Fixing broken long-term care an NDP priority says Zac Miller

By

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September 10, 2021

THE HIGHLANDS VOTES

Federal NDP candidate Zac Miller was a teenager when he ran in the 2018 provincial election, placing second to Progressive Conservative Laurie Scott and helping the party garner 26.5 per cent of the vote.

Miller is back and hopes the local party can capture 20 per cent of the federal vote this time around by targeting key polls in Haliburton County as well as in Lindsay.

The City of Kawartha Lakes resident was working on his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science when he ran four years ago and is now completing his Master of Information.

He will be beginning his online studies Sept. 13 while contesting a federal election.

“Over the last five years, I’ve learned to be myself and hold firm what I actually believe,” Miller said in an interview.

For example, he got involved with the Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition and “for the last three years, we’ve been knocking on people’s doors, talking to them and really understanding their issues.”

He said the NDP values resonate even more with him as a young adult, especially throughout and coming to the end of a pandemic. He believes government and the public don’t interact anymore.

“Over the last 30 years, we’ve become accustomed to the government not helping us and I really think that coming out of COVID-19 it shows that the government needs to be there for us. We can do so much more and be so much better.”

Asked to identify three core issues, he said: climate change, long-term care and health care in general; and more federal funding to municipalities.

“Long-term care needs to be something that’s addressed immediately and it’s something the federal government should do quickly.”

As for funding for towns and cities, he said Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock is made up of small villages “that don’t necessarily have the tax base to fund service costs or new development in the areas so the federal government should step in and provide grants to our riding so smaller areas can get services.”

He said money can be found by not subsidizing corporations, taxing the rich with a one per cent wealth tax and closing tax loopholes.

“It’s about realigning our priorities.” Miller is realistic that it is an uphill battle to defeat the Conservatives in the riding. He said his personal goal is to get at least 20 per cent of the vote. “That would be a win for us.” He added he wants to take a few polls in Haliburton County. He said there are “sympathetic areas” in the Highlands they are strategically targeting in a short election race.

“I have maps all over the walls. It is interesting for me.”

Miller said people can call him on his cell phone or email him if they have specific questions.

“We have a wide variety of policies that do speak to a lot of our needs in Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes, specifically our housing policy.”

He noted their plan to build 500,000 affordable homes, rework the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to help municipalities build housing units, and have the Bank of Canada set favourable interest rates.

Businesses navigate next COVID hurdle

By

Sam Gillett

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September 10, 2021

0

At Haliburton’s Kozy Korner, owner Ann Gordon greets two masked customers at the door, sending them to a freshly-sanitized table six feet from the next diners inside the bustling restaurant.

After navigating changing public health rules the past 18 months, the province’s upcoming vaccine protocols, which take effect from Sept. 22, aren’t too much of a concern, she said.

“It’s all worth it to keep everybody safe and force people to get vaccines. We were hoping it was coming, we wanted it to come,” she said, adding her staff will be fully vaccinated come October.

On Sept. 1, the Ontario government announced a vaccine certificate system which will mean people entering restaurants, bars, gyms, and other nonessential indoor gathering spaces must show proof of vaccination.

“Our government is taking action to minimize disruptions to the daily lives of Ontarians, help keep businesses open and kids in school by protecting the health and well-being of all Ontarians,” wrote MPP Laurie Scott in an emailed statement.

For some business owners such as Terri Matthews-Carl, mandating vaccines means one more safeguard against going takeout-only or closing completely as they have in the past.

“It will allow us to stay open indoor all year, and increase our capacity,” said Matthews-Carl.

The details are scarce. She and Gordon are unsure what enforcement will look like. On Oct. 22, Ontario is set to roll out a QR code app which will scan phone information to confirm vaccine status.

“I think that for the first month without the app, it’s going to be a bit more of a hassle, checking every person’s ID is going to be time-consuming,” Matthews-Carl said.

In certain places, such as Haliburton’s legion, vaccine requirements will serve to protect an at-risk population with most of the legion’s members being elderly.

President Don Pitman said he’s been in touch with the provincial legion governing body to determine a strategy.

He supports the restrictions, but said it adds complications to running programs.

“It makes it a bit difficult for us.

We don’t have a branch cell phone so someone’s personal cell phone is going to have to be used for that,” he said. “[the plan] is so light on details, frankly, we’re just waiting for more information.”

