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  • R.O.C.K. talks fire, altered operations

    R.O.C.K. talks fire, altered operations

    By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

    Due to the end of a major funding grant, R.O.C.K. (Reach Out Chatham-Kent) Missions is changing the way it operates.

    This news comes the same week a large fire at the downtown Chatham encampment thrust C-K’s homelessness issue back in the public eye.

    “It puts a spotlight on homelessness and outreach,” said R.O.C.K. executive director Renee Geniole, of the March 26 blaze that destroyed five tents.

    “Those five people lost their tents and all their belongings,” Geniole added, noting Chatham-Kent Victim Services and other emergency personnel have been instrumental in helping victims pick up the pieces.

    No one was injured in the afternoon blaze at Rotary Park near the Third Street Bridge in Chatham that occurred around 3 p.m. Firefighters responded quickly and promptly extinguished the fire.

    “Within minutes of arriving at the scene, firefighters swiftly evacuated propane tanks from the vicinity and extinguished the flames,” Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue officials said in a media release.

    According to Geniole, propane tanks – which can be seen lined up in photos – were a contributing factor. She admitted that using propane tanks is dangerous, but it’s also dangerous to freeze to death sleeping in a tent.

    How R.O.C.K. handles its outreach going forward – including dealing with emergencies like the fire – is changing. Geniole said the agency’s Chatham location at 39 Richmond St. will be only be open for drop-ins on Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    In Wallaceburg, hours are being expanded at the drop-in centre located at 233 Nelson St., currently seeing between 45 to 60 visitors a day. Hours there are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Plus, the agency will continue to offer on-the-ground outreach, Geniole said.

    “We had to pivot to continue to offer services,” she explained, noting the focus went to Wallaceburg as Chatham has other services upon which vulnerable people can utilize.

    Geniole said the conclusion of a $710,000 grant from Health Canada led to the changes, but some funding will still be coming from Chatham-Kent and other government sources for opioid-related outreach.

    “Our biggest concern is we’re having to cut back our drop-in hours,” she said of the funding loss. “I wish the province and the federal government would pay attention.”

  • DeYong wants Kingsville/ENWIN relationship, request second feeder line following E.L.K sale

    By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative

    At an upcoming regular meeting, Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kim DeYong will ask fellow Councillors to consider establishing a relationship with ENWIN Group of Companies, after learning the Town of Essex has sold its shares of E.L.K. Energy – and its subsidy company E.L.K. Solutions – to the City of Windsor-owned utility. E.L.K. serves over 12,000 customers in the Essex, Kingsville (and Cottam), and Lakeshore areas. The announcement of the sale took place March 14. If DeYong’s motion passes, that will be through a letter to ENWIN, which will highlight the Town of Kingsville’s Council and Administration are committed to building and maintaining a positive working relationship with ENWIN, premised on the Town’s advocacy position for Kingsville and Cottam customers. The letter would also request a meeting with ENWIN at its earliest convenience. She will also ask Kingsville Council to support that E.L.K.’s current mission statement – to provide the highest quality of service to its customers by ensuring the electrical system is designed, constructed, and maintained to ensure its reliability, safety, and affordability – continues, despite the purchase. In addition, DeYong will ask Kingsville Council to request the continuation of regular tree maintenance for Cottam and Kingsville customers, and the expedited construction and installation of a second feeder line to increase the reliability of electricity service for Kingsville and Cottam residents. She put this forward as a Notice of Motion at the March 17 Kingsville Council meeting, which will be tabled for discussion at the April 14 meeting. “I have no reason to believe that ENWIN won’t be good partners to us,” she noted at the recent meeting of Kingsville Council.“This is a decision by the Town of Essex as the sole shareholder,” DeYong noted. “I do have some opinions about the sale.” She explained that Kingsville lost its ability to control the future of E.L.K. when it sold its share to the Town of Essex previously. “Knowing what I know as the E.L.K. Board member about the state of E.L.K. and the underinvestment over the years, [ENWIN] really does seem like a company with more resources, and more financial ability is going to be needed in order to get the infrastructure here in E.L.K. territory up-to-date,” DeYong said. “Hopefully, it will mean good things.” Due to the sale, Kingsville will lose its seat on the board that governs the utility. That will require Kingsville to establish a relationship with ENWIN, DeYong explained. After the Town of Essex announced the sale, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy noted the current E.L.K Board will be transitioned out in the next year. It was negotiated that the E.L.K. territory will have one seat on ENWIN’s Board for ten-years. She highlighted that Kingsville, in the past, has advocated on behalf of Kingsville and Cottam customers for quality customer service, regular tree maintenance, and increased investment on its distribution infrastructure.

