News

Since elected in 2004, I have heard from many constituents of SD & SG concerned with those who abuse our fair and generous immigration system. People reacted very strongly to ships showing up on Canada’s shores with 400-500 supposed refugees aboard. Many of my colleagues reported receiving the same feedback from Canadians across the country. That is why I am happy to report that the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Jason Kenney, listened to concerned citizens and introduced the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act, to crack down on this abuse. 

This legislation will restore integrity to our asylum system by making Canada’s refugee determination process faster and fairer, resulting in faster protection for legitimate refugees and faster removal for bogus claimants. Further, it will put a stop to foreign criminals, human smugglers, and bogus refugees abusing our generous immigration system and receiving lucrative taxpayer-funded healthcare and social benefits.  

There have been many stories in the news reporting on bogus refugees, serious criminals and those who have committed crimes against humanity exploiting Canada’s generosity and taking advantage of our refugee system. This type of abuse means that legitimate refugees have to wait in line while resources are used on these bogus claims. These bogus refugees aren’t actually fleeing from persecution, but seek to take advantage of Canada’s refugee system to receive our taxpayer-funded healthcare, welfare and other benefits. As soon as they land in Canada, they are eligible for many taxpayer-funded benefits and can receive these until their bogus claims are thrown out. This legislation aims to fix this problem.

I believe this legislation will give overworked immigration officials the tools they require to protect legitimate refugees and get them the help they need while at the same time, quickly removing claimants that abuse our generosity. 

 

Guy Lauzon 

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

[…]

Dillon Consulting Limited, on behalf of the township of South Dundas, held four Community Vision Cafés last week on March 21st and 22nd.

According to Economic Development Officer Nicole Sullivan, approximately 70 people in total attended one or more of the four cafés. Both the Morrisburg and Iroquois meetings each saw upwards of 20 residents in attendance, while the Dixon’s Corners and Williamsburg locations saw, on average, about 10 residents.

Recreation and economic development seemed to be the two most common concerns for residents who attended the cafés.

As for the actual cafés, Mayor Steven Byvelds opened each of the café consultations with a welcome message and invitation to participate fully. “This is your meeting,” he said, “not council’s meeting. We’re looking for your ideas.”

“Don’t be afraid to dream somewhat,” he added.

The cafés were led by Rory Baksh and Sari Liem of Dillon Consulting Limited.

Baksh began each meeting with the same clear message: “the café gives citizens an opportunity to chart their own future. It’s important because who knows this community better than you? You should be the ones who have a voice in shaping where this community goes.”

And, as one resident at the Dixon’s Corners café pointed out, “as a result of the amalgamation, there’s a lot of different cultures trying to fit together.”

Baksh suggested that ideas be “achievable, practical and economically realistic (and) support long-term continuous improvement.” In addition, ideas “should reflect your passion and your voice.”

“The plan that will come out of this process will very much be the work of the citizens.”

Liem followed Baksh’s opening statement, saying, “there’s no wrong answer. Be creative, but be realistic. Discuss rather than debate and, think positively.”

“As community members,” she added, “you have the strongest voice.”

Following the opening remarks, the interactive portion of the meeting got underway. 

The first exercise was recognizing and listing the assets and strengths that South Dundas already possesses. The township’s strengths were divided into seven categories: human; social capital; cultural; natural; economic and financial; built; and political.

Baksh pointed out that “we’re focussing on what assets are here. We have to understand what we value so we can plan for the future. A community is shaped by the assets and things that we care about.”

Liem added, “think of these assets as opportunities we can leverage on.”

Residents named the river, the open green space, the rich history of the area and the wealth of volunteers as just some of the assets found in South Dundas. The lists were, in fact, lengthy.

Following the compilation of current assets, residents were asked to complete an exercise called the Wishing Well. Participants were encouraged to “take one step into the future” and make some wishes for South Dundas. The guidelines for doing so were clear: wishes should be smart, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.

Some of the more common wishes arising from the Dixon’s Corners group included changes to recreational facilities, beautification projects, additional industry, and changes to educational opportunities within South Dundas.

