you see at a time at your feeder or on your property. Your road reports may also be valuable if you are traveling locally. Just send information on time, location and species. Thank you!

Deb Powell
Norway Bay

An appeal to the federal gov't

The devastating effects of conflict, violence, and humanitarian disaster loom all around the world, affecting all of us, if not directly then indirectly. We need to ensure that all people have access to life-saving assistance, including health services, food, protection, and safety.

We must champion children in emergencies. In times of conflict and crises, it is often women and children who face the brunt of adverse effects. Children make up about forty percent of the Gazan population, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict depriving about two-thirds of a million children of education, with hundreds of schools damaged and destroyed. During humanitarian emergencies, schools are closed early on and are slow to reopen.

Canadian government, please renew and maintain Canada’s investments in quality education by committing $500 million over five years at the Global Refugee Forum in December 2023 to restore access to quality education for the most marginalized learners and fulfill Canada’s commitment to invest new resources to support access to education for girls, refugees, internally displaced children, and those living with disabilities in emergencies. Canadian government, please ensure all programming for children in emergencies has a holistic, whole-child approach with stable, long-term, flexible funding informed by the affected communities themselves.

Marnie Shaw
Calgary

The future of the Bulletin's on my mind this Christmas, and I’m not alone

At a party on the weekend a big conversation about the future of the Aylmer Bulletin erupted. So, Bulletin: what do you need? Surely in this tumultuous world with news media wiped off the scene on Facebook and Instagram, our beloved local newspaper needs help. Is the Google deal a help or hinderance? Will Aylmer still have a newspaper in a year? Why are there city ads in the paper this month advising readers that city notices will be on the website going forward? Will they not be in the Bulletin anymore?

There were other conversations at the party; sure, kids, work and family were topics. But we kept going back to this or that housing development or which business is closing, which new restaurant is opening (last week’s paper cover!). And several of us pointed out that our conversations circled back to news topics at every turn. LOCAL news topics.

Bulletin: hear our plea! Keep publishing and call on your readers to help. Need a donation? Need volunteers? Need us to buy subscriptions? Busy Bulletin Beekeepers and Boarlovers are united to help! 

John Foley
Aylmer

New House of Commons Petition affects us all

The "https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4676" House of Commons Petition E-4676, on Radioactive Waste Practices affecting The Ottawa and Winnipeg rivers, is now open for signatures.

The petition was initiated by Ole Hendrickson and authorized by Pontiac Quebec MP Sophie Chatel. It calls for an international review of three bargain basement radioactive waste projects including the NSDF, the giant mound of one million tons of radioactive and hazardous waste less than one kilometre from the Ottawa River.

The three projects are being planned and promoted with our tax dollars by a multinational consortium consisting of two Texas-based multinationals and Canada's infamous SNC-Lavalin. The proposed projects would fail to meet international standards and all three would leak radioactive contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Petition E-4676 also calls on the federal government to not allow these facilities to be licensed unless Canada's obligations to obtain free, prior, and informed consent from Indigenous Peoples have been met. At the present time, 10 of the 11 Algonquin First Nations, whose people have lived in the Ottawa River watershed for thousands of years, say they are opposed to construction of these facilities in their unceded territory.

The petition is open for signatures only until January 10, 2024 and requires a minimum of 500 signatures in order to be certified and presented to the House of Commons and to receive an official response from the government.

Your support of the petition would be appreciated!

Lynn Jones
Ottawa

Don't miss this!

The editorial, The Value of Education, by Ian Barrett (Aylmer Bulletin, 2023-12-13) should not be missed.

Brian Rock
Aylmer

November Letters

Is It Possible to Not Be on Social Media?

The answer is "Yes," however, the existential question is, "Can you live without social media?"

How social media works:

Me: "I prefer mangoes to oranges..."

Random Person (hiding behind an anonymous account): "So basically, what you're saying is that you hate oranges. You also failed to mention pineapples, bananas, and grapefruits. Educate yourself!"

You can never win on social media. Are there times when you wonder if the benefits, whatever they may be, of being active on social media outweigh the adverse effects of being exposed to all the toxicity it manifests? What motivates you to spend as much time as you do scrolling, posting, and commenting on social media? FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)? Wanting to appear relevant? Seeking recognition?

Studies have shown how social media negatively impacts our mood and self-esteem and is creating a generation lacking social skills and unable to develop meaningful relationships. Many people find creating a persona on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter much easier than navigating the real world as themselves. Gen Z has turned being unengaged with their surroundings and community into a Zen-like thing. Many people have the limiting belief they are an introvert and use social media to avoid face-to-face interactions.

Without a strong sense of self, it is easy to lose yourself while vying for your place in the world, comparing yourself to everyone's beautiful social media life.

Social media works the way an abuser and manipulator works. Asking if one can live happily without social media implies the person knows social media is hurting them but fears a life without it.

It would be overly simplistic for me to advise, "Deactivate it!", "Delete it!", "Stick to emailing the people who matter to you, asking how they are doing." If you followed this advice, you would be sharing and inquiring without being voyeuristic.

However, we have long passed the point where having a digital presence is optional, especially if you have an ongoing career, a business or are seeking recognition (e.g., artistic endeavour, promoting a cause, running for political office). Conversely, having a digital "presence," which you maintain occasionally, greatly differs from being constantly "active" on social media.)

It has become a familiar sight to see people hunched over their phones in social settings, mindlessly scrolling through their feeds, ignoring everyone around
them as if what is happening in the digital world is more important than what is happening in the real world.

Your life will not implode if you do not have any social media accounts. However, being completely off the digital grid comes at a price. ....
to be continued

Nick Kossovan
Toronto

Protest Canada's support for Israeli genocide

Concerned Canadian citizens are going to block the entrance of MP Marc Miller’s constituency office, to protest the role Canada is playing in enabling Israel’s genocide of the people of Gaza. Miller is the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and MP for Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Sœurs.

We will continue our actions until Canada : officially condemns Israel’s inhumane collective punishment ; calls for restoration of food, water and fuel, and an end to the indiscriminate bombing of civilians.

Canada’s position is beyond silence. Our government’s blind support of Israel enables the genocide that is happening in Gaza now. We are outraged by Canada’ complicity in Israel's indiscriminate bombing and killing of civilians, and the cutting of water, fuel, electricity and food from 2.3 million people who have been living under an illegal blockade for 17 years.

Miller, a close confidant of Trudeau who said he supported indigenous rights in Canada, is showing double standards when it comes to the rights of the brutalized indigenous population in Palestine.

Ehab Lotayef
Montreal

My questions to the PQ leader

Would a "separate" Quebec be more French-speaking? Would we have more nurses? Would we have more family doctors? Would we have more teachers? Would there be fewer dropouts? Would young people speak better French? Would the media broadcast more French songs and ditties? Is music in shopping malls, restaurants, shopping places become French rather than American? Would NETFLIX, CRAVE and the others have more French and Quebec films? Will the Internet become more French?

We should start by putting our internal affairs in order, and really safeguarding and promoting the French language and Quebec French culture, imposing the Charter of the French Language at the CEGEP level and allowing access to English-language CEGEPs exclusively to English-speaking CEGEPs to students born to English-speaking parents from Quebec or Canada; As a result, Francophones would only have access to English-language institutions at the university level. This would eliminate the sad results of two levels of CEGEP graduates, those throughout the regions in the Province and those in Montreal, the Eastern Townships and the Outaouais.

Quebec has shaped Canada and since 1867, seven MPs elected in Quebec have become leaders of political parties and "Prime Minister of Canada" - Wilfrid Laurier, Louis St-Laurent, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Brian Mulroney, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, Justin Trudeau. They have influenced the development of this country. The Official Languages Act may not be perfect, but without them, it would never have seen the light of day.

Unfortunately, over the years, the governments of Quebec have not understood the importance of the Canadian Francophonie and the "leadership" role they could and should have played in all of the country's francophone issues: supporting the survival of Laurentian University in Sudbury, supporting the survival of Collège St-Jean in Edmonton, supporting the survival of Ottawa's Montfort Hospital, making the recognition of official bilingualism in our own federal capital Ottawa. Offer its support to the demands of Francophones in New Brunswick. Safeguarding the French language, not only in Quebec but across Canada, has been our business since 1867.

Paul-Gérin Lajoie understood this well. As the first Quebec Ministry of Education minister, he saw Quebec's national and international role in the Canadian and international Francophonie. PGL Dictation remains a simple proof of his impact. But Operation 55, the creation of CEGEPs and the Réseau des Universités du Québec were initiatives aimed at strengthening the status and preservation of Quebec's Francophone community in Canada, America and the world. Montreal was once the second largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris. Quebec must get its act together if it wants to save its francophone existence. Separation is absolutely not necessary for this.

I would add that under the leadership of Jean Charest, starting in 2003, Benoît Pelletier PhD, then Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and of La Francophonie, was able to take after Gérin-Lajoie and re-establish ties with Canada's francophone populations and was able to conclude various interprovincial agreements, including an agreement on health that highlighted the possibility of Quebec's asymmetry within a united Canada. He was also the instigator of the Council of the Federation, which the other Canadian provinces, as well as Quebec, found to be a progressive platform within the Canadian Federation.

Antoine L. Normand

Aylmer

What is happening to Principal, Mr. Boivin?

What is happening to Principal? Where are you, Councillor Boivin? 

You promised great things for Aylmer, but it’s only gone downhill on your watch! All of our prime businesses are closing - Bistro Vitalia, the British, l’Aubergiste, etc. There doesn’t seem to be any strategy to the development of the main commercial artery of our town. We have a daycare and another takeout pizza in key heritage buildings? The lack of planning and long term view is deeply disappointing. I expect our elected officials to do more than this. 

Gillian Moore
Aylmer

Murray: Chelsea violates judge's order

The Municipality of Chelsea has failed to comply with the order issued by Access to Information Commission Judge Martine Riendeau on August 4th. It had until August 25 to provide answers regarding the possible violations of a bylaw and stop-work order pertaining to the illegal enlargement or modification of a structure built on the Meech lakebed.

Under section 162 of Quebec’s Act on access to public documents, every person who violates “an order of the Commission, is guilty of an offence.” As well, under section 164 of the Act, the Commission may “institute penal proceedings for an offence.”

Judge Martine Riendeau’s August 4th order says the following: “By August 25, after reviewing Exhibit D-2, the organization [Chelsea] will submit its observations indicating in particular whether it wishes to cross-examine the applicant again, produce additional evidence or testimony, or whether it considers that it has submitted all its evidence. It should also indicate whether it wishes to submit written arguments.”

Exhibit D-2 contains a report from the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests regarding construction of a house in the Meech Lake fish habitat, as well letters from Chelsea ordering the resident at 776 Meech Lake Road to stop building her house in the water…

The purpose of the judge’s August 4th order was to force Chelsea to explain why it failed to release that information on July 14.

The only possible explanation for violating a judge's order: the Municipality of Chelsea has complete contempt for the letter and spirit of the provincial access to information act, and is wiping its backside with shoreline protection laws and bylaws all around Meech Lake. Would Chelsea violate a judge’s order if it didn’t have to hide some really dirty managerial debauchery and theft of public property in Gatineau Park?

“The applicant, for his part, may submit his comments until September 1, 2023. Following this, the Commission will notify the parties of the action it intends to take,” says the judge's August 4th order.

Jean-Paul Murray,

Gatineau Park Protection Committee Chelsea

Dependence on electricity

Abusive restrictions leading to a morbid dependence on electricity: “You should not put all your eggs in one basket”. My father, an astute farmer, kept his horses for a long time after acquiring a tractor. You never know ... When he sold his horses, he reluctantly bought a second tractor. In case. Likewise, his farm did not have monoculture. It is dangerous to be overly dependent on one source of income.

Having become an urban owner, I unconsciously followed this rule. A heating problem that continues (mechanical breakdown, power outage) is serious. The oil boiler was combined with a wood stove. Oil was replaced by dual energy (natural gas boiler with electric element, stove, fireplace and gas water heater). This made it possible to produce heat without electricity if necessary. Camping equipment remaining at hand, enough to survive independently, so as not to seek refuge elsewhere during an ice storm or a tornado.

You will understand that I feel a certain unease about the evolution of contemporary society. Through standards and decrees we are making me totally dependent on a single source of energy. The ancient wisdom has become a defect. Combustion engines are doomed to disappear in the short term. Wood? It pollutes terribly. The natural gas whose merits were praised? Source of GHGs and worse, it poisons your kitchen. Prohibited for cooking in new constructions. What remains? Electricity, but use sparingly. With parsimony because by eliminating all alternatives, from authority or in the name of the new environmental religion, electricity takes on disproportionate importance.

And as these new policies create exponential demand, production will have to be doubled. There you go, the trap is closed. In recent days MM. Legault, Fitzgibbons and Sabia tell us without laughing that prices will have to increase. It is the art of sabotaging our heritage. (Translation)

G. Laurin
Aylmer

Some politicians don't want to engage with you

I am writing to express my profound disappointment about the apparent reluctance of our city politicians to engage with the very citizens they were elected to represent. It was with great dismay that I watched Mr. Boivin, Ms. Des Marais, Mr. Duggan, Ms. Kamanyana, Ms. LaCasse-Brunet, Mr. LeClerc, Ms. Miron, Mr. Moran, Ms. Murray, Ms. Norris Parent, and Mr. Sabourin vote against a straightforward program that would allow citizens to purchase trees or park features to celebrate, honor, or remember someone or an event that is important to the family. A simple program to add beauty and improve the quality of our parks, right? If there are flaws in the proposed program, surely the above elected officials can suggest improvements or concrete amendments rather than just reject the program outright.

If the concern in their decision was the potential added burden on Gatineau's administration, perhaps the bureaucracy and paperwork can be reduced for civic activities that improve the quality of life in the city. We have heard from residents' associations and volunteer groups that it takes many levels of bureaucratic decision making and considerable time (e.g. 1 year) to get approval for simple tasks or activities.

The sense of belonging within our city can be greatly improved when citizens are actively engaged, and it is the duty of our elected officials to facilitate their meaningful participation. By opposing this program, these politicians appear shortsighted and out of touch with the sentiments of their voters. I hope the proposed program will be reconsidered by the Council with a more positive outcome in the near future.

M. Wong
Lucerne Nord

Empathy calls for our restraint

A recent letter, to the Bulletin, accused Israel of genocide for harming innocent civilians in its campaign against Hamas. Genocide is the effort to eradicate from the face of the earth a particular nation or ethnic group. Hamas has made clear its intent to exterminate every Jew in Israel; Israel has never expressed any desire to reciprocate in kind.

We refused Jews when they tried to flee Germany before and during WW2. We criticized them, afterwards, for not fighting more aggressively when the Nazis persecuted and eventually imprisoned them. And, now, we accuse them of genocide for wanting to put an end to 75 years of torment, in their native land.

It wasn’t the Jews who decided to regroup where they are now. That was the work of a majority of nations who felt it only fair and moral for people who had suffered through the Holocaust to be, henceforth, sheltered on a small plot of land that had once been theirs. Those nations, in their enthusiasm, may not have sufficiently consulted the people they displaced. But, they did have a right to expect that, with the significant financial help they were providing and goodwill on the part of the newcomers and the displaced, all would learn to work and eventually thrive together. 75 years later, that is still a work much in need of progress.

Had the Allies not bombed Germany into surrender because innocent civilians would be killed who knows how long that war would have lasted and how many more innocent lives would have been lost. We must remember the Holocaust and feel for those who fear a sequel. Jews have probably been the most despised people in the history of mankind. We just love to hate them. But empathy calls for restraint in our comments on what’s going on, lest we stoke further the fires of hatred, violence and that corrosive antisemitism that lies latent in the souls of so many.

Ronald Lefebvre
Aylmer

People and Planet vs Polluters

Thousands of wildfires have burned over 13 million hectares of land across Canada. Unprecedented droughts are destroying farmlands, while Nova Scotians struggle to recover from torrential flooding. Meanwhile, the fossil fuel companies responsible for these crises continue raking in obscene profits.

  Enough is enough. It’s time to stop the fossil fuel industry from making this crisis worse. Time for our government to step in and stop fossil fuel subsidies, prevent these companies from weakening critical climate legislation, and tax Big Oil.  We cannot afford more delays. To tackle the climate emergency, the world needs to rapidly phase out fossil fuels and make polluters pay.  

The global shift to cheaper, more reliable clean energy is accelerating, no matter what Big Oil says. Canada’s choice isn’t between a just transition and no transition. It’s between a just transition and an unjust one.  

Catherine Clysdale

City tax freeze for seniors, please

Such interesting coverage of the city Budget meetings! It is confusing to see our house evaluations skyrocket but hear city councillors fight for a low tax rate increase. I know it is more complex than 1 + 1=2. And I know Champagne is right when he says that services are going up and that costs money, so we might be paying more but we are getting more.

The fact though, is that plenty of home owners are people such as myself on fixed incomes (retired etc). We can’t afford paying a lot more – and if we can’t afford our current homes, we certainly can’t afford to buy or rent a new one (not that I’d want to leave the home and neighbourhood I’ve been in for decades).
There must be a way to help seniors stay in their homes? People like me have contributed for a lifetime to the building of community here. Switching up all the families in my neighbourhood is terrible for community-building.

Although --- I suppose if my community all moved to a rural neighbourhood that we could actually afford, we could possibility spend our last decade or two in an intentional community that is closed off from others. It would be a forced utopia rather than intentional one. Maybe. Sounds pretty terrible for Aylmer, and not what anyone of us wants.

Jenny Lacasse
Aylmer

Surprised by new Remembrance Day ceremony protocol

It was perfect weather and good attendance for the ceremony on Sat. However, I was bit disconcerted at what I witnessed while the 'last' wreaths were being placed (most were laid pre-ceremony). There were a few Scouts waiting in the line to lay their hand-crafted wreaths.

After the 'last' wreath was laid, the Scouts proceeded to go and lay their wreaths, but were stopped. It was then announced that the service was over, and the procession started to exit. From across the Centopath, you could see the disappointment on their faces. They were the only youth group present (except for the Cadets). I went over and asked what happened, and the Leader was told 'There was no time for them to lay their wreaths' (They did lay them after the procession and most left). It was a shame that these youth were snubbed and denied to show their respect during the ceremony.

 Gail Merrikin
Aylmer

Housing evaluations ridiculous

Holy guacamole, I think Gatineau’s housing evaluation agents all live in the rich part of town! Houses in Aylmer are being evaluated at a ridiculously high amount. It is so unrealistic that I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Does the city not realize actual humans live in these houses? And these actual humans are trying to make ends meet with actual money that they earn from actual work?

This isn’t some video game, or some brainstorming modeling projection exercise! This is real life, folks!!!!
Where is the collective suit against the city for damages caused by the stress of this garbage evaluation process? I want to join it. And I want to join the collective request to re-evaluate the whole city’s house rates. What came out recently is not acceptable and officials are counting on the population being either newcomers and not realising they can contest or too stressed out by life to contest. There should be a collective effort, I want in!

Lucile Smith
Aylmer

Please keep an open mind about EFW

I would like thank the residents who have encouraged the MRC Pontiac to pursue the opportunity for an Energy from Waste facility. They know that this possibility has been discussed since 2010 and that we have finally taken a step to develop a business plan. The research is international in scale sourced from Denmark, who are well advanced with waste diversion from landfill. At the same time, we can learn about their success with recycling, composting, reuse and reduction of packaging.

I believe every project deserves a fair chance and for the Pontiac to grow and develop and attract industry we need to keep an open mind. We are now at a preliminary stage. We will see what is recommended, and this information will be shared with everyone. We also will have a good length of time for public education and understanding of the potential project.

It is amazing how many people see themselves as “experts.” The truth is we lack expertise and that is why we are working with global experts who have had thirty-two years of experience. They currently are working on many projects. Two examples include an incinerator in Singapore (to process two million tons of annual waste) and another in Prince Edward Island with only fifty thousand tons annually.

I am concerned about the information flyer being presently circulated by Friends of the Pontiac. This new group spoke at our last Council meeting and provided us with their literature which indicates that they have limited understanding of what we are trying to accomplish. There are statements of danger to health and the environment that are speculation and fear-mongering. Then they ask residents to sign a petition. Their petition on change.org is national not just for the Pontiac. The same negative bias is expressed but the picture used shows billowing black smoke. There are no incinerators in the world today which could operate with emissions like that! I have written to them explaining the errors in their information and I have requested that they change their literature.

Please contact me if you have any concerns. I would be delighted to answer your questions and if I do not have the answers, I will find them for you.

Finally, I ask you to keep an open mind. I believe that we should seize every opportunity we have the chance to explore! Stay tuned!

Jane Toller, Warden
MRC Pontiac

No debate on genocide accusations?

The Bulletin of November first carried a letter in which the author characterized the current Israel/Hamas war as “Israel’s genocide of the people of Gaza”. I thought a few comments were called for and sent them to you. I’ve seen nothing on the subject since. Was I the only one to react? Or did you consider that the views of one Montrealer reflected those of all your readers and that nothing more needed to be said?

Ronald Lefebvre
Aylmer / Gatineau

Editor: Hardly, Mr Lefebvre, we would not take one letter or one commentary to be sufficient comment especially on a subject as contentious as the Israel-Gaza struggle. However, all we can do is provide the space in our newspapers and the sweep of our readership across the Outaouais. We appreciate every letter we receive, each represents a broad section of our region's population. As does yours, and we thank you for your engagement.

Editor

Thank you all for your participation in Remembrance Day

The Royal Canadian Legion Aylmer branch would like to thank all who participated in our Remembrance Day celebrations.

Since 2020, we have adopted the same approach for wreath-laying as that of our National Capital’s ceremony. The pandemic is partly responsible for that approach, as we needed to ensure the health and safety of all and limit the handling of wreaths. Following consultation with our ageing veterans, we were asked to reduce the duration of the ceremony as some of them, whom have every right to participate in the park, find it difficult to be exposed to various challenging weather conditions for hours on end. They have now commented how the new approach is so much better for them.

When people want to sponsor a wreath, they are informed that unless they wish to come and lay their wreath ahead or after the ceremony, a veteran will lay it on their behalf prior to the ceremony. Should we have been advised ahead of time that groups wanted to lay their own wreath, we certainly would have informed them of the procedures in place for the past three years and made arrangements accordingly. We welcome everyone to our ceremony and celebrations!

We take much pride in our Remembrance Day celebration at our Cenotaph. The Aylmer sector of Gatineau holds the largest ceremony in the Outaouais and participation from the military, veterans, cadets and community is always so appreciated.

Again, we thank you all for your participation in our Remembrance Day celebration and we hope to see you all again next year.

Paulette G. Clement, President
Aylmer # 33 Legion

What tech platforms owe newspapers

A new "https://policydialogue.org/publications/working-papers/paying-for-news-what-google-and-meta-owe-us-publishers-draft-working-paper/" working paper estimates that Facebook and Google platforms would owe US news publishers up to $14 billion USD if the Journalism Competitions and Preservation Act (JCPA) were to come into force.

What is most relevant to Canadian publishers, who are currently seeking compensation for news content shared on platforms as described in Bill C-18, us this analysis provides a clear methodology that allows other countries to calculate ‘fair payment’.

The researchers, for example, benchmark their estimates against recent agreements between news outlets and platforms, as well as include analysis from a database of licensing agreements for similar products.

You can read more about the study in "https://www.poynter.org/commentary/2023/google-and-meta-owe-us-news-publishers-about-14-billion-a-year-our-research-estimates/" this article on the Poynter site.

News on News
Toronto

Mexico shows how to build up

It is impressive to see how quickly Mexico's major infrastructure projects have progressed under the current administration. New airports, rail projects, even an airline resurrected… Meanwhile the “superpower” next door seems to have lost the ability to do big infrastructure projects quickly, and it’s not for lack of money. The US is still far richer than Mexico.

Americans have lost their way because we came to believe that the government is the problem (thanks Reagan). We’ve defunded and kneecapped our own government through tax cuts (overwhelmingly for the rich), making it a truism that “government can’t do it.” Step 1: Cut taxes, with the argument that “government is the problem”, thus: Step 2: Defund government institutions, leaving them toothless through austerity and deregulation; Step 3: go on mass media to claim that “government is the problem and must be cut further.” Rinse and repeat.

In the face of the climate emergency, collapsing infrastructure, income and wealth inequality that is at least partially causal for The US' political and social instability… one wonders if the US is up to the multiple challenges it faces. And you can see why a government that can make decisions and quickly achieve goals, as has been the case with the López Obrador administration, is extremely attractive to voters who are beginning to see real benefits in their lives, and are beginning to have hope for themselves, their families and their children.

Mexico is prepared for great things in the coming years!

But process also matters. And this, to me is concerning. That's a different story!

Paul Crist
Minneapolis, Minn. & Aylmer, Qc

Residents Associations: Send your news for free!

Are you a member of a Residents Association within the five districts of Aylmer? Send us up to 150 words per week for your news. If you have upcoming events, if you are recruiting helpers or looking for signatures – use your local newspaper! Send your Residents Association news in before 4 pm every week, any language.

Make sure the news has a signature and contact information as well as the name of the association.

The editor

October Letters

Bus shelters

SO not surprised the city removed bus shelters just before we need them! This is just like the skatepark in Deschênes – same music, different song.

The city takes from the poor and gives to the rich: for the skatepark, our councillor told us the park was removed because it needed to be fixed up. They said it was all too old and dangerous. Guess what? Next thing I read in the paper is that some new neighbourhood gets a new skatepark !!! Deschênes needed that equipment.

And this keeps happening – check it out: the Marina building got torn down and something less useful went up. The new library: they could have planned something bigger and better that added to Old Aylmer’s quaint old world look. Nope! Less space and looks like anywhere else in the world wanting to be cool.

I wish we could, all together, decide that Aylmer want’s good solid stuff that is useful. We need bus shelters. We need park equipment. We need marina space. We need baseball diamonds and bike lanes. We need walking and water access. Can we just stop sending it off to ugly new neighbourhoods that buy online instead of with our locals? (translated)

Pam Ollie

Aylmer

Thank you to the Bulletin Team

It struck me recently that there is something major missing for me with my Instagram feed. I didn’t notice at first what or why. But it’s lacking depth, it is lacking humour, lacking my neighbourhood.

And then it hit me! It’s lacking the Aylmer Bulletin.

I read the Bulletin – it’s in our bathroom or kitchen, we all read it at home. But we’d like it to be daily! And on the phone in a cute way with the goslings and ducks. I mean::: have those goslings grown up and are they off to Florida this week?

Where are those leisurely views of raindrops spilling off a sumac leaf?

I see that it is National Newspaper Week, the articles you have been publishing lately are interesting. Thank you and keep up the great work everyone at the Aylmer Bulletin.

Greta Smith

Aylmer

What is wrong with Aylmer? Is it city council? Is it weird politics?

I still can’t put my finger on what the dysfunction at council is. Think it over: we get a new marina building that is a community centre that belongs to everyone. No one can rent it. It’s been closed so many times I’ve tried using the bathrooms, I mean, what’s wrong with the people running it?

There’s a new restaurant space, we get the same old bar food. Why weren’t there three smaller spaces put in there one next to each other so we could bring some of the world’s spices to the waterfront??

We get a dance site, but the police are always saying it is too loud.

A housing crisis hits, but then we build condos but with no nice exercise paths to the shops nearby (Vanier and des Allumettières area is being over-built by cutting down mature trees and not requiring bike/walking paths along Vanier Rd).

There is a vibrant business community but very few local business activities. There are gorgeous arts spaces and I never see what’s happing in them.

I’ve been living my life in Aylmer, strolling around Old Aylmer when I need groceries or other things. My kids walk to school. We live and love our town. I just wonder why so much control of it is left to somewhere far away.

Josh Vanderling

Aylmer

STO bus service

Hello, I read the article about terrible bus service in Aylmer (September 20, 2023). Yesterday after school I heard of several youngsters waiting for over 45 minutes in the hot sun after school for their STO bus into Aylmer. None came. Two buses on the schedule were just no-shows. This was so stressful and backwards. And why does it take an hour and a half to go to Heritage CEGEP from Aylmer? The drive is 20 minutes. These are students, future users of the transit system?

When will the STO switch to mini-buses to go more frequently?

Jenn Levesque
Aylmer

Pierre Poilievre: take a stand for trans safety

The Conservative party passed two motions at their convention attacking the rights of the queer and trans community. The first motion would prevent trans youth from accessing gender-affirming care, and the second would prevent trans women from accessing key public services. These motions, if passed into law, make life "less safe" for queer and trans people.  

Providing gender-affirming care to trans and gender-diverse youth is linked to better mental health outcomes and overall well-being. From personal experience with a family member, I know that Gender-affirming care literally saves lives.   Queer and trans people deserve to exist in spaces that correspond with their gender.

Taking that option away does nothing but make life less safe for people already facing daily discrimination.  

The majority of Canadians want to see action on the cost-of-living crisis and climate change. These hateful policies exclude marginalized communities and distract from the real issues impacting Canadians.

 Lyndee Wolf

 Ottawa (rural)

43 conservation volunteers!

On September 16, conservation volunteers from the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) helped clean up the shores of beautiful Kettle Island, the third-largest island in Quebec's Ottawa River.

Forty-three volunteers pitched in, removing an impressive amount of trash from its shores. To give you an idea of the scale of their effort, they managed to fill a Cold War landing craft belonging to the naval league!

This volunteer activity was organised with the financial assistance of the Ministère de l'Environnement , through the Projet de partenariat pour les milieux naturels. The Ottawa Riverkeeper - Garde-rivière des Outaouais and the Navy League of Canada, Outaouais Branch, were essential partners in the clean-up activity.

We believe this initiative deserves to be shared with the public. The commitment of these volunteers to conserving our local environment is remarkable and deserves to be celebrated.

Ania Wurster, Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)
Ottawa

Can we trust city political parties?

What is even happening at city council? Discussing political parties, the councillors who are part of it don't declaret t hat they are, and those who are planning a new party even while they say they don’t believe in parties?

I wish the Aylmer Bulletin could be published every day so we could all get solid information, daily. Is it true that political parties get hundreds of thousands of dollars from the province to run their operation? And that individual councillors get virtually nothing? How is this fair?

What is especially confusing to me is that the political party councillors seem all very smart people. I want to trust that they are doing good – but then I pop into a council meeting online and hear wild decisions, like not approving air conditioners for seniors housing (Seto Street) because it is ugly – yet the very same design is approved for across the street (with the ‘ugly’ air conditioning units). What is going on??? Aylmer Bulletin, can you please find out and explain it?

And what happened with the big housing project along the planned light rail? It got rejected by the same people pushing for the light rail – which will only get funded if there are enough residents using it (meaning a housing project should go in along the route).

Scratching my head here, wondering when Aylmer will wake up and separate from Gatineau,

Lorraine Pratt
Aylmer

Caravan to CAQ ministers’ offices, opposing Bill 31

One day after the end of the parliamentary commission, housing committees and tenants will take the road as part of a car caravan to oppose Bill 31. The caravan will cross the north shore and visit the offices of CAQ ministers, notably Éric Girard, Pierre Fitzgibbon and François Legault.

The action is taking place as pressure mounts on the Legault government surrounding Bill 31, which aims to take away tenants’ right to lease transfer- one of the few existing means for tenants to keep rents affordable and to circumvent housing discrimination. Should the bill pass, it would also normalize evictions in a context where rents and evictions are skyrocketing. A report released last week found that homelessness in Québec has nearly doubled since 2018--- with evictions emerging as the most frequent cause.

Tenants and housing committees will be demand that the CAQ backtrack on Bill 31 and instead, a rent freeze, plus measures to stop evictions, and a massive reinvestment in social housing.

Amy Darwish, Comité d’action de Parc-Extension
Montréal

Kids everywhere need our support

One in four children live in places affected by conflict and disaster, many displaced from their homes, living in refugee camps. Over 500,000,000 children have no access to the fundamental rights many of us take for granted, like access to quality education, health, nutrition, and safety from violence. Climate change and conflicts dragging on for decades mean, without action, limited options for many.

Canada, please renew and maintain investment in quality education by committing $500,000,000 over five years at the Global Refugee Forum in December to restore access to quality education for the most marginalized learners. It would fulfill Canada’s commitment to invest new resources to support access to education for girls, refugees, internally displaced children, and those living with disabilities or in emergencies.

Canada, please ...

Marnie Shaw
Calgary, Alb

Canada wants Digital Nomads, too

Though many digital nomads will find it easy to obtain the necessary documentation to travel to Canada as a visitor, there are some long-term considerations to consider.

Most visitors are only allowed to remain in Canada for up to six months. As visitors, digital nomads do not have any medical coverage, nor any ability to obtain local identification documents such as a driver’s licence, which might make it difficult to open accounts.

Finally, though the government expects that many digital nomads will find work in Canada and eventually apply to change over to worker status and even permanent resident status, many will find it difficult to navigate the steps needed to change their immigration status and to do it in a timely manner.

Canada’s latest policy to attract digital nomads represents an alignment between Canadian immigration policy and the rapidly changing landscape of global work culture. However, IRCC must remain flexible and innovative to achieve the goal of not just attracting but also keeping these workers in Canada.

As an immigration lawyer, I regularly advise clients who have come to Canada on a temporary basis and who wish to remain on a permanent basis. Digital nomads who wish to obtain Canadian permanent residency will face many of the same challenges that other temporary entrants have faced in the past, including confusion when navigating the IRCC website and understanding the eligibility criteria and timing surrounding applications to successfully extend and transition their immigration status in Canada.

Digital nomads should be excited to work in Canada, but they must exercise due diligence regarding our immigration laws, even before arriving. Those even remotely interested in permanent residency should seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity to ensure a smooth stay in Canada.

(This letter has been editted to fit our Letters space)

Victor Ing, lawyer.

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre

Tell Modi Canada Is safe

The government of India has declared that Canada is not a safe place for Indians. This is not true!   On the contrary, we, members of the Indian diaspora in Canada are very concerned about the safety of minorities in India and South Asia – Muslims, Dalits, Christians, Adivasis/Indigenous, Sikhs, and human rights defenders, who suffer violence, persecution and death at the hands of the state, or with state complicity and silence.

India is on the world's genocide watch list.

