Rivers: Who is Going to Pay for Global Warming ?

 

“Exxon worked alongside Chevron, Shell, BP and smaller oil firms to shift attention away from the growing climate crisis. They funded the industrys trade body, API, as it drew up a multimillion-dollar plan to ensure that climate change becomes a non- issuethrough disinformation. The plan said victory will be achievedwhen recognition of uncertainties become part of the conventional wisdom’”.

 (Chris McGreal – The Guardian 30 Jun 2021)

 

Rivers 100x100By Ray Rivers

July 8th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Over 700 people in B.C. alone have died so far this summer from the heat dome that sits over much of that province.  How could any rational person now dispute the link to global warming?  The rising temperature resulted in over 200 forest fires in what was to have been Canada’s biggest renewable carbon reserve.  Instead, the nation’s forests have now become another source of carbon emissions.

Lytton BC fore- street level

Street level view of a burned out Lytton, BC

It is estimated that over a billion marine animals have perished in the fires and heat, and we have no idea about the land animals we’ve lost as well.  And it’s not just Canada.  New Zealand has just recorded it’s hottest winter ever.  Siberia is on track for a repeat of last year’s hottest year ever.  And even Antarctica has recorded 18 degrees last February, the temperature I keep my house thermostat in the winter.

If there are still climate deniers, or those who doubt that human activity is responsible for the rapid change in the planet’s weather patterns, they should truly be ashamed of themselves.  It’s been over a century since scientists first suggested that all the CO2 being emitted would eventually warm up the planet.

In the 1970’s computerization enabled climate modelling which predicted pretty much what we are seeing today.  In fact climate scientists now worry that, if anything, they have been too conservative, have underestimated the speed of global warming.

Then there are the other scientists, the ones employed by the fossil fuel industries who knew what was coming as far back as the 1950’s.   But neither their boys in the upstairs board rooms nor the political leaders we’d elected to protect us seemed to get the memo.   The message was blunt.  If we don’t change we’re all likely headed for a doomsday scenario like we’ve never known.

But profits were good and the oil fossil fuel lobby was powerful politically, so their solution was to muddy the waters, create enough uncertainty so that nobody could be sure.  The answer was to deny global warming and, when climate change became inevitable, deny that humans were responsible.

denial is not policy glob warming

Government did their best to sabotage global efforts at reducing carbon emissions.

It is one thing to unknowingly endanger humanity, but quite another to do so deliberately, falsifying data, outright lying and deceiving the public, as the oil executives did during the nineties and 2000’s.  They and the GW Bush government did their best to sabotage global efforts at reducing carbon emissions, and perverted the serious discussion of climate change.

Bush almost immediately after being elected in 2000 pulled the USA out of the binding Kyoto emissions agreement.  And he and the energy lobby then proceeded to do their best to sabotage the international climate change deliberations.

Canada did sign onto Kyoto, and we might have met our first committed emission reduction, thanks to Ontario closing its coal power plants.  But Stephen Harper, who had been unsupportive of Ontario’s Liberal government’s climate initiative, had done little else to reduce Canada’s growing carbon footprint.  And no sooner had he won his parliamentary majority than he pulled Canada out of the agreement.

When considering the unethical approach of the fossil fuel sector to their business, it is not difficult to look at another industry which profited from misery caused by its poison.   Big tobacco had long been lying about the debilitating health effects of the product it had been pushing, and had deliberately misled the consuming public on its health effects.  Several court actions in the USA eventually persuaded the industry to pay up just under $250 billion for the endless suffering it had caused to so many.

Reagan - cigarette ad

Ronald Reagan, a future president of the United States promoting the use of tobacco. Almost everyone smoked — until we learned how dangerous it was.

There was legal action also in Canada, and hundreds of billions of dollars were delivered in assigned settlements, $300 billion for Ontario alone.  However, big tobacco cried bankruptcy and premiers Legault and Ford, last year, conducted secret negotiations with the companies.  And it now appears that, in a bizarre turn of events, big tobacco might be let off the hook providing they make an effort to get their customers to stop using their products.

There have been a rising number of legal actions in the USA against the oil companies and Big Tobacco is the model they are using since it fits the pattern so well.   But nobody should expect any kind of accountability among the political leaders, who like Stephen Harper wasted ten years, or Pierre Trudeau who helped get the oil sands project started back in the seventies.