  • W.I.S.H. Centre to offer activities for teens

    W.I.S.H. Centre to offer activities for teens

    By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

    Chatham teens are getting a hand up thanks to a new municipal pilot project.

    The initiative will freeze rent at the W.I.S.H. Centre for a five-year period to allow for expanded programming, with a special focus on supporting youth aged 14 to 18.

    The J.G. Taylor Community Centre, also referred to as the Woodstock Institute Sertoma Help Centre (W.I.S.H.), has been providing programming for children and youth since 1996. Officials have been running a successful afterschool program for younger school-age children for years.

    Now they want to fill a gap for older students.

    Chatham Coun. Amy Finn agrees that school and weekend programming for teens is “desperately needed.

    “One thing we don’t have here in Chatham is a youth centre, and if you’re not into organized sports, there’s not a lot to do,” Finn said. “We need programming to catch those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.”

    Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew agreed.

    “By forgiving the rental costs, we provide the W.I.S.H Centre with the tools to allow them to commit to investing in our youth and the community,” Crew said. “We are removing a barrier.”

    Although nothing has been confirmed, the W.I.S.H team is looking to offer expanded hours to create a safe space for all on weekdays and weekends. Some of the programs currently being examined include open gym time; Sunday youth recreational activities, such a pickleball and basketball; a gaming room; high-speed Internet access and specialized events such as movie nights and dances.

    Expanded summer camp programs and PA Day programming may also be part of the plan.

    The pilot project will see the W.I.S.H. Centre’s rent frozen from 2026 to 2030 to allow the facility to re-direct its resources. The initiative also includes forgiveness of outstanding past rent of $31,000 owed to the municipality, as well as $25,000 in rent and $2,781 in interest that’s also owed to the municipality.

    The loss of revenue will be accommodated in the 2025 municipal variance

    According to a report from the staff, the W.I.S.H. Centre initiative is part of Chatham-Kent’s diversity, equity, inclusion and justice mandate, as it directly influences marginalized children and youth of lower socio-economic status.

    As part of a municipal staff report recommending the freeze, C-K director of parks, recreation and facilities Rob Pollock said expanding programs at the W.I.S.H. Centre will give older youth “refuge and a place to engage appropriately in activities and social relationships.

    “When the W.I.S.H. Centre is not open, children and youth often have nowhere to go and may be left in undesirable situations,” Pollock wrote. “The W.I.S.H Centre has indicated that the monthly rent charges for the building along with increased expenses in other areas is threatening to close the facility. If the building was closed and the programs ceased, this would have a negative impact on youth in this area of Chatham and for vulnerable children and families.”

    Municipal council made the decision after receiving a request from the W.I.S.H. Centre officials in January.

  • Chamber chat focuses on tariffs

    Chamber chat focuses on tariffs

    By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

    When it comes to the Canada-U.S. trade war, Ryan Donally says Ontario’s southwest region is on the front lines.

    And according to the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, the world is watching.

    “Everyone is looking at Canada and how we handle this,” Donally said in the keynote address to the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce’s 137th annual general meeting March 27.

    “Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent…we are the tip of the spear,” he stressed.

    In his talk titled ‘Bracing for Impact,” the chamber leader spoke about how the on-again, off again tariffs will affect business – particularly in the automotive industry.

    Sustained tariffs in the sector could put 53,000 Ontario jobs at risk, he said, noting 6,400 of those jobs are located in Chatham-Kent.