One participant was clear about not wanting industrial wind turbines. Another suggested that Williamsburg get a facelift, while another dreamed of a monorail connecting South Dundas to places like Ottawa, Cornwall and Brockville.

The Wishing Well exercise brought forth many of the same ‘wishes’ in each of the café venues. The Morrisburg café added things like “create a heritage preservation society” in addition to having more sidewalks and trails.

Following the Wishing Well task, residents were invited to go farther into the future and form a Vision Statement for where South Dundas should be in 10 years.

According to Baksh, “a good vision is understandable, inspirational, distinctive, and ambitious.” He specifically pointed out that “it shouldn’t be something cookie-cutter from somewhere else.”

After brainstorming in small groups, each group presented their vision statement for South Dundas to the whole group.

One group, using a metaphor, pointed out that “you have to have a foundation for a house before you start building a house” and talked about small steps that lead toward grander dreams down the road.

Visions were similar in that they focused on providing “safe, healthy and supportive living” in South Dundas. 

There was emphasis on preserving what’s here in terms of history, environment, and infrastructure.

A woman attending the Dixon’s Corners café said, “ I’d like to see services stay in the community. If we want people to stay in our community, we need to encourage local businesses and services so people stay within South Dundas instead of driving outside.”

Residents at the Iroquois Civic Centre café voiced the need to preserve the golf course.

In addition to protecting current services within South Dundas, there was general agreement that the township needs to grow by welcoming more businesses, small and large, as well as more tourists.

Following the Vision Statement presentations, Baksh and Liem, at each café, made a list of community priorities or key points based on that meeting’s vision statements. 

The key points that arose during the Morrisburg café consultation were: develop business along Highway 401; waterfront park; youth centre; seniors support centre; more industry to grow; public washrooms downtown; sidewalks; hiking/walking/biking path along Lakeshore Drive; and, more things for teens.

Before leaving, café attendees were given the opportunity to “vote” for the wishes/ideas that they felt were most important. In addition, they were invited to sign-up for future action plan groups based on some of the key points.

Baksh concluded each café consultation by ensuring attendees were aware of the process going forward. In April, there will be a status report. 

At the end of April or early in May, he revealed that there will be another round of workshops. These workshops will focus on action plans centered around specific themes. 

The final draft of the plan will be available in June. 

In addition to the ideas provided by South Dundas residents, Baksh said that some of the photos submitted online would also be used in the final draft of the plan document.

The draft report will be posted online and Baksh enouraged all in attendance as well as each South Dundas resident to “read it over, provide comments. We certainly encourage that.”

[…]

On March 23rd, the official 2012 Sunshine List was made public, revealing those public sector workers who earned over $100,000 in 2011.

The entire list, which is much too long to be reprinted here, can be found on the Ontario Ministry of Finance website under “Public Sector Salary Disclosure 2012.”

According to government literature, “the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act (1996) makes Ontario’s public sector more open and accountable to taxpayers.”

“The act requires organizations that receive public funding from the Province of Ontario to disclose annually the names, positions, salaries and total taxable benefits of employees paid $100,000 or more in a calendar year.”

“The act applies to organizations such as the Government of Ontario, Crown Agencies, Municipalities, Hospitals, Boards of Public Health, School Boards, Universities, Colleges, Hydro One, Ontario Power Generation, and other public sector employers who receive a significant level of funding from the provincial government.”

The school boards serving South Dundas are the Upper Canada District School Board and the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario.

The Upper Canada District School Board’s (UCDSB) list included principals and vice-principals from South Dundas. 

Morrisburg Public School Principal Beverley Bethune was listed at $109,025 for 2011. Iroquois Public School Principal Kelty Grant had a 2011 salary of $108,788.87. Two from Seaway District High School were listed: Principal Terry Gardiner at $122,293.19 and Vice Principal Karen Bryan at $106,622.21.

There were a few people listed as UCDSB Superintendents of Education, all of whom made, on average, $157,000 each. Director of Education, David K. Thomas was listed with a 2011 salary of $211,184.22.