We are community organizations and individuals who have lived and worked together for decades in harmony in Montreal, irrespective of our individual religious affiliations and backgrounds. What unites us together is our commitment to justice and democracy, our work for equality, our work against racism, for gender justice, for rights for workers and migrants and status for all migrants. If there are issues of safety, they come from being racialized, not because we're Indian.  

We Indian and South Asian communities and allies stand together to strongly denounce and oppose this fallacious fear-mongering and politics of hate. And we link our arms in solidarity with each other.

 CERAS (Centre sur l’asie du sud)  IWC (Immigrant Workers’ Centre)  SAWCC (South Asian Women’s Community Centre)  And others

A tardy response to Greta Smith re: Bulletin’s Instagram

Thank you for your kind words about the Aylmer Bulletin and for your reminiscences on the Bulletin’s Instagram videos. While Meta is blocking our accounts on Facebook and Instagram, we have moved over to YouTube to post videos, and to Threads to share articles. The Dogs of Aylmer series features prominently and frequently on the YouTube channel.

Additionally, our articles and the complete PDF version of the newspaper are uploaded weekly on www.bulletinaylmer.com. We hope to reconnect with you on these platforms and, eventually, back on Instagram and

Facebook.  

Find us at: www.youtube.com/@bulletinaylmer and on Threads: @bulletinaylmer

Alana Repstock (the person behind the camera)
Aylmer

A government which aims to limit education?

The Canadian Party of Quebec (CaPQ) denounces the Government of Quebec’s plan to again target English-language post-secondary education by targeting fellow Canadian students from other provinces.

The CaPQ demands the Government of Quebec, and implores all other provincial political parties, to: a) not penalize English-language educational institutions any longer; b) incentivize educated newcomers coming to Quebec; c) introduce measures to retain students after their studies; and, d) invest in French-language post-secondary education, not create disincentives for other linguistic groups.

“This shameful move targets people who Quebec society needs the most: highly educated newcomers who spend, live and often stay after their studies. The CAQ Government is literally proposing to throw away billions of dollars that these individuals inject into the economy,” said Colin Standish, CaPQ Leader.

“Bishop’s University, in Sherbrooke / Lennoxville in the Eastern Townships, risks losing up to 30 percent of their student body. This unique liberal arts institution attracts Quebecers of all backgrounds, from around Canada and the world. Why put at risk such an institution that contributes to the economic strength and linguistic diversity of all Quebecers?,” said Liz Campbell, CaPQ President.

“The CaPQ resolutely believes in freedom of educational choice. The Party firmly believes that everyone in Quebec, regardless of mother tongue or origin, has the inalienable right to educational choice from daycare to CEGEP and university studies,” Jonathan Gray, CaPQ Education critic and former candidate.

Colin Standish, Canadian Party of Quebec
Montréal

Poppy time!

It is that time of year where “Poppies” will be available for distribution throughout our community for 10 days. Given the current situation across the world, it is important to remember those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.

We are so very much privileged to live in peace here. Thank you to our military and to our fallen comrades for their sacrifices.

The pandemic has also taken its toll on some of our veterans. The ever-increasing cost of living has forced many of them to come to us for help. The monies we raise with our Poppy Campaign is exactly for that purpose, nothing else. The legion does not use any of that money for anything else but veteran and military support.

I know I can count on our community support again this year. Donate for a poppy, sponsor a wreath, attend our November 11th Ceremony and reception.

We welcome you. We thank you.

Paulette G. Clement, President, Royal Canadian Legion
Branch # 33 Aylmer

Reply to Robert Thompsett re

I understand Mr Thompsett may have been trying to be funny with his letter but I am regularly able to buy butter in Aylmer for $4.99lb -- this week's publi-sac has some, in fact. Also the PM has not lived at 24 Sussex since he was a child.

Wouldn't want facts to get in the way of a right wing rant, I guess.

Bob McDougall
Aylmer

Reply to Robert Thompsett

I have seldom read such nonsense in all my life.

First, butter was on sale for $4.44 this week and is often on sale. But, hey, let’s change government because he does not like the price of butter.

The prices of dairy products in Canada are high because they are protected from from competition which many people have complained about for ages, but Harper did nothing to change this while he was in power and the Conservatives just now voted to continue with this policy last week.

Inflation is lower in Canada then in a great deal of the world, and the whole world has seen prices increasing significantly since, and because, of Covid. I imagine the writer blames Trudeau for the bad weather we are having, too.

Robert Tremblay.
Aylmer

September Letters

Bothsidesism is killing us

Our information ecosystem has become a massive false-balance machine. Fringe positions that have already been studied and shown to be wrong are legitimized, given a huge profile and presented as reasonable and respectable alternatives to the existing body of evidence.

False balance – also known as bothsidesism – occurs when opposing views are represented as being more equally valid than the evidence suggests. At its core, false balance is the misrepresentation of the scientific consensus. And it has become a significant issue.

It is happening with debates on the causes of climate change, the safety of GMOs, the effectiveness of unproven therapies, the value of transgender care, abortion and, of course, the benefits and risks of vaccines.

While the issue of false balance is usually linked to how journalists represent topics, false balance is increasingly driven by social media echo chambers, the fragmentation of the news media and the ideologically motivated embrace of fringe ideas. Too often this has allowed a small cohort of vocal contrarians to have an outsized impact on public policy and public perceptions.

Timothy Caulfield
Cyberspace

Monument for Aylmer’s First Mayor

John Egan, elected to Aylmer’s first council in 1847, and chosen to serve as Mayor, will be remembered on Saturday, September 9 at 11 am at the unveiling of a memorial granite bench to honour a remarkable pioneer. The ceremony will take place at 161 rue Principale, Gatineau (Aylmer) in the grounds of Chartwell Monastère Aylmer, close to Egan’s former home, the mansion Mount Pleasant, (now a Montessori school).

Egan descendants will be at the unveiling together with dignitaries and local businesses who have sponsored the bench. John Egan was a native of Ireland, and Ireland’s Ambassador to Canada, Dr. Eamonn McKee, will speak of his interest in John Egan`s legacy. The public is invited to the ceremony.

The event marks the culmination of the year-long activities of Aylmer Heritage Association to mark the 175th anniversary of Aylmer’s incorporation as a village, separate from Hull Township, in 1847.

Lumber baron, Member of Parliament and entrepreneur, John Egan’s part in the development of the steamboat service made Aylmer a thriving regional transportation centre in the mid-19th century; it is fitting that John Egan’s legacy as a nation-builder will continue to be remembered.

No rain date. People are encouraged to bring umbrellas, if needed.

Parking is available at St. Mark`s Catholic Church, 160 rue Principale, Aylmer.

Aylmer Heritage Association
Gatineau / Aylmer

Conservationists needed for Kettle Island clean-up

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is seeking volunteers who want to get involved in the protection of natural areas in the Outaouais. The not-for-profit conservation organization invites citizens to a clean-up on Saturday, September 16th, 2023.

Conservation Volunteers are needed to help protect habitat on Kettle Island by helping clean up its banks. Picking up trash along its shores and volunteers with a boat are also needed to help transport volunteers to the island and to help bring back waste.

Kettle Island is the third-largest island in the Ottawa River, after Île aux Allumettes and Grand-Calumet. Almost entirely covered by moist forest, the island is home to a silver maple grove as well as stands of basswood and hackberry, a species likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable in Quebec. There are also several swamp areas, which are preferred habitat for species such as northern watersnake, map turtle and butternut tree. This island acquisition for protected area purposes has been funded through the private stewardship assistance programs of the Gouvernement du Québec.

Saturday, September 16th from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.with meeting points: he Ottawa Riverkeeper River House and Pointe Duval (southwestern tip of the island) for those with boats

To sign up: Registration deadline: September 13th, 2023. Visit: "http://www.conservationdelanature.ca/"

 Ania Wurster, NCC - Quebec

Gatineau

National Legion Week

Dear fellow citizens,

The Royal Canadian Legion, Aylmer Branch # 33 is proud to let you know that despite the difficult times of the past few years following the pandemic, we are still present in the community helping our veterans, military and our fellow citizens in need.

Our National Dominion Command office has approved the establishment of the first National Legion Week which will take place from September 17th to September 23rd, 2023.

National Legion Week is designed to educate visitors on the good work their local Branch does in their community. It reinforces the important role Branches play in our shared mission to serve and support our Veterans, as well as contribute to the well-being of so many communities. It serves as a vehicle to drive new traffic to Branches, attract new members and sign-up new volunteers.

Keep your eyes open for the next editions of “Aylmer Bulletin” for a schedule of our activities.

We are looking forward to meeting you.

Paulette G. Clement
President, Aylmer Legion # 33

International Overdose Awareness Week

It’s International Overdose Awareness Week, with a father of a teen who died by fentanyl poisoning willing to comment On this day of awareness, the grieving father has life-saving advice for parents and teens as we head into the new school year

In 2021, fentanyl and fentanyl analogs were identified in over 77% of adolescent overdose deaths. Sammy Chapman, the 16-year-old son of Dr. Laura Berman and Sam Chapman, was one of those teens. Sammy died in the family’s home after taking a pill laced with fentanyl.

“Nationwide, fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 45. Over 300 people die every day in the US from fentanyl poisoning,” says Sam Chapman, who has become an activist in the fight against fentanyl and overdose deaths.

“My motivation is to save lives,” Chapman told the media.. “I wake up every day since my son died, devoting myself to warning other parents about this.” He says parents and educators can spot the signs of an overdose and stop it before it is too late, and lawmakers can help in the fight against fentanyl. The latest tools for overdose reversal should be in parents' medicine cabinets.

Sam Chapman and his wife Dr. Laura Berman will be in the media -- watch for them!

Bridget Sharkey
Toronto

Inclusion at a cost at PWHS

This is a warning to future graduates of Philemon Wright High School: pay to rent your graduation gown, even if you will not be attending your graduation ceremony. We experienced exclusion from Philemon Wright High School firsthand this year as our daughter could not attend her graduation ceremony due to her commitment to her sport and to a Quebec sports championship being held in Montreal the week of the graduation ceremony. Our daughter was excluded from the list of 2022-2023 graduates because she did not pay for a graduation gown. The list had the title, “2022-2023 Graduates”. It did not have the title, “2022-2023 Graduates Attending the Ceremony”. Our daughter was also excluded from seeing the notation of Career Principal’s List beside her name when she was one of only a handful of the graduates listed earning that distinction. The principal’s response was that, “The graduation program is created to reflect the graduation ceremony. The secretary will create the program with the information she receives from me with respect to the script but them cross references it with the students who bought a gown and confirmed their attendance. This is done in advance so we can photocopy all the programs and prepare.”

Principal Dodie Payne may think she is inclusive, but her actions very much exclude students. Maybe next year the administration at Philemon Wright High School could prepare and photocopy a full potential graduates list and just delete the names of graduates not attending from the administrators’ list as this would be much more inclusive and likely much less time consuming.

Karen Smith
Gatineau

The DGEQ, A Censorship Office?

On May 23, the Parti Québécois unanimously adopted two motions in the National Assembly demanding the total declassification of documents classified secret by the Director General of Elections of Quebec (DGEQ) following the judge's investigation. Grenier and his report on allegations of fraud committed by the Canadian government and the Option-Canada organization in the NO camp. Let us recall for the record that during the 1995 referendum, the NO camp won with only 50.58% and the YES camp received 49.42% support.

During Judge Bernard Grenier's commission of inquiry, whose investigative mandate only related to the illegal actions of the Option-Canada organization, had in his possession more than 40,000 documents directly or indirectly linked to the investigation and had heard more than 90 testimonies relating to the allegations of fraud by the NO camp. The DGEQ at that time, Me Marcel Blanchet, had made the decision to place 4,500 of these documents filed as evidence, under the seal of secrecy, and this, without time limits!

By Judge Grenier's own admission in his report, the commission of inquiry did not have the constitutional authority to look into the fraudulent actions of other organizations directly linked to the Canadian government in the hidden financing of the NO camp. Despite the fact that everything had been subject to an "order relating to non-disclosure and non-communication and non-dissemination of evidence", it is clear to us that these are important documents which It matters that after 28 years, they are revealed. The culture of secrecy and hiding must end.

In an article published in Le Devoir on August 28 by Caroline Plante of La Presse canadienne in Quebec, the spokesperson for the DGEQ, Ms. Julie St-Arnaud Drolet, declared: “but we are in motion, we are watching all these documents, to sort them out and we intend to collaborate […] in good faith, in compliance with the legal framework…” With all respect for the respect for the DGEQ, we do not accept the the fact that there is a “sorting” and that censorship can be carried out between a document to be revealed and another to be hidden. The motion adopted by all parliamentarians is clear: we must declassify all documents linked to the financing of the NO camp during the 1995 referendum.

We need to know the truth about the actions of the actors at the time for the NO camp. These actors, politicians and business leaders, knowingly violated the referendum law and allowed the perpetration of fraudulent acts which influenced the vote. And this, with complete impunity.

Knowing the truth reflects the importance we attach to the transparency of our democratic institutions, the importance of defending Quebec's international reputation for our democratic values and to prevent these actors from being able to act with impunity during a future meeting. you referendum.

We are of the opinion that once these documents have been declassified, a reflection should begin to improve the next referendum vote in order to avoid the fraud known in 1995. A citizen-voter card? Foreign observers who can testify to the smooth running of this future referendum campaign? Let's be transparent and clear, without censorship. (Translated)

Benoît Roy
Président du Rassemblement pour un Pays Souverain
Saint-Eustache

Residents' associations: Get your news published for free!

Are you a member of a residents' association within the five districts of Aylmer? If you have upcoming events, if you are recruiting helpers or looking for signatures – make use of your local newspaper! Every week, by 4 p.m. on Thursdays, you can send us your association's news in a maximum of 150 words, in any language.

Please make sure to include a signature and contact information as well as the name of the association.

The editor

Call our Liberal MPs

Thank you to everyone who has signed up so far to visit your Liberal MP about supporting a National Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform! The response has been very encouraging!

We know that visiting your MP may not sound easy. Many of you have never visited an MP about electoral reform. Or maybe you are just not sure about talking to a Liberal MP in particular about this topic.

In many ridings we have volunteers, but for the visit to happen, we need a leader (someone to make the appointment and present the material to the MP). If you signed up and haven’t heard back from us, it’s because there is no leader in your area.

Maybe you are considering it, but would like some extra tips and guidance! To walk you through what to do, we are offering a webinar tutorial with Réal Lavergne, President of our Nation Capital Region chapter. Réal will walk you through what to do and what to expect at the meeting with your Liberal MP in a few easy steps. He'll also answer any questions you have!

We can win the upcoming vote on a National Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform - but we need enough Liberal MPs to vote for it! In-person conversations are by far the best means we have to influence MPs. . (An appointment anytime is great).

Your efforts right now can make the difference!

Anita Nickerson, Fair Vote Canada
Ottawa

Hello, my local paper!

Hello, my local paper! I say that because big-money media wants a sports event out of the election, so they won't carry much nuanced analysis or even clean news (clean - without intended consequences). A Conservatives "policy convention", which, they tell us, the party leader can change, any of it at any time.

That party has taken a star member of "Harper's attack dogs" from decades ago and are going to sell him to us as a family man, concened with poor people and with providing housing for everyone. This is the make-over of the century! The Liberals will remind us of all that, show videos of the Attack Dogs at work, and we'll have the Liberals in for another decade! It could be worse! I'll be pleased we are on a slow but straight path into progressive future, a bit slow, but better than a ride into Hades with the Attack Dogs pullaing the sled!

David Black
North Aylmer

Help stop the latest EfW

A last minute MRC-Pontiac council of mayors meeting was set up for August 24, by Warden Jane Toller who is pushing for a garbage incinerator project on our shores of the Ottawa River.

Her plan is to have the mayors vote (without taxpayer support) for a budget to spend X dollars on her business plan which would bring almost 400,000 tons of waste to our shores.

Our eco system is so fragile. The last thing we need is more sewage seeping into the Ottawa river and into the ground.

The Ottawa River was designated a Canadian Heritage site in July, 2016. So how can this proposal even be possible?

This river is the 590 km border between Ontario and Quebec. It is knows as the "original Trans-Canada highway" during the fur and timber eras. Everyone from the proposed site in the Portage-du-Fort area to Montreal should be concerned.

Please help us stop this plan.

Julie Rollwagen
The shores of the Ottawa River, across from the EfW's proposed site

Response to

In response to an Op Ed piece this summer in an English newspaper close to Montreal, titled "Another threat to English education", let me suggest an alternative viewpoint. I am a retired teacher in the Outaouais, in an MRC where the Anglophone population is slightly larger than the Francophone pop -- but despite our marginal population dominance, most of us bite the bait of "the CAQ is a threat to the Anglos". Frankly, living here since 1971, I'd estimate that most of our problems as a population are self-created. First of all, if we are too bone-headed to learn another langauge -- something researchers say will improve our cognitive facilities -- it's hard to take any of our complaints seriously.

Gerald Phillips
Aylmer

Feds to buy ads in Canada, keeping news journalism strong?

The Canadian government has supported journalism for generations. Since the founding of Canada’s first newspaper, the Halifax Gazette, which dates to 1752, government advertising has been an important source of revenue for newspapers. Even prior to Confederation, direct supports, like the former Publications Assistance Program, which subsidized the postal delivery of non-daily newspapers, ensured that Canadians have access to high-quality Canadian news.

Twenty years ago, the federal government spent $110 million on advertising, which was managed by 30 advertising agencies. Print newspapers and magazines accounted for about one-third of federal advertising spending, while internet advertising accounted for less than 1 per cent of the spend.

Last year, the Government of Canada spent a total of $140 million on advertising, involving one Agency of Record for media planning and placement. While the one Agency of Record model is efficient, we are concerned with where scarce ad dollars are being spent.

Last year, just $6 million or five per cent of federal advertising dollars went toward print publications. That is a far cry from the roughly one-third of twenty years ago. For comparison, government spending on Facebook/Instagram ads alone accounted for almost double what is spent on all print advertising combined. And the spending on Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok combined was greater than all print expenditures.

Today, digital advertising accounts for more than 50 per cent of all federal ad spending. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, which is suing Google, the company “pockets on average more than 30 per cent of the advertising dollars that flow through its digital advertising technology products.”

Social media companies operating in Canada do not employ journalists and they are shielded from liability by Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code. They enjoy all the benefits of being a publisher without any of the obligations.

Digital search and social giants have contributed greatly to connecting people, businesses, and communities. Yet, there have been unintended consequences. While they provide the essential plumbing of our digital age, they have not figured out a way to separate the clean drinking water (e.g., fact-based news and information) from the sewage (e.g., fake news).

Trusted news sources provide an important filter that helps Canadians make informed choices. Real journalism, which is based on editorial judgment and rigorous fact-checking, costs real money, which comes from advertising and/or subscription revenue. Canadian news publishers employ real journalists, who adhere to strict editorial standards, and publishers can be held liable for their content. Yet, federal advertising dollars that once helped fund our newsrooms have shifted largely to Big Tech companies that benefit from our content.

The federal government has recognized that the business of journalism is in trouble. It has taken steps to fill news deserts and areas of news poverty through the Local Journalism Initiative. It has also introduced Bill C-18, the Online News Act, which will allow publishers to come together to negotiate fair content licensing agreements with web giants and level the digital playing field.

One of the most powerful tools in any government’s policy toolkit is procurement. Procurement can help governments advance socio economic policy objectives, including job creation, and deliver better outcomes. Indeed, the federal government’s Policy on Social Procurement facilitates and supports the inclusion of socio-economic measures in procurement to support the goal of achieving best value for the Crown and, in turn, for Canadians.

Isn’t it time for the federal government to align its advertising spending with its public policy goal of supporting accountable and trusted sources of information? Isn’t it time to support the home team and keep advertising dollars, which support fact-based, fact-checked civic journalism, in Canada? The consequences of inaction are more misinformation and disinformation, a less informed and engaged citizenry, less robust public discourse, and a loss of community.

Paul Deegan, News Media Canada

Toronto

The DGEQ, A Censorship Office?

Benoît Roy
Président du Rassemblement pour un Pays Souverain
Saint-Eustache

Birds are migrating!

Migration Celebration is happening now! We're spotlighting migratory birds with three free webinars. Check out the recordings of last week's webinars on the Migration Celebration website, and join us this week for our upcoming Q&A! What triggers migration? How do birds navigate, and what challenges do they encounter? Hear us chat about these questions and more with expert ornithologist Dr. Kevin J. McGowan. Submit questions in advance when you register or live during the webinar.

Migration season has always been a perilous time for birds. But with disappearing stopover habitats, more skyscrapers, and stronger storms, the biannual flights for migratory birds are getting riskier. Learn more about what birds face and find out how scientists are working to make migration safer i

Many hawks and raptors migrate, and they can be a spectacle to behold. Look for hawks heading south from their breeding grounds this fall, especially a couple days after a cold front has passed. Hawks depend on thermals and updrafts to help them travel and tend to follow shorelines. If you're truly lucky, you might spot a kettle of thousands of hawks flying together at once.

We hope you're able to enjoy hawks this migration season. Let's celebrate hawk migration with free resources from Cornell.
"https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/staff/robyn-bailey/"

https://dl.allaboutbirds.org/e3t/Ctc/F5+113/bCPV04/VVYNRP4XmnW5W5y1mGY6f_JHdW6wcfC_53yfRyN7vvr0Y3qgyTW7Y8-PT6lZ3lVW5ShXkY8WHDvWW4ZdS1S7pThRbW80kfqv33pS8MW2wgTpx2sKlGBW8pH42G1gNCKFW20MM298ywV1YW6bcJ0B35MRhVW387wCV4PkxPfV1BPtn31mV4VW5j6nrH5KmLLTW2psYHQ8sTcnXW2JxB3F2Jd7QpV_MykV90FmDvW3JLqPh1YSjBbW3tsyrc3tN_N8W5mqV8h74ChlbW7G51jh5KYpJZW7pKSXm1CxdW-VFTS1X37RcXGMX6DnHsFvndN6sSvPrw0B_LW8CNWBr855xmjW6mvlzP69jl2mN1fyBVgvCtqSW2R9gpB6YGZQBW7LLcst3v_wWKf3cK0kb04

Robyn Bailey, Cornell Lab/Bird Academy
Ithaca, NY

There is a class war: the 1% vs all just below

The top 1 percent (USA) owns over half of U.S. corporate stock. America’s owners have opened a new front in their battle against everyone else, declaring war on the class of technocrats who once were their greatest allies.

In Adam Smith’s famed 1776 disquisition on economics, “The Wealth of Nations,” he ponders the behaviour of the “great proprietors” of feudalism. They owned the most valuable property available — i.e., land — and with their income from this property supported a class of attendants and retainers, and, below them, a class of tenants of the land.

But the proprietors gradually lost the taste for this. They eventually wished to consume “the whole surplus produce of their lands … without sharing it either with tenants or retainers. All for ourselves and nothing for other people, seems, in every age of the world, to have been the vile maxim of the masters of mankind.”

In any case, Smith’s perspective was generally correct: both about the way societies can develop three different tiers, and the overall view of the people at the top of them. Their vile maxim — all for ourselves and nothing for other people — seems to be reaching a level of virulence Americans haven’t experienced in living memory.

The above came to me from a site I follow and although it is about the USA, I believe it applies to us and will become an issue in the very near future!

RC Martin
Chelsea/Aylmer

Teachers face shortages, lack of support

The new school year has begun with the news that there is a shortage of teachers across Quebec. While school boards ramp up recruitment strategies it, is heart warming to know that no new teachers will be wearing a hijab. After all, what are priorities for?

Teaching has evolved over the years with greater awareness of student needs regarding their learning and behavioural styles. While the “parent contract” with one’s own kids is in a questionable state, teachers have not been provided the resources they need in the classroom to meet the higher expectations of society. A deteriorating working environment is discouraging new teachers from this most noble career. The CAQ Education Minister has said publicly that his job is more difficult and important than that of teachers—and the slow pace of provincial negotiations is demonstrative of that fact. The government should be bolstering its public service – including teachers and the teaching profession -- not demeaning and destroying it.

Given the turmoil of the recent Covid years, it would be good government policy to bolster the educational sphere, show that teachers are respected, work on the needs of schools. We should expect the government to be doing its best to build a great system, investing in our children and our future.

Carl Hager
Gatineau

Oilsands companies still not reducing emissions

Oilsands companies are on track for their second highest profits in a decade, yet they are making no new investments in reducing emissions. The Pembina Institute’s third update to its “Waiting to Launch” report provides an analysis of efforts by members of oilsands consortium, the Pathways Alliance, to reduce their carbon emissions.  

In the first half of 2023, returns to shareholders remained high, with 75% of all available cashflow returned in the form of share repurchases and increased dividends. Companies made no new investments in reducing emissions. One small piece of good news: emissions did not increase in 2022. However, we need emissions to rapidly decline for the sector to do its fair share in meeting Canada’s climate targets.  

Suncor’s new CEO recently signalled a renewed focus on its core business of producing oil and less on preparing for the energy transition. Suncor joins Shell and BP, which signalled a similar shift earlier this year. Financial reports from oilsands companies show no new investments or actions to reduce emissions in the last six months.  

These trends underscore that federal rules to reduce oil and gas emissions are urgently needed to drive investments in reducing emissions. mailto:laurencem@pembina.org

Laurence Miall , Pembina
Calgary

Caravan to CAQ ministers’ offices, opposing Bill 31

Tenants and housing committees will be demand that the CAQ backtrack on Bill 31 and instead, a rent freeze, plus measures to stop evictions, and a massive reinvestment in social housing.

Amy Darwish, Comité d’action de Parc-Extension
Montréal

There's a class war: the 1% vs the 99%

The above came to me from a site I follow and although it is about the USA, I believe it applies to us and will become an issue in the very near future!

RC Martin
Chelsea/Aylmer

Can we trust city political parties?

Scratching my head here, wondering when Aylmer will wake up and separate from Gatineau,

Lorraine Pratt
Aylmer

Pierre Poilievre: take a stand for trans safety

Queer and trans people deserve to exist in spaces that correspond with their gender. Taking that option away does nothing but make life less safe for people already facing daily discrimination.  

 Lyndee Wolf  

Ottawa (rural)

August Letters

Message to my neighbours

“Since 2020, the richest 1% have captured almost two-thirds of all new wealth — nearly twice as much money as the bottom 99% of the world’s population,” according to a "https://oxfamilibrary.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10546/621477/bp-survival-of-the-richest-160123-summ-en.pdf" report this year by the international anti-poverty and advocacy group Oxfam.

“A tax of up to 5% on the world’s multi-millionaires and billionaires could raise $1.7 trillion a year, enough to lift 2 billion people out of poverty, and fund a global plan to end hunger,” the report said.

Think about that the next time you fly.

R.S. Stetler
Aylmer

Hey, Bikers!

It’s wonderful that bikers and walking people are sharing the NCC Voyageurs Pathway together along our awesome Ottawa river. However, bikers: When you are passing people on foot from behind please do warn us with your voice or with the sound of a bell. We DO NOT hear you coming, especially if you are riding at high speed. It can be quite startling for the walking folks (small kids, too).

It is simply a matter of courtesy but more so a matter of safety, for you and us. And… a smile or a hello, how much do they cost?? Thank you! Ring ring!!

"The walking lady with multiple hats"
Aylmer

Letters to the Editor Guidelines

Letters to the Editor Guidelines:

To make sure your letter is published:
All letters must be signed with a phone number (not published).

Any language is acceptable ... but be clear, civil, and not rude.
All letters are edited for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc, and for length.
Expect your letter to be edited.
No personal attacks, nor promotional pieces for political candidates or parties accepted.

The Editor

Alberta, newest magnifying glass for fake news?

Alberta's Premier Smith "https://globalnews.ca/news/9769528/danielle-smith-facebook-ban-censorship/" tweeted last week that she had been temporarily suspended from posting on Facebook. She claims “big tech and government censorship” are to blame. Meta "https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/danielle-smith-facebook-ban" claimed on Thursday that Premier Smith had not been banned from the platform at all. Neither party itemized her "transgressions" (or none!).

Do such "leaders" even have time to govern? And why do do many people vote for them? It must be because they dislike the opposition a lot!

Ms Smith has also claimed that face masks - and vaccines - do not have what it takes to stops infection or the disease's progress after infection. No facts, no scientists quoted.

Marcel Paquette
Le Plateau (Gatineau)

New intruder in agriculture

I thought your readers might find this interesting-- these intruders are heading your way as the planet heats up!

Researchers have discovered invasive Longhorned ticks here, for the first time. The discovery of the Longhorned tick, which has already caused the loss of millions of dollars in agricultural revenue to livestock producers worldwide, indicates a potential looming problem for all cattle health. This tick species can also potentially transmit a variety of pathogens to humans. There are photos of them on the university's website.

These longhorned ticks have the potential to transmit theileriosis, a disease that kills red blood cells in cattle. Symptoms include weight loss, tiredness, weakness, jaundice and pregnancy loss, which all have economic consequences for cattle ranchers looking to sell their calves. A big part of agriculture everywhere now. As the climate heats up, these pests will spread.

Brian Consiglio

 Missouri U

More money to the Pentagon

A new word has burst into our political world: "weaponization."

There is something ominous in such language, especially since an estimated one-fifth of US households "https://tomdispatch.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6cb39ff0b1f670c349f828c73&id=c0a058dada&e=a78e7077d6" purchased guns, almost 60 million of them (including staggering numbers of "https://tomdispatch.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6cb39ff0b1f670c349f828c73&id=dbb2445baf&e=a78e7077d6" AR-15 semi-automatic rifles), in the pandemic years. But when it comes to the buying of weaponry in a big-time fashion, none of that compares to the record of the Pentagon. To this day, it continues to weaponize our world by sinking staggering numbers of taxpayer dollars into weaponry of every devastating sort (including a "https://tomdispatch.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6cb39ff0b1f670c349f828c73&id=c26297877c&e=a78e7077d6" possible $2 trillion, in the decades to come, for the "modernizing" of the American nuclear arsenal).

When it comes to major purchases of weaponry (and the "investment" of taxpayer dollars in the giant weapons-making corporations that produce them), there simply is no parallel on earth. More than half of the taxpayer dollars that Congress appropriates every year now goes into what passes for "defense" in this country. More than half of that, according to "https://tomdispatch.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6cb39ff0b1f670c349f828c73&id=2b7e92dd63&e=a78e7077d6" the latest report from the invaluable Costs of War Project, goes directly to military contractors. And speaking about weaponization, much of that money lands directly in the pockets of the big five weapons-making corporations -- Lockheed Martin ($39 billion), Boeing ($23 billion), Raytheon ($20.6 billion), General Dynamics ($16.6 billion), and Northrop Grumman ($14.7 billion).

William Hartung and Julia Gledhill, Tom Dispatch
Cyber-space

Zoning: Undesired densification forced upon homeowners

Owners of single homes on Saint-Maurice and du Vieux Rouet streets in Lucerne district are discovering the real impact of the new Urban Plan (the Plan) that the city of Gatineau adopted during the pandemic in 2020.

Thirty years ago, the building of a duplex on Saint-Maurice Street had angered neighbours who requested a zoning change to single dwellings. This request was unanimously supported by the Aylmer City Council at the time. But the new Plan widens the zone to now include duplexes, semi-detached and townhouses of two to four floors that can shelter up to four dwellings (semi-detached and townhouses) or up to six dwellings (isolated building, including single home).

The recent conversion of two single homes on Saint-Maurice Street into multi-dwelling quickly emphasized the inadequacy of the city infrastructure (e.g. traffic, volume of garbage and recycling, parking in the street rendering snow removal difficult in winter and making the streets that have no sidewalk unsafe, etc.). The well-being of living in a quiet neighbourhood is greatly disturbed by the arrival of these new house conversions. The new Plan makes no distinction as to the type of building across the entire zone. Any single homeowner can now find themselves the neighbour of a duplex, triplex, or multi-dwelling unit. Future owners who think they are buying a single-family home to avoid congested neighbourhoods should think again. The city can and has made changes regardless of how long the neighbourhood has been classified as single family. Basically, no one is safe. What the city did with its new Plan affects the St-Maurice and du Vieux Rouet, but it also affects where any Gatineau citizen live, whether they know it or not.

Last November, a request on behalf of the owners (to date, more than 80% of the owners have signed a supportive petition) was submitted for a change to the zoning of the two streets. An analysis of the request was performed by the urban planning and sustainable development department (SUDD). It will recommend to the urbanism consultative committee (CCU) to reject the demand in order to maintain the objective of the Plan for greater densification. Considering the great majority of homeowners rejecting the concept of promoting multi-dwelling units in single home housing projects, a massive citizens’ engagement will be necessary to counter this insane approach.

The request and the recommendation of the SUDD will be debated by the CCU at its meeting of August 28th to be held for final adoption in the Mont-Bleu room of the Maison du citoyen (starting at 17h30). The decision of the CCU should then be presented to the City Council at its meeting of September 19th being held at the Maison de la culture (starting at 19h00). Any citizen can attend and ask to intervene at both meetings. Owners of Saint-Maurice and du Vieux Rouet streets are getting involved in alerting homeowners on nearby streets that this unfortunate situation could easily spread to the entire zone.

Richard Doyle
Resident of Saint-Maurice Street

Thank you to the staff at the Hôpital de Hull

A severe medical condition this week required me to be admitted into the emergency ward of the Hôpital de Hull. I wish to express my most sincere gratitude and my most sincere thanks to all members of the hospital staff with whom I came into contact during my stay. Their concern, professionalism & expertise will not be forgotten.

I furthermore wish to acknowledge the consistent organization, care & admirable work I observed during my two-day stay performed by the staff of the hospital toward me and my fellow patients. I found this remarkable. I express my sincerest gratitude and my deepest admiration to the staff of the Hôpital de Hull.

Stephen Lloyd
Gatineau (Aylmer Sector)

Reply to the “Walking Lady”

I know the NCC strongly suggest to walk on the right, but after cycling (and walking) for the past 15 years on the bike path I totally disagree. I need to know what is coming behind me. 

Maybe walk against the “traffic” like we do on the roads would be beneficial for walking folks on the BIKE path. Then you could see cyclists coming 30 seconds in advance, and it wouldn’t startle walkers. 

While on the subject here’s one, walkers with dogs on the bike path. Have your dog walk on your right for everybody’s safety. "It’s a bike path not a dog park.”

