The current issue of The North Shore News volume 17-45 published November 5th, 2021.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
(Click HERE to read the paper.)
North Shore News 17-45
North Shore Giant Tigers join Operation Santa Claus
Operation Santa Claus Helps Wrap Up the Holidays for Deployed Members of the Canadian Armed Forces
The Tigre Géant stores of Sainte-Thérèse and Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac as well as the brand new store in Saint-Eustache are joining their sister stores all over Canada in supporting Operation Santa Claus in partnership with the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) to help deliver care packages to over 2,500 members of the Canadian Armed Forces deployed in Canada and across the world who are unable to be with their families for the holiday season.
Giant Tiger Stores across Canada are running a national fundraising campaign to assist with the purchase of the care package items. Beginning October 25th until Thursday, Nov. 11, customers can donate to Operation Santa Claus at their local Giant Tiger store by rounding up their purchase or donating $2 at checkout.
“Giant Tiger has proudly supported Operation Santa Claus since 2014, and we are thrilled to be a part of this important program again this year,” said Cindy-Lynn Steele, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Marketing, Giant Tiger Stores Limited. “Operation Santa Claus helps to bring a little bit of home to those who can’t be with their families this holiday season. We are honoured to help our communities come together to bring these special gifts to the deployed members of the Canadian Forces.”
Operation Santa Claus began in 1992 when a group of Montreal women sent holiday packages to their spouses serving on peacekeeping missions. The packages consisted of cards and greetings from family and friends from all across Canada. In addition, donated items from local businesses were obtained and included with the gifts. Within a short time, the program had expanded across Canada. To date, Operation Santa Claus has sent over 50,000 care packages worldwide, which has been made possible by the generosity of Canadians. Each box is carefully packaged with the comforts of home such as cozy basics, delicious treats, and self-care products, among other items to help spread holiday cheer.
“Despite the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, Giant Tiger has been a steadfast supporter of our military community. Giant Tiger continues to champion the well-being of our women and men in uniform, and their families, in a myriad of ways by supporting initiatives across Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS). It is in great thanks to this partnership that we can continue to deliver necessary support for our troops,” said Commodore (Retired) Sean Cantelon, CEO, CFMWS.
Since 2014, Giant Tiger has played an integral role in the success of Operation Santa Claus, contributing over $550,000 in product to help fill the packages to over 19,500 members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Operation Santa Claus is available at all Giant Tiger locations across Canada and online.
About Giant Tiger:
Giant Tiger, the leading Canadian-owned family discount store, is on a mission to make every dollar matter and is committed to providing on-trend family fashion, groceries, and everyday household needs. The privately held company has over 260 locations across Canada and proudly employs over 10,000 members of Team Tiger. All Giant Tiger locations are locally owned or operated by a team member who knows the community.
Two citizens appointed to the Order of Saint-Eustache
As part of the twelfth edition of the Order of Saint-Eustache, on October 20, the City of Saint-Eustache paid tribute to two deserving citizens at the Center d’art La petite Église. Thus, Mrs. Ginette Dépatie and Mr. André Roy received the highest honorary distinction awarded by the City to its citizens. The event took place in the presence of the mayor, city councilor Nicole Carignan-Lefebvre, members of the jury and recipients who were accompanied, for the occasion, by their respective guests.
The mayor, Mr. Pierre Charron, addressed the audience: “We have the honor to highlight the commitment of an exceptional woman and man, whose actions, gestures and the achievements reflect on our entire community. What makes the beauty, the richness and the strength of a community is being able to count such inspiring people in its ranks. Ms. Dépatie and Mr. Roy, each in their own way, are among our best ambassadors and we can easily recognize them as visionaries, leaders, but also people deeply rooted in their community ”.
In fact, Ms. Dépatie has been involved with young mothers who have been in a vulnerable situation for 40 years now, through the Center Marie Eve. In addition to her role as a facilitator, she sees to the recruitment and training of volunteers, while sitting on consultation tables in the community. In addition, she participates in the establishment of branches of the Center Marie Eve in other cities of the Lower Laurentians.