Pitman said “it may not be a problem at all, but we won’t know until we have the opening night, and then we’ll iron out the bumps.”

The new rules will also apply to gyms and fitness centres such as Meghan Cox’s Just Movement Fitness.

Cox is concerned the new rules will have a negative impact on people’s overall health.

“All I can say in regards to my business is that mandating a vaccine passport for a venue that promotes actual health and offers long term benefits to reducing the load on our health care system, is kind of contradictory, don’t you think?”

“The divide in humanity this is causing is both sad and disheartening,” she wrote.

Concerns over privacy, rights

Some business owners and political representatives across Canada claim the certificate program to be an infringement on Canadians’ rights.

MP Jamie Schmale said in August that while vaccines are the way to end the COVID-19 pandemic, he does not believe vaccines should be mandatory for healthcare workers and federal employees, and favours education over enforcement.

Many medical professionals, such as HKPR’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Natalie Bocking, have said the certificate program is not as unusual as people think.

“For example, I can think of travel to other countries. In other countries you need vaccination against Yellow Fever,” she said. Bocking also mentioned how the certificate program does not limit access to essential services such as pharmacies, grocery stores and healthcare centres. Across the HKPR area, 76.4 per cent of people are fully vaccinated, and the health unit is planning mobile pop-up clinics which will target specific areas amid what many are calling a fourth wave of COVID-19 in the province.

And the vaccines are working: Bocking reports that among confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region, only 10.9 per cent were fully vaccinated.

Neither Gordon nor Mathews-Carl said they are confident most patrons will willingly comply with the new rules. A few guests have mentioned they are currently unvaccinated or do not plan on attending restaurants past Sept. 22.

Gordon said enforcing the rules is a matter of safety, and she’s not too concerned about the possibility of customers angry about showing proof of vaccination.

“I think you just say ‘sorry, I’m keeping my restaurant safe’.

Supply woes hit Highlands businesses

By

Lisa Gervais

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September 10, 2021

0

Haliburton County residents will continue to experience the effects of supply chain
issues across the world as the pandemic continues and other factors come into play.

Whether it’s a decrease in new vehicle inventory at Highlands’ car dealerships, delays in getting materials for your build, renovation or do-it-yourself project, or even a takeaway container for your favourite lunch, businesses are asking for patience.

Kim Emmerson of Emmerson Lumber said despite being 18 months into COVID19, there are still supply issues.
“Which goes to show how fragile our world economy is,” he said.

Emmerson said it isn’t just the pandemic either. For example, he said cold weather early in the year in Texas affected the resin market. There have been other natural disasters, including hurricanes. He said
COVID is certainly a big factor but it’s not the whole story.
He said throughout it all, “some things have gotten better, some are the same, and some are worse whether it’s cars, appliances or building materials.”

For example, he said his business and its customers are now experiencing a 16 week wait for kitchens, 12 weeks for windows and six months for insulation. Hardware hasn’t been as much of an issue. Lumber prices peaked but have now crashed. “I don’t see this chain being rectified until next year.” Emmerson added. He said in a world of instant gratification, “people just simply have to be patient. You will get your product.”

Baked and Battered co-owner Craig Gordon said it’s been a challenge this year. He said that at different times this summer, the eatery has had trouble getting items, including ketchup, takeout containers, paper bags and even pickles. He said with COVID-19, people are not completely back
to work, which is affecting the chain.

It means several trips to Lindsay every week to get stock. Gordon said it’s the same with food shortages, including fish and flour, which are essential to their business. “We go through a lot of fish. This year, for the first year, we’ve been tapped out because there are not enough people catching, processing and packaging so therefore there is
less of all of that stuff.” For example, he said they could not get halibut until early August and the price increase
was astronomical. With the province well into stage three of its roadmap to reopening
plan, he said despite shortages and increasing prices, there is a huge demand for product.

On top of that, like many Highlands’ businesses, there aren’t enough staff.
Like Emmerson, he calls for patience as people line up at the takeout counter.

Mike Hamilton of Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd. in Haliburton and Tran LaRue of Minden Subaru said
the reason people are seeing fewer and fewer vehicles on the County’s car lots is due to a global microchip shortage.
Hamilton said when COVID hit, there was a rush on electronic purchases and demand outstripped
supply. China cut back on its exports and a key factory was also hit by the virus.
Because they are a key component in modern vehicles, the impact is
being felt in the Highlands. He added it’s not just cars but everything from
appliances to watercraft.