 Bob Rousselle
Aylmer

Editorial misguided

Barrett's editorial recommendations regarding Hydro Quebec are unclear and misguided. He indicates that "our homes won't freeze during the next mid-winter ice storm" if people use natural gas to heat their homes. However even gas furnaces use electricity in order to run.

We have been besieged by severe weather. High wind storms are the tip of the climate change phenomenon and are the bane of electricity by overhead wires.

Quebecers love the trees that surround them, but they require maintenance. Hydro Quebec is not a tree grooming service. Clearly there is responsibility on both sides of the coin to ensure consistent delivery of electrical power.

Hydro Quebec rates are among the best in North America, and its delivery of electrical power is top notch. If Barrett wants to post phone numbers for people to get better service I'd suggest showing the phone number for the head of CISSSO, the manager of the roads department of the city of Gatineau, and the CEO of all the major food companies.

Carl Hager
Aylmer, Gatineau

Shut down fossil fuels!

Record breaking extreme heat is hitting people worldwide. It’s almost a given that 2023 will go down as the hottest year on record. I’m scared to check the news to learn about the latest devastating disaster.  

We are in this crisis because of the fossil fuel industry. For these companies have profited off climate destruction. And even this year, as people suffered, Big Oil reported obscene profits.  

It’s time to shut down the fossil fuel industry. We have the solutions we need to build a just, livable world for all. Now, what’s needed is courage from our political leaders,  

Here’s how our politicians can act on climate:

 1. Cut all public funding for fossil fuels  

2. Kick Big Oil out from our halls of power  

3. Make polluters pay for a just transition to a 100% clean energy future  

Sarah Ciliberto
Cyber-space

Trusting Quebec Hydro

I agree fully with Ian Barrett's recent editorial about the need for better tree maintenance to help minimize electric power outages. More violent storms that bring down branches, leaves and trees causing power outages, as well as flooding due to sewers being blocked, are happening everywhere more and more frequently.

The recent severe storm caused us to be without electricity for two full days. That was followed by another outage a week later due again to tree problems.

Hydro Quebec, and other levels of government, should factor in funding to assure more tree maintenance, now. This will cost a lot and have to be paid for with higher taxes. It is a cost worth investing in for all of us.

Mr. Barrett suggests that people may be reluctant to move from natural gas furnaces to electric ones to avoid the problems and inconvenience of electricity outages. Unfortunately most natural gas furnaces have electrical components that result in them being out during electric power outages. For environmental reasons we switched from a natural gas furnace to a forced air electric furnace this past winter and are surprised with our improved heating efficiency and the cost.

Bob McRae
Aylmer

If you think MPs do little ....

When I read the following agenda for the House of Commons, I thought this info should go into our local paper. Many people have little good to say about the work of MPs and about their work habits (ie they are off now of until mid-September). I ask my neighbours, read this list, and tell us if you still think a politician's life is easy!

- Bill C-33, the Strengthening the Port System and Railway Safety in Canada Act, second reading. : "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-33"

-"Bill C-35, the Canada Early Learning and Childcare Act, third reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-35"

- Bill C-244, Amending the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair), third reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-244"

- Bill C-252, Amending the Food and Drugs Act (prohibition of food and beverage marketing directed at children), third reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-252"

- Bill C-26, cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act, and others, in committee: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-26"

- Bill C-40, amending the Criminal Code, second reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-40"

- Bill S-8, amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, report stage: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/s-8"

- Bill C-18, on online communications platforms; the House of Commons is considering Senate amendments:

"https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-18"

-------- Committee Updates

- CIIT dicusses Canadian mining firms abroad today: "https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/CIIT/meeting-72/notice"

- CIMM discusses an exploitation scheme targeting some international students: "https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/CACN/meeting-22/notice"

- CACN discussing Canada-People’s Republic of China Relations: "https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/CACN/meeting-22/notice"

- ENVI discussing clean technologies in Canada: "https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/ENVI/meeting-72/notice"

- FINA pre-budget consultations in advance of the 2024 Budget: "https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/FINA/meeting-98/notice"

------ In the Senate

- Bill C-13, amending the Official Languages Act, third reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-13"

- Bill C-47, Budget Implementation Act, third reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-47"

------ Committee Updates

- RIDR issues relating to human rights generally: "https://sencanada.ca/en/committees/RIDR/noticeofmeeting/612520/44-1"

- AOVS will report on the Senate’s internal and external audits, etc: "https://sencanada.ca/en/committees/AOVS/noticeofmeeting/611995/44-1"

------ ICYMI

- Ministers Wilkinson and O’Regan "https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/feds-sustainable-jobs-alberta-1.6877493" tabled the government’s Sustainable Jobs Bill -- planning for jobs in the energy sector alongside the green transition. (Premier Smith claimed that this plan is a threat to Alberta’s oil and gas industry.)

- The Supreme Court "https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/16/supreme-court-to-rule-on-constitutionality-of-safe-third-country-agreement-2/" ruled unanimously that the "Safe Third Country Agreement" is constitutional. The pact with the USA (2004), seeks to control the flow of asylum seekers across the shared border.

- Prime Minister Trudeau and deputy Freeland "https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-ukraine-visit-counteroffensive-russia-1.6871411" visited Kyiv, Ukraine, last weekend. The PM met with President Zelenskyy to reaffirm Canada’s support, and announced new measures and investments to support Ukraine, including $500 million more in military assistance.

- Prime Minister Trudeau "https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/readouts/2023/06/07/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-speaks-president-united-states-america-joe" spoke with President Biden to discuss the current wildfires and their impact on air quality.

If so, please write in: are MPs (and MLAs) just on the gravy train?

Ronald Sears
Aylmer

Make Polluters Pay

This summer, millions of people across Canada have faced the dire impacts of climate change: forest fires, flash floods, unbreathable air, and more. This chaos is not natural or inevitable, and it isn’t going to stop unless we change course.

While the country burns, the federal government is giving our money to Big Oil to enable them to torch our planet for profit. The only way out of this crisis is to break from fossil fuels once and for all: stop fossil fuel subsidies, prohibit fossil fuel expansion, and tax fossil fuel profits!  

Instead of betting our futures on unproven false solutions, the government must invest in a renewable energy grid that can provide clean, affordable, and resilient power to communities across the country. We can afford this if we make polluters pay.  

J. Brown
Aylmer

Response to Carl Hager

Last week, Carl Hager responded to my editorial on Hydro Québec and power outages. I'd said that gas heating will keep our homes warm during multi-day power outages. He responded that gas furnaces need electricity .... Another option is a gas heating stove that either lights on batteries or manually. This served me well during the 4-day black-out during the ice storm in the spring.

He also says that it's not Hydro Québec's responsibility to trim trees around their wires. This is false. The poles and wires, yes, and H-Q is responsible for maintaining them, much as railway companies maintain their tracks.

He's right that hydro rates are cheap, but Hydro Québec still had a net profit of around $4.5 billion last year. They should pump those profits into keeping infrastructure operational. So, yes, we should call them to let them know.

Ian Barrett
Aylmer

School yard along rue Foran

For 30 years I have walked daily along Foran Street with my dog. I am disgusted, and concerned, about the schoolyard side of the street. Foran Street has signs and painted lines for the children to walk safely to schools and playgrounds, but the overgrown weeds/bushes etc. along the schoolyard fence line may be dangerous for our children and also a residential eyesore. Our children must walk through these overgrown weeds to enter the school playground. In this world with ticks and Lyme disease I cannot believe this is left in this state. I don't allow my dog to walk close to the weeds, due to the possibility of ticks.

My grandchildren visited this summer with my son and his wife, all were shocked at the mess around the school yard. The fire hydrants are so overgrown they would be hard to find in the dark. As a concerned "Senior Citizen" I pick up garbage daily on my walks; now I am tempted to bring my lawn mower and cut this grass.

I have always been proud and loved my neighbourhood but I am so disappointed in the school boards and the city that this mess would be allowed to continue. I have photos available.

I look forward to hearing from the school board and city to discuss a solution.

Nancy Stonehouse-Rees
Aylmer

'Natural' gas and Hydro Quebec

The Bulletin's editorialist recently wrote that Hydro Quebec's apparent increase in break downs and black-outs suggests that we should move back to natural gas. What a ridiculous and uncreative proposal! We changed our gas furnace for a heat-exchanger and electric furnace two years ago and have never regretted it an instant. Our gas furnace required hydro to start, regulate itself, and then operate fans, etc. What we have is a small generator in our garage. We have used it twice in two years, and briefly. Lifesaver: we also have a wood furnace, old enough to strain the rules, for sure. We've used this twice each winter. We've had our neighbours in for a meal and warm-up several times -- they have gas (and oil) furnaces.

He also objects that Hydro Quebec makes a handsome profit for this service. Yes! ... few incentives work this well, but those "profits" do not go into foreign bank accounts, they stay here in Quebec -- and mean constant upgrades to our system. That's no small job in a region the size of our province.

So I object to his proposals, first, because they are not entirely true, electricity seems always required. Second, because this is giving-in to the spurious arguments of the petroleum industry, as their messaging filters down to our neighbourhood levels. No, we don't -- and shouldn't --want to keep using the very material and products which have caused exactly the horrible state our planet (and our future) faces.

Ronald Chan
Aylmer

Home and School Assoc supports Bill 40 judgement

The Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations' board supports the Judgment on Bill 40 delivered August 2nd, 2023, by a Justice of the Superior Court of Québec. The decision to endorse the Bill 40 Judgment was made August 12, 2023.

Bill 40, An Act to amend mainly the Education Act with regard to school organization and governance, had been passed by the National Assembly, received assent, and came into effect, with some exceptions, on February 8th, 2020.

The Board thanks Justice Lussier for providing a detailed history of the jurisprudence relating to minority language education rights in Québec and Canada. His decision will have a great impact not only on English-speaking Quebecers but also on French-speaking Canadians in other provinces and territories.

The QFHSA Board reminds the Minister of Education that the Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations —representing parents from 84 schools across the province—has repeatedly requested to be consulted as a partner in education.

Carol Meindl, QFHSA
Montréal

Pontiac's Energy from waste plan

I attended the Energy from Waste town meeting in Shawville last month as I am following the waste problem. Several people at the meeting objected, and thought the MRC-Pontiac's emphasis should be on reducing waste at its source -- our kitchens and back yards.

That sounds great, win-win, but consider this example. My family just returned from a week's camping in an Ontario government provincial camp grounds. Despite all the recycle/re-use talk, there was only one type of trash container for all campers, "waste". We had been sorting out our food waste to compost -- but where? Take it all back home? Maybe. But shouldn't the province put its money where it's mouth claims to be : compost collection and processing into soil, via separate recyclable waste cans ... we all know the best route, but what will it take for a little spending by the province, any province and all of them!

Jay Anderson
Clarendon

Residents' associations: Get your news published for free!

Please make sure to include a signature and contact information as well as the name of the association.

The editor

Cour d'école rue Foran

Depuis 30 ans, je me promène tous les jours le long de la rue Foran avec mon chien. Je suis dégoûtée et préoccupée par le côté cour d'école de la rue Foran. La rue a des panneaux et des lignes peintes pour que les enfants puissent marcher en toute sécurité vers les écoles et les terrains de jeux, mais les mauvaises herbes, les buissons, etc. qui poussent le long de la clôture de la cour d'école ne sont pas seulement dangereux pour nos enfants, mais aussi une horreur pour les résidents.

Nos enfants doivent marcher à travers ces pour entrer dans la cour de récréation. Dans un monde où les tics et la maladie de Lyme sont omniprésents, je ne peux pas croire que l'on puisse laisser cette situation en l'état.

Je ne permets pas à mon chien de se promener près de toutes ces herbes, etc. en raison de la possibilité de tics. Mes petits-enfants m'ont rendu visite cet été et mon fils et sa femme ont été choqués par le désordre envahissant qui entoure les cours d'école. Les bouches d'incendie sont tellement envahies par les mauvaises herbes qu'il serait difficile de les trouver dans l'obscurité. En tant que "Senior Citizen" concerné, je ramasse quotidiennement les ordures lors de mes promenades, mais je suis très tenté de prendre ma tondeuse et de couper l'herbe!

J'ai toujours été fière de mon quartier et je l'ai toujours aimé, mais à ce stade, je suis déçue que les commissions scolaires et la ville laissent ce gâchis se perpétuer. J'ai pris des photos.

J'espère avoir de vos nouvelles et discuter d'une solution.

Nancy Stonehouse-Rees
Gatineau/Aylmer

Electric school busses: a windfall for Canadian industry

An analysis from the Pembina Institute demonstrates how (we) can capitalize on soaring demand by investing in zero-emission buses. The Institute has released a new report that paints a clear picture of the financial, environmental, and health benefits of electrifying Ontario’s school bus fleets. With global sales of electric buses projected to reach US$3.1 billion by 2030, and a similar growth spurt underway in the North American market, Ontario is presented with a unique opportunity to revive its heavy-duty vehicle sector by investing in the production of electric school buses.

Victoria Foote
Pembina Institute
Ottawa

Keep industry out of our politics

As Canada’s worst wildfire season wreaks havoc on communities from Yellowknife to the Okanagan, I can’t help but think of the injustice of it all.  

As Breach Media recently reported, “Indigenous people account for 5% of the Canadian population but experience 42% of all wildfire-related evacuations.” These are the communities that have done the least to cause the climate emergency yet they are the first to experience the worst of its impacts.  

Meanwhile, oil, coal and gas companies are raking in obscene profits as their business model locks us into decades more of fossil fuel dependence -- which climate scientists warn is incompatible with urgently needed climate action.  

We need justice for climate impacted communities and we need it now. Let’s tax Big Oil to make polluters pay for climate solutions and resilience projects that follow Indigenous leadership and ensure justice for all.

 Shawn Winters,
Ottawa

July Letters

Universal social media, influencers and followers

In reply to Ms. Smith's recent letter about social media use, why aren't we seeing more push-back from the traditional media on these "universalist" claims of social media? There are many big gaps in their claims that "everybody uses social media" -- plus, that they believe what they read there. Bloggers and others claim to have millions of "followers". Do all those people who read them really think of themselves as "followers"? That's a big and a very presumptuous assumption, insulting to me, in fact. I read or listen to many newscasts, for example, but I sure don't think of myself as a "follower" of any of the media corporations or even individual bloggers. Frankly, if they are presenting "false news" (this claim), why should we believe anything they report? It is surprising that some hosts label themselves, "Influencers" -- what vanity!! They "influence" me to go in the opposite direction!

Jonny Vallejo
Aylmer

Sustainable Jobs - a plan to make a plan

The federal government has unveiled its long-promised Sustainable Jobs Act, but the bill had no specifics, no urgency, and no mention of a just transition. With wildfires raging across nearly every province and territory and climate scientists calling for radical action, this inadequate plan to make a plan is simply unacceptable. 

We need the federal government to act with the courage necessary to tackle the climate emergency. We need the federal government to act with the courage necessary to tackle the climate emergency. That’s why we’re working with 350 Canada to invite communities across the country to take action on June 28th and make it impossible for our federal leaders to ignore the urgency of this moment.

Together, we will show up at as many MP offices as possible and demand federal action to:
Stop the fossil fuel industry: no more subsidies, no new projects, and no more industry influence over our politics.

Enact a just transition: urgently shift us to 100 per cent renewables while generating millions of unionized jobs, following Indigenous leadership, and aligning with climate science.

Please help us bring these demands to your MP?

Dylan Penner, Company of Canadians

Ottawa

Alternatives for the Deschênes Rapids

I would like to respond to a few points raised in the anonymous letter (D.R.H.) published in your June 21 issue on the demolition of the remains of the dam at the Deschênes rapids.

DRH affirms that the people who campaign for the preservation of the remains have not evaluated the costs. The Ministère des transports (MTQ) issued the figure of $5 million when they first announced their intention to demolish the remains (2017). Having discussed with an expert in construction in an aquatic environment, we concluded that the cost would be closer to $10 million, minimum. The project would require the construction of two temporary dams upstream and downstream of the remains to allow the river bed to be dewatered and the remains to be removed. Several hundred dump truck trips with fill, and construction of temporary access roads would be required. Given the pace of construction projects these days, temporary dams would be needed strong enough to cope with year-round conditions - ice, spring high water, etc.

The MTQ justifies its initiative to demolish the remains by safety concerns - in 2017 they cited 21 serious incidents between 2005 and 2013 in the remains and 6 mortalities. Following a request for access to information, the Deschênes Residents' Association analyzed the reports of the security services for the years between 2010 and 2015 which showed that only one incident really occurred in the remains, the others being on the Ottawa side. The "fatalities" were mostly disappearances, often based on boats found abandoned. The only confirmed death was of one person in the rapids on the Ottawa side. The results of our analyzes were sent to the MTQ and the city of Gatineau. We have not updated the analysis but residents of the neighborhood know that there have been very few incidents in the remains for several years.

The demolition operations with the construction of the temporary dams would eliminate the nesting colonies of 5 species of waterfowl on Conroy Island, contrary to the Canadian Migratory Birds Act. HRD believes that "nearby small islands" support breeding birds but there are only two islands at Deschênes Rapids, one of which (Conroy Island) supports breeding birds. The demolition work would also have major impacts on the aquatic environment, requiring a complex authorization process under the laws of Quebec and Canada, possibly ending with a refusal of a permit.

If safety were really the concern, several actions could be taken - stabilize the banks (seriously eroded by recent flooding), install fences (there are very few currently), improve signage on the banks and upstream in the river. These actions would cost much less than the demolition of the remains.

As for the ugliness of the remains, HRD is certainly entitled to his opinion. The 1000+ signatories of the petition to the National Assembly for the preservation of the remains would have the opposite opinion.

Leaving aside the well-documented heritage value of the remains, the question of their demolition is one of costs vs. benefits. The costs in taxpayer dollars and environmental impacts would be enormous - the safety benefits would be very small. There are alternative actions that would cost much less. Our roads need more of the funds that would be needed to do the demolition. (TRANSLATED)

Howard Powles
Deschenes

Google responds: Bill C-18 (the Online News Act) is now law

We have informed the Government that when the law takes effect, we unfortunately will remove links to Canadian news from our Search, News and Discover products in Canada, and that C-18 will also make it untenable for us to continue offering our Google News Showcase in Canada. More information about what led to this decision and what happens next can be read on our blog post and FAQ.

Ever since the Government introduced C-18 last year, we have shared our experiences in other countries and been clear that unworkable legislation could lead to changes that affect the availability of news on Google’s products in Canada. We repeatedly offered constructive feedback and recommended solutions that would have made it more workable for both platforms and publishers, unlocking further financial support for Canadian journalism. We advocated for reasonable and balanced amendments to the legislation for over a year. None of our suggestions for changes to C-18 were accepted.

Last week, as the Bill was approaching final passage and Royal Assent, the Government agreed to discuss the possibility of addressing some of the most critical issues, which we welcomed. In that discussion, we asked for clarity on a specific, viable path towards exemption based on our programs to support news and our commercial agreements with publishers, as well as clarity on financial expectations platforms face for simply linking to news. Unfortunately, they have not provided us with sufficient certainty that the regulatory process will be able to resolve structural issues with the legislation.

We’re disappointed it’s come to this, but we believe it’s important to be transparent with Canadian publishers and our users as early as possible.

As for what happens next, we plan to participate in the regulatory process and hope that the Government will be able to outline a viable path forward. In the meantime, we have created a resource to address questions from users and publishers, which we will continue to update as we have more information.

Suzanne Perron, Google Canada

Ottawa

Missing in Action

I'd like to report a missing person. Actually it might be a whole crew.

The Roads Department of the City of Gatineau seems to believe that leaving at least 10 new potholes between Victor-Beaudry and Vraser on Lucerne Boulevard requires much study, research and planning. Filling potholes--even temporarily-- in order to save damage to vehicles seems to be an impossible task for this department.

Perhaps they need new equipment like a GPS to locate the afflicted area.

Telling users of the road that it will be newly paved in 2024 is insufficient..

Maybe the aliens who abducted this crew will teach them new methods in up to date road maintenance. We'd be grateful.

Carl Hager
Aylmer

The Netherlands bans devices in classrooms

Devices including mobile phones will soon be banned from classrooms to stop them from disrupting learning, the Dutch government has announced.

The initiative is being introduced in collaboration with schools and is to take effect at the start of next year. There will be some exceptions, including for students with medical needs or a disability, and for classes focused on digital skills.

The ban is not legally enforceable but may become so in the future.

"Even though mobile phones are intertwined with our lives, they do not belong in the classroom," said the Education Minister.

"Students must be able to concentrate there and be given every opportunity to learn well. We know from scientific research that mobile phones disrupt this."

Various studies have found limiting children's screen time is "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-45651725" to improved cognition and concentration. Other tech including tablets and smartwatches are also included in the Dutch ban.

Kathryn Armstrong
Cyber-space

How to get CBC News' attention? Scream, weep, moan ...

What can we do, having only one news source inside an eco-sphere of fake news, when the commercial sector is truly awful, really a disgrace to an educated people...? We worry about China or Russia or even the Wagner manipulating our news diet, while there's a slow-mo landslide of media manipulation bearing down upon us from below our border? We "investigate" (this means we complain) about foreign influence but refuse --REFUSE!-- to consider that US intervention and funding is far more influential and effective? Will Mr Poilievre tell us he wants an investigation of US intervention and manipulation in our elections? Oh, is he really a comedian?

Manuel Melgoza
Aylmer

What else can we do with radioactive water?

Soon Japan will start to release into the Pacific Ocean water contaminated by the 2011 meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Treatment there has removed 62 of the 64 radioactive elements almost entirely, but "https://nature.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2c6057c528fdc6f73fa196d9d&id=275b729708&e=8bbda66a73" are some unanswered questions about hydrogen-3 (tritium) and carbon-14.

Some scientists claim the risks are negligible. Discharging tritium-contaminated water is part of nuclear power plants’ usual operating procedure, environmental scientist Jim Smith for example. Others are concerned that tritium could concentrate in the food web. “Have the people promoting this going forward demonstrated to our satisfaction that it will be safe for ocean health and human health?” asks marine biologist Robert Richmond. His answer is ‘no’.

Is the Ottawa River any different? It flushes itself out by flowing .... but there is always water there and plenty of residues are caught by, or settle into, all the shoreline vegetation, beach sand, boats and docks, etc etc -- including those of us actually swimming in it. Or using it to bathe, wash dishes, etc.

Will Chalk River's alternative be that they agree to store any leaking water (inevitable) forever? And who would believe that?

Alan Keyes
Ottawa

Google responds: Bill C-18 (the Online News Act) is now law

Ever since the Government introduced C-18 last year, we have shared our experiences in other countries and been clear that unworkable legislation could lead to changes that affect the availability of news on Google’s products in Canada. We repeatedly offered constructive "https://blog.google/intl/en-ca/our-concerns-with-bill-c-18-the-online-news-act/" feedback and recommended "https://blog.google/intl/en-ca/company-news/outreach-initiatives/its-time-to-fix-bill-c-18/" solutions that would have made it more workable for both platforms and publishers, unlocking further financial support for Canadian journalism. We advocated for reasonable and balanced amendments to the legislation for over a year. None of our suggestions for changes to C-18 were accepted.

We’re disappointed it’s come to this, but we believe it’s important to be transparent with Canadian publishers and our users as early as possible.

As for what happens next, we plan to participate in the regulatory process and hope that the Government will be able to outline a viable path forward. In the meantime, we have created a HYPERLINK "http://g.co/newsincanada" \n _blankresource to address questions from users and publishers, which we will continue to update as we have more information.

Suzanne Perron, Google Canada
Ottawa

Residents' associations: Get your news published for free!

Please make sure to include a signature and contact information as well as the name of the association.

The editor

Vanier Road: be bolder, councillors!

A city councillor told me that Gatineau is planning to widen Vanier Road to make space for ‘active transit’ like cyclists and runners. This is great – I read about this in the Aylmer Bulletin a few times over the years. But I’m not sure the city is getting it right.

I’ve lived in Aylmer for decades and love the mature trees along Vanier Road between des Allumettieres and Mountain Road. They absolutely need to be protected. There should be an immediate ban to any tree cutting along there. And this multi-use pathway along Vanier should be inside a new easement on the east side of Vanier – not just a part of this busy street itself! It needs to be away from car traffic, with plenty of green space and amongst the trees. It should be a strip of parkway with benches to rest, shrubs and pathways that go from Mountain Road to the River (where still possible, obviously).

Recently, city councillors voted to ‘pause’ the big 430-unit development where Obsession Auto was. Great. They almost all said they support more housing but that it needs to be put off a few years while infrastructure catches up. It was either brave or stupid. But let’s see some vision for the entirety of Vanier Road. Real vision. I’m not the only one who sees a people-centric green space all along Vanier, away from the asphalt by a meter or two.

Please do it, save those gorgeous trees (and hide the backs of those boring homes), plus put people first in a real way with a green band. Those units on Seto Ave and all up in the new developments are packed with families who need to get out and move around. So, no bike path right on Vanier Rd, put it in a green space from Mountain Rd to the Ottawa River.

Gladys Moore
Aylmer

Potholed streets—part II

Fixing roads and filling potholes seem to be a patchwork effort in Gatineau. Road work is a low priority that causes discomfort and problems for residents.

While the mantra from the mayor and City Hall is "densification" the continuous growth of population doesn't allow the municipality to get a handle on road work. On the quality of roads. On traffic flow.

A few cases in point: the western part of Lucerne Boulevard, Vanier north of Pink, Lionel Emond street in front of the Hull Hospital. The latter particularly egregious given it leads to the front doors of the hospital. New construction of a mega project at Vanier and Allumetieres will increase the headaches commuters must face.

It is one thing to allow developers free rein with construction projects, but the road works department seems to take second seat when it comes to urban planning. The quality of road work in Gatineau scores well below the high standard residents expect and deserve. This is particularly frustrating because there do not appear to be any solutions forthcoming from city engineers.

Carl Hager

Aylmer

Algonquin First Nations

It was interesting to read about the “unceded Algonquin territory” of Chalk River’s nuclear facility that involves only two of the many Algonquin communities crossing both provincial borders. Kebaowek and Kitigan Zibi are federally recognized “Indian reserves” which means, due to “nation-to-nation” relationship building, First Nations expect to be consulted for any federal government initiatives on what has long been deemed crown land. Launching a booklet and testifying in court regarding their joint assessment of the disposal facility (NSDF) may sound good to environmental activists fighting to keep the Ottawa River waterbed free from contamination. But the key interest of those two reserves is driven by “inherent rights”, which means shared revenue. The harsh reality is that Algonquin First Nations have no jurisdiction outside of their own reserves – which their forefathers signed on to. Both reserves are far removed from the Ottawa River and located “upstream” of Chalk River. The Indian Act governs Indian reserves to this day and band council chiefs are political, not traditional, and the most vocal in their fight for their share of the money.

Sab Godin
Gatineau, QC

Today's media news ...

What we have to do...blah, blah...wildfire crisis!...blah, blah ...never be the same again!...garbage out of control!...blah, blah...experts are in conflict!...medical records stolen...blah, blah...the end of an era!...blah, blah...Russia!...China!...blah...more fires or more housing!...last chance for humanity!...blah, blah---baloney!

Resse Russell
Gatineau

Latest on Bill 96 proves Premier lied

The true impact of Bill 96 is now being felt, offering proof of actual lies by Premier Francois Legault. Last year, in the wake of criticism, the CAQ government paid millions in advertising that the legislation “would not affect English-speaking Quebecers.” Premier Legault has repeated this. 

This latest come in the form of a death certificate, issued by Quebec in 2009, but now refused by the same government. Even though the person seeking to use the death certificate in a family legal matter is a so-called “historic anglophone,” the application of the law is as severe as for anyone else. This means it will no longer be possible to register English birth, marriage or death certificates. 

We were the first to sound the alarm of the excesses of Bill 96 in 2021 and were called fearmongers for our detailed critiques. The June 2022 ad campaign said “several falsehoods have circulated” on Bill 96 for Anglophones: English-speakers would have the same constitutional guarantees to justice and access to health care in English. 

This is patently false. People are provided with French-only information and services in health care. This development proves all legal documents must now be in French, which is an imposition on the rights of any English-speaking Quebecer. 

On May 31, the Task Force took the Quebec and Canadian governments to court for failing to protect the rights of English-speaking Quebecers. Cases include a woman suffering from ulcerative colitis who is not a historic Anglophone and so cannot get service in English, the mother of a boy with autism, and a businessman who will no longer be served in English by the Quebec government. The Task Force is creating a platform allowing the public to submit stories how Bill 96 is negatively impacting lives. 

The Task Force on Linguistic Policy/Comité spécial sur la politique linguistique, formed in June of 2021 to fight Bills 96 and C-13, the federal Official Languages Act. It boasts over a thousand subscribers, and depends on donations to support its crowd-funded lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Bill 96. Learn more about them at "https://protegermesdroits.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7a2fb2420a15c27a634558fa9&id=1a4a2b0e41&e=7ec6df3cf5" "https://protegermesdroits.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7a2fb2420a15c27a634558fa9&id=6e2cfddc65&e=7ec6df3cf5" TheTaskForce.ca  

Andrew Caddell, The Task Force on Linguistic Policy
Montréal

Energy From Waste -- here!

The MRC Pontiac, located just upstream from Gatineau-Ottawa has proposed building a regional, bi-provincial Energy From Waste project which will convert our region's waste into electricity. The project is just being studied now. Details are in your sister newspaper, The Pontiac Journal.

Ottawa is running out of landfill space while Gatineau and the Outaouais's use of the La Chute landfill is also limited by the provincial government. With both urban areas requiring landfill and none available (by geography or by government), the Pontiac project seems a brilliant opportunity to deal with our growing waste disposal problem. While high-intensity burning is used in Europe and in several places in Ontario, many people confuse this project with a big fire burning all sorts of materials and then dumping it, via smoke, into our air. And they oppose the project.

The opponents seem to have one alternative: we produce less waste. Good luck with that! We live in the land of conspicuous consumption, every street is lined with piles of waste every week. Commercial advertising promotes buying new stuff, over and over.

While the opponents waste precious time pursuing this dream of "less waste", we are losing an opportunity to deal with our waste and a chance to generate income for this service in a rural area with few jobs. The MRC will sell the electricity it generates. Win-win!

There are many details to be worked out, especially in how to guarantee sufficient volumes of waste to allow the equipment to function -- Europe shows us what not to do: pelletize whole forests to create fuel! Politicians look at our forests and see mountains of pellets. This is not the future we want! But we do need to deal with out growing waste and lack of facilities to deal with it.

We should have our city council embrace this project! We should take this positive initiate and support our neighbours, solving our own big problem, too.

J.M. Stevenson
Aylmer

Federal defence of the Official Language Act?

We wanted to share with you and Mr. Rock (columnist) that our open letter is addressed to our federal Pontiac Member of Parliament, Ms. Sophie Chatel.

We drafted this letter in response to her statements made to local media in early June. In one article entitled "Federal language law amendment good for English and French says Pontiac MP" she states that Bill C-13 "invests in the minority language community..." and further specifies "the investment of $137 million in excess of existing funding to promote minority language education in the Pontiac and across Quebec,".

We felt it vital that she, and the federal government, understand the current educational reality of English-speaking residents of our community (and our unique journey over the last 10-12 years) from the perspective of local, veteran educators, as government contemplates the allocation of said funds prior to the bill completing its third reading in the Senate.  

While education falls squarely under provincial jurisdiction, the protection of minority official language residents' rights to security (education and healthcare) are guaranteed in the Official Language Act of the Charter, and thus, within the purview of the federal government. From preschool programs through to post-secondary Cegep programming (and now access vis a vis transportation to and from) there is much to be considered as an urgent need.

Gillian Patenaude and Concerned Teachers of McDowell School
Shawville, Qc 

Moving to rural life will continue

One in four Canadians want to slow down with a rural move, but people who have moved from rural areas to urban areas say that switch is not always easy; a further 15% are undecided. Canadians who live in urban areas are considering moving to more remote communities with the desire for a slower pace of life cited as their biggest reason, new research shows.

The most popular reason for potentially moving was the desire for a better work life balance. Around half (47%) want to slow down, while 25% say the COVID-19 pandemic has made them reassess their lifestyle and what is important.

Roughly 17% of those questioned said they increasingly don’t like living in an urban environment, while 12% said their possible move came down to a desire to be nearer family and friends. Nearly a third (32%) of those considering a move say they plan to do so within two years, while 12% say any move is more than five years away.

The research is not all good news for people planning to leave urban areas, as highlighted by the 12% of those questioned who had made the reverse move from a more rural remote area to a town or city in the past five years.

The main reason given for the switch from rural to an urban location was work – around 40% said they had made the move to be nearer to jobs, while 31% cited personal reasons. Other motives for moving to urban areas included closer proximity to healthcare and medical services (10%) and 6% saying remote living had become too difficult for them.

Phil Anderson,
Ottawa / London GB

Help protect species & habitats

From August 3rd to 7th, everyone can participate in one of the largest species inventories in Canada. During the fourth NCC Big BioBlitz, together, we will gather important data on observed species' populations and distribution. These data will guide scientists and conservation planning authorities in implementing projects to protect and restore natural habitats.

The concept is simple: photograph plants, birds, insects, and other wonders of wildlife and flora around you, no matter where you are. You can even record audio clips! Whether alone or with your loved ones, go out and explore nature and share your observations.

"https://secure.natureconservancy.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=%2FBioBlitz_2023%2FBB_2023_content&s_locale=en_CA"

You can find all the information to register here : "mailto:ania.wurster@conservationdelanature.ca"

Natureconservancy.ca: "https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/quebec/"

Jensen Edwards and Ania Wurster, Nature Conservancy Canada| Quebec
Montréal

No ads in Meta?

Our federal government (don't know about any of the provinces yet) is suspending its advertising on the platforms because the companies won't pay for the news they grab from real media (including the Bulletin, I imagine?). This seems a mild reaction, since Meta's response looks like the response of a thief caught in the act who pretends he can't see the slightest thing wrong with his grabbing the work of others, paid for by others. But the federal Liberal party itself continues to advertise on these thieving platforms. Hello? Plus, many Liberal MPs are heavily into their "Threads accounts" -- so is this just a fight among thieves and modern gangsters, and not a step to protect living and independent journalism in Canada?

