 LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 26, 2021: Be safe! Follow the public health guidelines during March break, or receive a fine!
CFBS was speaking by email with Denis Chartier, of the local Sûreté du Québec office here in Blanc-Sablon. Officer Chartier would like to notify the following message to the population: "With the spring break period, the Sûreté du Québec will send reinforcement on Lower North Shore to make sure that the Public Health measures will be observed by all. So in the next week, people from the Lower North Shore will see new SQ officers coming to enforce Public Health rules, along with the regular SQ officers of the local police station. To be very clear, the Sûreté du Québec officers are coming from outside of the North shore, and will be COVID tested prior to being deployed on the Lower North Shore, with no exceptions. Most importantly, our citizens from all LNS communities, not only in Blanc-Sablon, need to understand that the reinforcement officers coming have orders to ensure the strict observance of the Public Health rules. Have a safe and happy March break from all of us at the Sûreté du Québec office in Blanc-Sablon." - Denis Chartier, of the local Sûreté du Québec office in Blanc-Sablon. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 23, 2021: Students and faculty at École Mgr Scheffer join the Défi Leucan challenge! Défi têtes rasées Leucan, The Leucan Shaved Head Challenge, presented by PROXIM, is a major Leucan fundraising activity that mobilizes the community in a spirit of solidarity in order to offer services to families of children with cancer and to invest in clinical research. Participants in the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge must collect donations from those around them: family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, community, etc. It is a great gesture of support for children who, during chemotherapy, undergo a change in their body image due to hair loss. Taking part in the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge means being part of a unique family on which children with cancer can count on a daily basis. Support the students of École Mgr Scheffer by donating, you can click here to go to the donation page for our local school. Listen to the interviews with École Mgr Scheffer students, Madison Letto and Danielle Dumas in English, or with Matthew Beaudoin and Shelby Woodford in French, about the challenge. Click on the sound files below (click on the speaker icon next to the sound file and a media player will open up to hear the interview). Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist 
 Blanc-Sablon Airport Location on Google Maps LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 22, 2021: Phenomenon similar to an Earthquake experience felt in Blanc-Sablon At approximately 7:35 am on Sunday February 21st, an employee of the weather observation station at the Blanc-Sablon airport experienced a phenomenon similar to an earth quake, as the whole building began to shake. "It only lasted for a few seconds, but everything was moving," said Mitchell Leon, a weather observer, who works in collaboration with NAV Canada to report the local weather conditions. CFBS contacted Earthquakes Canada on Sunday to obtain info on what may have occurred at the airport, and received a call back from Stephen Crane, PhD, Research Scientist, at the Canadian Hazards Information Service for Natural Resources Canada. Mr. Crane confirmed that there was no report of an earthquake in the area, however it may possibly have been a cryoseism instead. This is what he had to say about this phenomenon: "Cryoseisms (more commonly referred to as “ice quakes” or “frost quakes”) are felt in Canada almost every winter, occur in cold temperatures, particularly if there has been a sudden drop in temperature. These are not related to earthquakes, but are related to weather. When temperatures fall rapidly, the moisture trapped in the soil begins to freeze. As the moisture freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the surrounding soil and bedrock. Eventually the stress is too much and the soil and bedrock may crack, creating a loud noise and occasionally shaking the ground. These cryoseisms are very localized, so the effects cannot be detected by seismometers (unless in the very rare possibility that it occurs very close to the recording instrument). I can not confirm that a frost quake did occur, as we don’t have any instruments nearby, but I can confirm that it was not an earthquake." - Stephen Crane, PhD, Research Scientist, at the Canadian Hazards Information Service for Natural Resources Canada. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  NORTH SHORE – FEBRUARY 19, 2021: ENHANCED MEASURES BETWEEN THE NORTH SHORE AND NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de la Côte-Nord issued a press release on Thursday (February 18) to inform the population that the entry management protocol for isolated territories now applies to everyone coming into the region from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This protocol includes the following measures for people entering the Lower North Shore, Minganie and Caniapiscau MRC's from other regions of Québec, or from other Canadian provinces or territories:
Note that this protocol does not apply for any road travels of less than 24 hours between Québec and the border villages of Newfoundland and Labrador. Also stated in the press release is that in the coming days, an awareness team from the Red Cross will be sent to the border regions. The teams will be there to welcome visitors who enter the North Shore by plane or using the ferry, in order to inform them of the public health measures to follow. The local Sureté du Québec will maintain an active presence within the communities and with arriving visitors to ensure that the health and safety rules (no gatherings, curfew, etc.) are being followed by all. So why the Red Cross? Wanda Beaudoin, the Mayor of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon, sent CFBS the following statement regarding why the Red Cross will be assisting with informing the population of the entry protocol: "I am sure the citizens are asking why it is not the rangers doing the sensitization at the airport, the wharf and at the border, we have to say the demand to have the Rangers activated was requested several times by the mayors. However, given the complexity of getting this service activated, the CISSS de la Cote-Nord worked diligently to try to find another alternative to protect its citizens on the Lower North Shore, given the difficulty with the activation of the Rangers. So instead, an agreement was reached by the CISSS and the RED CROSS, to assume the tasks of sensitization of the population about the regulations in place. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the direction of the CISSSS and all of their staff for their hard work in trying to keep us safe as a population, and also to recognize the efforts they put in the organization of the vaccination clinic. We are very lucky as a region to have been vaccinated in a timely manner. Once again, thank you." - Wanda Beaudoin, Mayor of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon Reminder, if you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, consult the COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool and follow the instructions. You can also call Public Health at 1-877-644-4545 for more information. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 19, 2021: No Curfew Fine Infractions Issued to Date Locally
CFBS was speaking with Denis Chartier, of the local Sûreté du Québec office here in Blanc-Sablon. Officer Chartier informed us that the population is now been respecting the curfew measures issued by the Quebec Government. "The roads have been quiet since we announced that we will now be issuing fines to any curfew infractions," said officer Chartier. The local Sûreté du Québec office here in Blanc-Sablon said on Wednesday February 17th that the leniency period for those who are caught out after the provincial curfew of 9:30 PM for our area without an acceptable reason, has ended. With pressure from their chain of command, the local police have no choice but to issue fines to any curfew infractions. Any persons caught by the Sûreté du Québec on the roads illegally without a valid reason or caught breaking the curfew by hosting gatherings, will be fined. How much you may be wondering? Curfew infraction fines are $1000.00 + $546.00 administration fees, equaling a total of $1546.00. "We are very happy that our citizens have received the message, because it was becoming problematic with those not respecting the curfew in the last weeks,'' said officer Chartier. "We will be on patrol on the weekend as well," he added. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 17, 2021: Break the curfew, receive a fine!
CFBS was speaking this morning with Denis Chartier, of the local Sûreté du Québec office here in Blanc-Sablon. Officer Chartier informed us that the leniency period for those who are caught out after the provincial curfew of 9:30 PM for our area without an acceptable reason, has now ended. "We have stopped a lot of people during our night patrols, and have let them pass with a warning, but we now have pressure from our chain of command to begin issuing fines to any curfew infractions," said officer Chartier. Beginning this evening (Feb 17) at 9:30 PM local time, any persons caught by the Sûreté du Québec on the roads illegally without a valid reason or caught breaking the curfew by hosting gatherings, will be fined. How much you may be wondering? Curfew infraction fines are $1000.00 + $546.00 administration fees, equaling a total of $1546.00. Officer Chartier would also like to remind residents of Labrador that the curfew fines apply to them as well if they cross the border into Quebec after 9:30 PM local time. "We have been seeing a lot of Labrador residents on this side of the border after our curfew hour, everyone needs to be aware that when you cross the provincial border, you must follow the rules of the province that you are in,'' said officer Chartier. He also added that any reasons given as to why you may be out after curfew will be verified by the police. When asked about if there is an update for any border changes from the Quebec Government, officer Chartier said that there has been no new mandate issued to the local SQ. They had been requested on Monday (Feb 15) by public health to be prepared to set up security at the border if needed, but at this time, there is still no mandate set for a security check point to be installed at the Blanc-Sablon border. "We are prepared to go if asked, but this may not be needed now," stated Mr. Chartier. On Friday February 12, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald announced the province has moved back to Alert Level 5 of its response plan in an effort to gain control of the quickly spreading coronavirus variant B117, which health officials say is the cause of the recent outbreak. Under an Alert Level 5, health officials are asking everyone to stay home as much as possible, except to collect essential items, such as groceries and medications. They are also asking people to limit contacts to only those in their immediate household bubble in Newfoundland and Labrador. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS NORTH SHORE - FEBRUARY 16, 2021 - WORKSHOPS NOW AVAILABLE FROM LE MARAIS CFBS was speaking with Dominique Leclerc, a Special Care Counsellor at Clinique interdisciplinaire Le Marais, an interdisciplinary clinic that now offers specialized psychosocial services to the residents of the North Shore territory. Dominique shared information with us today about the new workshops being offered by Le Marais as well as information about the services they offer, for business, school, social and community backgrounds, etc. ABOUT LE MARAIS Le Marais is a private clinic providing specialized psychosocial services. It will bring together professionals from all backgrounds under one roof. This context will help foster an interdisciplinary approach to clients. For more information, you can visit the Facebook page of Clinique interdisciplinaire Le Marais at: https://www.facebook.com/cliniquelemarais/ You may also call Dominique or Marie-Eve at 418-741-3032 or email info@cliniquelemarais.ca. Listen to the interview with Dominique Leclerc by clicking on the sound files below (click on the speaker icon next to the sound file and a media player will open up to hear the interview). Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
 NATIONAL NEWS – FEBRUARY 16, 2021: No waiting period now for EI benefits
The Federal Government is temporarily waiving the one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance (EI) claimants who establish a new claim between January 31, 2021 and September 25, 2021. This includes claimants of regular, fishing and special benefits. For more information or to submit a claim, visit Employment Insurance. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Government of Newfoundland and Labrador border security at the L'anse au Clair/Blanc-Sablon border, which has been in place since November 26, 2020
LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 15, 2021: No changes at the border tonight says the local SQ CFBS received lots of calls and messages today regarding if there will be changes taking place at the border here in Blanc-Sablon tonight at 7 PM. Speaking with Denis Chartier, of the local Sûreté du Québec office here in Blanc-Sablon, Mr. Chartier informed us that they had been requested by public health to be prepared to set up security at the border if needed, but at this time there is no mandate set for the time and date of the security check point to be installed. "We are on hold right now, there will be no check point set up at the border this evening" stated Mr. Chartier. On Friday February 12, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald announced the province has moved back to Alert Level 5 of its response plan in an effort to gain control of the quickly spreading coronavirus variant B117, which health officials say is the cause of the recent outbreak. Under an Alert Level 5, health officials are asking everyone to stay home as much as possible, except to collect essential items, such as groceries and medications. They are also asking people to limit contacts to only those in their immediate household bubble in Newfoundland and Labrador. CFBS also received information from local residents of Blanc-Sablon this afternoon stating that there was no change in cross border travel for essential services, including essential shopping, and that the same procedure is in effect as in the last couple of months with the Newfoundland and Labrador border security. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist LOCAL NEWS - FEBRUARY 10, 2020 - LNS residents concerned about state of current mail services
CFBS received a lot of calls and messages earlier this week from local residents who asked if we could get information on why there was no mail coming in for just over 1 week in many areas on the coast. On a normal week, mail delivery should take place on 3 days, unless if bad weather interrupts the service. It has been a question asked by many residents for quite some time now, "What is going on with our mail delivery services on the Lower North Shore?" Speaking with Randy Jones, Warden of the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent, he informed CFBS that he is well aware of the situation, taking many calls himself from residents voicing their frustrations regarding the mail. Warden Jones said that a meeting will take place on Friday (Feb 12) at the request of Marilène Gill, the Bloc MP for Manicouagan, and the mayors of the Lower North Shore to discuss the survey that had recently been carried out and concerns about the current mail services. More details to come ........ Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Air Tunilik Contant's cessna grand caravan aircraft at Natashquan LOCAL NEWS - FEBRUARY 10, 2020 - Air Tunilik Contant now based at Natashquan on the LNS CFBS was speaking today with Simon Contant, President and pilot at Air Tunilik Contant, to speak about the airline services they currently offer on the North Shore territory. Founded in 2002, Air Tunilik is proud to have become the most important bush aviation company in Quebec. They have a fleet of various aircraft and includes a vast network of seaplane bases. In addition to being able to charter an aircraft to go wherever you want, their network of bases covers a large portion of the province's territory. They have facilities at Sept-iles, Havre St-Pierre, Manic-5, Caniapiscau, and now based on the Lower North Shore in Nathashquan with a cessna grand caravan aircraft. Check out the Website of Air Tunilik Contant here and their Facebook page here. Listen to the interview with Simon Contant of Air Tunilik Contant by clicking on the sound file below (click on the speaker icon next to the sound file and a media player will open up to hear the interview). Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
 QUÉBEC, February 5, 2021: The English Parents’ Committee Association of Quebec (EPCA) and the Fédération des comités de parents du Québec (FCPQ) are proud to announce the launch of the PARENTS.QUEBEC website.