And there is his son Justin who promised back in his first election to end public subsidies for the fossil industry and has yet failed to do so, and in fact is building a couple of new pipelines to serve the oil and gas industry.  Subsidies are the other side of a carbon tax – they effectively lower the price of fuel production and thus serve to promote its greater use.   Canada has been named as the G7 nation which most subsidizes its oil and gas sector.

O'Toole smug 4

Mr. O’Toole changed his messaging on the carbon tax

Mr. Trudeau has been outspoken on confronting global warming and that has helped him in the polls, particularly when the opposition party denies the reality of climate change.   That might just be the loud voice of Alberta and Saskatchewan struggling with the last gasps of their dying oil industry sector.   And it was a message we all got more from Mr. Harper and Mr. Scheer than the more moderate Mr. O’Toole.  At least Mr. O’Toole changed his messaging on the carbon tax after the court legality ruling, finally acquiescing, albeit with an unworkable tax model.

There are still many otherwise intelligent people who will tell you that they now believe that climate change is happening, but doubt that humans are mostly responsible.  If nothing else a big fat court ruling may help the misguided find themselves.  And realizing the mess we are creating and leaving it to future generations to start acting responsibly to  reduce their carbon foot print.

Rivers hand to faceRay Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor,  writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking.  Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington.  He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject.   Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa.  Tweet @rayzrivers

Background links:

Humans Caused –    Ford Knew –      Heat Dome –      New Zealand –

Trudeau –     Climate Scientists –   Antarctica –     Billion Marine Animals – 

US Tobacco –     Canadian Tobacco –     Oil Company Deceit –    “Air Pollution Deaths”

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Council instructs Clerk to prepare a plan for returning the public to council meetings

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

July 8th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

You won’t be able to actually attend a council meeting in September but expect to hear of a report that sets out how council meetings will evolve out of their current virtual format into what has been described as a hybrid set up.

Getting the motion Councillor Stole had onto the table proved awkward for everyone – for once the motion got passed the procedural bylaw that sets out how “walk on” motions are handled everyone was for the idea.

Burlington Bayhawks Under 14 girls soccer team, pose for the camera after being recognized by city council for an outstanding season

There was a time when the Council Chamber would be packed with people who were being recognized. When will that day return?

We learned that just a few days before the ECG (Emergency Control Group) had been discussing this very matter and opining that it was perhaps a good idea to discuss this.

The Clerk too had been giving this deep thought and advised council earlier in the week that the City Manager had asked that he prepare a report.

We did learn today there are some significant technical challenges in getting people hooked up into one seamless session with some in the chamber and some elsewhere.

The Clerk asked rhetorically who would be able to attend the meetings and the matter of vaccination was brought up.

If you’ve not been completely inoculated entry into any public space should be prohibited.

For some reason the ‘anti-vaxers’ feel that they have the right to threaten the health of everyone else just because they either don’t understand the science or have chosen to see it as junk science.

You can’t go to school if you haven’t been vaccinated for measles. If there are those who are not or don’t want to be vaccinated – let them attend virtually.

Nisan July5

Councillor Nisan congratulated Councillor Stolte for bringing the matter of public attendance to the Standing Committee.

There might be some benefit to keeping a virtual component of the public meetings.

Everyone congratulated Councillor Stolte for bringing the matter up – no one apologized to her for making it so hard for her to get the motion on the table.  She stood her ground – something the Councillor from ward 1 might learn to do.

Councillor Nisan publicly congratulated Stole for her efforts.

Related news story:

Ward 3 Councillor gives ward 4 Councillor a tough time

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Now you know -

News 100 yellowBy Staff

July 6th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is said that it is the little things that count.

And when you gotta – you gotta – but where.
Council spent a considerable amount of time crafting the decision as to what would be opened up to the public and how it would be paid for.
Those washrooms have to be cleaned much more often if there is heavy traffic.

washrooms downtown.

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The Band Plays on - Bandology pivots from wind instruments to percussion

 

eventsred 100x100By Staff

July 2nd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

After such an unusual year, local non-profit Bandology has some news that will hit all the right notes for keen young musicians. Their fifth annual Band Camp for teens will run a modified in-person, physically distanced camp this summer on July 12-16. A similar Band Camp Junior for kids ages 6-12 will run at the same time.