The feds have also said nothing is set in cement yet ... so what's the big deal here? Much of the world is watching Canada's reaction to the platforms' as a daring and self-protective measure. Hard to follow. But even if its only symbolic, it sure is good to see these tech giants face the fact that stealing the work of others is criminal and not in any of our interests.

Misha Collins
Wychwood/Aylmer

June Letters

Alberta's election, a view from Quebec

The election in Alberta may have come as a surprise to many "eastern elites", but it is us easterners who remember when Rene Levesque and the PQ won their first majority government. The sky was falling! Canada's mainstream media ran photos of lines of cars of people and businesses leaving Quebec; CBC interviewed weeping Anglo-Quebecers who were convinced they had lost their homes, history and their futures here. Worse than wildfires! Curiously it was from Alberta that the most maniacal reactions came ... and yet today we have an avowed "separatist" majority government in that very province, a once-province hoping to be a petro-state of is own! Does the world actually turn, or are we Canadians just stuck in reverse gear?

Alberta's new government has at its core the TBA, "Take Back Alberta" organization which is just spoiling for a battle with the feds, especially with anyone named Trudeau. How is it they are so well-financed? And shouldn't we wonder how Mr Polievre sees the TBA, in public, anyway? Both shared a passion for the "Occupy Ottawa" Show, presented by some folks who own or drive tractor-trailer trucks. They are both tip-toeing along the margins of treason, to be frank. And Mr Polievre wants us to vote him as our next Prime Minister? He promises to witch-hunt all the Chinese operatives within the Liberal Party. That worked for McCarthy in the '50s.

Or is this all just the Gong Show revived?

Gerald Gauthier, ret.
Aylmer

No travel in the forest / no fires!

The Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) and the Ministère de la Sécurité publique (MSP) are issuing a preventive notice concerning the risk of forest fires, and are asking the entire population to cooperate in avoiding or restricting forest travel as much as possible over the next few days, due to the extreme flammability index and worrying fires underway in certain parts of the province.

This government recommendation, made in conjunction with the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) and covering all regions of Quebec, is intended to reduce the risk of fire, facilitate SOPFEU operations and ensure public safety. It is important to remember that open fires in or near forests are currently prohibited throughout Quebec. (Translated)

Melanie Morin, SOPFEU
Messines, Qc

Military helicopters fighting forest fires? Why not?

Due to climate change, forest fires are becoming more of a problem every year. We need more resources, and Canada's military has helicopters that are being used mostly to prepare for war. During heavy forest fire season these resources could be better used for fighting potentially immense forest fires. Helicopters may be used with buckets or belly tanks and other uses. And the skill to do these tasks is similar skills needed for military tasks. 

An experienced pilot who also flew water bombers in BC for ten years, Peter Lauren has tried to convince the federal and provincial governments to implement this idea for many years. The governments have given him little or no response. The military may be reluctant because they are heavily tasked, understaffed and underfunded. The federal government will be reluctant because forests are a provincial responsibility. And the provinces are often reluctant to ask for support from the federal government. Perhaps this could all work smoother through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. 

In order to convince our governments, the public has to contact many politicians and officials to show support for an idea that is overdue for implementation. We must contact public servants such as: your MP, your MLA, the Minister of Forests in your province and othr ministers ( Public Safety "mailto:communications@ps-sp.gc.ca" communications@ps-sp.gc.ca; Natural Resources form at "https://contact-contactez.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/" https://contact-contactez.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca; Minister of National Defence "mailto:DND_MND@forces.gc.ca" DND_MND@forces.gc.ca and the Prime Minister via "https://pm.gc.ca/en/connect/contact" https://pm.gc.ca/en/connect/contact)

If we all act together, we can convince our governments to work together -- a little more efficiency and effectiveness!

 Fred Trudell and Peter Lauren
Victoria, BC

Improving confidence in the medical complaints system

The Fédération des CAAP has submitted a brief in response to Bill 15, An Act to make the health and social services system more efficient. The FCAAP believes that the government's intention is to put the user back at the heart of the healthcare system with this new reform. However, there can be no real improvements without a clear and assertive determination on the part of the various players to change things.

From the outset, we welcome the progress that has been made in relation to previous bills with regard to the independence and standardization of the role of complaints and service quality commissioners (CPQS). The creation of the position of National Service Quality and Complaints Commissioner (CNPQS) is a step in this direction.

However, Bill 15 misses the mark when it comes to extending the complaints review system (REP) to people receiving care or services from FMGs, UFGs and certain private establishments. These citizens are not entitled to benefit from the REP in the same way as those receiving care in public establishments, nor are they eligible for CAAP support.

There is a clear imbalance between users, depending on where they receive their services. Any procedure reimbursed by the RAMQ should enable a person to appeal to the complaints examination system if they are dissatisfied, and to be supported by a CAAP in their efforts. (Translated)

Pierre Trahan, CAAP
Québec, Qc

Ask your MP to support Electoral Reform

Support for a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform is growing! First, Mike Morrice’s private member’s motion for a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform reached its maximum of joint seconders: "https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=233222&qid=24901278" 20 MPs have seconded the motion —13 Liberals, 5 NDP, 1 Green and 1 Conservative.

On May 6, "https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=233223&qid=24901278" Liberal Party members voted overwhelmingly to back a call for the government to convene a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform.

The Liberal Party policy process, involving over 10,000 party members, started a year ago with about 300 resolutions and finished last month with 24 new party policies. In the prioritization vote at the convention, a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform "https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=233224&qid=24901278" finished number 11.

Your persistent efforts are paying off, but we must keep building support across party lines. Please ask your MP to publicly back a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform!

While the Prime Minister continues to claim there is "no consensus", "https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=233226&qid=24901278" 76% of Canadians—and now the Liberal Party membership itself—back a National Citizens’ Assembly.

Democracy is facing unprecedented threats. Low voter turnout, polarization, and increasingly hostile partisan politics are producing frightening consequences and are chipping away at trust in institutions that belong to all of us. Winner-take-all voting makes all of this worse.

Please "https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=233221&qid=24901278" email your MP now.

Anita Nickerson, Fair Vote Canada
Ottawa

Lefebvre on Conservative thought

Western societies have been built on the basis of both "liberal" and "conservative" philosophical thought, a reality letter-writer Lefebvre seems to forget.

Liberal thinking supports the ideas of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, separation of church and state, due process for citizens under the law. Conservative thinking includes believing in law and order, tradition, and so on.

These grand philosophical ideas on which modern civilizations have been built on are necessarily changed and moulded as society moves forward, learning more about science, human behaviour, the environment, the cosmos. So it is simplistic to say society should be only one type or the other. Realities of daily living tell the tale of how we want to live.

For example, we know hygienic practices such as washing one's hands are good for human health. If we went the conservative route of maintaining tradition, humans would have kept eating, drinking and living in dangerous conditions with dirty hands, not paying attention to what science has taught us!

As a citizen of Canada I am happy we have an elected responsible government, and not a religious figure governing our society. I am happy Lefebvre believes in law and order; I just wish his conservative friends who stormed the U.S. Capitol felt the same way.

Most authoritarian regimes in the world are built on conservative lines of thinking. This choice is not a good one for Canadians.

Carl Hager

Investigate all influence, not just China's

I am puzzled by all the anger of MPs who can't seem to find the right mud which will stick once they throw it at the government party. That is their purpose, apparently. How about looking at it this way: if we decide that "foreign influence" is both toxic but fixable, how about looking at it across the board, not only coming from our present boogeyman, China. Seems to me the USA has "influenced" Canadians' voting than any other nation, and forever -- but that's OK? Is foreign influence right or wrong? Or some of it is, some isn't?

Will the opposition politicians please tell us which influence is OK? They seem to think that US influence which wants to see anti-abortion catch on here is fine? Or if we limit voting by minorities, as they do, then it's OK? Or they want guns in the hands of everyone who can breathe? We heard plenty of rumours around the financing of Doug Ford's last campaign in Ontario? And don't even mention Alberta!

Compared to these issues, what's so bad about the Chinese' ambitions? That we should use chop-sticks more often? Or we should keep our warships out of the Taiwan Straits, thousands of miles from Canada? We don't want foreign ships in "our" Northwest Passage, do we, but our ships in China's Taiwan Straits with the Americans is OK?

Come on, Mr Poilievre, do you really want to ban "influence" ("cash") from American sponsors of our rightwing movements? And not to be one-sided here, what does Jagmeet say about India's "influence" within the Indian diaspora, esp in BC? OK for India, but not China? We need investigations of House of Commons theatrics, or just a little clear thinking?

Decades ago, Canada was a friend of China and helped their people get on their feet. We have all forgotten Dr. Norman Bethune? He is still honoured by the Chinese people.

Go ahead with this foolishness, MPs, but start preparing for a mighty backlash. Americans are our friends, not our masters. ... aren't they?

Ronald Payette
Gatineau

My Advice to the Graduating Class of 2023

Dear Class of 2023:

Had my own priorities been in order when I graduated, my career compass would have been: a) Love what you do; b) Love the people you do it with; and c)Love what you leave behind.

We live in a complicated world, especially with work. Do not expect your degree to be enough.

The past three years have been tough. The pandemic redesigned student experiences, and social media became more "social" than it was pre-pandemic. You are not the first graduating class to face a world of turmoil and uncertainty.

Your challenges: tight labour market, layoffs, rapid technological change, technology for employee replacement.

Like every graduating class before you, you, and only you, are responsible for your career trajectory, so take full responsibility for it.

Part One (last week): Talk to everybody

Part Two: Do not feel entitled to anything.
- Any sense of entitlement will hold you back: one universal truth is that the world does not owe you anything, not even to make a living.
- Having a sense of entitlement is a turnoff; with it gone, your self-esteem will soar, and you will start upping your game.
Part Three: Become a person who adds value.

- Make "Always add value" your personal mantra. Employees who contribute measurable (the keyword) value are highly regarded and likely to enjoy job security.

Part Four: Read these books

- How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

- The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience by Carmine Gallo

-100 Ways to Improve Your Writing: Proven Professional Techniques for Writing with Style and Power by Gary Provost

Regarding how rapidly AI is emerging, keep a close eye on it! Nobody, not even the Internet talking-heads who are suddenly "AI experts," know where AI is heading. Many jobs will be eliminated as employers identify which jobs they can delegate to AI. Hence, avoid positions that AI is likely to be able to do in the future.

Volatile economic conditions coupled with rapid technological advancements have created a job market in flux like never before, including great opportunities; hence, my last piece of advice: Never lose sight of your career goals.

Despite all the job market volatility, building a career you love is still possible by focusing on what you are good at, and keep learning!

Nick Kossovan,
Toronto

Who are you talking to! About what!

We find your Letters to the Editor one of the most interesting parts of the newspaper. Thank you, and thanks to everyone who takes a few minutes to write in. This is the best platform available to get our ideas, proposals and complaints heard and perhaps even remedied. I believe that the more of us who use it, make this process more effective. However, a few things continue to annoy us.

First, the incredible number of Canadians who do not know how our government works, or who even confuse our system with the US! In particular, Canada's division of powers between the provinces and the federal government. So many people think they can insist the feds solve any issue, without noting that the feds have very little power in many important jurisdictions -- health, education, forestry and (somewhat) farming. So insisting that "Ottawa" improve, say, the teaching of history in elementary schools are wasting their time.

Moreso, too, are those who write insisting that "Trudeau" (himself, I guess) solve whatever problem is bothering their consciences. Even in federal matters, Mr Trudeau may be the head of government, but we imagine that his ministers are more able to make changes in their domain than even Mr Trudeau himself. Who is he, in their eyes -- Superman? Pay attention, Truckers' Convoy!

Education is a prime example, especially since these very Canadians have finished their schooling with no idea of how our government works. School administrators, please note!

Edward Kemp & Rose Saramago
Pontiac

Algonquin First Nations study radioactive dump project

Algonquin First Nations have responded to plans to build a radioactive waste dump on unceded Algonquin territory near the Ottawa River (Kichi Sibi), upstream from Gatineau & Ottawa. The plan is for an above-ground waste mound at Chalk River, a federal government Class I nuclear facility managed on contract by SNC-Lavalin and other corporations. Algonquin First Nations are preparing to testify at a final hearing for the project on August 10th. 

Kebaowek and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nations have launched a booklet describing their joint Indigenous-led assessment of the Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF), and the impacts of the existing radioactive contamination at Chalk River on their culture, land, water and wildlife.  

The proposed dump site is less than one kilometre from the Ottawa River (Kichi Sibi) and would see tonnes of radioactive waste and heavy metals including tritium, carbon-14, strontium-90, plutonium, uranium and a very large quantity of cobalt-60 piled in an area that is prone to earthquakes and tornados.

Algonquin First Nations say the federal government has not fulfilled its duty to consult and they are concerned about impacts on inherent rights, cultural, environmental and health impacts from the waste. 

Eva Schacherl, CBC

Ottawa

Appeal to all Canadians

More than 211 countries, including Canada, have now adopted a law to protect animals. Please obey the laws of your country. No more animal-slaughter-houses, no more hurting, no murdering them to eat, no lab tests -- or any reason at all.

Become vegan, make peace. Repay the animal-people for their kindness!

Raisa Poretski,
Aylmer

Bulletin's Archives series

I'm just loving the Archive series, but would be very grateful if you would provide the date that the featured stories were printed. And, where applicable, the outcome - as in the case of Ian Huggett versus the plan to sell the Brigham property.

Thanks so much for providing a community newspaper, such a rare commodity these days.

Mary Larose
Aylmer

Bill 96 : Time to leave Quebec?

I'm concerned about Bill 96, and I'm neither a Francophone nor an Anglophone. Although the law seems to be aimed at ensuring that no one speaks English anywhere in Quebec, the real danger of this law concerns francophones as much as any other language speaker.

I'm writing to you with the help of a computer translator so that I can make my point of view known to the public in the language of the majority.

Everyone's privacy is at risk. If the language authorities seize all the documents of a company where English is allegedly spoken, all the documents are forwarded to the Quebec government for analysis. If certain information is deemed relevant to other authorities (DPJ, criminal courts, taxes, etc.), it will be shared with other ministries. The new law authorizes the sharing of this private information.

I'm not saying we should protect people who do bad things, but sometimes private ideas are shared that, taken out of context, would seem bad. Simply sharing documents is very different from discussing concerns in a private setting, even if it's in a professional one.

We can see many examples around the world of governments giving themselves special powers over minorities. What happens next is the raison d'être of international refugees!

I thought I'd come to Quebec because minorities are protected here. Now that I see the kind of power here and my heart is racing, it's probably time to find a more democratic place to live.

Name with-held
Aylmer

Canada's Official Language Act & Quebec’s Charter of the French Language

The Quebec Community Groups Network is profoundly disappointed that Bill C-13, the overhaul of Canada's Official Languages Act, (has been passed) containing references to Quebec’s Charter of the French Language.

These references, particularly in the “purpose clause” of the federal bill, contribute to the new asymmetrical approach Ottawa has taken with respect to what it calls the “substantive” equality of Canada’s two official languages in law -- a departure from 50 years of federal language policy.

Bill C-13 contains three references to Quebec’s Charter of the French Language which, thanks to its amendment last year by the provincial Bill 96, is now entirely subject to the notwithstanding clause. This allows the provincial government to restrict rights guaranteed by the Canadian constitution -- now with the acquiescence and tacit support of the federal government.

This is more a constitutional concern than a linguistic one; minority-language communities across the country should be concerned.

Canada’s Official Languages Act and the Charter of the French Language are now inextricably linked, creating a framework where one minority-language group is treated differently than another.

QCGN president Eva Ludvig reiterated that Quebec’s English-speaking community supports measures to preserve and promote French across the country, including in Quebec ... without restricting minority-language rights and services. “Denying services to English-speaking Quebecers or restricting them in complicated ways (Bill 96) does not protect and promote French. And we raise issues with Bill 96 because it is now part of a federal law.

“We expected much more from our political leaders, who chose political expediency over nation-building. We expected greater understanding from the francophone media and more support from the rest of Canada.

We urge the Commissioner of Official Languages, Raymond Théberge, to pay close attention to and report on the effects of Bill C-13 on the English-speaking community of Quebec – especially where the federal government has agreements with the provincial government for it to funnel federal funding to programs and initiatives that support the vitality of Quebec’s English-speaking community.

Rita Legault, QCGN
Montreal

Goodbye, social media!

I’m a 19-year-old, graduating CEGEP student, and I’ve known for a while that I am unable to be a moderate social media user. I used to try to keep up with the lives of all my friends (and many people who aren't even friends); this pressured me to post all the time, proving that I had a social life, too. Sometimes consuming and posting just made me feel good — it's a high! — and that was the problem. But just like any toxic relationship, it was time for a breakup.

I’m joining a "https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/04/11/social-media-quit-loneliness/?itid=lk_inline_manual_5" growing group quitting these kinds of apps. I hope more might follow since the U.S. surgeon general recently issued "https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/youth-mental-health/social-media/index.html" an advisory explaining there isn’t enough evidence to say whether social media is “sufficiently safe” for teenagers. We can't ignore social media’s (potential) contribution to the pain that millions of children and families are experiencing. There is a "https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/12/05/crisis-student-mental-health-is-much-vaster-than-we-realize/?itid=lk_inline_manual_7" mental health crisis going in the young, probably all around the world. I read about it. Some friends urged me to do this.

I have received mixed reactions to quitting my phone; a few were excited for me, but others were very quick to assume it’s some sort of brag. It’s not! For me, the bad parts of social media were outweighing the good, by a lot. Every day.

So, I would like to challenge all my cohort here in Aylmer to try this. Just a week, first, and work up to longer times of freedom. Maybe if more of us wrote to the Bulletin ("old" media, so easy to put down and pick up when you need it!) I don't want to miss out on big events in my friends' lives, but I can't be focussed on only that, not any more. Write the Bulletin and we can get a wave happening!

Joycelyn Brennan
Aylmer

What else can we do with radioactive water?

Soon Japan will start to release into the Pacific Ocean water contaminated by the 2011 meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Treatment there has removed 62 of the 64 radioactive elements almost entirely, but "https://nature.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2c6057c528fdc6f73fa196d9d&id=275b729708&e=8bbda66a73" there are some unanswered questions about hydrogen-3 (tritium) and carbon-14.

Will Chalk River's alternative be that they agree to store any leaking water (inevitable) forever? And who would believe that?

Alan Keyes
Ottawa

If you think MPs do little ....

When I read the following report of the House of Commons agenda, I thought I should write our local Bulletin with this info about the nature of the job of public representative. Many people have little good to say about the work of MPs and about their work habits (ie they are off now of until mid-September). I ask my neighbours, please read this list and tell us if you still think the politician's life is easy!

- Bill C-33, the Strengthening the Port System and Railway Safety in Canada Act, second reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-33"

- Bill C-35, the Canada Early Learning and Childcare Act, third reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-35" Bill C-35"Bill C-244, Amending the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair), third reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-244"

- Bill C-252, Amending the Food and Drugs Act (prohibition of food and beverage marketing directed at children), third reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-252"

-Bill C-26, cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act, and others, in committee: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-26"

- Bill C-40, amending the Criminal Code, second reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-40"
- Bill S-8, amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, report stage: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/s-8"

- Bill C-18, on online communications platforms; the House of Commons is considering Senate amendments: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-18"

-------- Committee Updates
- CIIT dicusses Canadian mining firms abroad today: "https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/CIIT/meeting-72/notice"

- CIMM discusses an exploitation scheme targeting some international students: "https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/CACN/meeting-22/notice"
- CACN discussing Canada-People’s Republic of China Relations: "https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/CACN/meeting-22/notice"
- ENVI discussing clean technologies in Canada: "https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/ENVI/meeting-72/notice" - - - FINA pre-budget consultations in advance of the 2024 Budget: "https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/FINA/meeting-98/notice"

------ In the Senate
- Bill C-13, amending the Official Languages Act, third reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-13"
- Bill C-47, Budget Implementation Act, third reading: "https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-47"

------ Committee Updates

- RIDR issues relating to human rights generally: "https://sencanada.ca/en/committees/RIDR/noticeofmeeting/612520/44-1"

- AOVS will report on the Senate’s internal and external audits, etc: https://sencanada.ca/en/committees/AOVS/noticeofmeeting/611995/44-1

------ ICYMI
Ministers Wilkinson and O’Regan "https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/feds-sustainable-jobs-alberta-1.6877493" tabled the government’s Sustainable Jobs Bill -- planning for jobs in the energy sector alongside the green transition. (Premier Smith claimed that this plan is a threat to Alberta’s oil and gas industry.)

The Supreme Court "https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2023/06/16/supreme-court-to-rule-on-constitutionality-of-safe-third-country-agreement-2/ "ruled unanimously that the "Safe Third Country Agreement" is constitutional. The pact with the USA (2004), seeks to control the flow of asylum seekers across the shared border.

Prime Minister Trudeau and deputy Freeland "https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-ukraine-visit-counteroffensive-russia-1.6871411" visited Kyiv, Ukraine, last weekend. The PM met with President Zelenskyy to reaffirm Canada’s support, and announced new measures and investments to support Ukraine, including $500 million more in military assistance.

Prime Minister Trudeau "https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/readouts/2023/06/07/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-speaks-president-united-states-america-joe" spoke with President Biden to discuss the current wildfires and their impact on air quality.

If so, please write in: are MPs (and MLAs) just on the gravy train?

Ronald Sears
Aylmer

Keep oil & gas in the ground!

Right now dangerous wildfire smoke is choking cities across the east coast of the U.S. and parts of Canada. We are living in a climate emergency – something that has been clear for years now. At the same time, the CEO of a massive oil company, Sultan Al Jaber, is the president of the UN climate negotiation process this year. It’s absolutely infuriating.

Just this past week news stories have revealed an "https://act.priceofoil.org/go/33123?t=1&akid=45130.406534.2v7FpT" army of fake social media accounts” that are being created to defend Al Jaber and the UAE (this year’s host country). It’s becoming increasingly clear that "https://act.priceofoil.org/go/33124?t=2&akid=45130.406534.2v7FpT" there is virtually no separation between Adnoc, the state-owned oil giant Al Jaber is the CEO of, and his duties as president of the climate talks.

The good news is people and communities around the world have been rising up to challenge big oil and gas companies. The evidence is all around us. Climate change impacts are increasing around the world and can only be mitigated by urgent action. We must keep pressure on companies and governments to keep oil and gas in the ground.

David Tong,
Oil Change International, USA

Alberta, newest magnifying glass for fake news?

Premier Smith "https://globalnews.ca/news/9769528/danielle-smith-facebook-ban-censorship/"tweeted last Wednesday that she had been temporarily suspended from posting on Facebook, claiming that “big tech and government censorship” were to blame. Meta HYPERLINK "https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/danielle-smith-facebook-ban"claimed on Thursday that Premier Smith had not been banned from the platform at all. Neither party itemized her "transgressions" (or not!).

Do such "leaders" even have time to govern? And why do do many people vote for them? It must be because they dislike the opposition a lot!

Ms Smith has also claimed that face masks - and vaccines - do not have what it takes to stops infection or the disease's progress after infection. No facts, no scientists quoted.

Marcel Paquette
Gatineau (Le Plateau)

A new word has burst into our political world:

There is something ominous in such language, especially since an estimated one-fifth of US households [1] purchased guns, almost 60 million of them (including staggering numbers of [2] AR-15 semi-automatic rifles), in the pandemic years. But when it comes to the buying of weaponry in a big-time fashion, none of that compares to the record of the Pentagon. To this day, it continues to weaponize our world by sinking staggering numbers of taxpayer dollars into weaponry of every devastating sort (including a [3] possible $2 trillion, in the decades to come, for the "modernizing" of the American nuclear arsenal).

When it comes to major purchases of weaponry (and the "investment" of taxpayer dollars in the giant weapons-making corporations that produce them), there simply is no parallel on earth. More than half of the taxpayer dollars that Congress appropriates every year now goes into what passes for "defence" in this country. More than half of that, according to [4] the latest report from the invaluable Costs of War Project, goes directly to military contractors. And speaking about weaponization, much of that money lands directly in the pockets of the big five weapons-making corporations -- Lockheed Martin ($39 billion), Boeing ($23 billion), Raytheon ($20.6 billion), General Dynamics ($16.6 billion), and Northrop Grumman ($14.7 billion).

William Hartung and Julia Gledhill, Tom Dispatch
Cyber-space

1. "https://tomdispatch.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6cb39ff0b1f670c349f828c73&id=c0a058dada&e=a78e7077d6"

2. "https://tomdispatch.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6cb39ff0b1f670c349f828c73&id=dbb2445baf&e=a78e7077d6"

3. "https://tomdispatch.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6cb39ff0b1f670c349f828c73&id=c26297877c&e=a78e7077d6"

4. "https://tomdispatch.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6cb39ff0b1f670c349f828c73&id=2b7e92dd63&e=a78e7077d6"

May Letters

Crosswalk lights?

I totally agree with Pierre Létourneau's last week letter concerning the crosswalk at the corner of Wilfrid Lavigne and Principale.

There is also a mention of the crosswalk at the exit of Super C and Wilfrid Lavigne. I have been complaining to the city since July 12, 2022 (yes, 9 months ago) asking why does it take them so long to fix those “newly installed” flashing lights on that very dangerous crosswalk?

I did get an e-mail from 3-1-1 months later (after requesting information) telling me that the city engineers think they found the problem. Seems it has to do with "Radio Interference”. (but funny that the lights were working perfectly well the first month after they were installed).

Fed up with the situation, I finally e-mailed Steven Boivin (our municipal councillor) to see what is going on and, mostly, what the delay is all about (9 months!). Seems he received the same information I did: “Radio Interference” and city engineers are working on it."

Since I first contacted Steven a few weeks ago on this he has replied to my e-mails every time.

Hopefully someone will find a solution soon before someone gets injured.

And did I mention it has been 9 months?

Bob Rousselle
Aylmer

New research on dementia

Dementia is a condition that gets more severe over time and is often characterized by a decline in memory, language and judgement, physical changes and changes in mood and behaviour. Each person experiences dementia differently. People living with dementia may still be able to remain active and engaged in work, home life and other responsibilities. Uninformed attitudes and beliefs about dementia can result in stigma.

Being respectful, listening actively and speaking with care are good ways to overcome the cha lenges of stigma. To help people living with dementia, you can also: a)make efforts to include them in conversations and/or activities; b)encourage them to share their experiences; and refuse to accept actions and language that are belittling, dehumanizing, discriminatory and patronizing
However is never too early or too late to take action that can benefit your brain health. Changes in the brain that may lead to dementia can begin decades before signs or symptoms appear.

Most cases of dementia aren’t related to genetics or inherited. A healthy lifestyle can lower the chance of developing dementia, including: being physically active (physical inactivity can increase the risk of dementia by 40%); limiting alcohol consumption; eating a healthy, balanced diet --too much sodium (salt) in highly processed foods can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of dementia by 60% -- managing depression, if you have it; reducing your exposure to air pollution; paying attention to the quality of your sleep; quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke.

Maganga Lumbu, Health Canada (Québec)
Montréal

Plea to the Mayor, City Councillors, planners and developers

I grew up in Aylmer. I moved away 7 years ago. Being back today and seeing the environmental destruction by the residential development along the highways, Aylmer Road, and in the Plateau has made my heart sink. Those beautiful and wild woods I explored growing up have been clear-cut and replaced with housing developments that resemble ominous industrial clouds. This commercial and residential cookie-cutter sprawl offers no charm or uniqueness, contributes to rising temperatures in summer and dull scenery in winter.

I ask developers and the City planners: when will you stop? What is it worth to you? Is more money really worth destroying these beautiful, living ecosystems? Is more money really worth losing the quality of life, air and beauty the trees in a neighborhood bring to all of us, including you? Is more money worth all the life these trees offer to song birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer, and even insects? Can you conscientiously keep cutting the last few forests down, in 2023, with all that is known about today's environmental crisis? Where will you run with your millions when the air quality and heat become insufferable? Where can people go to escape the concrete jungles you create with this urban sprawl? All the living, feeling beings -- plants, animals, and insects -- are alive and feel just like us. They also need homes. They are our relatives in the circle of life. We need each other to live.

It is great to plant trees as part of Gatineau's urban forestry plan... but can't we remember to preserve the older-growth forests?

Imagine if the City and developers decided to think differently. Imagine if you decided to donate to all the citizens of Gatineau those last plots of wild woodland -- and protect them. Imagine if you said, "That's enough. We won't do this to the earth anymore."

Will you do something that is meaningful for all of us? I believe you can, and I beg of you to o so.

Lila (name with-held)
Aylmer

Stephen Harper & the Moonies

What strange bedfellows right-wing politics and evangelical religion make. And Canadian conservatism is right there under the duvet.

On Feb. 12, 2022 former prime minister Stephen Harper gave an address to the Universal Peace Federation World Summit 2022 taking place in Seoul, South Korea. The UPF is the political arm of the Unification Church, founded by Sun Myung Moon and now headed by his wife Hak Ja Han Moon.

Harper’s remarks were focused on the role of religious freedom “in our grand objective, the peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula.” Even Harper admitted that some of his remarks “may sound bizarre” in praising the Universal Peace Federation ...

Michael Duffy
Cyber-space

The CBC and Liberalism - reply to Mr. McCauley

Mr. McCauley, April 26, laments the funding of the CBC and seems concerned with how they process the news. Just because someone takes a liberal view does not make them anymore removed from reality than a right-wing network that pays for distortions of the news. Mr. McCauley obviously has some difficulty accepting that there are people out there who rather than follow his conservative mindset instead follow a liberal stance. To aid in understanding this, some definitions:

Con-serv-a-tive: Averse to change or innovation; holds traditional values (e.g., middle of the road, reactionary, right-wing, temperate, "stick in the mud"). In a political context they favour free enterprise, private ownership, and socially traditional ideas; diehard, conventional, pro-establishment.

When it comes to business and private ownership, conservatives feel they should be able to do whatever they want, but are averse to change for everyone or everything else.

Lib-er-al: Willing to respect or accept behaviour or opinions different from one's own, open to new ideas, tolerant, unprejudiced, broad-minded. In politics, a political and social philosophy that promotes individual rights, civil liberties, democracy, and, also, free enterprise. Support policies that are socially progressive and promote social welfare. In the political world, liberals are open, caring and willing to change for a just cause. That is a sign of wisdom, knowing that you do not know all; it's a willingness to change to bring positive growth to our society rather than filling the pockets of the greedy.

Neither the Liberal nor Conservative always lives up to the definition in their party's name, but they try. Liberals inch forward toward toward a just society while fending off the greed at the heart of conservatism. However, conservatives demand they be allowed to do whatever they please (e.g. truckers' convoy)

As to CBC's "referencing what is happening south of the border" it seems obvious there is a correlation between what happens in the USA and it's impact on Canadians; this can't be ignored. The "fear mongering ... by progressives" (somehow tied to Bill C-11) eludes me, but it seems merely wagging their fingers at their detractors when in fact it is they themselves doing the dirty deeds.
Canada justice, strength, and freedom.

Ron Temchuk
Aylmer

Linguistic Task Force targets Quebec MPs

The Task Force on Linguistic Policy is calling out MPs who plan to vote in favour of Bill C-13, the amendments to the Official Languages Act. The Bill, which has been in parliamentary committee since last September, is expected to be voted on in the House of Commons in the next week.  The Task Force has written to Quebec MPs expected to vote in favour of the legislation.

“We know there are ... MPs who plan to vote against this terrible bill, and we applaud them for their courage. But we know many others will support it, and we plan to name and shame them.”   At the same time, the legislation has been made worse by amendments brought forth in committee by the Bloc Quebecois and Conservatives. “We know neither the Bloc nor the Conservatives care about national unity and have complete disregard for the concerns of English-speaking Quebecers.".” 

Bill C-13, under the guise of protecting French in the rest of Canada, has the potential of eliminating jobs for English Quebecers in the federal public service and federally-regulated businesses, and could mean the elimination of English school boards. It incorporates the egregious provincial Bill 96, and recognizes the use of the notwithstanding clause and Quebec’s purported unilateral amendment of the Constitution.  We call upon MPs to remember the oath they took, “to protect our Constitution and our laws, by acting forcefully and directly in the interests of the country we love.” We are sending the Task Force parliamentary brief to MPs as well.

The Task Force on Linguistic Policy/Comité Spécial sur la politique linguistique was formed in June of 2021 to fight Bill 96 and now Bill C-13. It boasts thousands of followers. It is active in the community and has undertaken many successful interventions to fight intolerance in Quebec. We intend to file our lawsuit to challenge Bill 96 by the end of May 2023. Learn more at "https://protegermesdroits.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7a2fb2420a15c27a634558fa9&id=3c78c2385e&e=7ec6df3cf5" www.ProtectOurRights.ca 

Andrew Caddell, Task Force on Linguistic Policy
Kirkland, QC

Liberals back Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform

In the biggest leap forward since 2015, the federal Liberal Party has voted at their convention in Ottawa to back a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform. The vote passed with overwhelming support from party members and Liberal MPs from across the country.

To the thousands of you who have been supporting the push for a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform through years of polls, advertisements, MP visits, emails, door hangers and more―Thank you!

This resolution will now be the official policy of the Liberal Party for the next eight years. While resolutions passed at party conventions cannot compel a government to act, resolutions matter. The last resolution passed on electoral reform at a Liberal Party convention (in 2014) led directly to the 2015 platform promise to Make Every Vote Count.

This win at the Liberal Party’s convention―with the backing of so many Liberal MPs―sends a clear message to the party leadership that it’s time to reignite the conversation about ditching our unfair first-past-the-post electoral system.

Anita Nickerson, Fair Vote Canada
Ottawa

Strong sustainable jobs legislation

We’re at a turning point for federal climate politics. After years of pressure, the federal government is expected to finally introduce just transition (aka Sustainable Jobs) legislation in the coming months.  Indications are pointing to legislation being frustratingly weak. We need to escalate pressure on the government to get it to commit to passing the strong just transition legislation we need. 

Join us for two livestreamed events at the coming Canadian Labour Congress convention on how we can win a just transition by building solidarity across movements. Tune in at "https://canadians.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fb9e08a9113c74c2263f5d4e2&id=3d32cf2b34&e=4cef51d000" canadians.org/JustTransition. 

