nationalobserver--2020-08-28--Two time travel epics and a Dickens adaptation to lure you back to movie theatres

It seems like the movie industry has taken this one weekend to revive itself .
Not only do we have the most-anticipated and much-delayed film of the year , Tenet , the return of cult favourites Bill & Ted and a terrific version of David Copperfield , we also have a host of others .
Three weren ’ t previewed : the lone Marvel film of the summer ( The New Mutants ) ; a huge hit film from China ( The Eight Hundred ) ; and Bring the Soul , a little noticed film about the Korean sensation BTS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a YouTube record for video views .
And also we have some new streaming titles .
TENET : We ’ ve been waiting for this one and , if you ’ ve followed the many articles , it seems the whole movie industry is depending on it .
It was to be the big blockbuster of the summer , and may still be , or at least a version , because of the times we ’ re in , somewhat reduced from the usual .
It is huge on screen , though ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make and was filmed in seven countries .
But it ’ s also quite a puzzle .
Christopher Nolan ’ s latest mind trip is not too concerned with explaining itself .
That ’ s not a problem early on when it introduces the time travel concept of “ inversion ” with a bullet flying back into a gun ( you buy into it all right ) or in the middle with a thrilling pair of highway chases back to back .
Vehicles pursue and are pursued backwards and forwards and you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spectacle .
It is a problem later on in a hunt for the algorithm behind it and then a climactic battle .
They may have you perplexed .
Focus on the straightforward and familiar story above it then .
International agents ( John David Washington , Denzel ’ s son , and Robert Pattison , again expanding his post-Twilight range ) are working for the mysterious organization of the title to stop a Russian oligarch ( Kenneth Branagh , spitting menace ) from making use of the technology .
He could use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We find out later what his problem is and what he intends to do ; it ’ s no surprise actually .
To get to him , Washington , known only as The Protagonist , gets close to the oligarch ’ s unhappy and abused trophy wife ( Elizabeth Debicki , the soon to-be Lady Diana ) .
We go on sparkling boat rides , visit rich locations and get a film that often plays like an 007 adventure , a genre Nolan says he loves .
It is big , colourful , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the plot , highly engrossing .
( Scotiabank , 5th Avenue , Marine Gateway , The Park — in 70mm — and suburban theatres , in IMAX at two of them ) 3½ out of 5 BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC : This is the other time travel film this week , continuing the adventures of the two rockers from San Dimas , Calif. , 31 and 29 years after their original films .
They take that same phone booth to the past ( and the future ) under pressure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to write the greatest song ever , one that will unite all mankind , and feel a deadline to do it or “ reality will collapse.
” Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter bring us their quest with the same goofy humour we ’ re used to , but also a recognition of how they ’ ve failed in life .
A touch of maturity it seems .
They figure they must have written a great song sometime and travel to the future to find it .
What they find are failed rockers singing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In another time , they find themselves as old men in a care home regretting what they ’ ve never achieved .
Better idea : Go back in time and bring together some famous musicians for a special band , a variation on their first movie when they gathered historical figures to pass a high school test .
Jimi Hendrix , Louis Armstrong , Ling Lun and Mozart ( all played by excellent impersonators ) and rapper Kid Cudi join them .
They ’ re helped by their own daughters , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Leader , who sends a mechanical robot and then Death himself ( William Sadler ) to try to stop them .
Silly , but good fun , and an imaginative extension of the Bill & Ted legacy .
( International Village and seven suburban theatres ) 3 out of 5 THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD : You may have seen a previous film of the famous novel by Charles Dickens .
Well , here ’ s a bright , sparkling and very modern version that you ’ re sure to enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very long original , but be assured it ’ s the same story .
David narrates it himself and tells of the many events drawn from Dickens ' own life .
He starts it speaking to an audience and then walks into a long flashback .
From his birth , to being sent to work in a bottling factory , to living in a capsized boat , being told his mother has died and is already buried , the difficulties keep coming at him .
The glory of the novel and the film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triumph over them .
Dev Patel as David is just one part of the modern touch here .
The blind-to-race casting is new and the film is not old and fussy at all .
It ’ s lively and adorned with terrific actors including Tilda Swinton as his Aunt Betsy , kindly but obsessed with chasing away donkeys , and Hugh Laurie as Mr. Dick , who lives in her house and is funny and eccentric claiming to hear the voice of Charles I in his head .
David shows him how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s words on a kite and flying it .
There are many more : Peter Capaldi as Mr. Micawber , Ben Whishaw as the conniving Uriah Heep , Morfydd Clark as naïve Dora .
The list goes on .
The film offers stark glimpses of poverty in Victorian England and subtle mocking of the pretensions of the higher classes .
It ’ s all delivered at a sprightly pace using modern movie techniques .
Nothing old-fashioned about it as assembled by Armando Iannucci , who directed it and co-wrote the screenplay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ comedy like The Death of Stalin and In the Loop .
( 5th Avenue , International Village and Langley ) 4 out of 5 FATIMA : People who were educated in Catholic schools will be taken right back by this devout rendering of a story they ’ ve grown up with .
It ’ ll all come back to them to watch three children in Portugal as the Virgin Mary appears to them several times with a warning and a prophecy .
That was in 1917 , during the First World War .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about ever since and led to canonization and a request for a declaration of sainthood .
But did it really happen or was it imaginary ?
The film has no doubts .
Lucia , 10 years old at the time , played by Stephanie Gil , saw her , as did her two younger cousins .
They later died of the flu , but she lived until 2005 , wrote several books about it , and in the film ( as an adult played by Sonia Braga ) answers some skeptical questions from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The bulk of the film is about the original events , the huge crowds that convened when word got out , and the commotion that arose in the town as both church and local officials dismissed it as a challenge to their authority .
In modern terms you can see it as part of a strain of Catholic thought that elevates the “ mother of God ” figure to a higher influence .
For believers , it ’ ll be inspirational .
For others , maybe just informative , but well-told — in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pontecorvo , whose background is cinematography .
( Digital and video on demand ) 3½ out of 5 PHINEAS AND FERB THE MOVIE : CANDACE AGAINST THE UNIVERSE : I had never heard of this Disney Channel series , even though there have been more than 200 episodes and there are fan sites that track every detail of every story they ’ ve ever told .
This full-length feature gives them lots of “ Easter egg ” references back to those shows and plenty to celebrate .
It ’ s a family-friendly adventure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrown in and is quite entertaining .
Brothers Phineas and Ferb , usually seen annoying their stepsister Candace , have to go and rescue her this time .
She ’ s been “ vacuumed ” up by a ship from outer space , taken to an alien planet and treated like a valued friend by a queen .
She ’ s welcomed by a singing chorus line , taken on a girls ’ shopping trip , and , unlike at home , made to feel special .
Of course , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brothers , meanwhile , go to find her after they Google the licence plate of the ship that took her away and learn where it came from .
There ’ s lots of silly content like that , including a wonderful sendup of TV talk shows , a brief reversal back to basic line drawings and even the original pitch by the creators , and a Godzilla-like climax back on Earth in a ballpark on free T-shirt day .
Good fun .
( Disney+ ) 3 out of 5 YOU CAN NOT KILL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dumb sheriff from the Scream movies where he met Courteney Cox ( and married her and also divorced her , as she says in the film ) .
But with not much of a movie career for the last few years , he says , he tries to become a wrestler .
Why ?
Redemption .
Almost 20 years ago , he angered some wrestling fans by winning the championship at the WCW .
It was a publicity stunt , and he only held it for 12 days , but apparently the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ring he goes .
He used to watch wrestling with his dad when he was a boy , so he did have some connection to the sport .
Not a lot of talent , though , and the film shows him go to pros for instruction , Mexican lucha libre guys , to a convention where nobody buys his autograph , to a seedy backyard competition , and to some higher-level bouts .
Real names show up , like Ric Flair and Diamond Dallas Page , and there ’ s a showdown match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slagging him verbally .
David gets bloodied in that one .
Some actors go into horror movies when their career sags .
He ’ s in a self-pitying confessional produced by his wife , trying to restore his reputation .
It ’ s boisterous , weirdly fascinating and sad .
( Available digitally and VOD ) 2½ out of 5 .