The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) listed St. Mary’s-St. Cecilia’s School Principal Joy Martel at $106,287.70 for 2011.

CDSBEO Director of Education and Secretary, William Gartland was listed with a salary of  $201,758.60 for 2011.

St. Lawrence College’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Whitaker, had a salary of $298,032.05 in 2011. Closer to home, Donald Fairweather, Dean of the Cornwall Campus, was listed with a salary of $139,636.35.

In the medical sphere, there were only seven employees listed for Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH), including two registered nurses. Former Chief Executive Officer Trudy Reid was listed with the highest salary at $218,947.66. Others on the WDMH list included Lynn Hall, Michelle Blouin, Sylvie Forgues-Martel, Sean O’Brien, Fernande Vermeulen, and Gay Campbell.

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s (EOHU) Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Roumeliotis, had a salary of $300,449.78 in 2011.

The Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) listed two Chief Executive Officers: Robert Cushman at $105,549.22 and Alexander Munter at $196,327.07. Chief Information Officer Glenn Alexander had a 2011 total of $187,672.06 while Senior Director of Health and System Accountability Suzanne Dionne was listed with a 2011 total of $171,565.13.

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research had several employees who made upwards of $300,000 in 2011. President and Chief Scientific Officer Thomas Hudson was listed with a salary of $534,546.60.

Hydro One salaries ranged from just over $100,000 to almost $1,000,000. Laura Formusa, President and Chief Executive Officer for Hydro One had a 2011 salary of $961,963.

Both Hydro One and Ontario Power Generation had several pages each of employees listed making upwards of $100,000. 

Hydro One also had 34 people with salaries in the $200,000 range; approximately five people in the $300,000 range; about four people in the $400,000 range; and one listed with a salary in the $500,000 range.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) had 15 employees with salaries in the $500,000 to $1,000,000 range. The top salary for OPG in 2011 belonged to William Robinson, Executive Vice President for Business Transformation, who made $972,641.88.

Ontario Power Authority had four employees with salaries over $300,000 in 2011. The top paid employee was Chief Executive Officer Colin Andersen at $573,027.

Carl Isenburg, President and Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, had a 2011 salary of $299,672.44.

There were five employees  from the St. Lawrence Parks Commission listed on the 2012 Sunshine List: Mary Beach, Ronald Betournay, Darren Dalgleish, Dave Dobbie, and Bryan Mercer. The top salary listed was $128,693.47 and belonged to Betournay, Director of Finance and Administration.

In addition to reporting salaries of those employees who met or exceeded a salary of $100,000, the Sunshine List also gave a list of organizations that had “no salaries to disclose.” All employees for companies listed in this category made less than $100,000 in 2011. Two local examples of this are Community Living Dundas County in Morrisburg and Naomi’s Family Resource Centre in Winchester.

[…]

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) predicted that cargo shipments would rise by about three per cent to 38.6 million tonnes for 2012 as it marked the official opening of its 54th navigation season on Thursday, March 22, at Lock 3 of the Welland Canal. 

Exports of coal are expected to be a bright spot, as producers in Montana route their product by rail to Great Lakes ports, where the cargo is loaded onto lakers and brought to the Port of Quebec via the Seaway.  

The coal is subsequently trans-shipped to ocean vessels destined for Europe, avoiding congested coastal ports.

Rob Bryson from Parrish and Heimbecker’s Hamilton operation, and Donald Gallienne from Aluminerie Alouette, served as keynote speakers at the event. 

Canadian agribusiness firm Parrish and Heimbecker, has invested $30 million in expanding its grain handling facilities strategically located at the Port of Hamilton, testifying to the enduring value of the Seaway in cost effectively moving grain. 

Aluminerie Alouette, the largest aluminum smelter in North America, uses the Seaway to transport substantial volumes of aluminum ingots on a tug / barge combination from its facility in Sept-Iles (Quebec) to Great Lakes ports in the U.S. 

Both speakers testified to the critical role that marine transportation plays in their respective firms’ ability to compete effectively in a global marketplace.