With the provincial government confirming that day camps may run this summer, Bandology has tweaked its usual concert band format to switch to handheld instruments instead. The potential to spread aerosol particles via blowing into instruments could be too risky, similar to school music programs which have not allowed blowing or singing this past year.

bandology class

A Bandology class in the Music Room at King’s Christian Collegiate in north Oakville

However, the modified Band Camp will utilize a wide variety of handheld instruments, including drumline, ukulele, boomwhackers, bucket drumming and much more, all designed to keep kids interested and engaged. Plus, there’ll be music games and activities, plus special guests and performers. Above all, campers will have the opportunity to interact and hang out with other young musicians.

“This has been a tough year for everyone, but especially for kids used to hanging out in the music room,” said Lisa Michaels, co-founder of Bandology. “Social isolation and mental health are real issues that can be addressed by giving kids the chance to be together in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Bandology will observe all government protocols, including frequent hand washing and sanitization, physical distancing, mask indoors and small cohorts of campers. They will shift the majority of their programming outside, to reduce risk and extend opportunities for fresh air and play.

Parents can register their children online at bandology.ca. Band Camp V is for students in grades 7-12 while Band Camp Junior is for kids ages 6-12. Both camps run July 12-16 and are held at King’s Christian Collegiate in north Oakville. There is also a virtual option for those who would rather participate at a distance, with Band Camp Online running July 26-30.

Bandology provides other opportunities for young musicians to play, including the Play A Gig Online program, which gives kids and adults the chance to perform online, in either a live or pre-recorded format. Bandology also works to promote and advocate for the long-term value of music education.

 

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Step Two of Reopen plans effective June 30th

News 100 yellowBy Staff

June 29th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Finally, we are moving into Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen.

In this step there are all kinds of things that people can do.

Details are set out below.
However, the virus is still out there – we all know the rules – there are times and places when a mask and social distancing are necessary.

Halton will officially move into Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen, beginning Wednesday, June 30 at 12:01 a.m. The Roadmap is the province’s three-step plan to safely lift public health measures based on provincewide vaccination and infection rates.
Changes to recreation programming

soccer 22Sport Fields
Effective June 30, all outdoor sport is open, and the City will contact sport organizations for scheduling. Additional guidelines include:

• Cohorting is no longer needed and there are no league limits
• Incidental contact is allowed, e.g. tagging a player in baseball, or a defender using their body in soccer. Sustained contact that takes place in games like rugby or football is not permitted
• Face masks are not required when outdoors but recommended. Masks are required if you cannot maintain a three-meter distance for sports, and two-meter distance for other activities
• Outdoor sport facilities with spectators is permitted at 25% for seated venues.

Nelson swimming poolOutdoor Pools
Nelson and Mountainside Pool and Splash Parks, LaSalle Splash Park and splash pads are open for swimming lessons, drop-in lap swims, and recreational swims, including Tim Hortons Free Summer Swimming Days throughout the summer, until Sept. 6.

For all outdoor pools, registration is required 25-hours in advance at burlington.ca/dropinandplay, and all participants must fill out the pre-screening form one hour before their pool time at burlington.ca/screening.

Summer swim passes, and 30-day lap swim passes, can be purchased at liveandplay.burlington.ca

For more information on pools, visit burlington.ca/swimming.

Outdoor Adult Drop-in Programs
Outdoor adult drop-in programs for wellness and fitness are open for registration. Pre-registration is required at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.

Facilities

The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors'entre and the focal point for many of the administrative problems. The new agreement with the city didn't resolve this problem but they have agreed to give it a year to come up with a solution that works for everyone.

The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors’ Centre won’t be open until we are in Step Three of the Road map to Re-opening.

Indoor facilities will remain closed until Step 3 of the Province’s Roadmap to Reopen with exceptions such as summer camps.

Other City services
City Hall
426 Brant St. The Service Burlington counter at City Hall, at 426 Brant St., is open to the public to offer in-person payments for:

• Parking permits and tickets
• Property taxes
• Freedom of Information requests
• Garbage tags
• Dog licenses
• Property information requests
• Recreation services

The counter is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Service Burlington offers marriage licenses and commissioning services by appointment only. Please call Service Burlington at 905-335-7777 or start your booking online to schedule an appointment at burlington.ca/marriagelicences or burlington.ca/commissioning.