A singular juncture of parent resources, PARENTS.QUEBEC is a complement to the Open School (École Ouverte) government platform launched last spring and will help parents support their children based on their specific needs. Beyond its pedagogical value, this new tool will help parents find the right resource, depending on the needs, the region and the age of the child. For EPCA, the active participation of parents has always been essential to their children’s educational success. “This very relevant and helpful tool will fill a void that has long been a source of frustration for parents who often do not know where to turn when they want to support their children,” said EPCA President Katherine Korakakis. For several years, EPCA and FCPQ have sought to boost support for parents by uniting the resources available to them. The support of the Quebec government for this initiative brings this shared vision to life. “While PARENTS.QUEBEC is being launched during the pandemic, it is the result of many years of hard work, developed partnerships and repeated requests from parents. The daily lives of families have been turned upside down since last March, and the situation shows more than ever the importance of having a tool that answers parents' questions and helps them find resources according to their needs,” explained Kevin Roy, President of the FCPQ. “Each day, Quebec parents play a key role in the development and success of their children, and the support of the Quebec government to PARENTS.QUEBEC demonstrates the importance and recognition we give them. Since the beginning of the pandemic, parents have demonstrated incredible strength and resilience by juggling school and work at home, and their requests for help have been heard. This tool will become a valuable reference to answer their questions. Like Open School, PARENTS.QUEBEC is added to the list of resources and concrete means available to promote student success,” added Education Minister Jean-François Roberge. This tool will become a valuable reference to answer their questions. Like Open School, PARENTS.QUEBEC is another concrete means available to foster collaboration and promote student success.” A second phase of the project is under development and will be announced in the coming months. It will also be possible to access PARENTS.QUEBEC via Open School (Ecoleouverte.ca). About the English Parents’ Committee Association of Quebec (EPCA) The English Parents' Committee Association is the official voice of Quebec’s English public school parent community. Supporting school board Parent Committees and speaking with one voice for parents and their children, EPCA represents more than 100,000 students in all dealings with the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur (MEES) and across all levels of government. About the Fédération des comités de parents du Québec For over 45 years, the FCPQ has been bringing together the parent committees of Quebec's School Service Centers and supporting parent volunteers who are concerned about parental involvement in public elementary and secondary schools in order to ensure the quality of education offered to children. Related link: www.parents.quebec (English and French version)  Constance Monger, Territory Coordinator for the CISSS de la Cote-Nord on the Lower North Shore LOCAL NEWS - FEBRUARY 5, 2020 - Deadline to get a COVID vaccination appointment on the LNS CFBS was speaking today with Constance Monger, Territory Coordinator for the CISSS de la Cote-Nord on the Lower North Shore, regarding the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 on the Lower North Shore. Every resident of the Lower North Shore who is 18 years and over is invited to book an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. You can register online here. If you run into problems when trying to register online, please call 1-844-407-0967. The registration period for the vaccination clinics that will start next week on the Lower North Shore and will end this Sunday, February 7th, at 4:00 p.m. for online and telephone registration. People aged 70 years and over who live in these territories will still be able to call the Info-Vaccine line (1-844-407‑0967) to know if an extra dose can be administered to you. Listen to the interview with Constance Monger by clicking on the sound files below (click on the speaker icon next to the sound file and a media player will open up to hear the interview). Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
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