The tug/barge used to transport the aluminum ingots, McKeil Marine’s Wilf Seymour/Alouette Spirit, served as the opening vessel at Lock 3 of the Welland Canal. 

 “McKeil is honoured to be part of the Seaway opening celebration,” said Steve Fletcher, President of McKeil Marine Limited.  “Our company’s innovative marine solutions provide shippers with a cost effective and environmentally friendly means of moving cargo. The Seaway has been a strong advocate in shifting more cargo onto our waterways, which also serves to ease pressure on congested road and rail links.”  

As a result of the tug and barge operation, tens of thousands of truckloads are being shifted from two and four lane highways to the Seaway.  

“We are pleased to see continued momentum in the burgeoning tug and barge sector,” said Bruce Hodgson, Director of Market Development for the SLSMC.  “The Aluminerie Alouette shipments serve as a great example of how marine transportation directly supports the operation of a major North American business and, at the same time, bolsters our quality of life.”  

Canadian and international carriers are in the process of building new vessels, with some scheduled to begin transiting Seaway waters in 2012.  

Collister Johnson Jr., Administrator of the U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, noted that with carriers investing hundreds of millions of dollars in fleet renewal, the Seaway system’s future is bright. 

“Marine transportation is already the most energy efficient means of moving cargo, and these new vessels will increase energy efficiency by up to 40 per cent in addition to offering leading edge emissions performance,” said Johnson.

A recently published economic impact study, commissioned by Marine Delivers, demonstrates the significant role that the Great Lakes / Seaway system plays in supporting the Canadian and U.S. economies.  

Some 227,000 jobs and $34 billion in economic activity are supported by the movement of goods within the Great Lakes / Seaway waterway. 

[…]

Students at Morrisburg Public School had a crazy hair day last Wednesday and, yes, indeed there were some very funky and some very out of the ordinary coiffures. Pictured above are the various grade representatives selected for the photo based on their outrageous dos. Front, l-r, are Michelle Chater, Kyra Lewis, Dawson Lewis, Celina McMillan, Zoe McMillan and Chloe Adams. Back, l-r, are Brandon Lovely, Bethany Baker, Harneet Cheema, Gabriel Baker and Shyla Crowder. In the closeup insets, l-r, Chloe Adams shows off her birds nest, Shylar Crowder her hair braided eyewear, and Michelle Chater her spring variety pack.

[…]

With an expansion to his services, Morrisburg Chiropractor, Dr. Steven Morrow, is adding ‘wellness’ to the old adage that there is ‘strength in numbers’.

Joining Morrow at his Morrisburg Chiropractic office are Registered Massage Therapist, Sarah Whittam and Nutritional and Wellness Specialist, Laura Barclay. 

Morrow says he is very pleased and extremely excited to be in the position to offer his patients more services.

“I called Laura a couple of months ago, because I thought it would be helpful to have someone who could help my patients with their diets. The time is available and I have the office space.”

While Barclay runs her successful Health and Wellness business in her home, she says the move to the Morrisburg Plaza “is perfect for me. Steve has a business that is established and well-respected. It gives me more exposure and more opportunity to expand. This will also provide a more private setting for my clients.”

Morrow adds that although he originally sought Barclay out for the nutritional aspect of her practise, it is a bonus that she is a registered Reiki practitioner.

Barclay studied Health and Wellness at Algonquin College after high school, but put her career on hold while raising her young family. Seven years ago she completed the program and began to build her business as time permitted. Also during those seven years, she studied for certification as a Level 2 Registered Reiki Practitioner and trained in Hot Stone Therapy and Stress Management.

“My clients come to me for nutritional guidance or counsel,” explains Barclay. “I offer one on one set ups. Everything is designed specifically for the individual. They may just need their diet tweaked a bit, or it may be something a bit more serious such as dealing with diabetes. I can help them to plan a personal diet if that is requested or needed.’

Barclay says that she is a “big fan of clean eating and I can provide lots of different recipe tips.”

A Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation, Reiki promotes healing and for Barclay it was a natural fit to her Health and Wellness business.

While Dr. Morrow was aware of Barclay and her local business, it was Whittam who found Morrisburg Chiropractic.