It seems like the movie industry has taken this one weekend to revive itself. Not only do we have the most-anticipated and much-delayed film of the year, Tenet, the return of cult favourites Bill & Ted and a terrific version of David Copperfield, we also have a host of others. Three weren’t previewed: the lone Marvel film of the summer (The New Mutants); a huge hit film from China (The Eight Hundred); and Bring the Soul, a little noticed film about the Korean sensation BTS, the musical group that just broke a YouTube record for video views. And also we have some new streaming titles.
Focus on the straightforward and familiar story above it then. International agents (John David Washington, Denzel’s son, and Robert Pattison, again expanding his post-Twilight range) are working for the mysterious organization of the title to stop a Russian oligarch (Kenneth Branagh, spitting menace) from making use of the technology. He could use it to communicate with the future. We find out later what his problem is and what he intends to do; it’s no surprise actually.
TENET : We’ve been waiting for this one and, if you’ve followed the many articles, it seems the whole movie industry is depending on it. It was to be the big blockbuster of the summer, and may still be, or at least a version, because of the times we’re in, somewhat reduced from the usual. It is huge on screen, though; cost more than $200 million to make and was filmed in seven countries. But it’s also quite a puzzle. Christopher Nolan’s latest mind trip is not too concerned with explaining itself. That’s not a problem early on when it introduces the time travel concept of “inversion” with a bullet flying back into a gun (you buy into it all right) or in the middle with a thrilling pair of highway chases back to back. Vehicles pursue and are pursued backwards and forwards and you’re grabbed by the sheer excitement of the spectacle. It is a problem later on in a hunt for the algorithm behind it and then a climactic battle. They may have you perplexed.
BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC: This is the other time travel film this week, continuing the adventures of the two rockers from San Dimas, Calif., 31 and 29 years after their original films. They take that same phone booth to the past (and the future) under pressure of an urgent mission. They still want to write the greatest song ever, one that will unite all mankind, and feel a deadline to do it or “reality will collapse.” Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter bring us their quest with the same goofy humour we’re used to, but also a recognition of how they’ve failed in life. A touch of maturity it seems.
To get to him, Washington, known only as The Protagonist, gets close to the oligarch’s unhappy and abused trophy wife (Elizabeth Debicki, the soon to-be Lady Diana). We go on sparkling boat rides, visit rich locations and get a film that often plays like an 007 adventure, a genre Nolan says he loves. It is big, colourful, tense and, even with the obscurities of the plot, highly engrossing. (Scotiabank, 5th Avenue, Marine Gateway, The Park — in 70mm — and suburban theatres, in IMAX at two of them) 3½ out of 5
They figure they must have written a great song sometime and travel to the future to find it. What they find are failed rockers singing to a few people in a bar. In another time, they find themselves as old men in a care home regretting what they’ve never achieved. Better idea: Go back in time and bring together some famous musicians for a special band, a variation on their first movie when they gathered historical figures to pass a high school test. Jimi Hendrix, Louis Armstrong, Ling Lun and Mozart (all played by excellent impersonators) and rapper Kid Cudi join them. They’re helped by their own daughters, but impeded by a woman known as The Great Leader, who sends a mechanical robot and then Death himself (William Sadler) to try to stop them. Silly, but good fun, and an imaginative extension of the Bill & Ted legacy. (International Village and seven suburban theatres) 3 out of 5
THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD: You may have seen a previous film of the famous novel by Charles Dickens. Well, here’s a bright, sparkling and very modern version that you’re sure to enjoy. The title is closer to the very long original, but be assured it’s the same story. David narrates it himself and tells of the many events drawn from Dickens' own life. He starts it speaking to an audience and then walks into a long flashback. From his birth, to being sent to work in a bottling factory, to living in a capsized boat, being told his mother has died and is already buried, the difficulties keep coming at him. The glory of the novel and the film is his ability to move on and triumph over them.
Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
Dev Patel as David is just one part of the modern touch here. The blind-to-race casting is new and the film is not old and fussy at all. It’s lively and adorned with terrific actors including Tilda Swinton as his Aunt Betsy, kindly but obsessed with chasing away donkeys, and Hugh Laurie as Mr. Dick, who lives in her house and is funny and eccentric claiming to hear the voice of Charles I in his head. David shows him how to deal with it by writing the king’s words on a kite and flying it. There are many more: Peter Capaldi as Mr. Micawber, Ben Whishaw as the conniving Uriah Heep, Morfydd Clark as naïve Dora. The list goes on. The film offers stark glimpses of poverty in Victorian England and subtle mocking of the pretensions of the higher classes. It’s all delivered at a sprightly pace using modern movie techniques. Nothing old-fashioned about it as assembled by Armando Iannucci, who directed it and co-wrote the screenplay. He’s famous for acerbic political comedy like The Death of Stalin and In the Loop. (5th Avenue, International Village and Langley) 4 out of 5
FATIMA: People who were educated in Catholic schools will be taken right back by this devout rendering of a story they’ve grown up with. It’ll all come back to them to watch three children in Portugal as the Virgin Mary appears to them several times with a warning and a prophecy. That was in 1917, during the First World War. It’s been discussed and written about ever since and led to canonization and a request for a declaration of sainthood. But did it really happen or was it imaginary? The film has no doubts.
Courtesy Elevation Pictures
Lucia, 10 years old at the time, played by Stephanie Gil, saw her, as did her two younger cousins. They later died of the flu, but she lived until 2005, wrote several books about it, and in the film (as an adult played by Sonia Braga) answers some skeptical questions from a writer played by Harvey Keitel. The bulk of the film is about the original events, the huge crowds that convened when word got out, and the commotion that arose in the town as both church and local officials dismissed it as a challenge to their authority. In modern terms you can see it as part of a strain of Catholic thought that elevates the “mother of God” figure to a higher influence. For believers, it’ll be inspirational. For others, maybe just informative, but well-told — in English — and visualized by director Marco Pontecorvo, whose background is cinematography. (Digital and video on demand) 3½ out of 5
PHINEAS AND FERB THE MOVIE: CANDACE AGAINST THE UNIVERSE: I had never heard of this Disney Channel series, even though there have been more than 200 episodes and there are fan sites that track every detail of every story they’ve ever told. This full-length feature gives them lots of “Easter egg” references back to those shows and plenty to celebrate. It’s a family-friendly adventure with lots of hip, modern humour thrown in and is quite entertaining.
Courtesy Disney+ Brothers Phineas and Ferb, usually seen annoying their stepsister Candace, have to go and rescue her this time. She’s been “vacuumed” up by a ship from outer space, taken to an alien planet and treated like a valued friend by a queen. She’s welcomed by a singing chorus line, taken on a girls’ shopping trip, and, unlike at home, made to feel special. Of course, it’s too good to be true. Her brothers, meanwhile, go to find her after they Google the licence plate of the ship that took her away and learn where it came from. There’s lots of silly content like that, including a wonderful sendup of TV talk shows, a brief reversal back to basic line drawings and even the original pitch by the creators, and a Godzilla-like climax back on Earth in a ballpark on free T-shirt day. Good fun. (Disney+) 3 out of 5
YOU CANNOT KILL DAVID ARQUETTE: Who? You know the dumb sheriff from the Scream movies where he met Courteney Cox (and married her and also divorced her, as she says in the film). But with not much of a movie career for the last few years, he says, he tries to become a wrestler. Why? Redemption. Almost 20 years ago, he angered some wrestling fans by winning the championship at the WCW. It was a publicity stunt, and he only held it for 12 days, but apparently the shame lasted.
Courtesy Super LTD
So back in the ring he goes. He used to watch wrestling with his dad when he was a boy, so he did have some connection to the sport. Not a lot of talent, though, and the film shows him going to pros for instruction, to Mexican lucha libre guys, to a convention where nobody buys his autograph, to a seedy backyard competition, and to some higher-level bouts. Real names show up, like Ric Flair and Diamond Dallas Page, and there’s a showdown match with a guy who had earlier been slagging him verbally. David gets bloodied in that one. Some actors go into horror movies when their career sags. He’s in a self-pitying confessional produced by his wife, trying to restore his reputation. It’s boisterous, weirdly fascinating and sad. (Available digitally and VOD) 2½ out of 5.