Often the labour and environmental movements are framed as being in opposition. Governments and CEOs like that. But you and I know that our movements are well-aligned. We're on the same side. And we can – and must – build a common front to work together across movements to win a just transition. With a just transition, workers, communities, and the planet we live on will win. 

The Council of Canadians, Blue Green Canada, and our allies believe we can create and keep good jobs across the country, protect workers and the environment. We are proud to invite you to the following events:

1) Forward together for jobs, justice, and climate. Monday May 8th, 1-2 p.m. ET Hear stories of solidarity: 

2) Movements vs. money: Building a common front to take on the climate profiteers. Thursday, May 11.

Dylan Penner, COC
Ottawa

Urban forests : start now

I have read all the Bulletin's letters about the city's loss of green space & trees -- and the pros of urban forests; here's the word from an expert (German forester, Peter Wohlleben):

"That also brings people to act locally, which gives me hope. I’ve gotten emails from local NGOs who are caring for their city’s forest. People are aware of how important every tree is.

Andy Black
Aylmer north

Aylmer's 50+ recreational tournament

I am informing you that the 2023 edition of the 50+ recreational tournament, May 6 & 7, generated a significant profit. Combined with spare funds collected during the past winter hockey season the Sleeman Hockey League will be donating t$4,000.00 to the Aylmer Food Bank!

The League was able to host the tournament for the first time since 2019, and we intend to carry on; since the first 50+ tournament (2016), the League has donated almost $25,000 to the food bank.

I extend my gratitude to all who contributed to the tournament (including the food and beverages). A special thank you to Joe Chiuchiarelli and to all of the players and fans who support this worthwhile cause…Job well done!

Charles Ethier, 50+ Hockey Tournament
Aylmer

Inaccuracies about D'Arcy McGee School #1

I am addressing a letter of April 12th. Some its statements were not accurate.

With the flood two weeks ago, the damage inside our school was extensive. All students got a message saying that school was cancelled. The main level of the school was flooded.

Some of the students here may not have computers to go online. Our teachers gave us work during the ice storm, but with the power outage not all of us had power. Our principal went driving all over Ottawa for a place with power to send an email.

In addition to our sports, we have a Travel and Cooking Club, Native Circle, Pride Club, Lunch Bunch, Board Game Club, Star Quest Club, Theatre Guild Club, Joy of Crafting Club, Chess Club, Art Club, D&D Club, Homework Club, etc.

Our school is not “limping along”, as the author claimed.

Erin Forcier, Grade 9 Student
D’Arcy McGee High School
Gatineau,

A reply: In defence of D'Arcy McGee

We wish to clear up some misinformation about our school that appeared in a letter, April 12th. Some statements and assumptions were wrong. We are students in this community, and we are definitely not being “short-changed”. We learn new things every day. Right now, we are working on some cool science projects, a math project, and a cross-curricular project in English, GHC (Geography, History and Citizenship), and ASP (Autonomy and Social Participation).

The writer says there are barely any sports, but that is not true. We have basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis and many more. On April 21st students are competing against teachers in basketball! No trips? We have gone on a lot of trips. For example, the Food and Travel Club recently went on a field trip to a maple sugar shack. It was very interesting and yummy – everyone should visit a sugar shack in the spring!

The Automotive Program, a project with the Career Centre, is a fascinating experience, and we think the leadership from the school board is amazing. We found online school boring and would rather come to school. Nor were we told to go home and play video games. Our teachers have plenty of work for us to do!

Mazen Aiden Clarke & Landon Splane-Maat,
Grade 9, D’Arcy McGee High School
Gatineau

Reply: facts about D'Arcy McGee High

We saw a letter in your paper on April 12th about our school. It was not very accurate. The letter-writer stated that our school offers almost no sports. We have school teams, groups and clubs that play basketball, hockey, soccer, rugby, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, flag football, track and field, and conditioning.

In Physical Education, we play all of the above, plus pickle ball, floor hockey, dodgeball, football, badminton, frisbee, lacrosse, soccer baseball, tennis, and we get to use the weight room.

We really like that our school cares about our academics as well as our fitness and wellness. Those are the facts!

Nathan Soto Reyes, Justin Cooper, Brandon Studor
Grade 9, D’Arcy McGee High School
Gatineau

Corrections needed for D'Arcy McGee letter

We would like to correct some things that were printed in a letter to the Editor on April 12th regarding our school. Regarding the “flood” , the reason we had to go home was because the water was too deep to walk around! We did not do online school because not everyone has a laptop or internet. It takes time to get it set up and it would not happen overnight. How would people know that there is online school if they do not have a laptop?

The writer claimed we don't have field trips. We do go on field trips: we have gone zip-lining, rock climbing, the National Gallery of Art, a sugar shack, a reggae concert at the National Arts Centre, and three more this school year. These have taught us many skills, like how to take public transit somewhere, how to work as a team, learn about and respect culture, practice geography, language skills, and feeling more confident in public, both in the country and in the city. Many of us are visual learners, and our field trips have taught us so much and given us experience of the world.

Our leaders at every level care about our future, and we see that every day.

Vénissia Dorvil and Kayla Sarty,
Aylmer

Ransomware attacks

Bravo to the National Gallery for owning up to their recent ransomware attack. I wish that more places would do so.

I know that the attacks are happening every day. I deal with two different banks in our business, and have both been attacked. Unfortunately my information was captured by whoever generated the attack. But, apparently, the attackers did not know that galleries are impoverished for the most part.

Do you get any reports of this on our side of the river?

 Lizi Grey
Gatineau

Thank you to editorialist Ian Barrett

Thank you for bringing to the attention of the citizens of Aylmer the new law allowing people to lock credit applications to their accounts, sent to the credit card companies, TransUnion and Equifax.

I will tell my adult children about this. It's a great law and deserves to be known. (Translated)

Marc Landry
Aylmer

Best of Aylmer: is the Bulletin!

I want to thank the Bulletin for being such a great community organizer. My family and I are super excited to hear who won for all the categories, but we have some favourites. We love Aylmer and it’s really fun to have this competition. Who will win for best Poutine??? Who is the local hero? At my place we had a huge discussion about the Vegetarian food category, the Burger category, and the Customer Service category. Can you believe that one of my kids thinks the best burger in town is at McDonald’s? We all protested but he put it on the form anyways.

Have you thought about a category for Best Place to walk? And best Social Media account? That would be a fun category, we love to follow some social media accounts locally like, Shopping carts of Aylmer and there’s another one, Mayor of Aylmer which is really the opposite of a mayor’s account (junky backs of businesses etc).

All this to say: we will be watching for the results!

Naomi Brisebois
Aylmer

Canadian Party of Quebec calls on feds to disallow Bill 96

(At the Parliamentary Press Gallery, May 12, I announced that our party, the Canadian Party of Quebec (CaPQ) is calling) on the federal government to disallow Bill 96: "An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec" which would nullify current law. On June 1, Canada’s constitutional window of opportunity to veto the law forever shuts.

On June 1, 2022, Bill 96 became law in Quebec. This law allows the Government of Quebec to: a) Shield the law from court challenge by pre-emptively invoking Canada’s Notwithstanding Clause; b) Permit warrantless search and seizure powers to investigate anonymous complaints about violations of the law; c) Intrude into private professional client relationships to require notes and interactions be kept in French; d) Remove adults’ choice in language of education at the CEGEP level; e) Require after June 1, 2023, civil servants to address citizens in French only if they could not prove they educated in English; f) Unilaterally amend the Constitution Act of 1867 by inserting the concept of a territorial and ethno-linguistic nation into Canada's foundational document.

Even though parts of Bill 96 are before the courts, we outlined why the use of federal "disallowance" is vital to the future of Quebec’s English-speaking minority and to Canada’s reputation as an upholder of fundamental individual human rights.

Colin Standish, Canadian Party of Quebec
Kirkland, Qc

Hello, 21st century! The CBC.

I would like to add my opinion to the debate on these pages about CBC -- whether it should be funded by Canadians (government) or have to compete with commercial stations, for example. I listen to CBC radio a lot, since I now work from home, and as much as there is really no alternative, since commercial radio is so bad and trivialized, I have seen CBC's content and programming decline in quality immensely. Yet I assume their budget allocation has not declined. I understand that ex-PM Stephen Harper took an alternative route and replace CBC's managing voices with people alined to his own views, rather than people committed to Canadian broadcasting.

One of the biggest flops CBC undertook, and is still going strong, is this shift from current affairs analysis to "blogs". A blog, as I understand the term is equivalent to opinion columns (or feature stories) in the print media. Would we really want a newspaper which is largely all columns and features? No, we want news and interviews of news-makers; we want clear and thoughtful analysis by experts or people directly involved -- not "stories" about these things. One of your Bulletin editorialists wrote, a while ago, that media's (and CBC's) continual identification with "stories" and "story telling" reminded him of kids being chastised for "telling stories" -- lying, in other words. Good analogy. I am sorry I no longer teach media studies, because that is an important thing for broadcasters and the audience to consider: "stories"? Really? OK, stories are warm and cuddly and can make us feel good --- but is that the purpose of public media? Make people feel good? Hello, twenty-first century! Where are you?

The best suggestion in my view is that we should be pushing for improved news-gathering by CBC, not defunding it or reducing everything to what will sell cars.

Thanks for this debate on your pages, Bulletin!

F.G. Keown
Aylmer

Only half-measures by the federal government?

The Canadian government has supported journalism for generations. Since the founding of Canada’s first newspaper, the Halifax Gazette, in 1752, government advertising has been an important source of revenue for newspapers. Even prior to Confederation, direct supports, like the former Publications Assistance Program, which subsidized the postal delivery of non-daily newspapers, ensured that Canadians have access to high-quality Canadian news.

Last year, the Government spent $140 million on advertising, involving one Agency of Record for media planning and placement. While the one Agency of Record model is efficient, we are concerned with where scarce ad dollars are being spent.

Last year, just five per cent of federal advertising dollars went toward print publications. That is a far from the roughly one-third of twenty years ago. For comparison, government spending on Facebook/Instagram ads alone accounted for almost double what is spent on all print advertising combined.

And the spending on Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok combined was greater than all print expenditures

.
Today, digital advertising accounts for more than 50 per cent of all federal ad spending. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, which is suing Google, the company “pockets on average more than 30 per cent of the advertising dollars that flow through its digital advertising technology products.”

The federal government has recognized that journalism is in trouble. It has taken steps to fill news deserts and areas of news poverty through the Local Journalism Initiative. It has also introduced Bill C-18, the Online News Act, which will allow publishers to come together to negotiate fair content licensing agreements with web giants and level the digital playing field.

Paul Deegan, News Media Canada
Toronto

To our friends across the Outaouais

Join the the May 25th day of action to go all-in for a Bold Emissions Cap that delivers the climate action we need. It’s time to hold Big Oil accountable for their own pollution. And with just weeks until the Emissions Cap policy is released, we're launching a massive wave of actions across the country to call on key Liberal MPs to up their climate ambition.
Thursday May 25, 10am. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington Street

La Peche Green
Masham

Preservation of the 100-year old Deschênes Dam

Whereas the Deschênes dam is of major importance in the hydroelectric development of Aylmer and the entire region (one of the first hydroelectric power plants in Quebec), notably by supplying Aylmer and, for a time, Hull, with electricity. This 1895 feat of engineering by the Conroy brothers of Aylmer and Deschênes brought the first streetcar service between Ottawa, Hull, Aylmer and the famous Queen's Park amusement park, at Aylmer's western end.

Any proposed demolition of the dam will inevitably have negative, if not disastrous, ecological consequences; the preservation of natural heritage is also the focus of the Association, and archaeological research on the site has revealed artefacts from an ancestral aboriginal occupation; hence, the Quebec government designated this section of the Ottawa River as a historic site in 2017.

The site is also part of a ZICO (Zone importante de conservation des oiseaux) [Important Bird Area] and is home to the greatest diversity of bird species in the Outaouais, with more than 266 species recorded.

The Deschênes Rapids Park is part of the Chemins d'eau [Water Ways], a Quebec tourist route that runs along the Gatineau and Ottawa Rivers, and the Park is listed as a potential development site in the Urban Outdoor Plan adopted by the City of Gatineau in 2019.

And whereas the community is committed to the preservation and development of the site to protect its heritage, archaeological, identity, ecological, recreational and tourism values, it is resolved that the Aylmer Heritage Association strongly opposes any project to demolish the remains of the Deschênes dam and joins all groups wishing to maintain it as a major heritage and tourist site for the region.

(Edited)
Richard Begin,
for the Aylmer Heritage Association

Reduce emissions, but also upgrade building efficiencies

Making our buildings climate-safe by making heat pumps the standard, and updating insulation and ventilation in most buildings would significantly reduce emissions from the third largest emitting sector while ensuring all have access to lifesaving cooling and fresh air during summer months.

Vulnerable populations are especially hard hit by the weather extremes brought on by climate change. Over "https://connect.pembina.org/e/358671/cs-extreme-heat-event-strategy/5nfnkp/723428222?h=aKYbDUVOA0-sLfwAnZEC3olSE3r4bUeX9D4wm0_lseo" 600 people died in June and July 2021 in B.C. from heat-related conditions in their homes and places of care as a result of just one extreme heat event.

Modern "https://connect.pembina.org/e/358671/f-heat-pumps-executive-summary/5nfnks/723428222?h=aKYbDUVOA0-sLfwAnZEC3olSE3r4bUeX9D4wm0_lseo" heat pumps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 per cent compared with gas boilers when running on emissions‐intensive electricity. This reduction can be as large as 80 per cent when coupled with cleaner sources of electricity. 

Upgrading Canada’s existing housing, offices, schools and industrial buildings, while also

transitioning to a clean electricity grid achieves more than just increasing affordability and energy efficiency while reducing emissions; technologies such as heat pumps which heat more efficiently in the winter, also provide the added benefit of cooling during the summer. Especially at times when air quality is too poor to open a window. 

Sealing up leaky walls and roofs also stops smoke and pollution from leaking into homes, and ventilation with air filters ensures continuous fresh air, while increasing overall energy efficiency.

mailto:kareng@pembina.org?subject=Media Request: Updating Canada's Buildings

Karen Garth , Pembina Institute
Ottawa

Protect yourself

Many of us at one time or another have sold a property. When doing so one needs a surveyor. I sold a property in 2021 and hired a surveyor.

The lack of professionalism of this individual was simply appalling. He did not show for agreed meetings and did not bother to advise of his cancellation. He did not offer a written contract and assured me that the price quoted covered all expenses. He later reneged saying that it did not include the corner markers.

I did the Google review and filed a complaint ( in 2021) with the surveyors' association. No results, just more justifications and… Maybe the association is overwhelmed with complaints and can’t cope. Maybe the association is understaffed. Maybe the association is exercising strategies known in the corporate world as “Dark Patterns”; using different methods of discouraging complainers to pursue and encouraging them to abandon.

My big mistake was to not demand a written contract, not all professionals are born equal, some are, though competent, arrogant and irresponsible and frustrating.

J.R.F
Pontiac

International aid

Canada has failed to #KeepthePromise to increase international aid every year. Canada’s cutting its international aid budget in the midst of overlapping crises means more suffering for children around the world. Cutting international aid is undoing years of impactful Canadian investments, reversing hard-won progress to advance children’s access to food, education, healthcare, and protection. We need to build a future where all children can grow up to reach their fullest potentials. These programs will advance children’s access to food, education, healthcare, and protection.

Marnie Shaw
Calgary

Reply to Temchuk on

Ron Temchuk’s definitions of conservative and liberal (in his letter to the Bulletin) were simplistic and
self-serving, common practice when the purpose is propaganda, not enlightenment. His sanctimonious
description of liberals as “tolerant, unprejudiced, and broad-minded” self-immolated when he,
exemplar of the breed, wrongfully accused conservatives of being reactionary and averse to change, and treated with contempt worried truckers who were ignored by the Trudeau government. As for the conservative inclination to proceed with caution, and according to one’s means, using time and experience as a gauge of risk, rather than chasing alternatives of questionable value, that, to me, is wise and responsible. Change for change’s sake is not.

To suggest that liberals are outstanding defendants of “individual rights, civil liberties, democracy and free enterprise”, is to ignore the differences between classical liberals and contemporary Liberals. The latter, allied with the NDP, seem convinced that average Canadians would make a mess of their lives were it not for the guidance of politicians who throw huge sums of money at projects and programs, all to bribe their way back into power at the next election.

Mr. Temchuk appears to be promoting socialism over capitalism, statism over individualism, and government by minorities. History records that many such ventures have not worked out. Statists feel threatened by the primacy of the individual and the importance of self-government. The danger is that we end up destroying the individual, crushing that which makes him or her proud, self-reliant, resourceful, responsible and determined. Only strong citizens will, of their own volition, make significant contributions to society. Infantilize them and you’ve destroyed self-confidence, self-respect and assertiveness ... all necessary qualities for community builders.

The political disquiet of today is one born of anger and frustration. Hard-working, tax-paying
Canadians seem fed up with a political class ceaselessly invading their private lives. Governments should be promoting personal responsibility. Instead, they pit one group against the other, encouraging envy, accusing the well-to-do of being greedy and averse to helping others. That only serves to destroy a sense of community, of person-to-person support and is definitely not what we should be striving after.

Ronald Lefebvre
Aylmer

National long-term care standards -- enforced!

More than 17,000 residents of long-term care in Canada died because of COVID. Early in the pandemic, 80 per cent of deaths took place in long-term care homes, giving Canada the distinction of having the highest such numbers among nations in the OECD.  

Those who lost loved ones haven’t forgotten about commitments made at the height of the pandemic by all levels of government and by the sector itself to right these systemic wrongs. I was pleased to see the recent release of national standards for long-term care and to see feedback from the National Association of Federal Retirees reflected in the final standards.

The problem, however, is that the standards are still voluntary. Enforceability and regulation are needed to have a real impact.  Now is the time to implement enforced principles and national standards for long-term care. As part of a national seniors strategy these standards must specify conditions and criteria the provinces and territories must meet to receive federal health and social transfer payments, with repercussions for failing to meet the standards. This will ensure equitable and consistent quality care across the country, and adequate levels of funding for these types of care. It will also ensure greater public accountability of government delivery of long-term care.

I urge all Canadians to call on the government to implement and enforce principles and national standards for long-term care. The time for this is now.

 Lisette M Wallingford
Ottawa

April Letters

Is this Age-ism?

With fewer and fewer people wearing face masks and interest in booster shots tapering off, it’s almost as if the COVID-19 pandemic were over. The problem is, it’s not. In fact, it’s the second-leading cause of hospitalization in Canada (childbirth is first), and is also a leading cause of death. So why aren’t we doing more to prevent infection? The major clue is the affected demographic: those suffering and dying from COVID are mostly older adults.

Today in The Conversation Canada, Dawn Bowdish of McMaster University "https://theconversationcanada.cmail20.com/t/r-l-ttpiyty-bhijlidkry-i/" writes about the continuing burden of COVID-19 in older people — including in long-term care, where a lesson should have been learned in 2020. She cites ageism as the reason there isn’t more being done to address this.

Patricia Nicholson, The Conversation Canada
Ottawa

New online news site

I would like to urge Bulletin readers to check out a brand-new news source on Alberta's frothey political world and its strategy to privatize health care and the educational system, the result of a new party -- and an ambitious effort to even further radicalize Alberta nationalists within that party. Sound new .... to us living in Legault's Quebec?

This news source, the Alberta Edge, is produced by the Tyee -- a nationally recognized online news source for news from Canada's western half, especially the West Coast. It is free and comes weekly (as does the Tyee). Check out The Tyee's website. No obligations as far as I can see. It's a bit like looking at our own province in a distorting mirror.

Fred Ryan
MRC-Pontiac

Stop anti-larvae spraying in our marshes!

In response to Susan Gauhier’ letter to the Bulletin, Mar 15, 2023: "Pesticide control in Gatineau", we thank her for her interest in the Bti issue, a pesticide massively sprayed by our municipality to kill mosquitoe and black fly larvae. We also appreciate that she wishes that “the citizens make an informed decision before asking city councillors to vote on our behalf regarding this issue” at their next meeting in Aylmer. Gatineau citizens must learn of the negative impacts of this pesticide on birds, fish, frogs and dragonflies, and that they be aware that it’s been sprayed by our city for close to 30 years in wetlands, ponds and streams in 7 districts in the East side of Gatineau.

A multitude of studies in the last 15 years have shown how Bti affects the whole food chain in these fragile ecosystems; since 2019 the Ministère de la faune recommends this insecticide be avoided by cities (precautionary principle). We recommend a CBC May 21 interview in which Professor Marc Belisle (Sherbrooke University, specialized in insectivorous bird declines), explains, in a nutshell, what is Bti and what are its impacts.

If your family enjoys eating outside all summer long in Aylmer, you might be happy that there is no anti-larvae spraying in Aylmer (there never was). Our group is asking that citizens from all districts of Gatineau make it clear to city council on April 18 (Robert-Middlemiss Pavillion at the Marina- 19H00) that we want Bti banned from our territory in Gatineau to preserve what is left of our regional biodiversity. See Petition Non au Bti dans nos marais à Gatineau. I hope all readers will join us!

France Gagnon, FB Gatineau Sans Pesticides
Aylmer

Chalk River dump still threatens Aylmer, Gatineau, Ottawa

The Chalk River labs is still planning its untested, first-in-the-world sized nuclear dump, seven football fields of toxic waste, upstream from the Pontiac, Ottawa, Gatineau and beyond.

Stephan Harper, seeing the expense of dealing with these toxic wastes, privatized the job to reduce the federal government's legal liability for accidents. The waste will last for tousands of years; by the time any accidents began, the corporate managers will be gone -- or living in places where they cannot be sued by us. And what if they were convicted? Do they have the billions of dollars needed to fix any disaster? Can anyone fix the potential deaths and disease?

No, this nuclear dump is a very bad deal for the Pontiac. But when has a federal Liberal government ever not supported the corporate sector (examples: SNC Lavalin, Transmountain Pipeline and the Rodgers cable deal).

Good for MRC-Pontiac for objecting. We must keep up our protests, even if if our liberal MP, Ms Chatel, has said it's a done deal.

Kenneth Poirier
Iles des Allumettes, Pontiac

Letters to the Editor Guidelines:

To make sure your letter is published:

All letters must be signed with a phone number (not published).
Any language is acceptable ... but be clear, civil, and not rude.
All l are edited for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc, and for length. Expect your letter to be edited.
No personal attacks, nor promotional pieces for political candidates or parties accepted.

The Editor

City-planning without conspiracy-building?

Similar to the 100-mile diet, there is another concept in city planning, the ‘15-minute city’ , a plan proposed to keep shops, parks, cycling trails, and most of the services we need to live in any city within a 15-minute walk or cycle from their homes. Gatineau itself proposed something similar, with neighbourhood cities, where yhe entire city is made up of self-supporting neighbourhoods (in terms of shopping and schools -- add workplaces and this concept really shines!) Despite a lot of favourable talk about these concepts of neighbourhoods, the discussion has also sparked opposition by conspiracy nuts who claim this is a plan to keep people in ghettos, easily managed by police and authorities. Apparently this fits with some QAnon threats about attacks on "liberty" and "freedom". Can the nuts define their terms in a workable way? I've yet to hear it .... but I wonder if Gatineau couldn't look again at the neighbourhood-centres concept of city planning? One more alternative to mowing down all the trees and planting big boxes of condos?

Oliver Simms
Aylmer

Vanier Road development: Gatineau Council MIA!

Vanier Road is one of Aylmer’s oldest North/South ways, with big old trees along both sides. There are residential neighbourhoods in different parts of the long road, plus the west border of the industrial park, quarry lake with woods, and now a shopping area at the corner of des Allumettières.

A few years ago, I read the editor’s suggestion that the city require an easement along Vanier Road between des Allumettieres and Pink Road. She suggested enough of Vanier Road’s sides be preserved for multi-use pathways, conserving the large trees along the Road.

I see her vision! I imagine riding my bike between Vanier Road and new neighbourhoods that are going in where there were once car sales lots and a few large-lot homes. I imaged roller-blading under mature trees. I imagined those new housing developments wouldn’t all back onto Vanier Road as if Vanier were the ugly old Road no one wants to see, stripped of its mature trees.

Driving in this section today I see lot-clearing with not a single tree left.

And this is right to Vanier Road, so for sure what is in store is exactly what no one wants: butts of new housing developments, turned in upon themselves with spindly new trees planted where once there were massive old ones.

These neighbourhoods are terrible for walking and bike-riding for provisions. It could have been a lovely ride over to the Maxi for groceries. Now there will be closed-in neighbourhoods, only accessible by car.

I can’t believe Gatineau city council is letting this happen – again. Shame on the councillors. Shame on the new mayor. It is unbelievable that the administration is not counselling against this.

Samantha Jennings
Aylmer

Retiring school board head

In the last month, the Bulletin reported the retirement of the head of one of the school boards here -- I wish to avoid naming names. Your report was brief enough, but seemed to congratulate him/her for their leadership and service. However, to anyone looking from the outside (I do not have children), where is his leadership and service? One of his city schools here -- "high school" level, in old terms -- offers almost no sports. In high school! And parents and teachers can't volunteer to step into the breech? At least ask parents for help -- for their kids? Nope. That same school was closed for a week due to a "PD day" followed by a "flood" in the plumbing. The kids were told to go home. What, to play video games? This is not responsible leadership.

Not long go there would be field trips to museums, art galleries, nearby universities, nature preserves, a factory or a farm, etc. All of Canada has just set up a massive on-line learning system for Covid -- so why no on-line learning when there's a flood or other emergency?

Our community's children are being short-changed, and this will hurt our future, all of us. So why congratulate anyone, especially a retiring head, when they leave the system in shambles? Maybe it was that way when they arrived, but leadership means taking initiative to not only keep things limping along but to actually solve problems, improve some services -- for students. I would prefer to read that the retiring head had apologized for not improving our schools during his tenure.

Issu Haynes
Aylmer

Say your piece: Letters to the Editor

Letters to the editor in the Bulletin d'Aylmer are read by approximately 50,000 people (match that social media!) who live within your community and share your concerns. Some guidelines to make sure your letter is published:

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Letters are personal opinions; they are not news articles, nor comments, by this newspaper. We do accept replies to earlier letters. Do not use pdfs -- docs or docx, please.

We do not accept letters praising or critical of local businesses. No personal attacks, nor promotional pieces for political candidates or parties accepted.

The Editor

La Verendrye is losing moose

At the UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP15) last December, Indigenous peoples reminded us of their long history of sustainably managing diverse and abundant ecosystems, as is the case with Anishnabe people in La Verendrye Wildlife Park. They specifically rely on moose for healthy food, clothing, and ceremony. 

The community has noted a sharp decline in the moose population in the last 15 years. The Quebec government’s study shows that moose numbers in the Park have dropped by "https://canadians.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fb9e08a9113c74c2263f5d4e2&id=4ffb4d548a&e=4cef51d000" 35% in the last 12 years, butt the government has failed to take adequate action to address it. In response to this decline in a once stable population, the Anishnabe communities in and around the Park came together to form the "https://canadians.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fb9e08a9113c74c2263f5d4e2&id=4d7e7de946&e=4cef51d000" Anishnabe Moose Committee in 2021, and conducted the most in-depth study to date on the region’s moose population. The report pointed to sport hunting, logging, and climate change as causes of the population collapse. 

This steep decline in the moose population raises a number of questions: What economic, political, and social forces have contributed to the decline in the moose population? Where can we go from here? This study explores the role that forestry, mining, sport hunting, and resource management by colonial governments has played on this ecosystem and the moose – and people – that have lived here for millennia.

Vi Bui,

https://canadians.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fb9e08a9113c74c2263f5d4e2&id=76e67250a2&e=4cef51d000"

The Council of Canadians Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut Regions
Ottawa 

CAQ's Tax cuts?

The Bulletin's article on the mess in our region's minor hockey (about a month ago) was very interesting. Our sports authorities cannot afford to keep all the levels of minor play operating and separate, so they put together kids who are woefully mismatched. Why bother? To give these kids the feeling of really getting beaten by bigger, more experienced players? The authorities are probably doing their best -- it is the old story: they have budget limits.

Several hospitals in our region have closed essential services -- birthing mothers have to drive for hours to get to Gatineau (oh, there are promises. ...), on and on, schools are "consolidated" giving the kids over an hour ride each morning and evening ... they are sure to love education after three years of that! All of this is because of budget shortfalls and because of "Tax cuts!"

Please, if you hear a politician or media person claim, "tax cuts keep your money in your pocket!" turn off the radio; these people are crooks. Taxes are what support all the services that government is expected to provide. The point of government is not to "save money". That's the point of banks. Government is to provide services, frugally.

But somehow these public-relations experts (that's all what many politicians seem to be) can say whatever they want and the media just moves along to the next topic -- another sales pitch probably -- and no one calls them in a public way. They walk off counting their coming bonus, both politician and media reporter.

"A tax cut" ... isn't that like getting pick-pocked? If we want better health service we have to pay for it.

R.X. Martin
Aylmer

Ice storm

I have to write a note of appreciation to all our co-citizens in Aylmer during the ice storm last week, and afterwards. One gentleman on our street had wood heating still functioning and got his furnace going. He invited several older neighbours over for a hot cup of coffee and a "warm-up". There is no law saying he had to do this, is there? So it comes out of the human heart. There is so much more going on in just one block of homes than we think and none of it is obvious, except when we have a crisis. Thank you everyone! Thank you Bulletin d'Aylmer, also!

Jeremy Cole
Aylmer

Bravo Hydro-Quebec #1

I wish to extend a big "thank you" to all the Hydro-Quebec workers who kept working to get us over this last ice storm. Hopefully it is the last of this winter! Here is a government service that is provided all over the Outaouais' huge rural territory -- and still we pay less than the privatised electricity in Ontario! Thank you!

Blake Henry
Aylmer

Bravo Hydro-Quebec #2

What a welcome sight to see our lights come on this morning as we we arose, expecting at least another day without power. Last night we had emptied our refrig into coolers, with ice! Our family is indebted to all those Hydro workers -- and engineers -- who do their best against whatever Mother Nature throws at us. This looks like our planet's future.

Michel Tsing
Aylmer North

Champlain Bridge

Do we know if the NCC is going ahead with the weekend closures of the Ottawa River Parkway for outdoor enthusiasts? If yes, this will only compound the frustration with commuting in either direction. 

Pleasure for a few and frustration for so many!

Can we maybe have our city councillor look into this? Thank you! 

Barry Workman 

Aylmer

Do developers plan the city, or does the city?

I have to agree with the letter from Oliver Simms re "the 15 minute city" and Samantha Jennings re the depressing development of Vanier Road. Great ideas to start! But the reality is that without a City plan that forces developers to build them it doesn't happen.

The Connaught Park Hippodrome was torn down in 2009 and the developers plan published in this newspaper touted (with artists renditions) the wonderful neighbourhood that would replace it with walking / bicycling paths linked to local food stores, boutiques, etc. The result is large single family homes at the back of the development followed by large semi detached and progressively smaller units closer and closer to Aylmer Blvd and not a store or boutique in site. Check the original design for ZIBI or Lebreton flats which are slowly being filled with condo's. Sad to say, but "Money Talks".

John Simpson
Aylmer

Are federal MPs spreading the Bomb?

The Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility and researchers from five universities are urging Ottawa to reconsider its financial and political support for extracting plutonium from used nuclear fuel. Plutonium is key to nuclear weapons— and is created as a byproduct in nuclear reactors.

Last week, a House of Commons committee recommended that the government “examine nuclear waste reprocessing and its implications for waste management and [nuclear weapons] proliferation .”

Canada granted $50.5 million to the Moltex corporation, March 2021, for a plutonium reprocessing facility at the Point Lepreau nuclear site on the Bay of Fundy.

Plutonium reprocessing in Canada increases the risk of spreading nuclear weapons to countries that do not possess the means to make nuclear weapons. The risk is even greater if Canada sells the technology.

Reprocessing is often justified as dealing with nuclear waste, but in reality, it only makes the challenge even harder. Instead of keeping radioactive materials in solid spent fuel, they get dispersed into multiple solid, liquid and gaseous waste streams.

University researchers are supporting an international review. "http://www.ccnr.org/3_Letters_to_Trudeau_2021.pdf" three letters were written to Prime Minister Trudeau by nine nonproliferation experts. The Prime Minister’s failure to respond indicates an appalling lack of good governance on the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The government has not responded nor even acknowledged the significance of the nuclear weapons connection with reprocessing.

Commercial reprocessing has never been done in Canada but Canada has been complicit in producing nuclear weapons. Cold War-era reprocessing was done at the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratory, while Canada sold both uranium and plutonium to the US army for nuclear weapons. This resulted in a permanent legacy of nuclear waste and radioactive contamination (at Chalk River).

The first reactors were built to produce plutonium for bombs, the first reprocessing plants to extract plutonium as a nuclear explosive. Canada has had an "https://www.nwmo.ca/~/media/Site/Files/PDFs/2015/11/09/12/54/656_6-4StatusofNuclearFuelReprocessingPartitioningandTransmutation.ashx?la=en" informal ban on reprocessing since the 1970s. The U.S. National Academy of Sciences panel advised that the reprocessing technology proposed by the Moltex corporation “does not provide significant proliferation resistance.”

The need for an independent international review is urgent, as Moltex has announced it is seeking an additional $250 million in government funding.

Many researchers supporting an international review of plutonium reprocessing in relation to the spread of nuclear weapons have signed this letter. "http://ccnr.org/GE_CV.pdf" Dr. Gordon Edwards, "https://ccnr.org/" Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility
"https://www.unb.ca/faculty-staff/directory/arts-fr-sociology/odonnell.html"

Dr. Susan O’Donnell, University of New Brunswick
Ottawa

Pesticides?

I want to add a footnote to the debate (in the Bulletin's letters) re pesticides used for mosquitoes and black flies. Thirty-two years ago when I moved to Aylmer the spring days had black flies and the evenings were full of mosquitoes, bats and swallows. Now there are very few black flies or mosquitoes but no bats or swallows. I can't believe that bats and swallows have no ecological use and that we are better off without them.