Mr. Roy, meanwhile, helped promote the athletes of Saint-Eustache and the region for half a century as director of sports pages, then director of public relations for the weeklies L’Éveil and La Concorde. He was interested in both amateur and professional athletes, wielding the pen as well as the camera. Over the years, he has also involved himself in many charitable causes close to his heart.
For these nominations, a jury made up of former recipients and honorary members from different backgrounds was responsible for analyzing all the nominations received within the framework of the Order of Saint-Eustache, according to the established criteria. The 2021 jury was made up of Ms. Marion H. Gérard, President, Ms. Hélène Levasseur-Trudelle and Carole Héroux as well as MM. Antonio Lavigne and Michel Rousseau. The judges were accompanied by Ms. Nicole Carignan-Lefebvre, President of the Communications and Citizen Relations Commission.
“It was in 2006 that the members of the municipal council decided to establish this recognition, so that it could be registered over time. Since then, twelve editions of the Order of Saint-Eustache have been held, in the framework of which thirty-five people have been named Grandes Citoyennes ou Grands Citoyens de Saint-Eustache. We are really happy to have been able to pay a lasting tribute to these distinguished citizens, ”recalled Ms. Carignan-Lefebvre.
Massive local buying campaign in the Laurentians
Three campaigns, launched simultaneously in Boisbriand, Rosemère and Sainte-Thérèse
In order to bolster local economies and support small businesses in the community still affected by COVID, the Thérèse-De Blainville Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCITB) and its three local wings (AGAR, GEST and RGAB) launched the second edition of their very succesful local buying campaigns which will take place from October 25 to November 15, 2021 in more than 80 participating stores.
These campaigns, launched simultaneously in Boisbriand, Rosemère and Sainte-Thérèse, aim to promote businesses and stimulate local purchasing. Citizens are now invited to purchase $ 20 vouchers online at participating businesses. This amount will be increased by $ 10, which will allow customers to receive $ 30 vouchers. Unfortunately the number of available vouchers is not limitless and preferred stores that receive larger number of customers like the Supermarchés Iga Daigle in Boisbriand run out of vouchers.
“The first editions of the local buying campaigns were a great success and made it possible to donate $ 105,000 to participating businesses. As part of this project, municipalities, businesses and citizens are all winners and we are delighted to offer a second edition, ”said Caroline Du Paul, manager, local development and liaison officer – GEST.
The CCITB relies on their annual partners of AGAR (évoilà5, Pacini, Turcot Olivier Optométristes, Ville de Rosemère), GEST (La Petite Clinique, Prohibition beer bar, Vocalys, Ville de Sainte-Thérèse) and RGAB (IGA Daigle Extra) , Faubourg Boisbriand, PFD Avocats, Ville de Boisbriand) which allow them to set up these local buying campaigns. The first buying local campaigns were introduced with dynamism to counter the multiple effects of COVID which struck small Laurentian businesses.
About the local chapters of the CCITB
The business wing of Rosemère (AGAR), the Groupement des entreprises de Sainte-Thérèse (GEST) and the regroupement des entreprises de Boisbriand (RGAB) stimulate the economic vitality of Sainte-Thérèse through collective projects and commercial support. The AGAR, the GEST and the RGAB are wings of the Thérèse-De Blainville Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCITB) whose role is to propel the success of local businesses through its 4 calls to action: To connect, to evolve, to get informed and to mobilize.
Partial closings at the île Bélair Bridge as of October 25
The City of Rosemère is informing road users and its partners that it will be undertaking relocation work on the drinking water, force main and telecommunication lines at the île Bélair bridge over the Mille Îles River, in the axis of Route 117 (Labelle Boulevard), in Rosemère, starting in the week of October 25, 2021. The work will take place mainly on weekdays, unless otherwise specified, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will be spread out over a period of three months. During most part of this work, traffic on the bridge will be maintained at one northbound lane and two southbound lanes.
This work will allow for the relocation of pipes hanging on the bridge or in the waterway and is a prerequisite to the ministère des Transports’ project to completely rebuild the île Bélair Bridge. It should be noted that the speed limit will be reinstated at 40 km/h in this sector and that the 5-ton load restriction for all road vehicles will remain in effect on the bridge.