    Donally’s comments came on the day President Donald Trump announced a new 25 per cent duty on all finished vehicles imported into the United States would begin April 3.

    Word that more tariffs on auto parts, possibly all parts, could come within weeks, has thrown the industry into turmoil.

    But while tariffs will damage Canada’s economy, they’ll also devastate the sector south of the border. Donally said he’s learned from his American counterparts that 530,000 U.S. workers could be at risk – ten times that of Canada.

    The North American industry is deeply integrated, he said, with vehicles or parts crossing the border up to eight times.

    “The relationships and the advocacy are all intertwined,” Donally explained, adding that dividing the industry would be very difficult, likening it to a breakup.

    “I’m not saying we should alienate the United States, by any stretch,” he said, adding Windsor and Detroit just can’t sell their houses and move.

    The relationship between Canada and Michigan is enmeshed and just can’t get a divorce, Donally said.

    “Nor do I think, we want to.”

    A former pro hockey player, Donally took over the helm at the Windsor-Essex chamber just two months ago. He immediately found himself in the eye of the storm, and has since given 50 interviews about tariffs to the likes of Fox News and the BBC.

    The day after he took over, Premier Doug Ford called the Ontario election in Windsor.

    “Since that morning, I’ve realized my life is going to be thrown upside down,” Donally admitted, noting the Trump administration has made 10 different tariff announcements so far. “And that’s OK, because I think this is an opportunity for the Chamber of Commerce to provide full value to the entire region. If we take care of the region, the membership will be supported.”

    In order to handle the tariff impact if Trump follows through, Donally said business leaders need to examine their supply chains and pinpoint where they are sourcing products. It’s also important, he said, to find out what American companies are employing Canadian workers and support them appropriately. He also urged business owners to continue to invest and to move forward.

    “I think you’re in a tough spot if you just start pulling back everything,” he said, noting owners should keep trying to grow their businesses, but spend their dollars “wisely.”

    Trump’s goal of repatriating jobs to the U.S. can’t – and won’t –happen quickly, Donally explained, as barriers exist in terms of the time it takes to build manufacturing facilities, as well as in the ability to attract world-class skilled labour.

    Mass deportations in the United States are another negative, he said, noting immigrants make up a sizeable portion of the workforce

    “It’s mass confusion down there,” Donally said of Trump’s Made in American idea. “You just can’t flip the switch. There is no strategy, there is no plan, and if there is, it’s not being shared beyond the very close circle of the Trump administration.”

    In his comments to the chamber, C-K Mayor Darrin Canniff acknowledged that tariffs could be devastating.

    “It’s almost economic genocide that’s being imposed upon us,” Canniff said, meaning it is “more important than ever to come together” noting chamber organizations have an important voice.

    However, he acknowledged there’s an upside to the threat.

    “During my life, I’ve never seen us step up as a nation as much as we have here,” Canniff said, noting “shop Canadian” is taking off – a theme businesses can take advantage of.

    Another positive, he said, is that Canada will be able to draw top talent away from the instability of the United States.

    Both Donally and C-K Chamber of Commerce president Rory Ring say they plan to collaborate with other chambers, with a goal of educating their American friends on the advantages of working together.

  • Visa issues keeping family from laying father to res

    Visa issues keeping family from laying father to res

    By Sam Leishman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald

    The family of a Lethbridge man is running out of options to lay him to rest more than two years after his death.

    Peter Teny Both left his family in Ethiopia about a decade ago to follow a job opportunity here in Lethbridge. Both’s daughter, Elizabeth Wal, told the Herald that Both would send money back home to pay for the family’s living expenses as he made arrangements for them to come and join him in Canada.

    “My dad was everything to us,” says Wal. “He supported us financially, emotionally and he advised us to do good all the time when he called us here in Ethiopia. My dad was a great man who liked to help other people around him and he never looked down upon anybody.”

    In a heartbreaking turn of events, Both died unexpectedly on March 9, 2023.