He said car plants have thousands of vehicles stockpiled awaiting chips.
Hamilton said he has stopped estimating when people can get
new vehicles; is trying to figure out how they can be made without chips upported features, selling demo and
lease vehicles and watching used vehicle prices go “through the roof.”
LaRue said while it appears the lots are empty, dealerships are still selling
cars. He said when a shipment comes in to Subaru, they are usually picked
up by customers in a day or two. Like other businesses in the County,
he said people will get their vehicle, they just have to be patient

Haliburton Candidates to square off at virtual meeting

By

Sam Gillett

-

September 9, 2021

0

The six candidates vying for votes and platform attention in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock will discuss their visions for Canada’s future tonight at 6 p.m. at a virtual all candidates meeting.

The meeting is organized by the Lindsay District Chamber of College and the students of Fleming College through the Frost Student Association. Locally, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is promoting the event and hosting limited guests at a viewing party.

At the virtual meeting, candidates will each get five minutes to speak, before a moderated question and answer period.

The localized meeting will end before party leaders square off in the election’s only English-language debate at 9 p.m.

To register to ask a question and watch the meeting virtually, visit https://www.haliburtonchamber.com/all-candidates-meeting-2021/

Last chance to dump hazardous household waste in Dysart for 2021

By

Sam Gillett

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September 9, 2021

0

Dysart et al is hosting its third and final Household Hazardous Waste Day on Sept. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the West Guilford Landfill. The event is only open to residents of Dysart et al.

Residents can drop off items not typically accepted at landfills free of charge. This includes aerosol cans, automotive fluids, automotive and household batteries, cleaners, fluorescent and CFL light bulbs, gasoline (container not returned), paint (latex and oil); pesticides, herbicides, insecticides; propane cylinders and tanks, and used motor oil (must be properly capped).

Most of these items have a corrosive, explosive, flammable or poisonous symbol on them.

In order to comply with COVID-19 protocols, landfill staff will unload hazardous materials and residents are encouraged to wear masks.

In a press release, Dysart et al staff warn that “improper disposal of household hazardous waste can contaminate our soil, water, forests, air, and wildlife. Recycling of household hazardous [waste] is important to protecting our environment.”

Visit www.dysartetal.ca/hhw or download the Haliburton County Waste Wizard app for more information.

Businesses navigate next COVID hurdle

By

Sam Gillett

-

September 9, 2021

0

By Sam Gillett

At Haliburton’s Kozy Korner, owner Ann Gordon greets two masked customers at the door, sending them to a freshly-sanitized table six feet from the next diners inside the bustling restaurant.
After navigating changing public health rules the past 18 months, the province’s upcoming vaccine protocols, which take effect from Sept. 22, aren’t too much of a concern, she said.
“It’s all worth it to keep everybody safe and force people to get vaccines. We were hoping it was coming, we wanted it to come,” she said, adding her staff will be fully vaccinated come October.

On Sept. 1, the Ontario government announced a vaccine certificate system which will mean people entering restaurants, bars, gyms, and other non- essential indoor gathering spaces must show proof of vaccination.

“Our government is taking action to minimize disruptions to the daily lives of Ontarians, help keep businesses open and kids in school by protecting the health and well-being of all Ontarians,” wrote MPP Laurie Scott in an emailed statement.

“The plan is so light on details, frankly, we’re just waiting on more information.”
Don Pitman

For some business owners such as Terri Matthews-Carl, mandating vaccines means one more safeguard against going takeout- only or closing completely as they have in the past. “It will allow us to stay open indoor all year, and increase our capacity,” said Matthews-Carl.

The details are scarce. She and Gordon are unsure what enforcement will look like. On Oct. 22, Ontario is set to roll out a QR code app which will scan phone information to confirm vaccine status.

“I think that for the first month without the app, it’s going to be a bit more of a hassle, checking every person’s ID is going to be time-consuming,” Matthews-Carl said.

In certain places, such as Haliburton’s legion, vaccine requirements will serve to protect an at-risk population with most of the legion’s members being elderly. President Don Pitman said he’s been in touch with the provincial legion governing body to determine a strategy.

He supports the restrictions, but said it adds complications to running programs.
“It makes it a bit difficult for us. We don’t have a branch cell phone so someone’s personal cell phone is going to have to be used for that,” he said.
“[the plan] is so light on details, frankly, we’re just waiting for more information.” Pitman said “it may not be a problem at all, but we won’t know until we have the opening night, and then we’ll iron out the bumps.”