nationalobserver--2020-08-28--This 75-year-old is a lifeline for her community — and now has an award that proves it

Quadra Island resident Judy Hagen is getting kudos from the B.C .
government for 30-plus years of dedicated work aimed at keeping her community safe .
The 75-year-old volunteer extraordinaire says the formula for that kind of commitment is quite simple .
“ My secret ?
Well , I think probably the biggest thing is a real genuine like for people , ” Hagen said .
“ And , of course , wanting to help.
” Hagen received the Lifeline Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award from B.C .
's Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth on Wednesday in recognition of her exceptional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farnworth lauded Hagen ’ s work in a video message , released in lieu of a ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
• California reveals that the transition to renewable energy Isn ’ t so simple • O'Toole 's climate plan has a carbon price — just do n't call it a tax • NDP suggests how Liberals should reallocate $ 900 million in WE funds “ I was in a state of shock , ” Hagen , Quadra Island ’ s volunteer Emergency Support Services ( ESS ) director , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted the award was n't hers alone .
“ I ca n't emphasize enough it 's been a team effort by a very dedicated group of leadership volunteers , ” Hagen said .
“ They all make me look good.
” Unlike Hagen , Shaun Koopman , Strathcona Regional District ’ s protective services co-ordinator , was not surprised by the honour .
“ I mean , I do n't know every volunteer in the province , but I could n't imagine somebody more deserving at this point in time than Judy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passionate about her public safety work , said Koopman .
`` Judy 's consistent hard work , many achievements and mentorship to her peers , has been exemplary , '' B.C .
's Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth on awarding Quadra Islander Judy Hagen the Lifeline Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award .
But her real genius is she ’ s a relentless recruiter — talented at roping others in to help with her projects , and then , converting them into committed volunteers .
“ When I first got my job with the district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Quadra responders , ” Koopman said , adding he thought they ’ d drive around and shake a few hands in offices .
“ Instead , she drove me straight to the school , handed me an apron and put me to work serving hotdogs to the kids and community at the annual fire drill.
” Hagen — also involved with Quadra ’ s Newcomer Welcome program — meets new residents , susses out their strengths , and then introduces them to how they might play a role in the community or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ballingall says that ’ s exactly how he became Quadra Island ’ s Emergency Program ( QEP ) co-ordinator .
“ When we moved to the island , she reached out , ” Ballingall said .
“ And she followed up , and followed up .
And before I knew it , she ’ d somehow manoeuvred me into being her boss.
” Hagen knows everyone on the island , is personable , and knows how to build relationships , Ballingall said .
“ Her networking pays off in innumerable ways , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fellow islander Eileen Mackay co-founded Quadra ’ s emergency program in 2007 .
The pair grew the team from zero to more than 100 committed volunteers in about four years , said Ballingall .
For a small island with less than 3,000 residents , that ’ s no small feat , Ballingall stressed .
What ’ s more , the QEP is a model for community emergency safety programs across the province , Ballingall and Koopman said .
But Hagen is also involved with the Quadra Island Fire Department and the RCMP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an active member of her church choir and her community .
Before moving to Quadra , Hagen was involved in RCMP community policing and crime prevention — supervising storefront detachments and co-ordinating Citizens on Patrol , Speed Watch , and Block Parents ’ Children ’ s Safety programs in Campbell River and Invermere .
She became involved after a commercial building she owned was robbed in the 1990s .
It all progressed from there , she said .
However , the self-professed softie for children , dogs and seniors isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Well , I guess God gave it to me .
But I love the work and it gets the adrenalin going , ” Hagen said .
“ I 'm on a pager with the fire department 24 hours a day , and it doesn ’ t bother me at all.
” Ballingall also does n't know how Hagen does it all .
But , he figures it comes from the joy she gets interacting with people .
“ Her phone is always ringing any time you go over there , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive me nuts , but she seems to be quite happy with it .
”

Quadra Island resident Judy Hagen is getting kudos from the B.C. government for 30-plus years of dedicated work aimed at keeping her community safe. The 75-year-old volunteer extraordinaire says the formula for that kind of commitment is quite simple. “My secret? Well, I think probably the biggest thing is a real genuine like for people,” Hagen said. “And, of course, wanting to help.” Hagen received the Lifeline Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award from B.C.'s Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth on Wednesday in recognition of her exceptional contributions to emergency and disaster response. Farnworth lauded Hagen’s work in a video message, released in lieu of a ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was in a state of shock,” Hagen, Quadra Island’s volunteer Emergency Support Services (ESS) director, said of the award. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions But, she insisted the award wasn't hers alone. “I can't emphasize enough it's been a team effort by a very dedicated group of leadership volunteers,” Hagen said. “They all make me look good.”
Unlike Hagen, Shaun Koopman, Strathcona Regional District’s protective services co-ordinator, was not surprised by the honour. "Judy's consistent hard work, many achievements and mentorship to her peers, has been exemplary," B.C.'s Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth on awarding Quadra Islander Judy Hagen the Lifeline Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award. “I mean, I don't know every volunteer in the province, but I couldn't imagine somebody more deserving at this point in time than Judy,” said Koopman. Hagen is certainly passionate about her public safety work, said Koopman. But her real genius is she’s a relentless recruiter — talented at roping others in to help with her projects, and then, converting them into committed volunteers. “When I first got my job with the district, Judy offered to introduce me around to Quadra responders,” Koopman said, adding he thought they’d drive around and shake a few hands in offices.
“Instead, she drove me straight to the school, handed me an apron and put me to work serving hotdogs to the kids and community at the annual fire drill.” Hagen — also involved with Quadra’s Newcomer Welcome program — meets new residents, susses out their strengths, and then introduces them to how they might play a role in the community or with the emergency management program. Jeff Ballingall says that’s exactly how he became Quadra Island’s Emergency Program (QEP) co-ordinator.


nationalobserver--2020-08-28--Toronto rally to push for paid sick leave planned ahead of back to school