John Simpson
Aylmer

More storms ... more power line protection needed

Another year, another major weather event leading to power outages. When the ice storm was at its worst, I was in the backyard when two thirty-year-old branches came crashing down on my neighbour's property. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and they were nowhere near overhead power lines. Climate change means that extreme weather and high winds are going to become a distressingly common occurrence. Now is the time to adapt. Let's start with voting for local councilors and politicians who support burying power lines. For those who say that it costs too much, take a moment to consider how much the recent ice storm (and the derecho last year) has cost the region in terms of lost income, replacement of damaged property and spoiled food, raised insurance premiums, etc... Overhead power lines have outlived their utility - lets bury them as part of a multiyear resiliency program. It will also save healthy mature trees currently close to power lines from being brutally pruned (not to mention the countless trees used for poles).

Martin de Vries
Aylmer

Tramway study discredited

It is important to remember that any study can be biased if it is designed or interpreted in a way that favours a particular outcome. Bias can come from the industry, the study's methodology, the choice of data, the people conducting the study and many other factors.

It is commonly accepted that the need for the tramway (to Ottawa) depends primarily on expected ridership. Let me discredit one study on the subject.

The May 15, 2020, study titled "Update on the Progress of Insertion Analyses in Downtown Ottawa" nebulously explains that between 7,500 and 12,000 people per hour will need to be transported on the Du Portage Bridge within fifteen years, which seems unlikely. Quebec City is planning for 3,200 passengers per hour. This is especially true given the widespread use of telecommuting. To meet this demand, the study recommends the use of 105 articulated buses with 72 passengers, or 25 streetcars with 300 passengers each, without specifying whether it is for one direction or for both, although this information is essential for a good understanding of the needs.

Let's assume that there are 7,500 passengers in one direction and 3,500 in the other, which would immediately saturate the tramway. By comparison, the articulated bus is half empty. With a capacity of 260 passengers, the Quebec City model would not meet the need. In comparison, the Waterloo, Ontario, model carries 200 passengers. The longest Spirit configuration by Alstom carried 344 passengers. Beyond that, it requires coupled streetcars, double-surface garages and disproportionately long stations. According to the scenario of this study, it is inferred that massive new investments will be required in 15 years.

It is important to note that the study requires a frequency of no less than 25 streetcars per hour, which is more intense than that of the Montreal metro. It is obvious that the safety of users is not taken seriously.

If you still believe that the streetcar ("tram") is the solution to public transit in Aylmer, don't worry. It is understandable; we are being bombarded with positive messages for streetcars. Not long ago, the tobacco industry would have us believe that smoking mentholated cigarettes was good for coughs. The streetcar industry wants to sell streetcars! ( Translated )

André Simonson
Gatineau

Supporting CBC?

In Didier's latest editorial, he states that the taxpayer’s contribution to CBC is small; 1.24 billion is not small, unless it’s other people’s money. My guess is he went to the Chrystia Freeland University of Finance and was top of class. Didier, did you also have to cancel your Disney Plus subscription?

The federal Liberals do not control the CBC; they do not have to; CBC is a bastion of left wing ideology that mirrors the Liberals' propaganda. Please stop referencing what is happening south of the border to justify what we should do in Canada; focus on what is actually happening here. Fear mongering is a classic ploy by "progressives" to justify their control the freedom of expression; Bill C-11 is a prime example. Canada strong and free!

Peter McCauley
Aylmer

If you can't convince them, abuse them?

According to a survey by the non-governmental organization, Global Witness, almost 40% of climate researchers report having experienced online harassment or abuse related to their climate research.

This abuse is more than just raising objections. "https://nature.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2c6057c528fdc6f73fa196d9d&id=1a1b9bd9ce&e=8bbda66a73" One-third of the female climate scientists who report abuse said they had received attacks specifically relating to their gender. Since these trolls hide their identity, they use the grossest language, unacceptable in any daily conversation. I guess they feel they are geniuses because they can throw a stone, or rotten egg, without any chance of being caught! Why do so many people on social media give up their own moral principles when they engage with other users? Controversy is helpful, but only if helpfully done.

These online attacks could discourage researchers from pursuing climate research (or any other subject) and, certainly, from sharing their findings with the public, according to an employee of Global Witness who is cataloguing these attacks. It is up to all of us to condemn this destructive practise and certainly at minimum we should not respond to nor forward such brainless postings.

Hubert Petrides
LePlateau / Gatineau

Inflation : rigging the casino?

"The global economy is on the path to hyperinflation and risks societal collapse if soaring prices are not brought under control", writes Yahoo. How to stop it? Even though the action required is clear; our era's condemnation of "toxic masculinity" and "extremism" rules out the tough policy I believe is needed.

For inflation to be crushed, according to my thinking, interest rates must outpace the inflation rate, so they must go to about 15%; but instead, the central bankers give us 0.25% increases and cower in shame. There is no fundamental change in people's behaviour. Instead, consumers claim "bananas are up another 5 cents this week!" and shore up their finances using their credit cards and unpaid mortgages; they "hang on" for Santa Claus to make it all right again.

Long-terms interests rates over the last couple of centuries have been about 9%, yet the politicians, fearing backlash, slashed those rates to almost nil in 2008. No pension funds or insurance companies will invest in government bonds that are only paying 1% a year in dividends. So, non-socialist governments everywhere then passed laws forcing banks and institutions to keep buying government bonds, even though they would be close to valueless with any interest rate rise.

So, as see it, government intervention messes up the functioning of the open-market system, by intervening directly to raise interest rates -- which eventually crashes the investors, or the general public.

Six years ago, I personally warned MP Greg Fergus of the end result of his government's attempts to rig the casino. I was, pretty much, laughed out of his office as a crank. Today, the results are obvious around the world.

Robert L Thompsett
Gatineau

Reps from civil society groups across Canada will be in Ottawa to tell MPs and climate NGOs about the serious downsides of the nuclear buildup that our federal government is promoting.

At the Centennial Flame will be our rally "Red Light for Nuclear Buildup". We will highlight the ongoing nuclear waste problems and plans to expand reactors into communities across Canada. Check our website for the details, reasons, and possible safe ways forward.

The rally will feature a few short speeches from "Not-the-Nuclear-Lobby" Week organizers, and the Ottawa Raging Grannies will lead us in some songs including "Red Light for Nuclear buildup." Bring signs, if you wish, to send a strong message to the Trudeau government.

Following the rally is a press conference in the National Press Theatre. MPs from four parties will speak along with Susan O'Donnell from the Coalition for Responsible Energy in New Brunswick and Ginette Charbonneau from Ralliement contre la pollution radioactive in Quebec.

Later there will be a debate at the University of Ottawa with Dr. Gordon Edwards and Dr. Chris Keefer: Do We Need to Scale up Nuclear Power to Combat Climate Change? Find details and register on HYPERLINK "https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/do-we-need-to-scale-up-nuclear-power-to-combat-climate-change-tickets-596055978477" Eventbrite. This should be an excellent debate! Gordon debated Dr. Edward Teller ("father of the hydrogen bomb") on "https://youtu.be/RZy10obDkoo" national television in the early 70's and won hands down.

Thanks everyone trying to keep the Ottawa Valley free of irresponsible radioactive waste projects!

Lynn Jones
"http://concernedcitizens.net/" Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area
Renfrew, Ont

Cancellation of Québec's third line - one dedicated to public transit

Vivre en Ville welcomes the decision to study a dedicated link for public transit announced by the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault. The cancellation of the third highway link project is a responsible decision and the will to offer a true sustainable alternative for inter-urban mobility is inspiring.

Urban sprawl, which is costing us personally and collectively a great deal of money, is the result of decades of highway construction that has had a significant and damaging effect on communities. Reversing this trend and winning the challenge of sustainable mobility will require at least as much investment in public transit.

The ambition to structure urban development around an ambitious sustainable mobility project is exciting, especially since there is a great opportunity to interconnect the project with the future tramway. This is a vision that is consistent with Quebec's National Policy on Architecture and Land Use Planning, whose implementation plan is expected in the coming weeks. -Translated

Christian Savard, Vivre en Ville
Quebec

Action against overdoses & a new report

A Day of Action Against Overdoses in Outaouais, was led by CIPTO last week. It included A Collective Memorial Art Action, A Tribute March for the dozens of lives lost to the toxic drug crisis and a Panel Discussion on Safer Supply at Le LAB (Hull).

The safer supply panel will convene people with experience of substance use, as well as experts in medicine, harm reduction and policy implementation. Panelists will discuss evidence-based solutions to harm reduction, including safer supply and decriminalization.

The panel coincides with a new report highlighting six community-identified actions that can help prevent deaths from the toxic drug crisis. It is published by CIPTO and the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition.

The goal is to raise awareness about the drug poisoning crisis that is affecting so many families and to have a dialogue about solutions, including safer supply and decriminalization.

Janick Allyson , CIPTO
Gatineau

Spring = more forest fires

In an effort to reduce the number of wildfires this spring, the Society for the Protection of Forests Against Fire (SOPFEU) is launching its annual awareness campaign, debunking some of the myths about the subject. A series of educational vignettes and two animated videos will be released through the end of spring, primarily via social media. The objective of this campaign is to remind people that contrary to popular belief, it is in the spring that the majority of forest fires in Quebec occur, notably due to the loss of control of many brush fires initiated by residents.

SOPFEU points out that in the spring, municipal firefighters and SOPFEU forest firefighters intervene on an average of 275 fires affecting the forest. At this time of the year, despite the cool weather and the still wet soils, the risk of fire is often very high. In fact, before foliage and greenery appear, the fuel on the ground consists of wilted grasses, dead leaves and dry brush, which are highly flammable. It only takes a few hours of sunlight and a little wind for the dead vegetation to dry out quickly and the level of fire danger rises substantially. A fire can then spread over a good distance and threaten the forest as well as nearby buildings. (Translated)

Melanie Morin, SOPFEU
Messines

March Letters

Open letter to Prime Minister Trudeau on minority language rights

Dear Prime Minister, I am writing to express the profound concerns of the English-speaking community of Quebec about the current discussions in Committee over revisions to the Official Languages Act, Bill C-13. My organization represents thousands of Canadians, who support a moderate approach to language policy in Quebec.

As you know, the Act was passed in 1969 by your father's government after the extensive national discussions of the Bilingualism and Biculturalism Commission, spearheaded by your father's mentor, Frank Scott. The purpose of the law then and now was to ensure services to minority linguistic communities across the country and support their capacity to work in their official language.

Since that time, the English-speaking community and its institutions have worked collaboratively with francophone minority communities to support one another. In fights for Francophone school boards, provincial laws, and support for the status of the French Language, there has been solidarity. Many people forget the expression "Two Solitudes" used by Hugh MacLennan in his book, comes from a poem which states "Love consists of this: two solitudes that meet, protect and greet each other."

Bill C-13 has many redeeming qualities, not the least of which is the effort to encourage the flourishing of the French Language in the rest of Canada. However, by encouraging the idea there is only one minority language group in Canada worth supporting, you are not only abandoning the Anglophone community of Quebec in the short term, you are opening up a Pandora's Box which could lead to the elimination of jobs for English Quebecers in the federal public service and federally-regulated businesses, the elimination of English school boards via loss of Section 23 rights, and the continued marginalization of a community of 1.25 million Canadian citizens.

Your government has also managed to incorporate the egregious provincial law 96, and its unethical pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause, into federal legislation. Law 96 is nothing but a vengeful attack on our community. It does nothing to promote the French language and instead emphasizes the creation of a separate, ethnocentric, French speaking nation-state in Quebec. This is the precursor of the independence of Quebec and the end of Canada as we know it.

While incorporating Law 96 into Bill C-13 might have been seen as a clever political ploy to appeal to so-called "soft nationalists," it is unprecedented and appalling. By collaborating with the Bloc Québécois, the Conservatives and NDP have shown their own lack of concern for Canada's future. The only true leaders emerging from this mess are the handful of dissenting Liberal MPs with the courage to speak out for Canadian values, notably Marc Garneau, Marc Miller, Anthony Housefather and Emmanuella Lambropoulos.

In short, your government's actions and those of Premier François Legault, have put the English-speaking community of Quebec, Canadian official bilingualism, and the unity of Canada, in crisis.

Consequently, I call upon you to regain control of the legislative process, remove the references to the Charter of the French Language and reverse the harmful amendments being imposed by the opposition parties. If that is not possible, withdraw this extremely troubling legislation. Then you should call a national meeting of leaders of minority linguistic communities and create a path for understanding and solidarity between our communities that leads to a stronger, more equitable Official Languages Act.

As Prime Minister of Canada, your job as head of government (dating back to the Peace of Westphalia) is to ensure the security of your citizens. At this time, there are more than a million of your fellow Quebecers whose future is threatened. And you are putting the future of our country at risk by ignoring this crisis.

We ask you to take on the responsibilities you have sworn to uphold, to protect our Constitution and our laws, by acting forcefully and directly to protect the interests of the country we love.

Andrew Caddell,
President Comité spécial sur la politique linguistique / Task Force on Linguistic Policy

New website, nice work team Bulletin

Congratulations on your new website, Bulletin Team! I’ve been following your Instagram account this winter and noticed an alert about your new website. I’ve been loving seeing our little town in pictures. The old website wasn’t bad or anything, but I see the website is modernized – better photo management, cleaner look.

Great job all around – love our local newspaper !!

Nathalie Leblanc
Aylmer

Call for Canada Health Act to be afforded to Quebecers as well

After nearly 40 years, is it not time for Quebec residents to no longer be treated as second class citizens when they require medical or surgical care elsewhere in Canada?

One of the five principles of the Canada Health Act is portability. The CHA was passed unanimously in 1984, ie all Quebec MPs voted for it. Quebecers, like other Canadians, enjoy portable hospital benefits. However, Section 11 clearly stipulates that when patients are treated in another province or territory, the “host-province” rate of the physician applies, not the “home-province” rate of the patient. All provinces and territories have signed the Reciprocal Medical Billing Agreement (RMBA) to facilitate payment.

However, Quebec has refused to sign, and pays only its own rates. Few MDs in other parts of Canada will accept a Quebec health card. Most demand upfront payment, and leave the patient to obtain partial reimbursement from the Quebec government. This may take months.

This occurs in three situations:

• Patients from West Quebec who are unable to find a family physician, or wish to see a specialist may seek medical or surgical care in Ottawa.
• Quebec patients on vacation or business who need urgent medical or surgical treatment in another part of Canada
• Quebec patients who move permanently to another province or territory, and for the first three months are covered only by a Quebec health card that few MDs will accept. Some may need prescription refills or diagnostic tests soon after arrival.

For many decades, this problem has been ignored by prime ministers and federal health ministers of all political stripes.

I note that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Health Minister Duclos both represent Quebec ridings. I find it surprising that they remain so unconcerned about the major gap in the public health coverage of other Quebecers when they venture from their province to another part of Canada.

Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos on March 1, 2023 indicated that he was clawing back $82 million in federal health transfers to eight provinces over fees charged to patients in 2020 and 2021 – mainly for diagnostic procedures. He also warned about future clawbacks over private clinics charging for virtual care.

Quebec has always maintained that health care delivery was under provincial jurisdiction. Yet if a patient is treated in another province, which province now has jurisdiction - that of the patient or that of the treating physician?

Of interest is that Duclos stated quite clearly on March 10, “There should be no fees for medically necessary health-care services wherever people may live in this country.”

It is time to translate these words into action. I urge Minister Duclos to demonstrate political will on behalf of his constituents and meet with his counterpart, Christian Dube, and ensure every Quebec resident enjoys fully portable medical benefits.

Charles S. Shaver, MD

Ottawa physician Dr. Charles S. Shaver was born in Montreal. He graduated from Princeton University and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and returned to Canada in 1970. He is Past-Chair of the Section on General Internal Medicine of the Ontario Medical Association. The views here are his own.

Clarification

Oops! The team at the Aylmer Bulletin wish to draw reader attention to any error in the March 8 edition of the newspaper. In the article “UQO aims to tear down access barriers for LGBTQ+, trans and non-binary women looking to procreate”, the term “non-binary women” was used. These words together create an oxymoron. The term we use is “non-binary people” and “transgender women”. Apologies for an confusion this may have caused.

The editor

Pesticide control in Gatineau: a tough choice

After reading about the “Gatineau sans pesticide” group in the March 8 edition, I’m left with two main thoughts. One is that I’m defiantly attending the Gatineau City Council meeting in Aylmer next month, and the second that I don’t know where I stand about mosquito control. Having grown up in the MRC des Collines, my family and I enjoyed eating dinner outside only a few times a year. Either before the mosquitos a few times that it was warm enough in the spring. Then another handful of occasions in late summer once the mosquitos had died out.

I hadn’t realized that anti-larvae spray programs run by the city is why my family eats outside all summer long in Aylmer. Not that I could ever really support a program that endangered a natural feeding cycle, but jeez, living without mosquitos is enjoyable!

I wonder if the Bulletin could run a research series about the effects of mosquito control on the other insect populations, and birds etc. Perhaps more of us could make an informed decision before asking city councillors to vote on our behalf regarding this issue.

See you the city council meeting in Aylmer! Since the city council building has been demolished, I hope residents find out where it is in advance.

 Susan Gauhier
Aylmer

Heartwarming news on a cold wet day

I’d like to share some heartwarming news on a cold wet day. Maggie Bungay and Mackenzie Van Hoof, two local girls from Eardley Elementary school, on a PD day, were caught all the way down in the ditch doing their part

helping spring clean. This is a yearly event the girls do all on their own. I hope they can make a piece of the paper. Showing the rest of us that it doesn’t take that much to make a big difference. They may be small, but can do great things.

Thank you,
Sonia Caravan
(Maggie’s mom)

Salt on roads great for ice-melting, damaging to animals

After Veterinarian confirmation, my question is what is being spread on our rural roads? All 4 paws were affected, raw affecting sensitivity plus mobility for days. The Municipality to date did not answer what chemicals are being spread upon request. Raising awareness in hopes no other dog gets affected in our Community.

Pontiac, QC

Bad roads in Aylmer

I am a petsitter who drives Aylmer's roads every day. I've read hear so many people complaining about how bad our roads have become. I, too, have noticed a rapid and unnecessary decline of maintenance.

I encourage all people to write letters expressing this priority. In addition to complaining online, why not write a letter or email to your electoral representatives? Let's flood their offices with our complaints, pleas, and suggestions. Let's speak up to those who can take action on our behalf. I am including a list of links below with the contacts to assist you. Also, if you are not fluent in French like me, there is a link for an online translator. Let our voices and votes be heard where it counts !

List of representatives - https://www.gatineau.ca/portail/default.aspx?c=en-CA&p=guichet_municipal/conseil_municipal

Map of electoral districts- https://www.gatineau.ca/portail/default.aspx?p=publications_cartes_statistiques_donnees_ouvertes/cartes/carte_districts_electoraux&ref=navigation-secondaire

Language translator - https://www.deepl.com/en/translator

Lori Roche

Aylmer

Remembering Wayne Owens

I have read the Aylmer Bulletin since it started a long time ago. I remember Mrs Virany, the editor, walking down rue Principale with camera in hand. She would talk with people on the way, reporting what was going on in the town of Aylmer.

I am still looking forward to every week to read the Bulletin, but it has changed. I find there are too many advertisements in it, not enough written about people.

In the last issue, on page 15, a smiling face surprised me --- it was Wayne Owens. He is a warmhearted gentleman I used to talk to on my walks along Fraser Road. I am 99 years old now and I live in Glenwood now since I was 63.

I did not know that Wayne had died in 2022, but I know that where he is now, he is smiling.

The picture is lovely – thank you very much Aylmer Bulletin, and the family of Wayne Owens.

Charlotte Lorbeer
Aylmer

Health care front: battle to preserve the integrity of Canada

We are approaching the 55th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King that resulted in prolonged civil unrest and was a pivotal event in my life.

Born in Montreal, at age 2 years I moved to Ohio and then Kansas. My father, a neurosurgeon, died at age 51 during my first week in high school. I received scholarships to Princeton University and John Hopkins School of Medicine, and believed that I would remain forever in the United States.

However, Dr. King was shot on April 4, 1968, and riots erupted in over 100 American cities. In Baltimore, there was 4PM curfew with National Guardsmen on the streets. Eventually there were 6 deaths, 700 injured, 5800 arrests, and $12 million property damage.

It was too dangerous to remain in my row house, so I slept at the Homewood campus infirmary in a safer part of the city. For the first time ever, Hopkins cancelled exams, and urged us to go home. Several of us went out to the airport and rented cars. As I returned to the inner city that last night, I could hear snipers shooting from the rooftops.

By this point, my mother had returned to Kingston, Ontario. She arranged a research position for me, and a month later, I met my future wife, a Queen’s graduate from Ottawa. We married just before my last year at Hopkins, and moved to Toronto in 1970, and to Ottawa in 1974. Canada seemed a safer place, with more racial tolerance, fewer guns, and a less severe drug problem.

However, by the early 1990s the separatist movement was gaining momentum. Federal politicians seemed ineffective. The Baltimore riots had left a permanent mark on my brain. I could never forget what three days of anarchy felt like. The veneer of civilization is indeed very thin. I feared that similar violence might erupt in Canada, as all humans are wired the same, regardless of race or religion. Quebecers needed to be shown a new reason to hold onto their Canadian citizenship.

I telephoned hospitals around the country and discovered that virtually all quadrupled their rates for “nonresidents of Canada” which Quebecers would be; this was about $3000-$5000 daily. Quebec residents with pre-existing cardiac disease, malignancies, diabetes mellitus, etc. might find it impossible to purchase private travel insurance to visit friends and relatives in other parts of Canada – very important to “new Canadians” with extended families living in various cities across Canada. Others would no longer be able to travel freely on business or vacation. No politician had thought of this argument.

Though I had never taken a journalism course, large op-ed articles of mine on this topic were published from Vancouver to St. John’s. My French was not perfect, so I paid out-of-pocket for half a dozen different articles to be translated into French, and they appeared in most of the Quebec newspapers. All were in Le Droit and two were in Le Devoir with not one word removed.

The separatists were defeated in the 1995 Referendum, but by only 55,000 votes or 1.16%. However, the “Yes” side was supported by 60% of the Francophones. I hope, but will never know for sure, that my articles played a role.

The battle to preserve the integrity of Canada is not over. Unfortunately, many Quebec residents still feel like “second-class citizens” when they see a physician elsewhere in Canada as health coverage for Quebecers remains incomplete. As I have stressed in many articles, the Quebec government has been violating Section 11 of the Canada Health Act for 39 years and has refused to sign the Reciprocal Medical Billing Agreement (RMBA). As a result, Quebec residents who seek care in Ontario and other provinces must usually pay out-of-pocket, and later receive partial reimbursement. This is counter to the words of Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos on March 10. Were he to finally persuade Health Minister Christian Dube to sign the RMBA Agreement, Quebecers would have one more thing to lose in the event of a future vote for independence. I note with interest that support for sovereignty in a Leger poll has risen by 6% from a year ago to 38%. Might this trend be slightly reversed if Quebecers at last had fully portable health benefits throughout Canada?

Charles S. Shaver, MD
Ottawa

Ottawa physician Dr. Charles S. Shaver was born in Montreal. He is Past-Chair of the Section on General Internal Medicine of the Ontario Medical Association.
The views here are his own.

February Letters

Suicide Prevention Week Feb 5- Feb 11

With the theme "Prevention is Better than Death," the 33rd edition of Suicide Prevention Week reminds us that suicide is not inevitable. To reduce suicide rates, it is important to open up a dialogue on the topic. 

Talking about suicide is an essential starting point for prevention that is within everyone’s reach. If you would like to participate, join AQPS to raise awareness through motivational messages and information about resources in your community: DareToTalkAboutSuicide.com 

Connexions 

Gatineau

Alcohol vs. Vaccination  

In response to Mr. Kossovan's letter (Part 2) ... Deciphering science can be difficult for most people. Receiving pertinent scientific information from the "mainstream media" is the norm today. There will always be a small percentage who question science because they don't, or won't, accept it as true. Those disbelievers may "bravely" challenge the science but that is not good enough to disprove the reality. Disbelievers are held to account for their judgements and it is hoped that civil dialogue will quell their fears. Some disbelievers however will not give up their screed of disbelief no matter the efforts of civil dialogue and scientific data.

Mr. Kossovan notes that "drinking is not contagious like COVID". Not in the general sense but it does have a direct effect on those around the drinkers. Drunk driving is the most obvious, physical abuses are often encountered, and drinking at work can be a real problem that can cost a lot, for many, even at a distance. The many ways alcohol impacts our medical system, both physically and mentally, can not be denied.  Health Canada's new guidelines for alcohol are much less difficult to understand than vaccinations. The alcohol guidelines impact is also not as all encompassing to our society as vaccines. Those that continue to rail against the last years of vaccines, and masking for COVID-19 prevention, and who now try to equate them to these alcohol guidelines are misguided and or disingenuous.

"[D]on't all unhealthy lifestyle choices deserve outrage and ostracis[m]?" Many of the "unhealthy lifestyle choices" do and are directly dealt with by our legal system. As we progress we find some laws that overstep and some that must be strengthened and if this is done with democratic methods the laws will better represent us all, even those who do not or will not accept the realities of our times.  We must assume that the science is correct here and take action. Action like we took with tobacco. This means a tax on alcohol that goes directly towards maintaining our health care services that have gone through the most difficult time in our generation. It would be hypocrisy to do otherwise. Alcohol data is now public knowledge and it is hypocrisy to deny the problem exists and to take no action in order to placate those who choose to deny science. Railing against taking action is ridiculous and inaction is a hypocrisy we must overcome lest it brings us all down. 

Ron Temchuk 

Aylmer

Supreme Court asked to rule on Notwithstanding Clause

The Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations Inc. (QFHSA) supports the Prime Minister of Canada asking the Supreme Court of Canada to investigate the possibility of regulating the use of the Notwithstanding Clause.  

The Notwithstanding Clause, contained in Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms , allows the federal parliament or provincial legislatures to override certain sections of the Charter and invoking it ahead of time prevents courts from weighing in.  

Prime Minister Trudeau has stated that provinces should not be pre-emptively using the Notwithstanding Clause, because it means "suspending fundamental rights and freedoms." 

The present government of Québec has made use of the Notwithstanding Clause twice since forming government in 2018 — for Bill 21: An Act respecting the laicity of the State and Bill 96: An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec. 

The present government of Ontario pre-emptively used the Notwithstanding Clause to stop workers in the province's education sector from striking in 2022. 

The QFHSA believes citizens have the right to challenge discriminatory legislation before the courts in Canada.  

The Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations Inc.

 Montréal

Disinformation has won: Assault weapons amendments withdrawn  

Survivors and victims of mass killings who have been campaigning for decades to ban assault weapons are shocked by the unanimous withdrawal of amendments G-4 and G- 46 aimed at banning assault weapons by the Standing Committee on Public Safety. It is clear that the misinformation propagated by Conservative MPs and the gun lobby has won. 

The only glimmer of hope lies in the Minister’s commitment to continue to “work with our parliamentary colleagues to craft a new, clear solution that will keep assault-style weapons off our streets” and the possibility of reintroducing new amendments based on the additional consultations that have simultaneously been voted on, especially if these will clarify the true impact of the proposed measures and effectively counter the rampant disinformation.  

We are especially eager to hear from opposition parties with respect to the next steps, especially the Bloc Québécois. The government needs only one opposition party to deliver on their promise to ban assault weapons and it would be unthinkable for the Bloc not to collaborate in this regard.

Nathalie Provost, PolySeSouvient  

Montreal

Odorous question around town 

Why does the eastbound lane on Allumettières at Samuel-Edey always smell like "farts"?

Every time I stop at that light, me and my kids always wonder what the cause is.

Seriously, I wonder if folks living nearby are suffering a health risk. What gives?

A reporter should be assigned to this “breaking” news.

Mick Gzowski & kids 

Aylmer

Our driving culture gives us

People seem to be more likely to excuse the negative effects of driving — such as pollution and accidents — than those in other areas of life. In a survey of 2,157 drivers and non-drivers in the United Kingdom, roughly half were asked to rate a statement about cars.

The others were given an almost identical sentence about another issue. For example, 75% agreed that people shouldn’t smoke in highly populated areas where others have to breathe in the fumes — but only 17% agreed that people shouldn’t drive in highly populated areas.

The researchers suggest that this ‘motonormativity’ inhibits our ability to think objectively about how we use cars.

"https://nature.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2c6057c528fdc6f73fa196d9d&id=c0aaf2d39d&e=8bbda66a73"The Verge
CYBERSPACE

Parking at Broad-Thomas 

During events in the downtown, such as the Sunday market and services at the mosque, Broad Street is impassable with all the central speed signs. The street becomes blocked and this situation becomes dangerous for the public and causes conflicts between motorists. I have sent an e-mail to my councillor regarding this situation, but I have not received a response.

The police have already been made aware of this, but to no avail. These speed signs are dangerous and should be removed. One solution would be to paint a speed sign in the middle of the road. (Translated)
 

Denis Noel 

Aylmer sector

Our energy transition is inevitable, justice is not  

The fossil fuel era is ending whether Danielle Smith likes it or not. In her recent attacks on proposed federal Just Transition legislation, the Alberta Premier acted like the world has a choice between “transition” and “don’t transition.” Our only choice is between a just transition and an unjust one.   Even in their most conservative projections, the typically pro-oil International Energy Agency (IEA) expects fossil fuel demand to peak in 2035. They’ve been clear that there can be no new oil, gas or coal development if the world is to reach net zero by 2050.  

As the climate crisis gets worse, people around the world will put intense pressure on their governments to finally stop propping up Big Oil and start rapidly slashing emissions. The vast majority of Canadians, myself included, want our politicians to stop denying this reality and act now to make sure the transition is fair to all workers and communities.  

We can’t trust fossil fuel companies to do right for their workers when oil goes bust for good. Even amidst record profits, Canada’s oil and gas sector currently employs tens of thousands fewer people than it did a decade ago. While these workers get layoffs, executives and shareholders get bonuses and stock buybacks.  

That’s why I’m glad to see the Trudeau government finally moving forward with Just Transition legislation and I’ll be doing everything I can this year to push Parliament to deliver the boldest possible version of the bill.

 Lukas Grant  

Ottawa

Fund-raising for the Aylmer Heritage Association 

Although the APA can count on the financial support of the city of Gatineau, it must also undertake some autonomous financing to carry out its mission. This autonomous financing comes mainly from public membership (its members), their donations, as well as from the sale of products (e.g. books) and services (eg digitization), in addition to some fundraising such as the perennial plants sale in the spring. 

The beginning of the year is the period of renewal of memberships and the recruitment of new members. Thank you for supporting our organization in the protection and enhancement of the built heritage of Aylmer. To become a member or renew your membership: 

https://www.zeffy.com/.../dbc44673-7809-4552-927f 

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/.../archives-financement

 Aylmer Heritage Association 

Aylmer / Gatineau

Alcohol vs vaccination. When the science doesn't suit us ... ?  

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) has revised its alcohol consumption guidelines. After two-years of research, they are shocking.  CCSA's 89-page report says: "Even a small amount of alcohol can be damaging to health. Research shows that no amount, or kind, of alcohol is good for your health."  

This is a 360-degree change from Canada's 2011 alcohol guidelines. They defined as "low risk" up to 10 drinks per week (max two per day) for women, and up to 15 per week (max three per day) for men. 

What concerns me is what I am hearing (or not) from those around me and on my social media. Those who freaked out when anyone questioned the science behind COVID vaccines are now themselves questioning CCSA's science.  But isn't this, "I will question, even denounce, any science that does not suit me" pure hypocrisy?  In 2020/2021, Stats Canada reports 3,180 million litres of alcoholic beverages sold -- 9.7 drinks per week per Canadian. 

It will be interesting to see whether Canadians who followed vaccine guidelines because they believed in the science will now follow Health Canada's new guidelines. 

Will bars become dispensers of club soda and non-alcoholic fruit cocktails?  Will liquor stores be joining the 'For Lease' landscape?  Will grocery stores empty their shelves of alcohol?  Will the feds see a dramatic decline in alcohol sales, a significant source of government revenue, forcing them to raise taxes on other vices they tax (gambling, cigarettes) to maintain the money flow?  ... or will Canadians shrug and keep raising glasses, saying "What does the CCSA know? I bet their studies were commissioned by the Dairy Farmers of Canada." 

Yes, deciphering the science is difficult, especially when filtered through mainstream media which benefits by keeping us in a constant state of anxiousness. Nevertheless, because of the science reports, most Canadians rolled up their sleeves, got vaccinated and then boosted. A small percentage questioned the vaccine's science and possible side effects. Civil dialogue never took place. 

Many will argue, if a person drinks, that's their business. The logic being drinking is not contagious like COVID. Point taken. However, assuming CCSA's science is credible, and therefore alcohol is literally poison, I would expect people to be upset about all those drinking Canadians who are using our taxpayer-funded healthcare to treat illnesses and diseases that could have been prevented if they had abstained from alcohol.  Where is the outrage against those who continue to smoke in 2023, despite decades of undeniable science that has clearly said smoking kills? Inevitably those who smoke end up using Canada's healthcare system more than Canadians who take their health seriously.  

Undeniably, most health issues Canadians seek treatment for through our healthcare system are preventable. There is no doubt that a person's lifestyle choices have a direct impact on their health. Hence, are not all unhealthy lifestyle choices deserving of outrage, judgment, condemnation, and ostracization? Or is cherry-picking which science to believe—namely, the science that suits us—just the newest thing? 

I am curious to see how much alcohol Canadians will consume in 2023.  

Nick Kossovan 

Toronto

Alcohol vs. vaccinations: When the science doesn't suit, we question it? (Part 2)

Yes, deciphering the science is difficult, especially when filtered through mainstream media which benefits by keeping us in constant in anxiety. Yet because of the science the media did report, most Canadians rolled up their sleeves, got vaccinated and boosted. Only a small percentage questioned the vaccine's science and possible side effects down the road. Those who were, for lack of a better word, brave enough to challenge the science publicly, or said they were not comfortable getting vaccinated, were pummelled with insults, had their beliefs ridiculed and were ostracised by family, friends and employers. Civil dialogue never took place.

So why are those saying they will ignore Health Canada's new alcohol guidelines not being publicly burned at the stake?