The new rules will also apply to gyms and fitness centres such as Meghan Cox’s Just Movement Fitness.
Cox is concerned the new rules will have a negative impact on people’s overall health.
“All I can say in regards to my business is that mandating a vaccine passport for a venue that promotes actual health and offers long term benefits to reducing the load on our health care system, is kind of contradictory, don’t you think?
The divide in humanity this is causing is both sad and disheartening,” she wrote.

Concerns over privacy, rights

Some business owners and political representatives across Canada claim the certificate program to be an infringement on Canadians’ rights.
MP Jamie Schmale said in August that while vaccines are the way to end
the COVID-19 pandemic, he does not believe vaccines should be mandatory for healthcare workers and federal employees, and favours education over enforcement.
Many medical professionals, such as HKPR’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Natalie Bocking, have said the certificate program is not as unusual as people think.

“For example, I can think of travel to other countries. In other countries you need vaccination against Yellow Fever,” she said. Bocking also mentioned how the certificate program does not limit access to essential services such as pharmacies, grocery stores and healthcare centres. Across the HKPR area, 76.4 per cent of people are fully vaccinated, and the health unit is planning mobile pop-up clinics which will target specific areas amid what many are calling a fourth wave of COVID-19 in the province.

And the vaccines are working: Bocking reports that among confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region, only 10.9 per cent were fully vaccinated.
Neither Gordon nor Mathews-Carl said they are confident most patrons will willingly comply with the new rules. A few guests have mentioned they are currently unvaccinated or do not plan on attending
restaurants past Sept. 22.
Gordon said enforcing the rules is a matter
of safety, and she’s not too concerned about the possibility of customers angry about showing proof of vaccination.
“I think you just say ‘sorry, I’m keeping my restaurant safe’

Climate action a key campaign concern, say Haliburton protesters

By

Sam Gillett

-

September 8, 2021

0

Carolynn Coburn, Environment Haliburton! — Carolynn Coburn of Environment Haliburton! at a rally in summer 2021.

People gathered to hold signs reading “climate change is real” and “there is no planet B” in Haliburton on Sept. 8 to urge political action on climate change in the upcoming election.

Organized by Environment Haliburton! and Concerned Citizens of Haliburton County, the march drew over 23 people to Head Lake Park before they walked to the side of Highland St. Passing cars and trucks honked their support.

It was part of 50 marches planned across Canada by 350, an American-based nonprofit dedicated to ending the reliance on fossil fuels and advocating for climate change action.

“When you look out west, when you look at Europe, Australia — those are ways you can tell the climate crisis is almost past a crisis. there has to be action now,” said Bonnie Roe, of Concerned Citizens of Haliburton County. “We believe our politicians need to start listening.”

Carolynn Coburn, a director with Environment Haliburton!, said she’s been frustrated with a perceived lack of action from federal and provincial representatives in the County. “I don’t hear Jamie Schmale, I don’t hear Laurie Scott, talking about climate and their party’s policies,” she said. Schmale’s PC party has proposed multiple climate change goals like ensuring the country meets Paris climate accord emission targets, as well as making electric vehicles more affordable and introducing a low carbon savings account.

Coburn predicts those goals don’t reach far enough. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that unless urgent action is taken to keep temperature levels below 1.5 degree celsius, extreme weather events could have terrible consequences.

For many like Coburn, that means Canada should do everything possible to limit emissions, even if it means temporarily hurting parts of the economy like the oil and gas sector.

“You can’t have an economy on a dead planet,” she said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s climate record has attracted criticism too. for example in 2019, the first year of federal carbon pricing, emissions rose by 0.2 per cent. Many also regard Trudeau’s purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline as a violation of climate action goals.

Tom Regina and Andrea Percy, both members of the Green party of Canada, attended the march to advocate for urgent action on the climate crisis.

“We’ve got to get started on doing something,” Percy said.

Regina noted that so far in the election race, demonstrations seem to have centred on issues surrounding COVID-19 protocols.

“It’s important to show different kinds of protests,” Regina said. “The protests that have been given media attention in the last few days are quite different from what we’re here trying to draw attention to.”

“By having these demonstrations we can have our voice brought out just as much. There are people thinking about the environment and various progressive platforms.”