Teachers , parents and health workers will push for a permanent increase to the minimum amount of sick leave Canadian workers are entitled to at a rally in Toronto on Saturday , warning that without it , lower-income parents and education workers may not take time off .
More than half of Canadian workers do not get paid if they are too sick to work , with those most likely to forgo pay also often working in sectors that have become hot spots for COVID-19 , including long-term care homes , farms , meat-processing plants , nail salons , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick days are our patients working low-wage , precarious jobs and who are disproportionately women , Black , Indigenous and other racialized workers , ” said Carolina Jimenez , a registered nurse and co-ordinator of the Decent Work and Health Network , one of the organizers of the rally .
COVID-19 data for Toronto has shown infection rates are much higher among low-income and racialized households .
The rally will be at the corner of Bloor and Dufferin streets in the west end of Toronto starting at 12:30pm .
Other groups involved include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education Workers United , and the Fight for $ 15 and Fairness .
• California reveals that the transition to renewable energy Isn ’ t so simple • Group representing 133 First Nations backs legal challenge of Ford 's weakening of environmental assessments • Unless we change course , the US agricultural system could collapse They want all workers across Canada to have permanent access to at least seven days of paid emergency leave and another 14 days during public health emergencies , such as the COVID-19 pandemic .
The issue is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen , since working parents without paid sick leave will have to choose between earning money to support their families and staying home without pay because they or their children have symptoms .
The same conditions apply to many workers in the education system , including cleaners , school bus drivers , crossing guards and occasional teachers without access to paid sick leave .
Teachers and other education workers have 11 days of sick leave a year that they can draw upon .
Ottawa launched a temporary income support program in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have access to paid sick leave 10 days of COVID-19-related leave .
But Jimenez said that policy was not good enough .
The issue is a critical one to consider as schools prepare to reopen , since working parents without paid sick leave will have to choose between earning money to support their families and staying home without pay if they or their children are sick `` Paid sick days must be permanent , and they must be absolutely universal , ” she said .
The federal government followed that up earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and caregiver benefits for those who miss work because they ’ ve caught the virus or must care for someone who has .
Applications will open in October .
The Ontario government said it had taken action early in its pandemic response to ensure workers would not lose their jobs if they need to stay home for reasons related to COVID-19 , although that did not include any measures to increase the scope of paid sick leave .
Federally regulated workers are allowed three days of paid sick leave in a calendar year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ontario employment law does not have provisions enforcing paid sick leave .

Teachers, parents and health workers will push for a permanent increase to the minimum amount of sick leave Canadian workers are entitled to at a rally in Toronto on Saturday, warning that without it, lower-income parents and education workers may not take time off.
More than half of Canadian workers do not get paid if they are too sick to work, with those most likely to forgo pay also often working in sectors that have become hot spots for COVID-19, including long-term care homes, farms, meat-processing plants, nail salons, and grocery stores.
“Those denied paid sick days are our patients working low-wage, precarious jobs and who are disproportionately women, Black, Indigenous and other racialized workers,” said Carolina Jimenez, a registered nurse and co-ordinator of the Decent Work and Health Network, one of the organizers of the rally.
COVID-19 data for Toronto has shown infection rates are much higher among low-income and racialized households.
The rally will be at the corner of Bloor and Dufferin streets in the west end of Toronto starting at 12:30pm. Other groups involved include the Ontario Parent Action Network, Ontario Education Workers United, and the Fight for $15 and Fairness.


nationalobserver--2020-08-28--Ontario drops plan to allow quarries in endangered species habitat in the Golden Horseshoe

The Ontario government has dropped a proposal that would have made it easier for quarries to be built in endangered species habitat .
The province floated the idea in June , an attempt to open up more land for companies to mine for aggregate — crushed stone , gravel and sand that are used for construction .
Some endangered species , such as the Jefferson salamander , a blue-flecked amphibian that lives along the Niagara Escarpment , happen to settle in areas that are prime for aggregate extraction .
After hearing “ concerns ” from Indigenous communities , agricultural groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government announced Friday that it will not be pushing forward with the idea .
“ ( Stakeholders ) expressed significant concern that the policy amendment… would negatively impact species at risk and the biodiversity of the region , ” the government said in a bulletin posted to Ontario ’ s Environmental Registry .
The proposal was included in a list of suggested revisions to the province ’ s plan for how the Golden Horseshoe , a fast-growing region along the western shores of Lake Ontario , will change through 2051 .
The aggregate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change , arguing the current rules mean it ’ s nearly impossible to expand quarry and pit operations close to Toronto .
• California reveals that the transition to renewable energy Isn ’ t so simple • Group representing 133 First Nations backs legal challenge of Ford 's weakening of environmental assessments • Unless we change course , the US agricultural system could collapse Had the change gone through , it would not have affected the Greenbelt , a section of protected land that rings around the Golden Horseshoe .
But the provincially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommending in an Aug. 10 letter that the government drop the proposal and “ not reduce environmental protections.
” The government also received more than 6,700 messages from the public about the idea .
For the first two years of its mandate , the Progressive Conservative government has made several moves to support development in Ontario — more recently , its COVID-19 economic recovery bill included numerous measures to speed up projects in the Golden Horseshoe and beyond .
It ’ s also pushed forward with other moves to weaken endangered species protections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s surprising but good news , ” Keith Brooks , programs director at the green non-profit Environmental Defence , said of the province 's decision .
“ It does show once again that the government will or can be moved to listen to the public and the will of the people.
” The Ontario government has dropped a proposal that would have made it easier for quarries to be built in endangered species habitat .
# onpoli Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said in a statement that he ’ s “ relieved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plan further .
“ There is nothing more important than protecting our drinking water and farmland , ” he said .
“ The government 's decision to backtrack on their bad idea shows the importance of consultation and public pressure.
” “ All I can think is that there must have been a lot of heat on it , ” Ontario NDP climate critic Peter Tabuns said Friday .
“ That ’ s the only thing that would make them back off.
” Brooks said he thinks local opposition to quarry projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , Premier Doug Ford spoke out against a quarry project in Campbellville , Ont.
, just outside Milton .
The project was also opposed by the local Progressive Conservative MPP Parm Gill , and was unpopular with residents .
“ When people don ’ t want something , you don ’ t do it , ” Ford told MiltonNow on July 29 .
“ We ’ re going to make sure it does n't happen , one way or another.
” “ They ’ re running up against opposition to projects on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government , ” Brooks said .
In a statement Friday , the Ontario Stone , Sand and Gravel Association — an industry group representing aggregate companies in the province — said the government 's decision was “ majorly disappointing .
”

The Ontario government has dropped a proposal that would have made it easier for quarries to be built in endangered species habitat. The province floated the idea in June, an attempt to open up more land for companies to mine for aggregate — crushed stone, gravel and sand that are used for construction. Some endangered species, such as the Jefferson salamander, a blue-flecked amphibian that lives along the Niagara Escarpment, happen to settle in areas that are prime for aggregate extraction. After hearing “concerns” from Indigenous communities, agricultural groups, environmental advocates and municipalities, the government announced Friday that it will not be pushing forward with the idea. “(Stakeholders) expressed significant concern that the policy amendment… would negatively impact species at risk and the biodiversity of the region,” the government said in a bulletin posted to Ontario’s Environmental Registry. The proposal was included in a list of suggested revisions to the province’s plan for how the Golden Horseshoe, a fast-growing region along the western shores of Lake Ontario, will change through 2051. The aggregate industry has long lobbied for such a change, arguing the current rules mean it’s nearly impossible to expand quarry and pit operations close to Toronto.
Had the change gone through, it would not have affected the Greenbelt, a section of protected land that rings around the Golden Horseshoe. But the provincially appointed Greenbelt Council weighed in anyway, recommending in an Aug. 10 letter that the government drop the proposal and “not reduce environmental protections.” The government also received more than 6,700 messages from the public about the idea. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions For the first two years of its mandate, the Progressive Conservative government has made several moves to support development in Ontario — more recently, its COVID-19 economic recovery bill included numerous measures to speed up projects in the Golden Horseshoe and beyond. It’s also pushed forward with other moves to weaken endangered species protections despite public opposition.
“It’s surprising but good news,” Keith Brooks, programs director at the green non-profit Environmental Defence, said of the province's decision. The Ontario government has dropped a proposal that would have made it easier for quarries to be built in endangered species habitat. #onpoli “It does show once again that the government will or can be moved to listen to the public and the will of the people.” Opposition parties hailed the choice as a positive step. Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said in a statement that he’s “relieved” the province didn’t pursue the plan further. “There is nothing more important than protecting our drinking water and farmland,” he said.
“The government's decision to backtrack on their bad idea shows the importance of consultation and public pressure.” “All I can think is that there must have been a lot of heat on it,” Ontario NDP climate critic Peter Tabuns said Friday. “That’s the only thing that would make them back off.” Brooks said he thinks local opposition to quarry projects might be an important factor.