This work will result in other lane closures over the next few weeks. In the event of operational constraints or unfavourable weather conditions, this work may be postponed. In order to properly plan their trips, citizens are invited to consult the Québec 511 to find out about current and future impediments.
Drivers are invited to respect the signs in place to ensure the safety of all.
17 health heavyweights sign to block the use of independent workers
In the wake of the ministerial announcements, the 16 presidents and CEOs of health and social services institutions across the Greater Montréal area, the south shore and the north shore, as well as the Association des établissements privés conventionnés, jointly commited, to taking the steps needed to making significant changes to certain practices, all in the interest of staff, patients and their loved ones.
Their objective, outlined in a letter titled FOR A HEALTHY PUBLIC NETWORK: FROM WORDS TO ACTION, those 16 key players in the Greater Montreal area wish to create a stimulating work environment for public network employees, as well as provide them with healthy working conditions and a better work-life balance. Through their actions, they aim to restore confidence and persuade those who have left to come back to the public network.
In keeping with the measures that were announced, thhey commit to abolishing the use of independent workers, starting with nursing and cardiorespiratory staff.
Their pledge:
• Starting November 1, 2021 (aside from specific exceptions provided for in the plan), their 17 institutions will cease to train new nurses, licensed practical nurses and respiratory therapists from private agencies;
• The most coveted shifts will be set aside for nursing and cardiorespiratory employees from the public network;
• The renewal or signing of new mutual agreements with private agencies will be discontinued;
• Hiring will be fast-tracked, resulting in quicker reintegration within the framework of a joint virtual 514-450 job fair.
Their actions will be guided by these principles:
• Patient safety remains a priority and there will be no compromises in this regard;
• Solidarity between the institutions is one of the values that is key to the success of this initiative;
• Their hope is to provide staff members with the most optimal working conditions and recognize the value of their skills and expertise.
By giving healthcare workers the recognition and conditions, they deserve, they are confident that they will further the consolidation of a public network that is robust, accessible and safe for all.
The letter is signed by:
Ms. Maryse Poupart, CISSS de Lanaudière
Ms. Rosemonde Landry, CISSS des Laurentides
Mr. Christian Gagné, CISSS de Laval
Mr Richard Deschamps, CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre
Ms. Louise Potvin, CISSS de la Montérégie-Est
Mr. Philippe Gribeauval, CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest
Mr. Lawrence Rosenberg, CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
Ms. Sonia Bélanger, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
Mr. Sylvain Lemieux, CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
Mr. Frédéric Abergel, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
Ms. Lynne McVey, CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
Mr. Fabrice Brunet, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM)
Ms. Caroline Barbir, Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine
Mr. Pierre Gfeller, Centre universitaire de santé McGill (CUSM)
Ms. Mélanie La Couture, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal (ICM)
Ms. Manon Boily, Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel
Mr. Jean Nadon, Chairman, Association des établissements privés conventionnés
Deux-Montagnes fire fighters honored by the government of Quebec
On October 10, the Quebec government paid tribute to 29 firefighters from the Intermunicipal Fire Department of Deux-Montagnes / Sainte- Marthe-sur-le-Lac as part of the National Firefighters Recognition Day. These heroes from the Deux-Montagnes / Sainte- Marthe-sur-le-Lac region were awarded the Medal for Meritorious Act for their intervention during the rupture of the dike of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, on the evening of April 27, 2019.
Although this team of 29 firefighters is among the winners of the 2020 edition, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, Ms. Geneviève Guilbault, paid tribute this year to the leadership and bravery they demonstrated during this exceptional intervention. Note that the 2020 official recognition ceremony did not take place due to the pandemic.