Unvaccinated Canadians and those who went out in public unmasked experienced outrage, which their attackers justified by claiming that their "rebellious" behaviour (READ: Exercising their right to body autonomy) was burdening hospitals. If the media is believed, those who refuse to get vaccinated and/or wear a facemask are bringing Canada's healthcare system to its knees.

Many will argue that if a person decides to drink, that's their business. Their logic being that drinking is not contagious, like COVID. Point taken. However, assuming CCSA's science is credible, and therefore alcohol is literally poison, I would expect people to be upset about all the drinkers who are using Canada's taxpayer-funded healthcare to treat illnesses that could have been prevented if they had abstained from alcohol.

Where is the outrage against those who continue to smoke, despite decades of undeniable science that says smoking kills? It's inevitable that those who smoke end up using Canada's healthcare system more than Canadians who take their health seriously.

The non-existent outrage against those who question CCSA's science or dismiss it outright is mind-boggling hypocrisy! No wonder there is so much discourse when hypocrisy has become the norm.

Undeniably, many health issues Canadians face and seek treatment for through our healthcare system are preventable. A person's lifestyle choices have a direct impact on their health. Hence, don't all unhealthy lifestyle choices deserve outrage and ostracisation? Or is cherry-picking which science to believe—namely, the science that suits us—the new thing?

I am curious to see how much alcohol Canadians actually do consume in 2023.

Nick Kossovan,
Toronto

Climate Cafes!

Join us for our first climate cafe on February 5.

Transition écologique La Pêche Coalition for a Green New Deal will host its first Climate and Justice Café (Tea) of the year in Le Greenroom (Black Sheep Inn) on Sunday February 5 at 1:00.

Share what you care about, what worries you, listen to others, and share ideas about how we can work together, support one another and take action for a liveable future. Transition écologique La Pêche  La Pêche coalition for a Green New Deal

 Masham

Canada's

Letter-writer Nelly claims (in his letter about the large public service, January 11 edition) that the gov't just prints more money to pay any salaries it agrees to -- he singles out Ontario, but how can Ontario print money (a federal responsibility) to pay its "Sunshine List"?

This is a standard accusation by Right-wingers against all "government" in general, and especially on virtually any government spending that is not on the armed forces or police! Obviously not a well-thought-out objection, if that matters to him. 

R. Cousins 

Aylmer

Is Canada's

Joshua Frank's genuinely unsettling book,

https://tomdispatch.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6cb39ff0b1f670c349f828c73&id=fb0e9ff961&e=a78e7077d6

Atomic Days: The Untold Story of the Most Toxic Place in America", was dubbed one of the best books of 2022 (by The Progressive magazine), writing: "Joshua Frank blows the lid off 'the U.S. government’s gargantuan plutonium operation' that 'churned out nearly all of the radioactive fuel used in the country’s nuclear arsenal....'

The award-winning journalist makes a compelling case that Hanford has become 'the costliest environmental remediation project the world has ever seen, and arguably the most contaminated place on the entire planet...'"

As some turn to nuclear power as a supposed solution to the climate emergency, "Atomic Days" reminds readers of the perils of nuclear waste and its difficult disposal.

Tom Greenberg
Cyberspace

Fossil fuels are ending 

The fossil fuel era is ending whether Danielle Smith likes it or not. In her recent attacks on proposed federal Just Transition legislation, the Alberta Premier acted like the world has a choice between “transition” and “don’t transition.” In reality, our only choice is between a just transition and an unjust one.   Even in their most conservative projections, the pro-oil International Energy Agency (IEA) expects fossil fuel demand to peak in 2035. They’ve been clear that there can be no new oil, gas or coal development if the world is to reach net zero by 2050.  

As the climate crisis gets worse, people around the world will pressure their governments to finally stop propping up Big Oil and start slashing emissions. The vast majority of Canadians, myself included, want our politicians to stop denying this reality and act now to make sure the transition is fair to all, workers and communities.  

We can’t trust fossil fuel companies to do right by workers when oil goes bust for good. Even amidst record profits, Canada’s oil and gas sector currently employs tens of thousands fewer people than it did a decade ago. While these workers get layoffs, executives and shareholders get bonuses and buybacks.  

Andrew Stutt  

Ottawa

Green jobs from a Just Transition 

It has been frustrating but not surprising to see Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stirring up a new wave of fear and anger about the inevitable transition to clean energy. Smith obviously wants to motivate her base leading up to the spring election.  

But no matter what Smith wants to believe, the fossil fuel era is ending. Between the hard truth of the climate crisis and the rapidly declining cost of clean power, the energy transition is going to be painful for energy workers unless we have a robust transition plan in place.  

The idea of a Just Transition might outrage Big Oil and their allies, but the vast majority of Canadians are ahead of politicians in our support for the idea. Polling shows that most of us recognize that clean energy will bring good jobs along with cheaper and more reliable electricity. Everyday people want our government to work on a Just Transition, not against it, so that no worker or community gets left behind.  

Tiffany White 

Ottawa

A good deed by a good teen! 

On January 26th, right after the big snow fall, I was out in Aylmer and my taxi did not show up. I decided to walk home. The plow had just passed, and I got stuck in the snow. I was panicking and this angel of a young lady helped me get out of the snow.

When I got stuck again, she helped me once more. I never got her name, but I want to thank you for coming to my aid. We often hear negative things about teenagers, and I wanted to highlight this good deed. 

Cecile  Aylmer

Car insurance comparisons

We are happy to share today the 2023 edition of our

" HYPERLINK "http://xi9mw.mjt.lu/lnk/AWsAAAqUVkMAAchpAfAAAOUIhUUAAYCsqE8AnOAdABUAGABjvsVCgQ5HovQTSSaYqGt-8H--cwAUzK0/1/5f1oNE9wTRXoY9L7W35N7A/aHR0cHM6Ly9oZWxsb3NhZmUuY2EvZW4vY2FyLWluc3VyYW5jZS9iYXJvbWV0ZXI"

n _blankCanada Car Insurance Premiums Barometer" - which gives an overview on who pays what in the country and on which criteria. Here are some interesting findings of this document :

As of the end of 2022, Alberta ($3,151), Nova Scotia ($2,491) and Ontario ($2,299) pay the highest annual car insurance premiums in the country
Calgary ($3,182), Edmonton ($3,150) and Halifax ($2,490) are the cities where drivers are faced with the highest car insurance premiums in Canada
Nationwide, Canadian male drivers pay on average 4.1% more in premiums than female drivers
The highest annual car insurance premium found in all the country in October 2022 was $6,828 - the lowest $383.
This report was made with available data on car insurance premiums for 33 Canadian cities in 9 provinces, for 27 driver profiles - mixing criteria such as gender, age, marital and employment status, numbers of years of license, history of claims and convictions, distance of commute, annual kilometers driven and the car type and model.

Nolwenn Abolivier,

HelloSafe
Cyberspace

Abomination, my reply

Mr. Insulted, “abomination” is not a text but a Haiku poem. You say that accusing Quebecois of being racist is out of bounds. I disagree. When a body (government or…) strategically modifies the Charter of Rights and Freedom to oppress people of a certain language or religion: I consider that to be racism.

I was married to a loving Irish (anglo) lady for 37 years and I have witnessed time and time again the disrespectful behaviour of Quebec civil servants toward my wife; “elle va attendre la maudite anglaise “ . So I started speaking English to those “un-”civil servants. I got exactly the same treatment. If I communicated in French there were no abusive comments.

As for being anonymous. I was wise enough to remember the hatred the Quebecois have for the English and your own aggressive response supports that wisdom. Why is my identity so important to you? If the hat fits ...
There was no real effort put in the translation. This time I will not bother.

You criticize this newspaper for printing my poem; as far as I know Quebec has not yet limited the freedom of speech. Could it be that if you were Premier such a poem would be banned?

J.R.F.
Mansfield / Pontiac

Save the Aylmer lumber yard

Perhaps future folks are all destined to live in condos with no need for it (a lumber yard), but with an awesome (now forgotten) wood working shop in the back of that place, I still enjoy working with wood at home - can't we save the Rona lumber yard?

Larry Prickett
Aylmer

The new Canada Disability Benefit

The Confederation des organismes de personnes handicapées du Quebec (COPHAN) welcomes the adoption of Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Benefit (CDBP). Like the Disability Without Poverty movement, we are cautiously optimistic because the project is now in the hands of the Senate. Hurry up!

Persons with disabilities in Quebec are pleased with the passage of Bill C-22, . They thank the members of the House of Commons for quickly passing the third reading of the PCPSH.

It is now appropriate for the Senate of Canada to put in place the necessary arrangements to quickly study this important bill. The Senate can approve a bill unchanged, propose amendments or reject it. All of these possibilities can require countless delays that can result in a bill dying on the order paper. COPHAN therefore wishes the bill to be passed quickly. Time flies while a federal election remains possible, even if unlikely.

In Quebec, work to align the Canadian benefit with the Basic Income Program (BRP) and the disability pension will be required. This is the same with the provinces and territories with the particularities of each. Protecting Quebec's PRB that came into effect on January 1, 2023, will be necessary. It is necessary to enhance existing programs such as the PRB in Quebec to meet the needs of people with disabilities that still are unanswered. They are numerous.

For Quebec, we obviously support full indexation based on the cost of health care, rather than the cost of living. We are also of the opinion that the combined individualized benefit does not take into account the income of the spouses. The same applies to work income.

André Prévost, COPHAN
Montréal

Is our media ours?

I'm the boomer child of immigrants who settled in Canada in the early '60s. In the last decade I've become aware of the history of the Dominion and the fundamental injustices that formed this country: genocide and land theft (perpetrated by church & state) that benefit corporations/oligarchs at the expense of Indigenous People. We have decimated Indigenous cultures in Canada and we have waged a war against nature (ecocide) -- that we're losing. Presently the scope of the genocide/ecocide is expanding globally while corporations/oligarchs enrich themselves.   Traditional media are responsible for manufacturing the consent to this reprehensible endgame. You, the media, must stop, tell the truth and inform everyone of the injustices that bring us to civilizational collapse. We must end genocide, dismantle apartheid, and outlaw eugenics/white supremacy: cease to be a Dominion. Genocide precedes ecocide and Canadians are complicit to pursuing both, thanks to the practice of your “craft”. A healthy planet is required for our collective survival, our planet doesn't need our parasitic/toxic behaviour of extractive/settler colonialism and a violent economic system lead by grifters that pretend there are no limits. Shame on you -- and shame on us for not learning from our failures.

Canute Planthara
Ottawa

Reply to Mr Nelly's

Mr Nelly of Westmeath claims a "progressive" government should claw-back (surcharge) excessive salaries, but complains that Ontario refuses to do anything more than tax them, business as usual. Is Mr Nelly claiming the Doug Ford gov't is progressive? Why should we read any further in this letter? He goes on to argue for a tax surcharge on earnings over $100,000 -- hello! Does he honesty think Ford would surcharge all the millionaires (& billionaires) in Ontario? Who financially supports the Conservative gov't, if it isn't the wealthy? But he no doubt means only to surcharge "workers" earning over 100K, not corporate bosses and officials. The "sunshine list" is a list of employees, is it not?

Robert Wilbur
Aylmer

National pharmacare ... this year!

I spent part of last week in Ottawa, part of an announcement of the Fight for Pharmacare Alliance, and I want to ask you and your readers to join in.  Public, single-payer pharmacare would truly be life-changing for 3.4 million people in Canada who can’t afford to take their medication as prescribed, and the millions more for whom high drug prices are an incredible financial burden.  Since March, when the Liberals and NDP promised to deliver pharmacare legislation in 2023, Big Pharma and insurance industry lobbyists opposed to pharmacare have met with federal government officials 150 times – about 3 or 4 times per week.  It’s never been clearer to me that the reason the Liberals haven’t implemented pharmacare yet isn’t the cost or the complexity – it’s concern for the pharmaceutical and insurance industry, not people.   We need public, single-payer pharmacare and we need it now.

Robin Tress, Council of Canadians
Nova Scotia

Spy balloons? Or drumming up war-fever?

A. Is there any evidence at all that the now-destroyed "balloons" had any spying apparatus on board them? Any evidence at all, any recordings of messages they sent or received, any unusual antennae? And why destroy them before they can be "captured" and physically investigated?

B. Is there any doubt that the prevailing winds of the world blow from west to east? Or that nations do not use weather balloons normally?

C. Do any of the "big powers" NOT fly devices, satellites and spy planes over the entire planet? Is there any region of the world which does not have some external surveillance? How unusual are such "balloons"? And now with drones? Didn't the USA itself get into hot water over it's U-2 spy flights over Russia, China, the Koreas, even over its own client state, Israel?

D. If these are spying devices, really, who cares? The US claims they are spying on missile silos and airbases, but can't anyone at all drive around those places and take photos, recordings, use fancy spy-gear -- all from the backseat of their cars? Why send a billboard floating across America's skies?

E. If these are spy devices, they must report their findings home -- but how? How is it that NORAD does not track all unusual messaging in its skies? Especially once they spot one of these devices.

F. Why, given all these points, would anyone consider that these are dangerous spy incursions on our airspace? Isn't it just as likely, say, that the NWT device was a trial run by the Dehcho First Nation's airforce!

G. In other regions wouldn't it be more likely to assume these are weather or scientific balloons blown off course? They are not disguised. Does China want to provoke a US counter-strike? Or are the rightwing nuts in the US banging the drums of war? There's so much manufactured crisis in the news about Chinese "intentions", isn't this one more step closer to hostilities -- long promoted by the American right.

James Radey
Aylmer

Heartbreaking sketchbook spotlights family separation

Migrants and undocumented people call on Prime Minister Trudeau to keep his promise to regularize permanent resident status for all.

Evocative drawings by children of migrants separated from their families for decades and from those fearing family separation because of possible deportations were launched on Ontario's Family Day, at a pop-up art exhibit outside the office of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Photographs of the drawings have been put together into a sketchbook by Migrant Workers Alliance for Change and were also mailed to every Member of Parliament.

The drawings from children as young as two years old include inscriptions about family separation and fear. A migrant farmworker’s child wrote, “I miss my dad so much. I wish I could be with him in Canada, reunite our broken family, finish my schooling and make my dad proud.” An undocumented child wrote, “I am six years old, I have no friends, I can’t register in school because I have no status. Please help all the kids in Canada to get an education.”

Permanent resident status is the mechanism through which families can be united and everyone has equal rights; without it migrants are separated. We are sending these drawings by migrant children to Prime Minister Trudeau and every Member of Parliament to remind them of the cost of their decision and urge them to keep their promise, ensure permanent resident status for all, and stop the suffering.”

Sarom Rho, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change
Toronto, Ontario

Chelsea acts: keeping its bilingual status

At the February 7 Council meeting, Council unanimously adopted a resolution to maintain its official bilingual status. With the coming into force of Bill 96, the Municipality no longer had the criteria to maintain it since less than 50% of its population has English as its mother tongue. It had to adopt a resolution within 120 days of receiving the notice from the Office de la langue française. The Municipality of Chelsea received this notice in December 2022. 

Said Pierre Guénard, Mayor, ''Council believes that it is essential to maintain the status of bilingualism for the benefit of the municipality and its residents. This diversity is an asset and we wish to continue to serve our residents in their mother tongue."

The 2021 census indicates that 47.8% of Chelsea's population has English as their first language. Therefore, the Municipality will have to adopt a new resolution to maintain its bilingual status with each letter sent by the Office de la langue française. 

Maude Prud'homme-Séguin 

Municipality of Chelsea

This grandfather sets the record straight ...

I'm Roland Montpellier, a grandfather of four. I've been active in the climate movement for 15 years. Millions of people around the world are working hard to pressure their leaders to take the climate action that aligns with the gravity and the scope of the crisis. But our emissions keep rising. We are losing the war.

 The oil and gas sector is the largest and fastest-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, so we can’t meet our climate targets without reducing these emissions. Yet Canada continues to use taxpayers’ dollars to subsidize and finance the oil and gas sector despite its obscene profits — which have increased by 1,000 per cent in Canada since 2019.  

Renewable energy prices are more stable and predictable than oil and gas prices. If we want energy security, reliability and affordability, renewables are the way forward. We need to do more to save our world.  

Roland Montpellier
Gatineau

Is this the future of election debates?

Finland's news media Ilta-Sanomat and CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation have taken a new approach to combat polarization. Ahead of Finland's parliamentary elections, they have turned the concept of an election debate upside down by hosting a “Peace Debate”, where candidates were measured by their ability to show empathy, build trust and find win-win outcomes.

Political polarization undermines societies around the world. Attempts to reverse this glooming trend have been scarce, as there is yet to be a clear consensus on what should be done. Now a surprising solution has emerged from Finland, where the first-ever “Peace Debate” was held, February 10th. The Peace Debate inverted the traditional concept of election debates.

Unlike regular debates, where participants try to dominate others and make them look bad, the Peace Debate requires the candidates to find shared solutions, build common ground and listen to each other. This way the new format of an election debate is not only bringing the competing candidates closer to each other but also setting an example for a better political discussion.

Top Finnish politicians including Finland's current foreign minister Pekka Haavisto (The Greens) were invited from six political parties. The debate dealt with political hot topics such as immigration, the economy, and the country's NATO application.

After the debate participants were rated by the audience based on which of the candidates succeeded best in finding shared solutions. The voting was carried out digitally. Both the live audience as well as the online viewers were able to participate in the vote.

Peace Debate calls for better political discussion and leadership. Election debates are a building block of democracy. They give voters important information about candidates' political opinions and personalities. However, CMI believes that because election debates follow a similar formula, it narrows down the kind of information voters get. CMI emphasizes that, despite disagreements, solutions must be found through dialogue and peacefulness. 

The Peace Debate’s participants: Finland's current foreign minister Pekka Haavisto and five current members of the Finnish parliament.

 Riikka Kämppi, CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation 

Montréal

Yes! to JRF's haiku

In response to the letter from J.R.F. from the Pontiac: I agree completely with him. Legault’s government expects all government workers to pass a written as well as oral French test and if results do not amount to 75% they will not be hired. However, we do watch TVA news at 5:58 nightly and English words are included regularly in their broadcasts i.e., stocker, leader, manager, stopper, leadership, player, feeling, party, coach, mon scoop, etc. Both official Canadian languages must be respected in Quebec, as they are in the other provinces. English-speaking Quebeckers should have as many rights as French-speaking ones.

K.R.C.
Gatineau

You're doing what!

I am writing this on behalf of my teenage son, on his dare. We read the Bulletin, especially the letters. Almost every week there are letters about climate change, and according to him these letters are mostly complaints about what others are not doing, in our efforts to slow climate disintegration. They all have advice for others, lots of criticism about governments, but he wants to hear what these people are actually doing themselves. He sees very little being done (we both do) by our friends and relatives and he finds this hypocritical. Driving is his big complaint: have people actually cut their fuel emissions by changing their driving habits? Or do they still "jump in the car" whenever any little thing is missing or needed. Or in our homes. Have people actually reduced their water usage (and sewage production)? Dishwashers are very wasteful of water and heat, yet every house has one and they seem to be used all the time. Laundry, especially driers, all are especially wasteful, and we should all be angry about people washing their driveways and cars — even their whole houses. All the tree-cutting around town is also so depressing — it's like there are people who seem totally unaware of the effects of their actions, as long as they can make money somewhere in the process. Frankly I cannot disagree with him, but this pessimism which also seems so common only makes things worse.

There, I've written his letter. Does anybody have a reaction?

Robert Hunstle
Aylmer

In response to Robert Hunstle and his son

It is quite refreshing to read that your son takes climate change as seriously as he does. I would also like to see what people are doing to mitigate their own effect on the climate.

He should know that many people are still not driving their vehicles very much, as thousands of Federal employees are only working in an office 2-3 days a week and many are still at home 100% of the time. I also see a lot more electric cars on the road than in the past.

Governments have added incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle. Both Federal and provincial rebates and tax deductions are available. (do you [Robert] drive one I wonder?)

However, I must correct his comments about water and electricity usage. There is as much water on the planet now as there was millions of years ago. Using it for laundry, dish washing, showers, does not waste it. Yes, it is no longer drinkable, but only temporarily. This water is purified by treatment plants and released back into the rivers. Some of it will evaporate, and any sediment or contaminants are left behind.

As for dishwashers, many homes do not have one! In my home I am the dishwasher (my wife and I). In Quebec electricity is created almost entirely by hydro (almost 95%), which has 0 emissions. Using a dryer or dishwasher may use electricity, but no emissions are generated as a result, therefore no damage to the atmosphere.

As for tree cutting, many municipalities have rules and guidelines for reforestation when a developer cuts down trees to build a home. While we may not see trees being planted in the same area, they are in fact being replanted. Developers pay a tax to the municipality to cover the cost of replanting trees.

I would caution him not to be too critical on whether a person drives to the grocery store or walks. Some people cannot carry heavy bags home from the store if they are walking. There are times when using a vehicle is required.

Colin Clarke,
Aylmer

Ontario's public healthcare

I am very concerned with what’s happening to our health care system (in Ontario). Doug Ford is doing his best to privatize it, and we cannot allow that. It is written in our Constitution that we have a right to health care. The long waiting lists and hours of wait times in ERs is not health care. We must stand up to Doug Ford and not allow him to continue dismantling our health care system.  

Aline S

 Ottawa, Ont

Getting kids outside!

My heart sank as a parent last week when the camp de jour Kinéactif that serves Aylmer-Hull announced that it would not be able to run out of Heritage College this summer as the College has placed a moratorium on all space rentals. This has put Kinéactif and its director in a very difficult position, trying to find another location to run all the outdoor camp activities, including its very popular mountain biking program. Heritage was a perfect location, it backed onto Gatineau Park providing a huge playground for all the camp’s outdoor activities. As a parent, we found this outdoor-based camp during the pandemic. It sparked a passion for mountain biking in my son who has now volunteered for two summers building leadership competencies as an aide-moniteur (junior camp counsellor) and has now applied to become a moniteur (camp counsellor). That’s what I find the most difficult about the camp losing its direct proximity to Gatineau Park – it affects our community, parents, kids and the youth who would be employed. In today’s electronic-focused world, this camp is about getting kids outside and developing leadership competencies in our youth. Through a recent discussion with the camp director, I understand that a few temporary locations have been found for this summer and registrations will start very soon, albeit not with the same direct proximity to Gatineau Park.

Hoping that the Western Quebec School Board will answer to the camp’s needs and that Heritage College will work together with our camps and community organizations to allow the rental of their facilities. This can be done around their maintenance schedules. Let’s work together to support programs like these that benefit our community, our kids and our youth, and get kids outside in Gatineau Park while parents work during the summer.

C. Tiernan-Cerqueira
Aylmer

Tramways need a new transit bridge

You may recognize my name from the many anti-tram documents I have written in the Bulletin. But what I have to say here is of the utmost importance and is beneficial to the tram plan.

There seems to be a general stubbornness to have the streetcar from/for Aylmer go over the Portage Bridge. The Portage Bridge is already at full capacity. Why not a new bridge dedicated only to public transit? This new bridge connects the National War Museum to the Taché-UQO station. It provides direct access from both sides of the river between the Gatineau Olympiques and the Ottawa Senators to the future LeBreton Flats arena. Even for the tram, this would be beneficial. A dedicated transit bridge is easy to convince the public. It doesn't have to be a tall, massive structure. The bridge would be small because it only requires two lanes. The river bottom is rocky and shallow. This one is easy to build. It can be turned into a masterpiece!

The well known phenomenon of "induced traffic" is that when you expand or add to a road infrastructure, soon it is full again. This is positive for the proposed bridge since it is a bridge used strictly for transit.

According to the theory of induced traffic, there will be an increase in the use of the new transit structure to the point that it will be full before long. We should savor this benefit. But, more conveniently, this bridge saves precious minutes for all commuters heading to downtown Ottawa. Everyone from Aylmer to Buckingham has access.

This bridge is in line with the existing Rapibus and can be part of the structuring project of Gatineau's public transit network.

This bridge significantly reduces transit traffic on the entire downtown Hull bus route network and on the Portage Bridge.

From LeBreton Flats to Sussex Street, a cut-and-cover "tunnel" is added.

What do you think? (Translated)

The Bulletin brings world home

The recent editorial series by Ian Barrett is timely. I hope everyone is reading these and thinking through how we want to proceed as a society. It is time to truly pay attention to how we build our community and how we ensure the public good is at the core of all things.

Last week we learned that foreign influence in our federal, provincial and even municipal politics has a real impact on our electoral outcomes. Flatlining public trust with this reality, there is clearly far more work needed to improve our systems than anyone realized.

Keep it up, Bulletin! You are a local paper but bringing bigger issues to the front, with the local angle.

Jenny Levesque
Aylmer

January Letters

Open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 

“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a path forward for Canada and the world that leaves no one behind. As co-chair of the SDG Advocates group, I look forward to rallying countries, governments, the private sector, and others to accelerate our progress and continue to raise our voices - and our ambition - on the way to 2030.” - JT 

As countries face domestic health and economic shocks from the convergence of COVID-19, conflicts, and climate crises, Canada and the world need global solidarity to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. A plan in #Budget2023 is needed for the International Assistance Envelope (IAE) envelope to reach CAD$10 billion by 2025.  

Canada needs to #KeepThePromise to increase our IAE every year to 2030, so that the SDGs can be achieved. Trudeau’s promises to realize the goals require an increase in investment in #Budget2023 to our International Assistance Envelope. By increasing Canada’s IAE budget in 2023, Canada can unlock more funding for all issue areas, including investments to global education and mechanisms like "Education Cannot Wait". Canada must increase its IAE by 1.9 billion over the next three years to reach a minimum of 10 billion in the 2025-26 budget, in line with the government’s commitment to increase IAE every year toward 2030 to realize the SDGs.  

Canada should also fulfill its commitment to invest at least 10% of bilateral development assistance, assistance directly to a recipient country, in quality education. 

Marnie Shaw 

Calgary

Proposal to ease family doctor shortage 

Recent patients have died unexpectedly in emergency departments in New Brunswick and Ontario. CHEO has opened a second ICU. Due to exhaustion, burnout, and poor working conditions, many health-care workers have quit, forcing emergency departments across Canada to close temporarily. About five million Canadians have no family physician, only walk-in clinics. No wonder health care has surpassed inflation as the top national issue, according to Nanos polling. 

Manitoba's Premier has reiterated her request that Ottawa increase the Canada Health Transfer from 22% to 35%. But Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos refuses to (talk additional money until the provinces guarantee its uses). He wants them to focus on recruiting and retaining professionals -- not good enough say the premiers. 

What can be done? Medical and nursing school enrolment is increasing. B.C. is tripling places for foreign-trained physicians to obtain their licence; other provinces are fast-tracking foreign nursing and medical graduates. The Canadian Medical Association proposes a nationally portable medical licensure. Others also propose team-based care with salaries and fringe benefits for physicians. 

We need incentives to keep older physicians working , say, reduced annual licence fees. Over 15-16% of our family physicians and specialists are 65 or over. 

Physicians may be off work for weeks to months due to heart attacks, severe infection like COVID-19, resection of tumors, prostate or cardiac surgery, depression, knee or hip replacement, etc. This may end in retirement. Private disability insurance is usually unobtainable past age 65.  All provinces have had different benefits such as medical leaves. Younger physicians are mobile, and attracted by these benefits. Nationally portable medical licenses would pressure all provinces for benefits such as short-term disability for older physicians. 

I therefore propose that Quebec and all jurisdictions provide the following:   Practicing physicians and surgeons covered, age 65 to 80, without delays: MDs would receive 70-80% of their average monthly billings for 60, or preferably 90 days. 

For Ottawa to directly subsidize such a program would be an example of targeted health transfers which should be agreeable to Duclos and welcomed by most provinces. Yet by claiming "exclusive provincial jurisdiction", Quebec could protest these “strings attached” to federal funds. Ottawa could then pay the doctors directly! Recall that the Interim Federal Health Program pays physicians treating refugees directly, or for treating federal prisoners, and, until 2013, for members of the RCMP.  Short-term disability coverage would help keep older physicians working, even part time. For example, 80% of patients in emergency departments could be managed by family physicians, lessening the burden on these overcrowded, understaffed facilities. 

Charles S. Shaver, MD

La Verendrye is losing moose

At the UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP15) in December, Indigenous peoples reminded us of their long history of sustainably managing diverse and abundant ecosystems, as is the case with Anishnabe people in La Verendrye Wildlife Park. They specifically rely on moose for healthy food, clothing, and ceremony.

Anishnabe Moose Committee in 2021, and conducted the most in-depth study to date on the region’s moose population. The report pointed to sport hunting, logging, and climate change as causes of the population collapse.

Vi Bui, "https://canadians.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fb9e08a9113c74c2263f5d4e2&id=76e67250a2&e=4cef51d000"

The Council of Canadians  Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut Regions
Ottawa

New gun control faces disinfo camapign 

The Conservatives’ disinformation perfectly mirrors that of the gun lobby, claiming that the government is essentially seeking to ban “all centre-fire semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that can carry any kind of magazines”. That is not true. The specific wording of the bill makes all the difference. A closer look at the details and the accusations from gun control opponents fall apart.  

Government experts explained to Conservative MPs at committee that the amendment only affects centre-fire semi-automatic weapons designed with magazines that can hold more than five rounds. Compatibility with third-party-manufactured magazines that hold more than five rounds would not result in the prohibition of a firearm, contrary to what’s being stated by opponents.  

Opponents also argue that the categories of models listed in the appendix will lead to the banning of the entire range of sub-models. This too is false. Only high-calibre models that surpass specific limits would be prohibited. We are talking about high-powered firearms “that exceed safe civilian use: a 20 mm bore or greater (e.g. grenade launcher) and the capacity to discharge a projectile with a muzzle energy greater than 10,000 joules (e.g. a .50 calibre BMG). These weapons are primarily designed to produce mass human casualties or cause significant property damage at long ranges, and the potential power of these weapons exceeds safe or legitimate civilian use.” Every instance of a “prohibited hunting weapon” showcased by Conservative MPs in committee was refuted by government experts, including the “Ruger No. 1", the “Parker Brothers Shotguns”, the “Mossberg 702 Plinkster”, the “Weatherby Mark V” and the “Westley Richards Model 1897”.  

Finally, the gun lobby published an excerpt of the appendix listing several hunting firearms, stating that they were banned -- despite the fact that they are specifically excluded from the ban.  

Nathalie Provost, PolySeSouvient  

Montréal

Banning wood fires during smog (Translated)

We're there now! After decades of education about the dangers of wood smoke, especially during smoggy weather, it's time to move to a ban and enforcement (fines). It is time for a minority to stop smoking the majority, especially our young children. 

Montreal has banned wood burning at all times. Quebec City, Kirkland, Ste-Julie, St-Lambert, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Beaconsfield, Montroyal, Baie d'Urfée, etc. have banned wood burning during smog periods.

Gatineau city councillors, it is t to protect your fellow citizens!

Eric Beaudoin

Gatineau

Influencers claim 9-5 jobs are repulsive? 

I am sure your social media feeds, like mine, are full of self-serving motivational posts designed to make people, especially those who have not yet settled on a career path (the young, impressionable, haven't yet taken on full adult responsibilities), feel guilty if they want to be a doctor, accountant, engineer, or chef.  

At my age, I am deeply ingrained in the corporate world; thus, it is easy for me to see through these attempts to make those who have chosen to be an employee miserable. In my opinion, their sales pitch is equivalent to, "You may be good at working on someone's dream, but you do not feel and look good. So why not blow off your 9-5 to become a millionaire and get plastic surgery?" 

So, what if a person is happy trading their time for money?   Everyone has different circumstances. Being an employee is far more secure, especially if you adopt the habit of saving 20%, than going on your own.  

Many people buy into the self-serving narratives influencers sell. First, they write a blog, but as much as they try, they cannot get traffic to their blog. Then they write a book; only it does not sell because there are 1,000s of books evangelizing what they are evangelizing. Next, they set up a YouTube channel and upload their homemade video, "Ten Ways to Cook Eggs". But, damn, no views!  

Much of the craziness, toxicity, and photoshopped pictures that primarily populate social media are desperate attempts to generate the number of followers and viewership believed to be a requirement to becoming an influencer and escaping their 9-5.  

Random people on the internet bragging about their supposed four-hour work week gives many the idea that hustling 24/7 is the life they should be leading.  

Welcome to the hustle culture.  I have seen firsthand the consequences of participating in the hustle culture : Constantly feeling the urge to be busy. (A recipe for inducing anxiety. Wanting to make everyone around them join the "productivity" cult. Being disrespectful to those around them whom they perceive as less ambitious than they are. Feeling guilty when spending leisurely, socializing, or having fun. 

The definition of success varies from person to person. How someone defines their success is personal. You are no less human because a 9-5 job works for you, as it does for most people. Do not let "influencers," whose purpose is to make you unhappy for being an employee and then conveniently sell you their solution to the unhappiness they created, steer you otherwise—just do not forget to put aside your 20% for taxes! 

Nick Kossovan 

Toronto, Ontario

Pessimism is counter-productive, but easy

According to what I'm reading -- "https://nature.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2c6057c528fdc6f73fa196d9d&id=f4f8bc00fb&e=8bbda66a73

“More than half of young people think ‘humanity is doomed’ due to climate change. We need to reframe the narrative from doom and sacrifice, to one of opportunity.” (The Lancet) -- Dire results from a global survey of 16- to 25-years-olds prompts climate data scientist Hannah Ritchie to call for a solutions-focused narrative around our greatest challenge.

"https://nature.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2c6057c528fdc6f73fa196d9d&id=5ebe210c70&e=8bbda66a73

We had better revise out reactions to all the climate news -- it's not all bad! The COPS 15 just held was a great step toward a genuine future. This is an obligation for all adults. After all, we are the generation which has profited most from wreaking our climate's trajectory. We can help them realize there are opportunities to "do it right" this time around, which might not be the case if we continue to sit on our hands and insist on genuine action (acts, not targets!)

Alice Cashel (Dr.)
Aylmer

Against acknowledging the Indigenous presence in Canada? 

In a recent letter, Mr Neely questioned the motives behind today's acknowledging local Indigenous claims to residency of a local area. He claimed or implied that this is a scam of some sort whereby Indigenous people are being given ownership of land and buildings, resources and even the creatures thereon.