nationalobserver--2020-08-28--Toronto area youth invited to join climate action accelerator

Youth Challenge International ( YCI ) is ready to expand its Toronto area operations from cultivating broad youth engagement in climate action to helping a more targeted group of young people build viable green businesses and social enterprises .
The Toronto-based non-profit is inviting young people from across the wider region ( including Hamilton ) to apply to a new accelerator program designed to give them the tools to turn their ideas into workable solutions .
“ We see it as a natural progression ” of the Innovate MY Future program YCI launched last winter and which welcomed its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hache , the group ’ s climate action lead .
Sabrina Lau , Naomi Telford and Alexandra Lambropolous participate in Youth Challenge International 's Climate Action Catalyst Summit on Feb. 27 , 2020 .
Photo by Geoff Fitzgerald The new Climate Solutions Accelerator , she said , is meant to help young people already working on a community-based initiative , those who have developed the concept for a green business , and those who may already have their idea incorporated .
• California reveals that the transition to renewable energy Isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nations backs legal challenge of Ford 's weakening of environmental assessments • Unless we change course , the US agricultural system could collapse “ This program is meant to give them all the tools and support and coaching and financial support to get their ideas up off the ground and to scale up , ” Hache said in a phone interview .
One of the projects that emerged from the Innovate MY Future program was the Peel region ’ s Community Climate Council , which is advocating for strong climate policy at local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ younger students this year .
Hache said the council would make an ideal candidate to graduate to the accelerator , but that she expects the majority of participants to come from outside the program .
She said YCI is looking beyond its established climate action networks to gather interest , including by pitching the offer to entrepreneurial post-secondary programs in business , technology and engineering .
“ We 're casting a wider net , ” said Hache .
“ We 're getting into new areas around green business and energy efficiency and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Tanvi Patel showcase their Innovate MY Future at YCI 's Climate Action Catalyst Summit on Feb. 27 , 2020 .
Photo by Geoff Fitzgerald The first year of the new program will welcome two cohorts of 30 young people between the ages of 19 and 25 for a six-month program .
It will include four two-day intensive training courses , including initial “ design sprints , ” which aim “ to break down and refine the problem they are trying to solve , ” Hache said .
Participants will then move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify relevant stakeholders to engage , and receive coaching and mentorship to help deliver on goals .
The COVID-19 pandemic means the accelerator ’ s first cohort will take part virtually , which Hache said could help the project to ultimately be expanded across Canada .
Participants who complete the program would also be eligible to apply for a portion of $ 100,000 in funding for their projects thanks to financial support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation .
Hache said the level of interest in YCI ’ s first foray into engaging directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand from young people for opportunities to develop their own climate solutions .
“ We think youth have lots of great ideas , ” she said .
“ There is a lot of appetite among youth to start their own initiatives and organizations and community projects .
“ The youth we 're interacting with don ’ t necessarily see themselves reflected in the decisions or the way society is working right now .
It 's not really working for them.
” Deadline for applications to join the first cohort is Oct. 4 .

Youth Challenge International (YCI) is ready to expand its Toronto area operations from cultivating broad youth engagement in climate action to helping a more targeted group of young people build viable green businesses and social enterprises. The Toronto-based non-profit is inviting young people from across the wider region (including Hamilton) to apply to a new accelerator program designed to give them the tools to turn their ideas into workable solutions. “We see it as a natural progression” of the Innovate MY Future program YCI launched last winter and which welcomed its first cohort in the spring, said Laura Hache, the group’s climate action lead. Sabrina Lau, Naomi Telford and Alexandra Lambropolous participate in Youth Challenge International's Climate Action Catalyst Summit on Feb. 27, 2020. Photo by Geoff Fitzgerald The new Climate Solutions Accelerator, she said, is meant to help young people already working on a community-based initiative, those who have developed the concept for a green business, and those who may already have their idea incorporated.
“This program is meant to give them all the tools and support and coaching and financial support to get their ideas up off the ground and to scale up,” Hache said in a phone interview. One of the projects that emerged from the Innovate MY Future program was the Peel region’s Community Climate Council, which is advocating for strong climate policy at local councils and ran a summer program for younger students this year. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Hache said the council would make an ideal candidate to graduate to the accelerator, but that she expects the majority of participants to come from outside the program.
She said YCI is looking beyond its established climate action networks to gather interest, including by pitching the offer to entrepreneurial post-secondary programs in business, technology and engineering. “We think youth have lots of great ideas. There is a lot of appetite among youth to start their own initiatives and organizations and community projects." “We're casting a wider net,” said Hache. “We're getting into new areas around green business and energy efficiency and even tech.” Jill-Anne Santiago, Angela Zhen, and Tanvi Patel showcase their Innovate MY Future at YCI's Climate Action Catalyst Summit on Feb. 27, 2020. Photo by Geoff Fitzgerald The first year of the new program will welcome two cohorts of 30 young people between the ages of 19 and 25 for a six-month program. It will include four two-day intensive training courses, including initial “design sprints,” which aim “to break down and refine the problem they are trying to solve,” Hache said.
Participants will then move to developing their vision and mission, identify relevant stakeholders to engage, and receive coaching and mentorship to help deliver on goals. The COVID-19 pandemic means the accelerator’s first cohort will take part virtually, which Hache said could help the project to ultimately be expanded across Canada. Participants who complete the program would also be eligible to apply for a portion of $100,000 in funding for their projects thanks to financial support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.


nationalobserver--2020-08-28--Dreaming big: Start date up in the air for Sask. junior hockey