    Nicolas Salmon, funeral director at Salmon and Sons Funeral Home, confirmed to the Herald that Both’s body was embalmed and has been held at the funeral home ever since.

    Over the last two years, Wal, her step-mother and her two brothers have been denied three times for temporary resident visas in order to visit Canada for two weeks. Ethiopia is among a long list of countries in which travellers require visas in advance of arriving in Canada.

    Denial letters from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided to the Herald by Salmon state that the government is not satisfied that the family will leave the country at the end of their stay, based upon a lack of sufficient funds.

    “We do not have jobs because we are still students and our mom is a housewife with no job, too,” Wal explained. “The money we have in our bank account was the money our dad used to send us when he was still alive. The Ethiopian and South Sudan Nuer community in Canada are willing to take care of our flights and they are able to accommodate our stay.”

    Wal says locals have already contributed $17,000 toward the family’s immigration lawyer and visa application fees. Another sum of money has been set aside to cover their flights and accommodations, if their visas are ever approved.

    “This affects us mentally, physically, emotionally and financially. We didn’t even get to see each other for the last time. We didn’t get to tell him how much we love him and how much he meant to us. His only last wish was for his family to lay him down. We would like to make sure we witness that our dad is buried in our presence.”

    Salmon says this is an extremely unusual situation and he’s been doing everything he can to advocate for the family, including writing a series of letters to government officials.

    A response from IRCC says the department cannot comment on specific cases unless requested by the applicant or a designated representative, but immigration officers are expected to review “all applications objectively and consistently to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all applicants.” It goes on to explain that it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide documents that prove they have a valid reason to visit Canada, they are in good health, they have no criminal history and they have sufficient funds.

    However, the letter warns that there is no specific document that can guarantee visa approval and the decision ultimately comes down to the officer’s independent opinion about the applicant’s intentions.

    Wal says the family has provided all the documents requested by their immigration lawyer, but they have not come any closer to securing visas.

    The next option is to transfer Both’s body to Ethiopia. Salmon says he’s helping the family start that process, but the Canadian government has already indicated that it will not help with the expenses. That cost will either be covered by the funds raised by the local community or by the funeral home.

    Salmon says he just wants the family to have some sense of closure, and the funeral home is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

  • International students balance declines: college official

    By Sandi Krasowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal

    Confederation College is not alone in being forced to make hard financial choices and suspend programs. Of the 24 colleges in Ontario, 16 of them have also recently suspended programs.

    Michelle Salo, Confederation College president, said that amounts to more than 300 programs across Ontario, which is a significant impact across the Ontario college system.

    “On Wednesday, we made the very difficult decision to suspend 11 programs. This decision was not made lightly,” Salo said, citing recent policy changes through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), low domestic enrolment and financial sustainability.

    “These are very important programs to the school, but it was important to make this decision for the future financial viability of Confederation College.”

    Aaron Skillen, the college’s vice-president of academic, explained that caps on international students for the college in the 2025 calendar year results in an allocation of 1,544 provincial attestation letters.

    “Those are letters that must accompany a student’s application to the (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for a study permit to study with us here at Confederation College,” Skillen said, adding that the school’s initial allocation in the 2024 calendar year was 1,929.

    “We did take a decline of around 20 per cent of our allocation.”

    Salo added that the college, together with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Community Economic Development Commission, have tirelessly advocated for immigration changes for the Northwest and plan to continue in their advocacy strategies.

    The program suspensions come on the heels of the college’s new partnership with Seneca Polytechnique, the possibility of developing a veterinarian course and the expansion of the school’s aviation program.

    “The suspensions don’t impact those (proposed courses) and they’re our response to try and make the college more viable,” Salo said. “We’re continuing to look at opportunities around partnerships and program development to make sure that we have an everlasting presence here in Northwestern Ontario.”

    Skillen pointed out the distinction between a program cancellation and a program suspension.

    “Cancellation means we would have no intention to have that program ever again,” he said. “A suspension allows us the possibility of revisiting that program at a future date . . . and if the circumstances change in a favourable manner that allow us to be more optimistic on a higher enrolment or allow us to deliver these programs in a more financially sustainable way, then we’ll certainly be open to revisiting that.”