Payment methods accepted
Debit card payments and cheques are accepted for all payment types. Credit cards are accepted for all payment types except property taxes. If you would like to pay property taxes in cash, please visit your local bank to make the payment.
Burlington Transit Burlington Transit continues to operate on a modified schedule. For schedule and real-time bus information, visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca. Reduced Youth Summer passes and SPLIT passes are available to purchase at the Downtown Terminal, 430 John St.

Halton Court Services In-person court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday. Telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services.

Parking Parking enforcement is in effect. Residents needing to park on-street past the five-hour limit can apply for a parking permit or exemptions at burlington.ca/parkingexemption.

Roads, Parks and Forestry Services provided by the Roads, Parks and Forestry Department will continue as needed. Residents with questions or concerns can email RPF@burlington.ca or call 905-333-6166.

As the provincewide vaccination rate and key public health and health care indicators improve, and City staff receives and reviews updated orders from the Province of Ontario and more details under its Roadmap to Reopen, we will continue to comply and keep you up-to-date on available City services and what can open while keeping City of Burlington staff and residents safe.

Burlington is a City where people, nature and businesses thrive. City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and download the free City of Burlington app.

BCSI Meed Ward unveiling

Mayor Meed War opening an outdoor exercise area in the east end.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward believes: ““We are going in the right direction and getting closer to enjoying more activities and visiting more of our favourite businesses safely. I want to again thank our community for your continued efforts in following public health advice and guidelines, and getting vaccinated. It’s through your sacrifices and actions that we’re in the next step of reopening. We are getting closer to being on the other side of this pandemic together as a community.”
business organizations)

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Coping with Covid: Free Workshop

graphic community 3By Staff

June 28th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It has been a long, long, long 18+ months; with vaccinations on the rise and covid cases on the decline, things are starting to get back to some sort of normalcy. But… we still have a long way to go and while summer fast approaches, the reality is there is still a lot we don’t know and much to contend with.

The folks at Peachey Counselling Services are putting on a free Coping with Covid workshop July 7th from 6:30 to 8 pm via Zoom.

Steffanie Peachey

Stephanie Peachey, a Registered Social Worker and founder of the Counselling and Family Support Service will be delivering part of the free workshop July 7th

During the live zoom event they will break down how to cope with stress, anxiety and burnout. They will pass along some tips and set out some strategies to help build resiliency so you can have the best summer possible.

Topics Discussed
What You May Be Feeling: From frustration to fear, to anxiety or burnout. We’ll talk it out.

Under Pressure: Do you NOT want things to go back to pre-pandemic days? Do you feel pressured to let go of some of the things that you liked about being in lockdown?

Getting Prepared for Uncertainty: If there is anything we learned, especially in the last several months, we don’t know what to expect or plan for…so we’ll work on being prepared to handle that kind of uncertainty.

Building Resiliency: We’ll share all sorts of tips and strategies to help you develop the coping skills you will need to build resiliency so you can have the best summer possible.

This workshop is being facilitated by Stefanie Peachey, Registered Social Worker and owner of Peachey Counselling and Family Support, and Chris Martin, Registered Psychotherapist and member of Peachey Counselling and Family Support.

Their office is on the Pearl/Pine side of Village Square; 414 Pearl Street Unit 11 Village Square Burlington ON L7R 2N1 Situated on the 2nd floor

To Register email their office at:  info@peacheycounselling.ca

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Donors encouraged to book and keep appointments to boost blood supply

News 100 redBy Staff

June 28, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There was a period of time when all elective surgery was put on hold. That made life very difficult for many people.

Now that elective surgery is being done – the blood supply is threatened.

With a long weekend before us – the need to increase the supply matters.

blood servicesEligible donors are encouraged to book and keep their appointments between now and July 4.

The national blood inventory continues to meet patients’ needs but is declining because of increased demand and missed or unfilled blood donation appointments.

While all blood types help patients, there is a specific need for donors with O-negative blood type. Donors with O-negative blood are part of a select group whose donations are compatible with everyone. As the universal blood type, patients in an emergency can all receive O-negative blood.

In compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s direction to enable physical distancing, at this time, we can only welcome people with appointments.