Originally from the Winchester area, Whittam moved out west in 1994.

She graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in British Columbia in 1997, where she received extensive training in anatomy, physiology, neurology and pathology. She was also introduced to Swedish Massage therapy and hydrotherapy in addition to numerous orthopedic techniques such as myofasial trigger point release, muscle energy, joint mobilization, passive stretching and PROM.

Last fall, with her family, Whittam returned to the area. It was by chance that when she was looking into the needs of the community she obtained the phone number of a therapist previously associated with Morrisburg Chiropractic. That call put her in touch with Morrow.

It was perfect timing. “She called looking for a space,” says Morrow. “We didn’t have a massage therapist at the time, so we met.”

Whittam says she is looking forward to becoming part of the community.

“I get enormous satisfaction in bringing relief to people living with chronic pain…i.e. fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic low back pain, headaches, jaw pain etc. I enjoy treating many different kinds of athletes, from dancers to triathletes, to people just starting out with a new exercise program.”

With the addition of the services provided by Barclay and Whittam, Morrow says it feels good to have an expanded program available to his patients. 

In addition to his chiropractic practise, Morrow has trained in Active Release Treatment Techniques (soft tissue techniques to get rid of scar tissue) and offers  Orthotics and Custom Braces services.

Barclay and Whittam will be located at Morrisburg Chiropractic beginning next week, and both say they will adjust their hours according to demand.

Barclay, who works a full-time job, is currently available for appointments on Wednesdays and Thursdays (late afternoons and evenings) and every second and fourth Saturday mornings. For information Laura can be contacted at, laura_@yahoo.ca or at lifestylestrategies.weebly.com.

Whittam will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

For information on any of the services at Morrisburg Chiropractic or to make an appointment, clients/patients are invited to call Morrisburg Chiropractic at 613-543-0500.

[…]

The township of South Dundas has declared the 397.31 acres of land opposite the Williamsburg Disposal Site on County Road 8, more commonly know as Church Road, as surplus land.

At the March 20th council meeting, Clerk Brenda Brunt recommended that the land be declared surplus and subsequently sold. 

The property is currently zoned as Rural Special Exception 22 & 27 as well as Wetlands and, according to Brunt, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has set out a list of conditions that must be met before the land can be sold. 

The most notable condition is a “species at risk” inventory which is expected to take between three to six months to complete.

Discussion arose in response to the cost of the inventory and how council might recoup the cost while waiting for a buyer. Brunt estimated the cost to be around $10,000 and, as Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald pointed out, “any sensible buyer is going to want to see that before they agree to buy.”

As for possible MNR restrictions on the land, Brunt said, “they’re hoping they won’t clear it for farmland.”

“The other concern is there’s an allowance for a possible building,” said Mayor Steven Byvelds. He wanted assurance that should the buyer erect a building on the land, they do so on Mackenzie Road, rather than on “old Fifth Concession” which is not maintained.

[…]

A by-law was passed at the March 20th South Dundas council meeting to accept the operational and capital budget plan for 2012.

During the discussion, Treasurer Shannon Geraghty introduced council to the possibility of sending out information sheets to taxpayers.

Geraghty informed council that it is a “double-sided document, something we’ll probably send out in the tax bills to show tax payers their money isn’t being spent foolishly.”

Mayor  Steven Byvelds said, “it certainly is a lot more information than we’ve put out in the past.”

Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke added, “that’s good. The more information, the better.”

“I think,” said Councillor Jim Graham, “it’s certainly a step forward on communicating with ratepayers on where their dollars are spent.”

Members of council were given copies of the proposed document to consider and comment on before distribution. 

If all goes well, it looks like, according to Byvelds, that the information sheet will be included with the final tax bill at the end of May.

[…]

“Sixty people who live and work in Dundas County gathered at the Christian Reformed Church in Williamsburg on November 18, 2011, to map out some strategies and concrete steps to make our communities more resilient in the face of increasing poverty, and to create a sustainable future for all of us in Dundas County.”