    At least 54 students or four per cent of the overall domestic student intake in this upcoming fall semester will be impacted by the suspensions.

    “We’ve reached out to every one of those students,” Skillen said. “As of Wednesday, we’re discussing options on the next steps for them. We’re certainly hopeful that they’ll find another program here at Confederation College that interests them,” said Skillen, adding that the current students in these programs will be able to complete their studies. There is no impact here with these programs.

    Salo says the school’s focus has always been to provide domestic students with opportunities in Northwestern Ontario.

    “The reality is that our domestic numbers have been declining. Our population has been declining, and we’ve seen some migration to university versus colleges,” she said. “This was a responsible way to provide these programs to our domestic students in small numbers while we’re able to attract international students to fill those seats. So in our perspective, it was a very responsible thing to do. Growth in our international student enrolment over the past decade is very much in line with our decrease in domestic student enrolment over that same time.”

  • Federal election to take place April 28, local candidates launch campaigns

    By Kelsey Bent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Listowel Banner

    OTTAWA – Governor General Mary Simon at the recommendation of Prime Minister Mark Carney, issued a proclamation to dissolve the 44th Parliament on March 23, 2025. This action triggered a federal election, set to take place on April 28.

    In the riding of Perth-Wellington, Conservative Party of Canada candidate, sitting MP John Nater, has served the riding for three terms since 2015.

    Nater holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management (BPAPM) from Carleton University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Queen’s University. Nater and his wife Justine live in Mitchell with their three children.

    David Mackey recently announced his candidacy for the Federal Perth-Wellington Liberal Association.

    Mackey has family roots tied to farming in Ontario while his own career in high-tech includes years in customer service support, solving complex problems and meeting the needs of businesses. Mackey is also active in Ontario’s public library system, both as a board member of the Stratford Public Library and at the provincial level.

    Wayne Baker is the candidate for the People’s Party of Canada in the electoral district of Perth Wellington. Baker was raised on a dairy farm in Flesherton and now resides in Arthur with his wife Marilyn. He has a background in real estate and currently is self-employed as a small business owner.

    In the riding of Huron-Bruce, Conservative Party of Canada candidate MP Ben Lobb was first elected to the House of Commons in 2008. He was re-elected in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2021.

    Lobb served as the Shadow Minister for Digital Government in his last term. He hosts two annual minor baseball camps for youth in Huron-Bruce, in Clinton and Kincardine.

    Melanie Burrett was named NDP candidate for Huron-Bruce. Burrett is a school librarian, OSSTF ESS member, and longtime NDP volunteer. She lives in Egmondville with her husband and daughter.

    James Rice was acclaimed as the Liberal Party of Canada candidate for Huron Bruce on Feb. 18. Rice, a Wingham resident was a candidate for the party in the 2021 federal election.

    Elections Canada indicates the nomination process for candidates closes on April 7 and a list of confirmed candidates will be available on April 9.

  • Who is Joseph Racinsky, Wellington-Halton’s new MPP

    Who is Joseph Racinsky, Wellington-Halton’s new MPP

    By Isabel Buckmaster, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, GuelphToday.com

    WELLINGTON COUNTY – Newly-elected MPP Joseph Racinsky knows he has big shoes to fill, but that isn’t going to stop him from trying.

    The 23-year-old was elected as the new MPP for Wellington-Halton Hills in a landslide win in late February, replacing longtime MPP and Speaker of the House, Ted Arnott, who held the position for almost 35 years.

    One of the youngest politicians to ever hold a seat at Queen’s Park, Racinsky said while he understands this is a change that will require some adjustment, he’s focused on trying to keep Arnott’s legacy going “as much as possible.”

    “It’s a real privilege to be in this position, I’m honoured,” said Racinsky, in a phone interview with EloraFergusToday. “It’s a tremendous responsibility and I’m going to work my hardest for the people.”