If you’re in general good health, please book and honour your appointment to help patients. Download the GiveBlood app available on the AppStore or GooglePlay, call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or book now at blood.ca.

 

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Update on hospital case load status

 

News 100 blueBy  Staff

June 26th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

JBMH president Eric Vandewall is reported to be working on his schedule and aking tme to meet with the city. Dinner with senior city staff was a good start.

Eric Vandewall

Joseph Brant Hospital President and CEO Eric Vanderwall updates the community saying:

“Since my last update on May 28, we have seen continued positive signs of progress in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In recent weeks, Ontario has been reporting the lowest daily COVID-19 case counts in nine months. The seven-day rolling average is now trending at around 330 cases a day, whereas just over a month ago, we were seeing on average 2,500 cases a day. Additionally, last week we celebrated having no acute COVID-19 patients in our hospital for the first time since March. This is truly a significant milestone and I would like to thank our community for doing their part to help us push through the third wave.

“You have continued to follow public health measures as the province entered the first phase of a three-stage reopening plan and have protected yourself and your loved ones through vaccination. I am very proud to report that as of today, our vaccination clinic has administered over 40,000 doses. Across Halton, nearly 480,000 people have now received either a first or second dose. Thank you all for your efforts and action in helping our community stay safe.

“I know that the last year has been challenging; however, there have also been many exceptional moments and milestones. Our Annual Report for 2020-2021 was released last week sharing stories of Innovation and Compassion, Together with our Community. You may access a copy here. This report reflects the resilience and dedication of our staff and physicians and the support we received from the community over the last year. Our Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team are proud of the work and achievements by the Hospital and Foundation throughout an exceptionally challenging year.

six foot distance image

It is a rule that has served us all very well – maintain it please for a while longer.

“As we look towards our post-pandemic future and the needs of our hospital and community, we are actively recruiting RNs and RPNs to fill open positions in many areas of the hospital.

“As we continue into these bright and warm summer months, I encourage you all to take some time to rest, relax, recharge and reconnect. I also encourage you to do your part to get fully vaccinated to help us get one step closer to the end of this pandemic. Thank you, stay safe and take care.”

 

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Washrooms in city hall will be open on the weekends

News 100 redBy Staff

June 25th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The necessaries…

Out for some exercise downtown? City hall will be open to the public for washroom access every weekend until Labour Day weekend: Fridays, 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

washrooms city hall

City Council spent more than 45 minutes getting this through the Standing Committee.

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Province lets communities open up just before Canada Day - no fireworks yet

News 100 yellowBy Staff

June 24th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The province will move into Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen as of 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

This stage includes, but is not limited to:

·

Sound of Music will get no sympathy from Alexandre Kubrak were she to be elected a Council member. She thinks the event should be looking for additional sponsors - she's not the only one with that thought.

No crowds like this – not for awhile. But there is progress being made.

Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 25 people

·     Indoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 5 people

·     Essential and other select retail permitted at 50% capacity

Are live public city council meetings essential - will we see more open deliberation on public issues?

Are city council meetings essential ? Will they be opened up soon?

·     Non-essential retail permitted at 25% capacity

·     Personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times, and at 25 per cent capacity and other restrictions

·     Outdoor dining with up to 6 people per table, with exceptions for larger households and other restrictions

At this time, the province will remain in Step Two for a period of approximately 21 days to continue monitoring key public health and health care indicators.

 

Read the Media Release
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Aldershot's Skyway Diner takes part in pitches in to support Food Bank

graphic community 3By Staff

June 23, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Robin is with Tiffany Page – owner of the Skyway Diner on Plains Road – who have been operating a nice sunny patio while they wait for the next signs from our government.

FB Robin Bailey with Tiffany PAge

Robin Bailey with Tiffany Page at the Skyway Diner in Aldershot.

Great food and excellent service here – and they are also running a promotion to help us out. For the month of June bring a food item to the Skyway Diner and they will donate to the Burlington Food Bank when you pick up take-out or (fingers crossed) dine-in and enter to win one of three $50 gift cards!

Food Drive contest runs June 1 to June 30 and winners will be announced on Canada Day, July 1.

We appreciate that even though Skyway was struggling through the pandemic closures and restrictions, they still managed to add on a thoughtful food drive for families in Burlington. Everything helps us.  Check out the Skyway Diner

– Thank you https://www.facebook.com/SkywayDinerBurlington

If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help, PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.