This is clearly an over-statement by Mr Neely -- for example, here is a claim published by a theatre company in Toronto which we visited last month. You will see it doesn't say anyone is the "owner" or has legal title to any spec ific land or resource:  "This sacred land has held story for thousands of years: stories that live in the fabric of who we are as a nation.

Canadian Stage would like to acknowledge and thank the original caretakers and knowledge keepers of this territory: The Anishinaabe Nations (including the Mississaugas of the Credit River), the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Wendat and Métis Nations.

We give thanks to the Nations recorded and unrecorded, acknowledged and unacknowledged, who also share the responsibility for this territory. We honour the Dish With One Spoon Treaty and our responsibility to peaceably share and care for the resources that surround us. We are honoured to be in this meeting place called Tkaronto that many First Nations, Inuit and Metis people from across Turtle Island call home. "

(Canadian Stage. Toronto, December 5, 2022)

M&R Bateson

Aylmer

Housing issue high 

A number of social issues are clouding the future of people in West Quebec. Besides the need for a new hospital and better medical care, housing prices and lack of housing accessibility are a dead weight on the aspirations of young people.

Successive Liberal and Conservative governments have reneged on their responsibility to ensure that housing as a human right is kept as part of the social contract with citizens in Canada. Instead, they have enacted policies that passed the torch of housing to market forces.

Market forces have one over-arching goal: making profits. The needs of first time home-buyers, senior citizens and their special needs, and families with children, are not the focus of people who see housing as an investment for profit making.

The Pontiac NDP is hosting a round table January 14, at 2 pm on housing, at UQO, on Tache Blvd in Hull. The session promises to be a much needed and interesting event, open to the public. 

Carl Hager
Gatineau / Aylmer

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Thank you very much for your article on our new program for the 15 to 21 years old of the Big Brothers Big Sisters from the Outaouais. We actually have 20 youths enrolled in this program plus five more awaiting evaluation. With your help, we hope to assist youths in Aylmer who would benefit from a mentoring program.

I wish the Aylmer Bulletin and staff the best for 2023!

You do make a difference for our communities!

Jean-Louis Levasseur, GFGSO
Ottawa / Gatineau

The worst of Bill 96 is happening

The very worst expectations of Bill 96 are coming true. The Task Force on Linguistic Policy says “We predicted when Bill 96 became law, the Office Québécois de la Langue Française would have carte blanche to act as it liked. And now it’s happening.”

This is not speculation, but information coming to us through impeccable sources. We have seen the OQLF overreaching by using the most egregious elements of Bill 96. For example: · Parents and students are scrambling to get English eligibility certificates from school boards due to new CEGEP requirements. In Gatineau, the OQLF has been making unannounced visits to businesses to assess their compliance with Bill 96. One business operator who hires through four separate Quebec corporations has been issued a ticket for non-compliance; the OQLF counted 26 employees on the premises. The employees were not all employees of the same business. The OQLF has been accessing computers on premises, examining the language of correspondence, default language of computer programs, and the invoicing language. Warnings and tickets being issued to business owners who issue invoices in English.

These acts are unacceptable. Too many people are unaware of this mean-spirited law; the impact to business will be devastating. In the absence of political solutions, we have to fight it in the courts.

The Task Force on Linguistic Policy is preparing legal cases to counter Bill 96 in seven areas, including Canadians ineligible for English services; businesspeople affected by labour shortages; permanent residents who will no longer be eligible to receive communications in English; and English CEGEP students.

To fight this law, we need money. The easiest way to contribute is our Go Fund Me

https://protegermesdroits.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7a2fb2420a15c27a634558fa9&id=49e6a958de&e=7ec6df3cf5

https://gofund.me/4ccdfd93

Andrew Caddell, President, Task Force on Linguistic Policy
Kirkland, Qc

Ukraine face-off: USA vs Russia

Sadly for all of the world, the US Empire does not ever admit that their own criminal designs lead to incalculable suffering, and they fear to admit defeat, like any Russian leader. The US military has launched over 500 ''operations' since the end of WWII, all of them international crimes. While I believe Putin's invasion of Ukraine is horrific, it pales in comparison to US history.

Since the overwhelming majority of our media is State propaganda (Virtually all real journalists with any integrity have been banished to the margins.), the average USian is as ignorant of world affairs as Soviet citizens were always portrayed to be. Neither their government nor ours is likely to choose a humane course of action.

We here may not suffer the bombs, displacement, etc., but we will all be negatively affected. I wish only peace for the Ukraine. Not victory or anything else.

Peace.

https://russiandissent.substack.com/p/the-bitterness-of-victory-the-sweetness/comment/11442906

John Stuckey
Cyberspace

December Letters

Thanks, Bulletin!

We moved to Aylmer almost one year ago, and a big part of our pleasure with that move was to get to know this community. The Bulletin d'Aylmer was crucial for that, and for that reason we wish to thank you and your team for putting out such an important link every week. And in both languages! All that is missing are political cartoons about life here!

Merci! Thank you all! Best wishes for the coming year!

J. Copplestone
Aylmer

Dear Santa

I know that you and your reindeer will be busy this Christmas delivering presents for all the boys, girls and tranny others, but I have been a good boy all year. I deserve to be on your "Nice List".

So, for Christmas, please could I have a brand new Prime Minister and a shiny new Government? I know that you gave me the best one that money could buy a couple of years ago, but it just doesn't seem to be working any more, at least for ordinary Canadians.

If you put one of these in my sock on Christmas Eve, I promise to be nice to everyone next year, even Liberal politicians (a tough job, but someone has to do it).

Robert L Thompsett
Gatineau

Employer-dependent despite Influencers claiming 9-5 Is repulsive?

I empathize with people who dislike the idea of working 9-5. Who likes the idea of constantly putting aside their authentic self so they fit in and being under management's control, who can let you go at any time?

Recent layoffs at Meta, Twitter, Redfin, Shopify, Flipboard, Dapper, et al. are reminders that: 1) You do not own your job; 2) All jobs are temporary and disposable; 3) You are a free agent; 4) You should save no less than 20% of every paycheck; and 5) You should constantly be building skills that add value to your employability.

I understand the appeal of 9-5.

The turmoil in the job market over the past four decades due to recessions, jobs sent overseas, erratic consumer demands, the pandemic, and today's supply chain issues coupled with inflation has made downsizing very common. Yet many believe a "steady job" is not an oxymoron and is more stable and less risky than going out on your own.

A self-employed person (an entrepreneur or freelancer) is gambling with their livelihood. Despite the preaching, it takes more than strategy and hard work to succeed in the non-9-5 world; luck is significant. First, you need to resonate with a large audience and then—here's the hard part—offer something of value your audience will pay for.

Internet talking heads, peddling lessons they have barely learned, preach that the entrepreneur/freelancer should be everyone's dream. They don't mention the loneliness, fear, constant instability, and chronic worry -- much of it is just made-up stories by "influencers", trying to manipulate you for their benefit.

Yet if you work a 9 to 5 job, you are working for someone else's dreams. Can't working for someone else help you live your dream? Your dream could be to save enough to retire at 55. Or to golf every weekend. Your dream could be simple, making enough to pay the rent, eat, and enjoy a few pleasures while having two days off a week to chill. Today, when about 734 million people around the globe live on $2 a day, a 9-5 that keeps them out of extreme poverty is an unimaginable dream.

There is no shame in wanting and being happy with a 9-5 job. Most people just want to show up, perform their duties, get paid and have evenings and weekends to enjoy their lives and to accumulate a financial cushion for the inevitable, "Sorry, we no longer need you."

Not everyone wants to work from home, have a side hustle or become a millionaire. Money is not everything. (Gasp!) The happiest people I know are chasing a purpose instead of money.

A trend among influencers is to tell their followers to quit their jobs because they are being exploited, so they, too, can make $5,000 by creating content such as writing a blog or a newsletter, podcasting or making videos. Yes, it is possible not to work a 9-5, as millions do, but you will work, and you will constantly be hustling for your next gig.

Influencers make their money by selling dreams, hopes, and emotions. Their business model is telling their followers what they want to hear. In order to make money, they must tell thousands of people they have a sure-fire 5 Easy Ways to Make Money methodology and then digitally reel you in to buy their book and courses or to attend their virtual boot camp to learn the secrets and skills that will free you from, God forbid, relying on an employer to earn a living.

Nick Kossovan,
Toronto, Ont

Crown lands have belonged to indigenous nations

Twenty-five years ago, there was a profound change in the law regarding land and governance. December, 1997, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered judgment in Delgamuukw / Gisday’wa vs The Queen. The Gitksan and Wet'suwet'en people used Canada’s common law to prove that their Aboriginal title exists. The Court decided that Aboriginal titleholders have decision-making authority over their lands.

This ruling placed new responsibilities on federal and provincial governments, obligating them to respect Aboriginal title and Indigenous laws. In 1997, few knew what the Delgamuukw / Gisday’wa decision meant. Politicians and the media regularly attacked Aboriginal title, the legitimacy of indigenous laws, and the inherent right to self-government. Governments continued giving industry permits to log First Nation’s trees off their lands, mine First Nation’s minerals and exploit First Nation’s lands.

After more Court losses, governments were forced to create policy that recognized Aboriginal title and acknowledged the inherent rights of indigenous people. In 2014, the Supreme Court applied its 1997 Delgamuukw decision and issued a declaration of Aboriginal title to the Tsilhqot’in Nation.

Aboriginal title is legally and constitutionally enforceable.

Canadians require a reconciliation between the sovereignty of First Nations and the assumed sovereignty of the Crown. Today, large tracts of Crown land belong to indigenous nations. Citizens there govern themselves and make decisions about their lands.

New Indigenous leaders are addressing reconciliation by helping their people rebuild governance and reintroduce indigenous land laws according to their people.

Reconciliation is a process where indigenous legal principles and Canada’s common law harmonize to become a new tradition in Canada’s legal framework. Both will form the law of the land. It is also a process where First Nations take their place as the allies they should always have been since Canada's creation.

This is how Delgamuukw / Giday’wa changed everything.

Centre for First Nations Governance
Ottawa

A contrarian view of climate change and its causes

We blame “The Fabulously Wealthy Oil and Gas Industries” when, in fact, you, I and the rest of the country are (also) recipients of this wealth: oil and gas for your vehicles, gas for heating and cooking, our 6,000 plastic products. Most pension funds are heavily invested in these companies. Yet since these are consumable products, one can always choose to use less, but I would wager that most drivers want (only) unlimited gas that is cheap.

While I sympathize with the losses due to the flooding in Pakistan, I would like to put the numbers in perspective, Their 2020 population was 225 million and road deaths were 28,170! Their main cause of death is heart disease, 240,720 deaths in 2020.

Floods in Pakistan are common, as building codes are lax, and people will (choose to) build on flood plains, gambling with their own safety. The flood damage in Ottawa in 2017 and 2019 occurred partly by building on flood plains. And many were rebuilt on original foundations, just to live within sight of the Ottawa River!

Who or what organization deems which changes are “climate-fuelled,” or just normal weather? [Several UN and independent climate-science organisations do so; petro-funded groups and campaigns support contrary and political agendas.]

As usual, we all need more "facts", not "politically-motivated" claims. And fear mongering must stop. Lastly, show me where taking carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels has lessened greenhouse-gas climate impacts. I am not a climate-change denier, but I do want proofs that are not politically motivated.

And I assume the IPCC's reports are so motivated.

Robert G. Barber
Luskville, Pontiac
EDITOR: Due to space limitations, this letter has been heavily edited, hopefully without compromising Mr Barber' views.

Land Acknowledgement is critical and correct

mals are more legitimate in claims of land acknowledgement. I agree, but I believe the Indigenous are the spokespeople for trees and animals. They are the speakers for land acknowledgement, they are the voice for the value of trees, animals and our Mother Earth.

The Indigenous people see themselves as guardians of Turtle Island and our Mother Earth and that starts with the trees and animals. The Colonialists saw commerce and exploitation. Indigenous people's land acknowledgement is a direct reference to the land, the trees, the animals, the natural world, and they tie their humanity to the protection of these things.

As to the trees and such being here for 100% of the time, that is incorrect. The Earth existed for 1,000 million years before single-cell life first appeared. Earth existed for 3,000 million years before oxygen began to accumulate in the atmosphere. 4,000 million years before the first land vertebrates evolved. 4,500 million years before the appearance of Homo sapiens. The most rational cultural societies rose, like the Indigenous, to see the Earth as the instrument sustaining life. Mr. Nelly has given credence to the Indigenous people by asserting that nature has standing for land-acknowledgement because the Indigenous people are the protectors and spokespeople for this very nature making their land-acknowledgement a key connection to the survival of mankind, if we are prepared to listen.

"Indigenous Peoples" are distinct social and cultural groups that share collective ancestral ties to the lands and natural resources where they live, occupy, or from which they have been displaced.

Ronald Temchuk
Aylmer

Energy Action Plan lacks Indigenous-led energy projects

It was encouraging to see the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) support the development of independent power projects, including the announcement of an update to the Renewable Electricity Participation model for diesel communities and a possible community power producer policy; this would remove some of the barriers that currently stymie Indigenous-led clean energy projects. 

It is unclear if meaningful input on these initiatives was sought from Indigenous governments and communities, which make up the majority of the communities in the NWT. 

We would like to see more clarity on how the prioritization of initiatives and decisions were made. GNWT plans and strategies must be aligned with priorities that are community driven and determined; building the capacity and funding communities need to pursue an independent clean energy future. 

We encourage the GNWT to prioritize partnerships with Indigenous governments, organizations and communities. This is the only way to increase funding for projects that build capacity and reduce barriers for Indigenous-owned and -led clean energy projects that will contribute to getting communities off diesel and reduce emissions across the territories.

https://connect.pembina.org/e/358671/contact-karen-garth/5djlmj/591523800?h=3q-m2NjzYOLEtiWlf54WT-1MTq6OHGBHKIKMfvDLmJU

Karen Garth, Pembina Institute
Yellowknife, NWT

Citizens' roundtable on the Outaouais housing crisis

Our citizens are facing a major housing crisis. In order to learn more about this crisis and possible solutions, the NDP Pontiac Riding Association has invited several experts for an important discussion.

This roundtable discussion on the right to housing and the reality of the current crisis in Pontiac, Gatineau and the surrounding MRCs. This event will bring housing activists such as Jenny Kwan, NDP MP for Vancouver and housing critic, Celine Brault, former President of Chelsea Housing Corporation, François Roy, long-time activist and coordinator of the advocacy group Logemen'Occupe as well as Latonya Ludford, manager for the Canada Project at The Shift.

This bilingual event is open to the public, including questions and answers. This will be an opportunity for citizens to better understand the issues related to the housing crisis and propose short, medium and long term solutions : Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (Pavillon Alexandre-Taché). Note that date!

Catherine Emond-Provencher, NDP
Gatineau / Pontiac

Cooperation produces results

Denmark’s new Parliament will take into account what more people want. Danish politics has been dominated by the spirit of collaboration between parties. Most legislation is passed with super majorities or with other blocs.

With the final results, Social Democratic Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s left-wing bloc has won an https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=232011&qid=23254928 outright majority of seats. Despite securing its best result in decades and winning the right to govern with the support of allies, Frederiksen’s government has resigned in order to form a broader coalition.  

She https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=232012&qid=23254928 called on all the parties to “seek cooperation” and https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=232013&qid=23254928 promised to form a government that spans the political spectrum. With first-past-the-post in Canada, the opposite politics usually rules.

Successful parties and their strategists here don’t want to work together. They crow about defeating their rivals. They exaggerate the popularity of their parties and the strength of their win.

On election night In Canada, Gerald Butts (former Principal Secretary to Trudeau) bragged about “vote efficiency”, pointing out how the “geniuses” at the Liberals' data company had excelled at micro-targeting a handful of voters in swing ridings. Trudeau thanked Canadians for having (again) given him “a clear mandate”—ignoring the fact that the Liberals won only 32.6% of the popular vote.

In Ontario, Doug Ford https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=232014&qid=23254928 couldn’t have been more pleased with the first-past-the-post system. He praised the 18% of eligible voters who handed his party a “majority”: "I think this system has worked fo r over 100 years and it is going to continue to work that way." said Ford.

Said one Danish poitical scientist, "We have a culture of negotiations and broad agreements. It's something people like. They think reason should prevail and parties will come together and do what's best for our societies."

Isn’t this what we need in Canada?

Anita Nickerson, FVC
Ottawa

Correction:

Thank you, Greg Newing, for an excellent article outlining the history of the United Church, Aylmer'Ùs oldest church. It is a very sad moment for so many in our community.  With all respect, there is one historical fact in your article which I would correct, if I may.

As I wrote in the Bulletin'Ùs first article in its John Egan series, Aylmer'Ùs first names were the "Chaudière Farm Village" and "Turnpike End", before 1832, named for the farm and the landing that the Wrights had built. It was not called Symmes Landing until after Charles Symmes had built his Aylmer Hotel and rebuilt the landing itself. 

Rick Henderson
Aylmer

Trees and people

On sunny days I find myself wandering through the streets of Wychwood. The tall trees are all in splendid, autumnal colours. They are magnificent!

A month ago I would encounter Nicole walking here with her smile, serenity and warmth. Since I had known her, she was always accompanied by a dog, the big and slender Mathilde. For a long time I had unintentionally greeted Nicole with her dog’s name. It took several months before Nicole corrected me!

Her next dog was small and shaggy, named Teo. Nicole was so keen on him, that I joked that a theocracy reigned in her house.

"Do you want a drive?", I teased her once, while pushing a wheelbarrow at the edge of my driveway. She took the suggestion graciously, sweetening her refusal with a good-natured giggle ...

I learned about Nicole’s death from Jocelyne, my neighbour. This was a shock. We realized how much we had lost with the disappearance of this kind, lovely person.

Later we were told that, semiconscious, Nicole was brought to the hospital where her life smouldered for five more days. Sylvie, Bronwyn and Sharon, her neighbourhood friends, had been visiting Nicole, caressing her, uttering words of encouragement, humming soothing songs -- walking with her along the last path of her life.

At one point, Nicole briefly regained consciousness and squeezed the hands of these good women with gratitude. It was her farewell.

What a great example of the importance and strength of community! A community which surrounded one of its members with compassion and love in the hour of ultimate need.

Wychwood holds a treasure not only in its splendid trees, but also in its wonderful, kindhearted and generous people.

Jacek C. (resident of Wychwood)
Aylmer

Citizen forces can unite to change their city

Individuals and groups united under the banner of Prenons la ville organized a citizen summit to share perspectives and ongoing struggles and to propose alternative visions and demands that respond to the aspirations of city residents. This event, from November 25 to 26, saw the participation of over one hundred people and more than 30 grassroots organizations from the city. Discussions were organized around six themes: democracy; social housing; environment, climate change and mobility of people; green spaces; inclusion and struggles against racism; vacant lands and development projects.

Prenons la ville et les quartiers! is a non-partisan mobilization of activists, community groups and social movements forming a broad common front to defend and promote our various campaigns and demands that concretize our aspiration for a socially fair city, created by and for residents and anchored in the ecological transition. HYPERLINK "https://prenonslavilledemtl.wordpress.com/" n _blankhttps://prenonslaville.com/

Cheolki Yoon, IWC
Montréal

International gab-fests accomplish little, generate so much 'hot air'

We must stand up against the global oil and gas industry’s propaganda and disrupt their self-serving industry narratives. The oil and gas companies like to position themselves as “part of the solution” to solving climate change rather than the problem itself.

But the recently updated "Big Oil Reality Check" report found that eight major oil and gas companies are involved in over 200 expansion projects on track for approval from 2022 through 2025 — equivalent to the lifetime emissions of 77 new coal power plants. We must use our media and influence to make sure this type of information gets in front of policymakers.

Elizabeth Best
(cyberspace)

Emergency Powers hearings

I hope you can get this in this week's paper .... my husband and I have been glued to the screen watching the commission in Ottawa studying the imposition of the Emergency Powers Act. Here was high drama that really, really matters.

I urge your readers to watch the proceedings. They will actually learn something, contrary to so much political chatter, these days.

And if any of them share the protesters' outrage at the federal government -- for everything, from Covid restrictions to paying carbon taxes -- this should be required watching. They will learn that, first, we should be proud to be Canadians with these people we have put in charge -- our government's leaders and civil servants are clearly intelligent and thoughtful people, when they have to be. And that's contrary to the convoy's lawyers and reps, who, without exception, seemed both unprepared and unconcerned, really, with the real issues at stake. They appeared unconcerned and even unable to understand the real freedoms we do enjoy and, obviously, must protect. They did not know their files and seemed to think just making a claim was enough -- no support or proofs needed!

The protestors' claims to just be having a big friendly street party came across as ridiculous -- the convoy's belief that they could actually overthrow the government and give over the entire government of Canada to unelected protestors, plus the Governor-General, was clearly on display as ridiculous. The existence of several other forces at work besides the "truckers" -- groups and conspirators, including a few armed groups who actually had stockpiles of arms at alternative sites in Ottawa and Coutts, Alberta, was made clear many times -- and these were not denied by their lawyers, just ignored!

The convoy leaders messed up with their "I can't remember" and "I never noticed that..." responses to legitimate questions made their case all the weaker. Ms Leach's claim that she couldn't remember any truck horns or excessive noise just made everyone roll their eyes.

We were surprised that no one on either side pursued the question of why Trudeau did not at least try to negotiate with the convoy leaders -- but really, did anyone expect Trudeau to walk out and be nice with guys shaking signs reading, "F••K Trudeau!"? Would you?

This whole investigation and the hearings sure make Trudeau and Justice Minister Lametti shine. Trudeau comes out of this affair looking intelligent and firm, fair and wise -- and I say this, having never voted for him or the federal Liberals.

All in all, these hearings ought to be incorporated into our classrooms' civics classes - and if we no longer teach "civics" they demonstrate that we should be doing so, because there are serious threats to democratic principles and government right here in our own country.

I am sure my remarks will bring me a lot of on-line hate-mail, but I ask these folks to first watch the hearings and then send me (or this newspaper) their reactions, but only then. And I apologize for this long letter, but the subject is serious -- and also remarkably positive.

Leila Anderson
Municipality of Pontiac

November Letters

Aylmer United Church's final service

On Sunday, October 23rd, Aylmer United Church held its final service, and its members now start a new journey.  

Our congregation wishes to acknowledge the steadfast support and kindness of the people of Aylmer for over 190 years. We have been blessed with so many wonderful memories from our annual church functions which you made successful and full of happiness. May our paths continue to cross as we live in this wonderful town of Aylmer. 

Trudy Drummond

(for Friends from Aylmer United Church)

 Aylmer

Mass shootings in the US

Americans have gone from shooting native peoples, historically, to shooting their own children. That's something for the history books, which they are already censoring heavily. Don't we think it's time to ask the UN -- or even NATO -- to intervene?

What will it take to convince them that guns are not a holy right -- a mass shooting at the GOP convention itself? I hope not! But so many Americans seem to think that two wrongs do make a right, so we had better be careful, sitting here on their doorstep. How long before the bullets come flying our way?

Nadel Black
Aylmer

Thanks for keeping media alive

As a former journalist, now retired and living here in Quebec, I must tell your readers how fortunate they are to have a genuine local media, a newspaper in particular. Ontario has lost hundreds of local papers and broadcasters and I assume Quebec the same, since most of these were closed by their corporate owners, usually headquartered in the USA. It is mainly the localities with their own locally-owned media that have managed to keep their voices during the Great Pandemic.

Many local shops were closed, or about to close, thanks to the inroads of social media's claims to reach audiences of millions, and then the pandemic struck. Fortunately in Canada our federal government stepped up to the plate with a supportive program of grans and loans to help media survive. Our provincial governments (Quebec's, anyway) went a step further and actually used the local media to reach right into homes with cautionary messages on avoiding Covid infections. The situation of the Bulletin was greatly helped by both initiatives, I am sure, although I wonder why it was one support measure only by each level of government? If the feds, for example, think it valuable to protect local media, why don't they actually use that media? No doubt I have missed details, now being on the outside of the industry. But I do know how this (local) industry works -- from Cochrane, Ontario, to Swift Current, Sask.

I haven't met anyone here in Aylmer who isn't pleased with our local media, so we might all add to this, that we're also pleased with both levels of government. Imagine, we're pleased with a government action! That has to be a record.

Keep up your good work, Bulletin -- and our MPs and MNAs! Thank you all!

Don McKennie
Aylmer

Social media and its critics

Who came up with this title for everything from FaceBook to e-mail? Isn't it really "personal media"? It's the outlet for personal views and opinions, and the only "social" thing here is what we used to have, "Strawberry Socials" in the local church halls every spring. Or is it a "social gathering", where everyone stands around and just talks and talks, holding a cocktail.

"Just talk" sounds more accurate than even "media", since we already have accepted meanings for "the media", or maybe "artists' media", the raw material artists use to express their personal opinions, visions and insights. Maybe that's what "social media" really means -- raw materials --but it's so tiresome to have friends forwarding the most banal (yet "cute") or the weirdest photo or bizarre video clip! Obviously no one suggests we shouldn't have or shouldn't use it -- what we would be wise to do is to understand and remind ourselves over and over about how unreliable its messages or content can be.

And then we have the traditional media actually quoting material from social media as though it was a poll, or facts, or a verifiable report. Is it too late? Have we already lost our great human intelligence to the gimmicks and flash of every new technology that comes along?

Clarissa Smith
Aylmer

Bill C-245 and Canada's climate crisis 

It is clear that Canadians are already struggling with record heat waves, droughts, flooding, and other extreme weather conditions resulting from the climate emergency. Indigenous, Northern, and rural communities are being disproportionately impacted, but the current government is leaving these communities to fend for themselves without supporting necessary climate resiliency efforts.  

The fight against climate change requires many tools including the use of public ownership and investment in support of communities that are already hurting. We need to provide communities at the forefront of the fight against climate change with the tools they need to face this crisis, such as funding for fully functioning recycling programs and facilities, ensuring all homes have access to water and sewage treatment, building energy-efficient homes and alternative energy source infrastructure, helping communities transition away from diesel power, building all-weather roads, implementing fire protection and flood mitigation, and so on. 

Private Members' Bill C-245 (Federal) provides an opportunity to tackle climate change while investing in the health and well-being of our communities across the country. The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is mandated to invest $35 billion in Canadian infrastructure projects, however, in its nearly five years of existence, it has not funded a single completed project. Bill C-245 would ensure that communities receive the funding they need to implement climate mitigation and adaptation measures through critical infrastructure projects.

For more information on Bill C-245, go to https://nikiashton.ndp.ca/news/liberals-must-put-people-first-fight-against-climate-change

Dez Bair-Patel
Aylmer

Castel Blanc project

I was shocked to read in a recent Bulletin that the City is about to approve the conversion of Aylmer's Castel Blanc into a condo development. Just think about that for a few minutes. Have we thrown aside all our sense of history and our sense of "this place is our home"?

I have never been inside the Castel Blanc but I often admire it as I drive by, and I wonder about its history, history which will become only part of an "image" or decoration for yet one more condo project here, where Aylmer used to be.

Really, everything is not just about making a buck! We do have other values, although I guess our city council does not. Why are the councillors sitting there? Why did they run for election? Was it all vanity? Did they have no ideals or vision of either the past or for the future? I guess my feelings are pretty clear, if anyone, besides the Heritage Association, is paying attention.

Jason C. Romain
Aylmer

October Letters

Whataboutism #3 Historical wrongdoings

Trudeau letting in an unlimited number of Ukrainian refugees begs the “what about” question, why isn't he doing the same for Afghans, Syrians, etc., refugees? Draw your own conclusions!

"What about" questions are far from ambivalent. Moral clarity requires disruptive conversations—uncomfortable ones. Here's an example -- the virtues of U.S. force projection. Based on their actions Democrat and Republican presidents seem to have a fondness for bombing poor people in distant lands. Pundits love it. Western foreign policy establishments love it. Western mainstream media love it.

Yet it's utter insanity. If bombing Americans is wrong, then bombing the people of Yemen is wrong. No one disagrees with condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, ignoring that the U.S. has been violating other nations' sovereignty—Chile, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Argentina, Iraq, Iran, Brazil, Angola, Zaire, Cuba, Libya, Afghanistan, China -- to name a few— is hypocritical.

Ethical standards must be universal. The Ukrainian resistance and its civilian victims are given very sympathetic coverage by Western media. This raises the "what about" question of why there hasn't been a comparable response when the victims aren't white, Christian Europeans -- or when the aggressor is the U.S. or a U.S. ally? The double standards and resulting hypocrisy coming out of Washington, and the West, is obvious!

A recent example: President Biden asserted that "nations have a right to sovereignty and territorial integrity." He is 100% on point! However, the U.S. is also the only government to formally recognize Israel's illegal occupation of Syria's Golan Heights and Morocco's annexation of the entire nation of Western Sahara, both seized by force in defiance of the United Nations. See any hypocrisy?

Another example: Despite Biden's decree on October 7, 2021, Washington didn't condemn Turkey's attacks on Syrian civilians sheltering in Rojava. Blatant hypocrisy, or what? Self-interest, all dressed up?

Nick Kossovan
Toronto

The Big Question?

I have some questions about the big debate about climate change. This may sound ridiculous, but the whole world seems rushing in only one direction. My question about this is less about what are we going to do, or what people can do, or what our political system can do, but just to ask why has all this process of heating up our world been so easy? Hasn't it been much too easy?

I mean too easy for the human race to fit right in, to conquer the natural world and use it in any way we wish? We are the Conquistadores! We have created an entirely new order of things and now call our time here the "Anthropocene". It's all ours! But hasn't been too easy for us to create an entirely new order and too easy for us to tear up, to cut down the forests and tear up the planet in search of metals and oil and other elements which make life so easy? Too easy -- so, what's up?

It seems that it is our pursuit of more and more "stuff", from 4-wheelers to beef and wild-caught salmon, as if we have the right to anything we can grab while we're here -- on this exceptional, beautiful, one-of-a-kind planet! We are the originators of smash-and-grab -- but why are we getting away with it?

Maybe we aren't. Has it been too easy for a reason?

Albert Stockton,
Deschenes / Aylmer

Canada's non-policy on radioactive waste

Efforts to raise awareness and support for a stronger Radioactive Waste Policy in Canada continue. The recent draft policy released by Natural Resource Canada does not meet our expectations, nor the needs of the many of you who engaged in the review process.

We continue to push our recommendations and engage in conversations with the government, fellow advocacy groups, rights holders and stakeholders to move this issue forward.  

To help build support, we recently partnered with Our Living Waters to release our study of alternatives, and why it will only become more pressing as new technology such as Small Modular Reactors become more prevalent. The story lays out the case for a more robust policy, explains why the current draft fails to meet the need, and why freshwater advocates must pay attention.

Ottawa Riverkeeper
Ottawa

Roundtable with the Green Party leadership candidates

On November 19, the Green Party will elect a new leader. https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=231851&qid=23112405 Six candidates are competing, with two pairs running on a co-leadership model. While electoral reform has always been in Green election platforms and is of critical importance to many party members, we all know how much the leadership of a party matters! What: Democracy Roundtable with Green Party Leadership Candidates When: Sunday November 6, 1 PM Eastern Register here: https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=231824&qid=23112405

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X2ZE0MHZRC6W24BWvGnfGQ

What are the biggest threats and challenges facing democracy? How high a priority would proportional representation be if Greens held the balance of power? What strategies do candidates suggest to build pressure? What other democratic reforms or initiatives do the candidates believe are essential for a stronger democracy? 

Each candidate will have time to introduce themselves and answer questions sent to them by Fair Vote Canada. During the second half of the webinar, we will have a Q+A where we will ask them your questions. We will get to as many questions as we can.   Everyone who supports PR is welcome to join this event. You do not need to be a Green Party member or supporter.  

Anita Nickerson, Fair Vote Canada
Ottawa 

Become a Connexions Board Member!

Connexions is looking for a motivated and passionate individual who lives in the Outaouais to join our Board of Directors!   As a member, you will have the opportunity to play a significant role as a driver of change towards improving and contributing to the health and well-being of the English-speaking community in the Outaouais. 

For more information about this opportunity, send us an email by October 28. To explore our activities and initiatives, visit our https://centreconnexions.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b94ca39f47a06a3eceb3741b9&id=e327a8c0f2&e=ae08fa98ea website.

Connexions
Gatineau

When are Legault's tax cuts coming?

I heartily agree with the opinion expressed by one of your letter-writers (I think) that if Premier Legault proceeds to enact Law 96, which effectively withdraws certain essential government services from citizens who do not speak the majority language, then those citizens should see their personal taxes reduced significantly since the government is no longer offering them these standard services due all citizens. Shouldn't taxes rise for those who do receive public health care, etc.,

I also believe that nationalism and the protection of certain cultures over other cultures is right out of the playbook of autocrats and semi-fascists like Hungary's Orban or the USA's di Santis and Bannon. Is this the company Mr Legault wishes to keep? Is this how he and his party wish to go into the history books? And, if so, do we have to follow them?

Tony Selkirk
Aylmer

Volunteer Opportunities?

I've been seeing your papers in our building all the time and I really enjoy reading them!

I was just wondering if you know of any volunteer positions around Aylmer that are available!

Or if you know anyone who you can direct me to ask that would be great as well. Thank you so much.

Jade Sowden (Jade.sowden03@gmail.com)
Aylmer

Immigration, not a one way street

An important and complex issue such as immigration requires careful and in-depth coverage. Barrett's recent editorial opinion on extremism skirts the issue.

Canada has had immigration as a policy for many decades. Immigration is important for topping up the birth rate, for economic activity as new people build and buy things needed to live, including housing, and for bringing new ideas to our cultural scene. In other words, immigration is positive and needed.

For Quebec, immigration is defined primarily in language terms as Quebec tries to defend -- in face of a massive demographic trend -- the use of French in Quebec. Countries in Europe have had their immigration situation complicated by the massive infusion of refugees who flee wars in Syria and other places. Canada's record on taking in refugees has been poor, as thousands of would-be Canadians are stranded in Afghanistan right now.

Quebec wants its immigrants to speak French and adopt the values of their new society. For the vigour immigrants bring to the country, for their hard work and initiative, for the hope they bring to build a better life, we as hosts should show them respect and recognize and value their unique attributes and contributions. Immigration is not just a one way street.

Carl Hager
Gatineau / Aylmer

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