    Outside of politics, Racinsky said his first job was working on a small farm and he also worked at a grocery store for a summer. A history buff, Racinsky has a passion for world geography when not helping out his local church and the Georgetown Agricultural Society. He married his wife Mikayla, who is from Erin, in 2023.

    “Agriculture is facing some unique challenges … as communities are growing and that’s going to put pressure on agricultural systems out here as well,” said Racinsky. “So making life easier for farmers is something I’m passionate about.”

    Post-university, “it was always politics.”

    Working as an MPP’s constituency assistant before becoming a Halton Hills councillor in 2022, the lifelong Conservative said he’s always enjoyed getting involved with his community to help people and residents can expect him to be an MPP that’s active in their community and listening to people “face to face.”

    “That’s what I did as a councillor in Halton Hills and I’m going to continue doing that for all of Wellington-Halton Hills,” said Racinsky. “That’s why I ran, that’s what I want to do and I’m looking forward to working with Premier Ford and the government to do that.”

    Similar to Arnott, Racinsky said two of his main priorities as MPP are a new hospital in Georgetown and getting the Morriston Bypass built in Puslinch.

    So far, Racinsky said he’s met with both the Health and Transportation Ministers and they’ll be hearing from him often going forward.

    He also plans to meet regularly with local leaders, mayors and members of the county like Warden Chris White so he can stay up to date on community issues and take any needs or wants back to Queens Park.

    “It’s not going to happen overnight but these are launched, pending projects that I’m hoping to keep advocating for,” said Racinsky.

    The biggest concern he’s heard from residents so far remains the tariff threat from the U.S. and the “uncertainty that it brings.” Having already met with local chambers of commerce, Racinsky said many are concerned about job losses, general affordability and less money being handed out for programs, healthcare and education.

    “So that really is an overarching issue that everybody’s concerned about,” said Racinsky. “As a government, our focus right now is making sure that we protect Ontario families and jobs from those threats south of the border.”

    When asked what other issues he’ll be bringing to the table at Queen’s Park, Racinsky said his job is to represent resident views and he’s looking forward to getting his local constituency office up and running in Fergus, where he’s taken over Arnott’s old office on St. Andrew Street.

    From there, he encourages residents to reach out to him in person or online at joseph.racinsky@pc.ola.org.

    Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program

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  • MP Chris Lewis Honours 30 Essex Community Members with King Charles III Coronation Medal

    MP Chris Lewis Honours 30 Essex Community Members with King Charles III Coronation Medal

    By Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

    Conservative MP Chris Lewis (Essex) has presented 30 community members with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing their contributions to Essex and Canada.

    The award is given to individuals who have made a significant impact on their communities at a national, provincial, regional or local level. Recipients must have been alive on May 6, 2023, the date of King Charles III’s coronation.

    Lewis sought nominations from local town councils and Royal Canadian Legions across the riding. The recipients represent a diverse group of individuals recognized for their dedication to the community.

    The recipients include Mary-Maureen Atkin, Jennifer Chevalier, Capt. (Ret.) Ernest Gazdig, Ed Gibbs, Linda Lynch, Sara Machnik, Sandy Repko and Helen Lewis (posthumous) from Kingsville; Christopher Bailey, Dr. John Cappucci and Thomas LeClair from LaSalle; Jennifer Baggio, Gilbert Bastien, Richard Brooks, Kristin Kennedy and John Vanthournout from Belle River; Bill Granger and Brandon Chartier from Essex; John Garnet Edwards, Ron Giofu, Tim McAllister and Andrew Stewart from Amherstburg; Donald Lucier, Robin Martin and Jeremy Sinasac from Harrow; Tim Byrne and Bruce Lodge from Lakeshore; Katherine Gunning from Cottam; Stephanie Zekelman from Tecumseh; and James Crichton from Windsor.

    Lewis said it was an honour to celebrate the contributions of those selected.

    “Each honouree has brought something extraordinary to our communities. Their dedication has impacted so many lives in Essex and beyond,” Lewis said.

    “Thank you all for leaving the world a better place than you found it.”