This is the first paragraph in a report made by representatives of the House of Lazarus Community Outreach Mission Linking Hands Project, initiators of the forum.

As a result of the forum, six working groups were set up, each with a coordinator and a first meeting date.

On March 20th, the working group for “Access to Basic Health Care Needs,” coordinated by Lynn Richards, met in Winchester. 

Invited speaker, Muriel Milne, secretary for the United Senior Citizens of Ontario, talked about the advocacy work her organization is involved in, specifically on access to basic health care.

Going forward, this working group plans to show the film “Poor No More.” In addition, they intend to continue gathering information on where Dundas County might have gaps in terms of access to basic health care needs.

On March 22nd, the working group for “Community Connectivity,” coordinated by Cathy Ashby, took place in Morrisburg.

They discussed business from their last meeting, refined their Terms of Reference, and made plans going forward.

Discussion revolved around information databases in terms of what’s out there now and what still needs to be done. The group discussed creating a new ‘database’ versus working with what is currently out there.

The group was keen to promote “211”. According to their website at www.211ontario.ca, “211 is a three-digit phone number and website that provides information and referral to community and social services in Ontario.”

 Going forward, the group hopes to work with the two municipalities, North and South Dundas, to link both “211” and the Linking Hands website to the township websites. 

In addition, they’re hoping to have the online community calendar for each township website refined and updated with information for residents.

A follow-up meeting was set for mid-May following the Homelessness Maze event in Iroquois on May 9th.

The “Strategies for Increasing Participation in Physical Activities” working group, coordinated by Lynn Richards met for a second time on March 27th in Williamsburg where they heard from the developers of the South Dundas Charter for Active Living, Stephanie Caissie of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit and Ben Macpherson, Recreation Program Coordinator for South Dundas.

The “Access to Transportation” working group, coordinated by Nanda Wubs, met initially on February 24th where they welcomed Robert Dupuis and Harry Gow, both of whom had experience creating and running non-profit transportation services for rural communities.

Following the meeting, Wubs said the group’s next step is to “continue investigating other models of transportation networks, send out a survey to agencies to determine current transportation ‘stock’ and to the community to do a transportation needs assessment.” 

The two remaining working groups will meet in May. 

The “Access to Safe, Nutritious, Primarily Local Food” group, coordinated by Dana Kittle, will hold their meeting on May 11th at the South Nation Conservation Authority in Finch. 

The “Economic and Entrepreneurial Development and Training” group, coordinated by Ed DiZazza, will also meet in May, but at the South Mountain Library Resource Centre. 

The group is currently working on a website for the project. The address is www.linkinghandsdundas.ca. 

[…]

Media Release

On Palm Sunday, April 1st, you are invited to attend a Harmony Church Celebration service at Timothy Christian School in Williamsburg at 10:30 a.m. 

What is Not new: Harmony Community Church is an evangelical church that has been serving the Lord in Dundas County since 1885. 

What is New: We will be hosting three Sunday morning celebration services at Timothy Christian School on the first Sunday for the months of April, May and June.

Our plan is to offer a satellite service in South Dundas (Williamsburg) that will be a complete sample of Harmony Church’s style of worship and preaching simultaneously with our North Dundas location on Ormond Road.

The purpose is fourfold:

•First, to give our existing South Dundas families an opportunity to worship closer to home and thereby “bring Harmony home” to their family, friends and community. This will save them time and gas by having a local celebration and increasing opportunities for them to get to know each other better. Sometimes “smaller is better” and the larger Sunday service doesn’t always allow you to get to know people as well. We have so much musical and preaching talent that it takes more than one service to allow people to use their God given gifts.

•Second, to re-enforce the message that the “Church” is not a building with an address but it is the people of God wherever they may meet.

•Third, to proclaim the Full Gospel of Jesus Christ as Saviour, Healer and coming King in South Dundas thus giving opportunities for those who have heard of Harmony but find distance an obstacle to be able to “come and see what we are about”.

•Fourth, because we just like to worship God all over the place.

For more information, call 613-774-5170 or visit the website at www.harmony-church.org.

[…]