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Transportation that will help disabled people get to vaccination centres part of a new program

 

News 100 yellowBy Staff

June 23, 2021

BURLINGTON,, ON

 

The provincial government is going to spend $3.7 million to cover the costs of providing transportation to vaccination centres for the disabled.

The program is a partnership with the Ontario Community Support Association to help people with disabilities, including seniors with mobility issues, get to and from vaccination sites so they can get their shot and help stop the spread of COVID-19.

vaccination sign

Transportation can be arranged for disabled and seniors with mobility issues.

To date, over three-quarters of all adults in Ontario have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with nearly 26 per cent fully immunized. The Accessible Drive To Vaccines program will ensure that anyone who wants a vaccine is able to by connecting eligible individuals with staff and volunteers who will drive them to and from local vaccination sites across the province.

This includes individuals who have not yet received their first shot, or anyone who may require additional support to access their second.

“Our government understands that some Ontario residents may face barriers in traveling to a vaccination site,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “This program will ensure that transportation is not a barrier to vaccination. It will help many Ontarians with mobility issues get vaccinated.”

This initiative will focus on helping people who do not have access to accessible transportation through family, neighbours or community organizations.

“In many communities across Ontario, the dedicated staff and volunteers who work in the community support sector have been providing safe rides to vaccination sites for several months,” said Deborah Simon, OCSA’s Chief Executive Officer. “As demand continues to grow, we’re pleased to be involved in coordinating this project, which recognizes, supports, and extends the capacity of these hard-working organizations to help vulnerable people protect themselves against COVID-19.”

Getting as many Ontarians as possible vaccinated is a critical part of the government’s strategy to fight COVID-19.

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Muir: Covid 19 is an 'extinction level' event

opinionred 100x100By Tom Muir

June 22nd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

covid virus

A graphic representation of what a single virus particle looks like.

The COVID19 virus emerging in the human species globally is what is known scientifically as an “extinction level event”.

It emerged in one place and spread around the world in three months hitching a ride in traveling humans.

The virus then shut down the world more or less.

The virus is microscopic in size: 5um.  One um is equal to 0.001 mm, or about 0.000039 inch.

Tom Muir is a resident of Aldershot and a retired federal civil servant who has worked at scientific analysis most of his career.

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Pfizer supply delayed - Moderna to be used instead

News 100 red

By Staff

June 20th, 2021

BURLINGTON,, ON

 

On Saturday, June 19, the Province informed Halton Region Public Health that due to a Federal supply delay, Halton Region will not be receiving Pfizer vaccine as scheduled this week. This delay is unexpected and impacts the entire province.

vaccination signTo ensure that every booked appointment is honoured, all Halton clinics will be administering the Moderna vaccine for residents 18 years of age and older, as it is interchangeable with Pfizer. As directed by the Province, remaining supplies of the Pfizer vaccine will be used for individuals 12 to 17 at this time as this is the only vaccine authorized by Health Canada for this age group.

Both Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines are safe, effective and authorized by Health Canada. Consistent with recommendations provided by Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization, mRNA vaccines are interchangeable meaning those who had Moderna or Pfizer vaccine for their first dose can safely have either Moderna or Pfizer vaccine for their second dose.

“Getting the first dose available to you is critical for gaining strong protection against COVID-19 and its variants, including the Delta variant,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “All Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death. I urge all residents to complete their two doses as quickly as possible with the first vaccine available to protect themselves, their loved ones and community.”

 

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75% of Halton has had first dose - 15% have both

News 100 yellowBy Staff

June 19th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

 

As of Friday, June 18, 2021, 453,614 doses have been administered in Halton, which includes 376,399 first doses and 77,215 second doses.

needle and vaccineThis represents 75 per cent of Halton’s population aged 12 and up who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 15 per cent who have received both doses.

Yesterday, the MoH announced that individuals who received their first dose on or before May 30 can reschedule their second dose appointment at a shortened interval through Halton’s online booking system starting today.

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12 and up can now get vaccinated at more than 100 pharmacies in the Region

News 100 yellowBy Staff

June 16th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The push is on.

The new COVID19 infection rate is low but it is not low enough – and from time to time it spikes a bit.

And the Delta variant is out there and it is dangerous.

The scientists believe the answer is to get everyone vaccinated.