And in northern Saskatchewan , the dream starts with the home team , the La Ronge Ice Wolves , a junior `` A '' club in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League .
With good reason : Hockey heroes like Gordie Howe , Bobby Clarke , Jarrett Stoll , Jeff Friesen and Guy Lafleur , to name just a few , took their first skate around a small-town rink .
Canadian kids grow up wanting a piece of that dream .
In small towns across Canada , hockey isn ’ t just a game — it ’ s a religion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ northern Saskatchewan .
“ I think I started skating at 21 months .
As mom and dad would say , we used Sears catalogues for shin pads .
I love the game of hockey , ” Kaminski said .
Growing up in the small Saskatchewan town of Churchbridge , Kaminski was one of those kids dreaming big .
He said hockey was all he wanted to do .
“ I like the game to be greasy and gritty and physical , ” Ice Wolves coach and former Washington Capitals centre Kevin `` Killer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Observer on Wednesday .
That ’ s the energy he wants to bring to the ice this season .
“ As far as I know right now , we had 10 20 year olds last year and I ’ m pretty sure eight are already committed for college this year .
So those are huge numbers , ” Proulx said .
She said the Ice Wolves do n't have as much to pull from for marketing or fundraising , but have been successful in terms of recruitment .
“ The kids need something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they need something to do , ” she said .
Proulx said getting back on the ice is especially important for young men , who need role models and hope for the future as the school year begins .
“ We ’ re a hockey family .
All five of my children play hockey .
It ’ s such a huge part of our lives , ” Ice Wolves board member and Cree language teacher Marlee Proulx told Canada ’ s National Observer .
That ’ s why the pandemic has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ronge , who are waiting with bated breath for word on when the season will start .
Kaminski said junior hockey might not be the big leagues ( players ' ages range from 16 to 20 years old ) , but it represents a chance for young people to dream of bigger things , such as the NHL or having the chance to go to college through hockey scholarships .
La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich said council went beyond Proulx 's ask , waiving the team ’ s past debt and giving them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season when it starts .
Proulx petitioned La Ronge town council at its last meeting to support the team and help it keep its head above water since the Ice Wolves rely on fundraising and pre-season ticket sales to stay afloat , two things not possible because of the pandemic .
He estimates the total cost to taxpayers for these moves at less than $ 40,000 .
“ We know that times are really tough and it ’ s a lot of money to them , but it ’ s not a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things , ” Woytowich said .
“ It ’ s probably the same in every community that has a team like this .
We have to support the team because in the long run , think of what would happen if the team went bankrupt .
I think that ’ s the least we can do just to make sure that they ’ re still solvent next year , ” Woytowich said .
On Wednesday , the team submitted its reopening guidelines for safe play and council approved a tentative date for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ice at the Mel Hegland Uniplex on Sept.18 .
Woytowich said the town hasn ’ t got a problem with opening the rink provided the Ice Wolves follow all the rules for social distancing during play .
The catch-22 is that until the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League ( SJHL ) receives guidelines from the provincial health ministry and announces a date for return to play , an official start date for the season remains up in the air .
Sports tournaments and interprovincial travel aren ’ t yet allowed under Saskatchewan 's reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give the green light to hockey once it gets the OK from health officials .
“ All sport , including hockey , is subject to the guidelines of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan .
The priority remains containing the spread of COVID-19 , and the SJHL must observe the protocols outlined ( in the plan ) , ” government spokesperson Robin Speer told Canada ’ s National Observer .
“ As the pandemic situation is very fluid , future adjustments to the public health order and the ( reopening plan ) will be determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical health officer , ” Speer said .
Reopening hockey in the province has been mired in some controversy since four AAA minor teams from the Wheatland Wild Hockey Association and Yorkton ’ s Parkland Junior Maulers went to Manitoba for the North American Hockey Classic in Winnipeg this July .
The teams were chastised by Premier Scott Moe and chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab , who himself contracted COVID-19 at a curling bonspiel in Alberta , for breaching public health guidelines on out-of-province travel .
“ It impacts everyone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ parameters are , and ... really putting at risk the entire safe restart of sports , ” Moe said in July .
But the Parkland Junior Maulers cited communication with the province indicating that they could visit Manitoba under the condition that local guidelines be followed .
Mayor Woytowich worries the community could become divided over the return of hockey in the same way it did with reopening La Ronge to visitors .
“ My gut feeling is that we ’ re going to have the same fun as we had with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people with cabins from down south coming up here , ” he said .
That ’ s because some Ice Wolves players are billeted in La Ronge from outside the province , and , in some cases , from the United States .
Even though out-of-province players will undergo two-week quarantines and COVID-19 testing , Woytowich said their presence could raise alarm bells among some residents .
“ The community is split on whether we want them to come up here .
It ’ s going to be the same thing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving up here , ” he said .
But that does n't take away from the importance of keeping the home team .
“ It ’ s what makes our community… It puts us on the map .
It brings business to the community and it shows the value of La Ronge .
Even something as simple as having the games , ” Woytowich said .
“ The kids see the Ice Wolves and they want to be a hockey player and that boosts involvement in minor hockey as well.
” Juniors are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ice Wolves say they ’ ll push through no matter what .
“ I think they ’ re champing at the bit .
Last season ended abruptly ( cut short by the pandemic ) , and really didn ’ t come to a resolution , ” Ice Wolves board member Randy Johns told Canada ’ s National Observer .
“ The guys who are coming back , they ’ re just eager to go.
” Johns said even if the 2020-21 season starts in December , they ’ re hoping to play a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might end up playing some May hockey this year , but we ’ re playing all 58 games.
” Proulx said several other communities have already opened their rinks , potentially allowing their players to get an edge on practice time , but the home team has found a solution in the meantime .
Proulx said that until the Mel Hegland Uniplex is available , the Ice Wolves will use the rink at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band 's Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre ( JRMCC ) .
“ The Ice Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are ready and we want to do it all in a safe way , ” Proulx said .
Coach Kaminski agrees .
“ We have all got to come together as a league and as small communities and really support the teams this year .
We don ’ t want to see any teams folding .
I think every team is struggling.
” The team plans to run its yearly hockey school at the JRMCC from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 and to start training at the La Ronge rink on Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all scrimmages… You can only have 14 on a team because of the restrictions in numbers , ” Kaminski said .
“ Friday , Saturday and Sunday , the kids have to show their stuff to keep advancing .
We ’ re going to make cuts over the weekend and keep the guys around who we feel have a good opportunity.
” The target date for a start to the season is Oct. 9 , pending word from the league and Saskatchewan ’ s health authority .