Mass vaccination clinics close

By

Sam Gillett

-

September 3, 2021

0

All mass vaccination clinics in the HKPR health unit area, such as the SG Nesbitt arena in Minden, are set to close.

As of Sept. 3, mobile pop-up clinics will be scheduled around the County for those who haven’t received two shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“While we did see large numbers of people come through our mass immunization clinics, we know that there are some areas of our region in which the vaccination rates are still lower,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, HKPR Medical Officer of Health in a press release. “Mobile clinics are now being offered in some of our smaller communities making it easier for people to get vaccinated without having to worry about transportation issues or taking time off work to travel to a clinic.”

Currently, mobile clinics will visit Abbey Gardens on Sept. 19 from 1-4 p.m. and the South Algonquin Country Store in Harcourt on Sept. 18 from noon until 3 p.m.

Appointments aren’t required for mobile clinics.

The health unit also said they’re planning to offer vaccination clinics at local secondary schools this fall, currently working to finalize dates and locations.

The Health unit reports 71 per cent of COVID-19 cases in the region since June were among unvaccinated people. 10.8 per cent were fully vaccinated.

“These numbers demonstrate to me that at a community level the vaccine is making a difference,” said Bocking.

As of Aug. 30, 81.6 per cent of the region has received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 76.4 per cent have received two doses.

Huskies’ hopefuls hit the ice

By

Sam Gillett

-

September 3, 2021

0

The Haliburton County Huskies held their rookie camp over the Aug. 27-29 weekend, inviting goalies, defencemen and forwards to try out for the new Ontario Junior A Hockey Club playing out of the Minden Arena. The goalies showed their stuff Friday night and all skaters took to the ice Saturday and Sunday.

Vying for a spot on the big club, they took part in a series of practices and games.

Following this past weekend, players report to training camp Sept. 5. They play a blue versus white game Sept. 11; then host two pre-season games at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena: on Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. versus the Aurora Tigers and Sept. 25 at 4:30 p.m. against Collingwood. The Huskies open their season on the road in Lindsay Oct. 1 before their home opener Oct. 2 at 4:30 p.m. against the Muskies. See more at huskies.ca

Hiking the Highlands’ secret trails

By

Sam Gillett

-

September 3, 2021

0

From across Ontario, hikers will be strolling through Haliburton County’s forests, clambering across remote rocky shores, and even watching a plein air dance troupe while summer comes to a close.

Hike Haliburton, a yearly festival of guided hikes, kicks off Sept. 16. It’s an event meant to celebrate the area’s beautiful terrain and draw visitors during the “shoulder season.”

“Hike Haliburton was designed to bridge that gap and essentially smooth out the tourism season,” said Thom Lambert, event organizer with Haliburton Tourism.

Visitors from around the province have embarked on a range of hikes over the festival’s 17-year existence (the event was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19). People can choose a hike that matches their skill level and physical needs, ranging from guided short strolls to full-day hikes that require a paddle to access.

“Most people when they think of cottage country they think of lakes. We love that. But that’s really well known about the Haliburton Highlands at this point,” Lambert said. “The Hike Haliburton festival hikes happen on private land or on places that aren’t traditionally thought of as hiking destinations.”

That means it’s the perfect event for Haliburton locals too, he said.

“I think lots of locals who have lived here for many years have no idea that many of these places existed.”

Bear Mountain, a remote spot in northern Algonquin Highlands, is perhaps this year’s most intense hike. Participants will spend most of the day travelling to “one of the stunning places” in the Highlands with waterfalls, an 80-foot rock face and an expansive vista.

“If there was a place I really wish people knew more about, it’s that area,” Lambert said, mentioning how he has observed a new type of tourist: those who want to explore off-the-beaten-path spots.

Another hike takes walkers through the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, where dancers will be working on interpretive dance pieces based on the sculptures while the tour takes place.

However, this year, the festival imposed participant limits to ensure COVID-19 protocols would be easy to follow. Each hike is limited to eight participants, and the number of hikes are fewer than usual.

Even with participant numbers capped, and a reduced roster of hikes, Lambert said the hiking festival is still set up to fulfill its mission: showcasing a different side of the Haliburton Highlands.

“There’s more to it than a dock on a lake,” he said.

While most hikes are full, there are limited spots on select hikes still available. Learn more: festival.hikehaliburton.com.