There are eight clinics and 100 pharmacies in the Region that will vaccinate you.

needle and vaccineResidents can get their first or second doses at:

  • one of eight Halton Vaccination Clinics in all Halton municipalities;
  • almost 100 pharmacy locations in Halton; or
  • select Primary Care Offices offering COVID-19 vaccines to community members
  • Starting Wednesday, June 16, residents 12 years of age and older can book appointments at a Provincial Pop-up Clinic in Oakville through Halton’s online booking system.

The Regional web site location for finding the pharmacy closest to you isn’t all that elegant but it works.

Click HERE for that site:

We are in the process of winning the fight to beat back the pandemic.  The scientists have done marvelous work and the people that invented the doses that are now being used did something modern medicine has never seen before.

 

 

 

 

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Halton MOH updates Class Order to align with Provincial guidance

The Regional Municipality of Halton
For Immediate Release
June 15, 2021

Halton MOH updates Class Order to align with Provincial guidance and further protect residents

To align with Provincial guidance, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health has made important amendments to her Class Order requiring self-isolation under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Effective 12:01 a.m. on June 16, 2021, the amendments revise and clarify self-isolation requirements to prevent COVID-19 transmission in the community.

“A key role of Public Health in controlling the spread of the virus is to identify, contact and make sure high risk individuals are isolating as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is a community effort and as we enter Step 1 of the Roadmap to Reopen we need to make every effort to further reduce the spread and severity of the virus in our community. It is important that our community continues to follow all public health direction and has clarity on what they need to do to stay healthy and protect others.”

Amendments to the Class Order reflect new provincial guidance and include an exemption for some fully vaccinated individuals from the requirement to self-isolate. Key amendments to the Order include:

  • clarification that Halton Region Public Health may require people to self-isolate to prevent COVID-19 transmission in circumstances beyond the categories itemized in the Class Order; and
  • an exemption to self-isolation requirements for some fully vaccinated individuals, based on specific requirements and in consultation with Halton Region Public Health.

Details of the changes to self-isolation requirements in the Class Order include:
Fully vaccinated individuals who are a close contact of a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 may not be required to self-isolate if:

  • they received their second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series, or first dose of a one-dose vaccine series, 14 days or more before the day on which they last had close contact with the confirmed case or probable case of COVID-19;
  • their vaccine history has been confirmed by Halton Region Public Health;
  • they are asymptomatic; and
  • they are not a resident of a long-term care or retirement home, a patient admitted to a health care setting, or an individual with an immunocompromising condition (for example, organ or stem cell transplantation recipients, undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapies).

Fully vaccinated individuals who meet these requirements may still be required to self-isolate if Halton Region Public Health has information that links their exposure to a Variant of Concern of the COVID-19 virus for which vaccine effectiveness is not well established.
Even if Halton Region Public Health has told you that you do not need to self-isolate:

  • you must report your exposure to your employer and follow any restrictions from work as specified by your employer; and
  • if you develop new symptoms (even mild symptoms) of COVID-19, you must self-isolate immediately and report your symptoms to Halton Region Public Health.

Halton Region and Ontario have now experienced outbreaks and community transmission of Variants of Concern (VOCs) of the COVID-19 virus—even in vaccinated individuals. Following public health measures is the best way to protect the community against the spread of COVID-19, including VOCs. To protect yourself and others this summer:

  • get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two doses);
  • practice physical distancing by maintaining a 2-metre distance from others outside of your household (or 3-metres if and as required for some newly permitted activities);
  • wear a non-medical mask where required and when physical distancing cannot be maintained;
  • wash hands frequently with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub; and
  • get tested if you think you have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to it, even if you’ve been vaccinated.  Stay home, and self-isolate.

To learn more, please read the Class Order and the Class Order fact sheet. To learn more about COVID-19 in our community and what you need to do to protect yourself and others, including under the Class Order, please visit halton.ca/COVID19.

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Walmart delivers a significant cash contribution to the Food Bank

graphic community 3By Staff

June 15th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

One of the things that makes the Burlington Food Bank the success it is are the partnerships they have developed.

It took some time for the understandings to be worked out and the trust to be built but over time Robin Bailey and the folks at Walmart have created a program that has Walmart sending food that is in perfect condition but is not going to get sold for a number of reasons. They may have over stocked; weather may have impacted traffic to their locations, or what they had in stock was not going to get sold.