“I like the game to be greasy and gritty and physical,” Ice Wolves coach and former Washington Capitals centre Kevin "Killer" Kaminski told Canada’s National Observer on Wednesday. That’s the energy he wants to bring to the ice this season.
And in northern Saskatchewan, the dream starts with the home team, the La Ronge Ice Wolves, a junior "A" club in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
With good reason: Hockey heroes like Gordie Howe, Bobby Clarke, Jarrett Stoll, Jeff Friesen and Guy Lafleur, to name just a few, took their first skate around a small-town rink. Canadian kids grow up wanting a piece of that dream.
In small towns across Canada, hockey isn’t just a game — it’s a religion. And nowhere is that truer than in northern Saskatchewan.
“I think I started skating at 21 months. As mom and dad would say, we used Sears catalogues for shin pads. I love the game of hockey,” Kaminski said.
Growing up in the small Saskatchewan town of Churchbridge, Kaminski was one of those kids dreaming big. He said hockey was all he wanted to do.
Proulx said getting back on the ice is especially important for young men, who need role models and hope for the future as the school year begins.
“We’re a hockey family. All five of my children play hockey. It’s such a huge part of our lives,” Ice Wolves board member and Cree language teacher Marlee Proulx told Canada’s National Observer.
That’s why the pandemic has been so devastating for hockey families in La Ronge, who are waiting with bated breath for word on when the season will start.
Kaminski said junior hockey might not be the big leagues (players' ages range from 16 to 20 years old), but it represents a chance for young people to dream of bigger things, such as the NHL or having the chance to go to college through hockey scholarships.
“As far as I know right now, we had 10 20 year olds last year and I’m pretty sure eight are already committed for college this year. So those are huge numbers,” Proulx said.
She said the Ice Wolves don't have as much to pull from for marketing or fundraising, but have been successful in terms of recruitment.
“The kids need something. They need something to believe in and they need something to do,” she said.
Kids in minor hockey grow up dreaming of joining the Ice Wolves one day. Photo by Brandon White.
Proulx petitioned La Ronge town council at its last meeting to support the team and help it keep its head above water since the Ice Wolves rely on fundraising and pre-season ticket sales to stay afloat, two things not possible because of the pandemic.
“We’re a small town, small market team,” Proulx said.
La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich said council went beyond Proulx's ask, waiving the team’s past debt and giving them free access to the rink this upcoming season when it starts.
He estimates the total cost to taxpayers for these moves at less than $40,000.
“We know that times are really tough and it’s a lot of money to them, but it’s not a lot of money in the big scheme of things,” Woytowich said.
“It’s probably the same in every community that has a team like this. We have to support the team because in the long run, think of what would happen if the team went bankrupt. I think that’s the least we can do just to make sure that they’re still solvent next year,” Woytowich said.
On Wednesday, the team submitted its reopening guidelines for safe play and council approved a tentative date for the Ice Wolves to get back on the ice at the Mel Hegland Uniplex on Sept.18.
“I like the game to be greasy and gritty and physical,” Kevin "Killer" Kaminski. Photo by Brandon White.
Woytowich said the town hasn’t got a problem with opening the rink provided the Ice Wolves follow all the rules for social distancing during play.
The catch-22 is that until the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) receives guidelines from the provincial health ministry and announces a date for return to play, an official start date for the season remains up in the air.
Sports tournaments and interprovincial travel aren’t yet allowed under Saskatchewan's reopening plan and the province said it will give the green light to hockey once it gets the OK from health officials.
“All sport, including hockey, is subject to the guidelines of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan. The priority remains containing the spread of COVID-19, and the SJHL must observe the protocols outlined (in the plan),” government spokesperson Robin Speer told Canada’s National Observer.
“As the pandemic situation is very fluid, future adjustments to the public health order and the (reopening plan) will be determined based on the advice of the chief medical health officer,” Speer said.
The La Ronge Ice Wolves have earned themselves a reputation for grit, known in the SJHL for their physical style of play. Photo by Brandon White.
Reopening hockey in the province has been mired in some controversy since four AAA minor teams from the Wheatland Wild Hockey Association and Yorkton’s Parkland Junior Maulers went to Manitoba for the North American Hockey Classic in Winnipeg this July.
The teams were chastised by Premier Scott Moe and chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab, who himself contracted COVID-19 at a curling bonspiel in Alberta, for breaching public health guidelines on out-of-province travel.
“It impacts everyone. They are going outside of what the parameters are, and ... really putting at risk the entire safe restart of sports,” Moe said in July.
But the Parkland Junior Maulers cited communication with the province indicating that they could visit Manitoba under the condition that local guidelines be followed.
Mayor Woytowich worries the community could become divided over the return of hockey in the same way it did with reopening La Ronge to visitors.
“My gut feeling is that we’re going to have the same fun as we had with the province opening us up and suddenly all the people with cabins from down south coming up here,” he said.
“It’s what makes our community… It puts us on the map. It brings business to the community and it shows the value of La Ronge," Ron Woytowich.
That’s because some Ice Wolves players are billeted in La Ronge from outside the province, and, in some cases, from the United States.
Even though out-of-province players will undergo two-week quarantines and COVID-19 testing, Woytowich said their presence could raise alarm bells among some residents.
“The community is split on whether we want them to come up here. It’s going to be the same thing with hockey if you’ve got teams driving up here,” he said.
But that doesn't take away from the importance of keeping the home team.
“It’s what makes our community… It puts us on the map. It brings business to the community and it shows the value of La Ronge. Even something as simple as having the games,” Woytowich said.
“The kids see the Ice Wolves and they want to be a hockey player and that boosts involvement in minor hockey as well.”
Hockey gives kids a pastime in the winter months, whether it's to play or cheer for the home team. Photo by Brandon White.
Juniors are planning for the season, and the Ice Wolves say they’ll push through no matter what.
“I think they’re champing at the bit. Last season ended abruptly (cut short by the pandemic), and really didn’t come to a resolution,” Ice Wolves board member Randy Johns told Canada’s National Observer.
“The guys who are coming back, they’re just eager to go.”
Johns said even if the 2020-21 season starts in December, they’re hoping to play a full slate of games.
“We might end up playing some May hockey this year, but we’re playing all 58 games.”
Proulx said several other communities have already opened their rinks, potentially allowing their players to get an edge on practice time, but the home team has found a solution in the meantime.
Proulx said that until the Mel Hegland Uniplex is available, the Ice Wolves will use the rink at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band's Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC).
The Ice Wolves are determined to play a full season this year no matter what challenges they face. Photo by Brandon White.
“The Ice Wolves are back. We are hungry, we are ready and we want to do it all in a safe way,” Proulx said.
Coach Kaminski agrees. “We have all got to come together as a league and as small communities and really support the teams this year. We don’t want to see any teams folding. I think every team is struggling.”
The team plans to run its yearly hockey school at the JRMCC from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 and to start training at the La Ronge rink on Sept. 18.
“That weekend will be all scrimmages… You can only have 14 on a team because of the restrictions in numbers,” Kaminski said.
“Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the kids have to show their stuff to keep advancing. We’re going to make cuts over the weekend and keep the guys around who we feel have a good opportunity.”
The target date for a start to the season is Oct. 9, pending word from the league and Saskatchewan’s health authority.
Michael Bramadat-Willcock/Local Journalism Initiative/Canada's National Observer


nationalobserver--2020-08-28--Group representing 133 First Nations backs legal challenge of Ford's weakening of environmental asse

Group representing 133 First Nations backs legal challenge of Ford's weakening of environmental assessments

The Ford government is poised to face a second court battle over its controversial COVID-19 economic recovery bill , this time from several First Nations .
The government did not consult the public before passing Bill 197 , an omnibus piece of legislation that included a contentious rewrite of environmental assessment rules , last month .
The province pushed the bill forward despite a warning from auditor general Bonnie Lysyk , who said the government ’ s failure to consult the public on environmental changes would be “ not compliant ” with Ontario ’ s Environmental Bill of Rights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chiefs of Ontario — an organization representing the leadership of 133 First Nations in the province — voted in favour of supporting a push by several nations to file a lawsuit .
In a forthcoming application for judicial review , the nations plan to ask a judge to rule that the Ford ’ s government passage of the bill was illegal .
“ To us , ( Bill 197 is ) a slap in the face , ” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare , who was present at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anishinabek Nation advocates politically for 33 First Nations communities . )
“ They just feel they can do whatever they want , ” he added , referring to the government .
• California reveals that the transition to renewable energy Isn ’ t so simple • Unless we change course , the US agricultural system could collapse • O'Toole 's climate plan has a carbon price — just do n't call it a tax Bill 197 altered 20 pieces of legislation .
Premier Doug Ford has said it ’ s aimed at kick-starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to widespread shutdowns .
A coalition of environmental groups has already filed a suit against the province over Bill 197 , asking a judge to find that the passage of the law was illegal due to the clash with the Environmental Bill of Rights .
But the planned challenge by Chiefs of Ontario is likely to take a different angle , as it also centres on treaty rights and the province ’ s duty to consult First Nations .
Chiefs of Ontario was not able to provide a copy of the full resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear what the timeline might be for filing the suit .
The office of Ontario Environment Minister Jeff Yurek redirected questions to the environment , conservation and parks ministry .
In a statement , ministry spokesperson Gary Wheeler said the government hasn ’ t yet seen a copy of the resolution or any court filings from Chiefs of Ontario .
“ At this point , it would be premature to comment , ” he said .
Wheeler also said the rewrite of environmental assessments doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government passed its broad overhaul of environmental assessments , it ’ s still writing regulations to outline how its new streamlined process will work .
The ministry is committed to working with Indigenous communities on that , Wheeler said .
The Ford government is poised to face a second court challenge over its passage of omnibus Bill 197 .
# onpoli “ We take the duty to consult seriously , and we are committed to consulting with Indigenous communities prior to making any decisions , ” Wheeler said .
Hare said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a box to tick rather than an opportunity to meaningfully engage .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s going to have any impact what I say , ” Hare said .
“ Why call me now ?
” Hare said Bill 197 is particularly concerning for nations near planned mining projects .
They want the opportunity to have a say in how resources in their traditional territories are used and share the profits , he said , but changes to environmental assessments mean many types of projects will likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ re affected by it big time , ” Hare said of the bill .
“ It affects our lives , it tries to ruin us.
” Day two of the # COOAssembly2020 has begun !
Priorities on today ’ s agenda include : ➡ # COVID19 Emergency Response ➡ # Bill197 While we miss meeting in person , you can tune into the livestream to catch all the action here : https : //t.co/iD961uGcto pic.twitter.com/Q3ASZQaN9W — Chiefs of Ontario ( @ ChiefsofOntario ) August 20 , 2020 Growing number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill 197 For weeks , a growing number of First Nations in Ontario have said they ’ re considering legal challenges to the bill .
The Fort Albany and Attawapiskat First Nations sounded alarms in late July .
Then , Mushkegowuk Council — which represents Fort Albany , Attawapiskat and five other nations near James Bay — wrote an open letter to Ford saying the premier didn ’ t respect treaty rights when he passed the bill without consultation .
At the Aug. 20 meeting , nations across the province supported the push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon said in a phone interview Wednesday .
Mounting the effort together allows them to pool resources in a way that wouldn ’ t be possible for individuals .
“ It ’ s important that we communicate in regards to what the next steps are , ” Solomon said .
Hare said the way First Nations have collaborated with the province during COVID-19 should show officials how effective the governments can be when they work together .
The pandemic has also showed how fast legislators can move to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he added .
“ Let ’ s keep going this way after COVID , ” he said .
“ Nothing ’ s written in stone .
If they want to change ( Bill 197 ) , they can change it really quick .
So why can ’ t they pull it , and we can work together ?
”