The team of 29 fire fighters and executives from the intermunicipal fire safety service of Deux-Montagnes / Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-lac recipients of the medal for meritorial act are: Director Norbert Vendette, Captain Steve Charron, Captain David Michaud, Bradley Mills, Captain Terrence Whitton, Lieutenants: Brent Martin, Patrice Paquette, Robert Slovick, Louis Viau, Firemen: Mathias Béchiau, Dominic Béland, Jean-François Chartrand-D’Aoust, Éric Clark, Félix Clouette-Laflèche, Philippe Côté, Alexandre Filiatreault, Sébastien Gagnon, Jonathan Gladu, Ryan Kiley, Pierre-Olivier Langlois, Samuel Larochelle, Sébastien Lizotte, Alexandre Longpré, Jean-Luc Martin, Randy Mills, Stewart Mills, Steve Nguyen, Giovanni Pino and Benoît Taillefer
“The intervention of these firefighters on the evening of April 27, 2019 was exceptional. For their speed of intervention, their expertise, the composure they have shown, the empathy they have shown, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of the people of Sainte- Marthe-sur-le-Lac ” said the mayor of Deux -Mountains, Denis Martin.
The Intermunicipal Fire Department
The Deux-Montagnes / Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac Intermunicipal Fire Department serves a population of over 37,000 residents and covers an area of approximately 16 square kilometers. Annually, the Fire Safety Service responds to more than 900 calls for intervention on the territory as well as mutual aid in some neighboring towns.
Photo credit: MSP. Last row from left to right: firefighter Jean-François Chartrand-D’Aoust, firefighter Éric Clark, Captain Steve Charron, Lieutenant Robert Slovick, firefighter Sébastien Gagnon and Lieutenant Brent Martin. In the front row, from left to right: firefighter Pierre-Olivier Langlois, firefighter Giovanni Pino and firefighter Stewart Mills
North Shore News 17-44
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 17-44 published October 29th, 2021.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
(Click HERE to read the paper.)
The Social Reforestation Program takes root in Sainte-Thérèse
The City of Sainte-Thérèse has joined forces with the Arbre-Évolution organization, as part of the Social Reforestation Program, for the planting of 135 trees and 65 shrubs in the Jardin des Sources and de la Rivière parks. Most of the planting activity took place on Sunday, October 17, in the presence of representatives of the organization, the City and many volunteers.
“It is important for Sainte-Thérèse to preserve these two green spaces which are also wetlands. In particular, they allow the retention and filtration of rainwater, while providing a rich natural habitat for flora and fauna. “We made sure that the species that were planted were adapted to such an environment. In doing so, we are protecting important ecosystems, while making these parks, so much appreciated by the Teresian population, more green,” said the mayor, Sylvie Surprenant.
Arbre-Évolution is a solidarity cooperative that promotes the well-being of communities through a symbiosis between the forest, humans, and their environment. It considers the forest as a natural environment, but also a human one.Tracking the major international challenges of sustainable development, the vision it proposes seeks to act on the links between nature and cultural dynamics, the synergies between communities and their environment.
The Social Reforestation Program aims to compensate for the pollution of businesses, festivals, NGOs and individuals, by planting trees in living environments that need them. Currently, more than 75 organizations offset their CO2 emissions with Arbre ‑ Évolution.
Rosemère prepares for Halloween
As Halloween approaches and while children and adults await any possible new announcements from the Quebec Government concerning trick or treating this year, the city of Rosemère is proactive in its Halloweeniness offering a full program of activites to celebrate Halloween safely.
From October 18 to November 2 Outdoor there will be decor at Pioneer Park and Indoor decor at the library from September 30 to November 1
There will be a Murder Mystery Rally at Pioneer Park on October 19 to 31. It will be an intergenerational activity and a PDF document needs to be downloaded from the library catalog.
A pumpkin decorating intergenerational workshop will take place on Saturday, October 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No registration is required, and this will be a collaboration with the AGAR which will distribute free pumpkins.
Activities requiring registration are also happening in the library for children:
Story time: Halloween! October 22 – 1 to 3 years old
Comic Book Workshop: How to Draw Monsters and Fantastic Creatures: October 23 1:30 p.m. – Ages 6 to 13 (sold out)
Lego Workshop: The Haunted House: October 23 – Ages 6 to 13 (sold out)
Story time: Mr. Wolf, Are You Afraid of the Werewolf? October 30 – ages 4 to 7
Escape game – On the occasion of Halloween, the library offers you a free access to a scenario of your choice at Immersia jeux d’évasion in Laval or Boisbriand.
Candy giveaway at the library from October 23 to 30