They communicate with the people at the Food Bank and talk at least every couple of days to arrange for the shipment of food. This is the ongoing part of the relationship.

Walmart hunger campaign

Walmart ran a very successful Fight Hunger Spark Change that raised both funds and a better awareness of what happens when people are hungry.

Walmart has a Fight Hunger Spark Change campaign that resulted in the generous donation of $26,765.72 to the Burlington Food Bank. The funds will allow for the purchase of healthy nutritious food for people needing support in our community.

The need remains steady and this is excellent timing for relief. We would like to encourage everyone who is able to support our local businesses and restaurants to enjoy a nice lunch on a patio in this great weather. And please be kind to one another as we all keep trying to get through this pandemic. Don’t forget the essentials to safely distance, wear masks as needed and wash/sanitize your hands often.

If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help, PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.

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City Enters into Stage One of the Provincial Reopen Plan

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

June 12th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Early reports on the opening of restaurants and bars are that things went well. The turnout was brisk and the weather supported getting out and relaxing with friends over what a colleague used to call An Adult Beverage.

patio - port house

A location where you can see and feel the lake. The Port House is located at the Waterfront Hotel

The province was in Step 1 of the Re-open plan which permitted

STEP 1

This step was expected to begin on June 14 or two weeks after 60 per cent of adults in Ontario have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Ontario officials said 58.5 per cent of the adult population have received a first dose as of Thursday. They added that the province would need to wait two weeks after hitting the vaccination target before entering the first step in order to monitor the vaccine outcome.

In this stage, outdoor activities and gatherings will be first to open but with some restrictions and limits.

Here’s a full list of what will be allowed:

  • Outdoor gatherings for up to 10 people
  • Outdoor dining for up to 4 people per table
  • Non-essential retail at 15 per cent
  • Outdoor religious services, rites and ceremonies with capacity limited to permit two metres of physical distancing
  • Outdoor sports, training and personal training for up to 10 people
  • Day camps
  • Campsites and campgrounds
  • Ontario parks
  • Outdoor horse racing and motor speedways
  • Outdoor pools, splash pads and wading pools

We stay in this stage for 28 days and if the new infection levels hold the province will move into Stage Two.

The target is to get past the 70% of the population vaccinated and as close to not more than 200 new infections each day.

The hospitality sector has been desperate for a Re-open date that would hold.  The province had indicated it would probably be June 14th – than at close to the last day they moved that to the 11th giving restaurants and bars an additional weekend.

patio - staffIt was certainly welcome but played havoc with scheduling.

Most commentators believe the province is through the worst of the pandemic and that we could be in for  reasonable summer, providing we follow the rules and get everyone vaccinated.

The Delta variant has been found in Halton but does not appear to be rampant at this point.  We are the best defence against that variant.

Vaccination Centres across the problem are busy with a large number of young people showing of for the inoculation.

The Centre I attended for my second dose at the First Ontario Art Centre in Milton had nurses doing the needle thing at five different parts of the building..

It was problem free while I was there.

patio- lakeshore rd

Healthy traffic – content customers.

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Province extends temporary wage increase for personal support workers - well deserved

News 100 blueBy Staff

June 11th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Ontario government is investing $141 million to extend the temporary wage increase for personal support workers and direct support workers in publicly funded home and community care, long-term care, public hospitals, and social services sectors. This temporary wage increase will continue until August 23, 2021, and will help stabilize, attract and retain the workforce needed to provide a high level of care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

front line workerThe province has been providing a temporary wage increase since October 1, 2020, to over 158,000 workers who deliver publicly funded personal support services, including:

• $3 per hour for approximately 38,000 eligible workers in home and community care;
• $3 per hour for approximately 50,000 eligible workers in long-term care;
• $2 per hour for approximately 10,000 eligible workers in public hospitals; and
• $3 per hour for approximately 60,000 eligible workers in children, community and social services providing personal direct support services for the activities of daily living.

This latest temporary wage increase builds on the government’s previous wage enhancement extension on March 18, 2021, which was set to expire on June 30, 2021. Since October 2020, Ontario has invested $841 million to support personal support workers and supportive care workers. The province will continue to review the wage increase to inform next steps after August 23, 2021.

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