The Ford government is poised to face a second court battle over its controversial COVID-19 economic recovery bill, this time from several First Nations. The government did not consult the public before passing Bill 197, an omnibus piece of legislation that included a contentious rewrite of environmental assessment rules, last month. The province pushed the bill forward despite a warning from auditor general Bonnie Lysyk, who said the government’s failure to consult the public on environmental changes would be “not compliant” with Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights. In a virtual meeting on Aug. 20, Chiefs of Ontario — an organization representing the leadership of 133 First Nations in the province — voted in favour of supporting a push by several nations to file a lawsuit. In a forthcoming application for judicial review, the nations plan to ask a judge to rule that the Ford’s government passage of the bill was illegal. “To us, (Bill 197 is) a slap in the face,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare, who was present at the Chiefs of Ontario meeting. (The Anishinabek Nation advocates politically for 33 First Nations communities.) “They just feel they can do whatever they want,” he added, referring to the government.
Bill 197 altered 20 pieces of legislation. Premier Doug Ford has said it’s aimed at kick-starting Ontario’s economy after COVID-19 led to widespread shutdowns. A coalition of environmental groups has already filed a suit against the province over Bill 197, asking a judge to find that the passage of the law was illegal due to the clash with the Environmental Bill of Rights. But the planned challenge by Chiefs of Ontario is likely to take a different angle, as it also centres on treaty rights and the province’s duty to consult First Nations. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Chiefs of Ontario was not able to provide a copy of the full resolution voted on at the meeting by publication time. It wasn’t immediately clear what the timeline might be for filing the suit.
The office of Ontario Environment Minister Jeff Yurek redirected questions to the environment, conservation and parks ministry. In a statement, ministry spokesperson Gary Wheeler said the government hasn’t yet seen a copy of the resolution or any court filings from Chiefs of Ontario. The Ford government is poised to face a second court challenge over its passage of omnibus Bill 197. #onpoli “At this point, it would be premature to comment,” he said. Wheeler also said the rewrite of environmental assessments doesn’t mean any immediate changes — though the government passed its broad overhaul of environmental assessments, it’s still writing regulations to outline how its new streamlined process will work. The ministry is committed to working with Indigenous communities on that, Wheeler said. “We take the duty to consult seriously, and we are committed to consulting with Indigenous communities prior to making any decisions,” Wheeler said. Hare said it often feels like the province views consultation as a box to tick rather than an opportunity to meaningfully engage.
“I don’t think it’s going to have any impact what I say,” Hare said. “Why call me now?” Hare said Bill 197 is particularly concerning for nations near planned mining projects. They want the opportunity to have a say in how resources in their traditional territories are used and share the profits, he said, but changes to environmental assessments mean many types of projects will likely be able to avoid a full review. “We’re affected by it big time,” Hare said of the bill. “It affects our lives, it tries to ruin us.”


nationalobserver--2020-08-28--Tenant group declares partial victory as Ford government announces plan to freeze rents

The Federation of Metro Tenants ' Associations ( FMTA ) cheered the Ford government 's decision Friday to freeze rent increases for 2021 , but said it would keep fighting to protect renters from eviction while Ontario battles the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ While we 're excited for this victory , we 're still trying to ensure that no one gets evicted in Ontario during the pandemic and fighting for rent support for renters , ” the group said in an emailed statement .
The group was responding to word from the office of Housing Minister Steve Clark that Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation in the coming months that would ensure the vast majority of households do not see a rent increase next year .
“ Our government is announcing our intention to stabilize rents for Ontario ’ s 1.6 million rental households , ” Adam Wilson , a manager of issues and legislative affairs in Clark 's office , said in a statement , adding they will engage with both landlord and tenant groups on the bill .
The maximum allowable rent increase for rent-controlled units was due to be 1.5 per cent in 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US agricultural system could collapse • Group representing 133 First Nations backs legal challenge of Ford 's weakening of environmental assessments • California reveals that the transition to renewable energy Isn ’ t so simple Critics , including FMTA , have said that they fear a wave of evictions in the wake of massive job loss related to the COVID-19 pandemic could put some of the province 's most vulnerable people out on the street .
The impact of the pandemic and related shutdowns are being felt particularly acutely by younger people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are often employed in precarious or part-time work .
Almost 6,000 applications to evict tenants were received by Ontario ’ s Landlord and Tenant Board between the start of April and the end of July , adding to a backlog of cases the understaffed tribunal started to schedule for hearings earlier this month .
The Ford government introduced an amended tenancy law last month that critics say will make it easier for landlords to evict tenants hit by job loss or other pandemic-related troubles .
Bill 184 puts anyone unable to stick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of immediate eviction .
Ford said in late April that he would ask the federal government to work with the province on a residential rent relief program , but none has materialized so far .

The Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations (FMTA) cheered the Ford government's decision Friday to freeze rent increases for 2021, but said it would keep fighting to protect renters from eviction while Ontario battles the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While we're excited for this victory, we're still trying to ensure that no one gets evicted in Ontario during the pandemic and fighting for rent support for renters,” the group said in an emailed statement.
The group was responding to word from the office of Housing Minister Steve Clark that Premier Doug Ford had directed him to introduce legislation in the coming months that would ensure the vast majority of households do not see a rent increase next year.
“Our government is announcing our intention to stabilize rents for Ontario’s 1.6 million rental households,” Adam Wilson, a manager of issues and legislative affairs in Clark's office, said in a statement, adding they will engage with both landlord and tenant groups on the bill.
The maximum allowable rent increase for rent-controlled units was due to be 1.5 per cent in 2021.