Cycling Across Canada and Spreading Awareness about Brain Injuries, CFBS Speaks with Julie Aubin7/20/2021
 LOCAL NEWS - JULY 20, 2021: BLANC-SABLON – Julie Aubin is cycling across Canada for awareness and hope to those who have suffered a brain injury CFBS was speaking with Julie Aubin, a cyclist and adventurer, who is currently cycling across Canada. Julie is spreading awareness about brain injuries, and raising money for Répit Jeunesse, a community organization that helps a diverse clientele with social, mental health, addiction, homelessness, school dropouts, and other problems. Julie's story is quite amazing. After being struck by a motorist while cycling, she had sustained mild head trauma, concussion, and post-concussion syndrome. Julie rehabilitated herself to about 80%, with some after-effects of her injury that are still present. But still she pushes through, and is committed to her journey of awareness. One she says is necessary towards returning to her health, towards personal resilience, towards people and their own hopes. To follow her story, you can checkout Julie's website, or her Facebook page. You can listen to my interview with Julie Aubin 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 
 LOCAL NEWS - JULY 16, 2021: NORTH SHORE – A LUNG CANCER SCREENING PILOT PROJECT IS NOW TAKING PLACE ACROSS QUEBEC CFBS was speaking today with Dr. Kim Boutet, a respirologist, about the lung cancer screening project now taking place across the province using low-dose computed tomography (CT scans), and this test is free to all participants of the project. Launched by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) on May 31st of this year, studies have shown that the use of CT scans in screening can aid in reducing mortality. According to the Société canadienne du cancer, in 2017, 8,700 lung cancers were diagnosed in Quebec, and 6,700 deaths had occurred that were attributed to this form of cancer. Who can participate? To be eligible for the screening project, two important criteria must be met: you must be between the ages of 55 and 74 and have smoked for at least 20 years, consecutively or not, 20 cigarettes per day. The program is open to smokers or ex-smokers. You can be referred by your family doctor for the screening, or you may make a self-referral by calling 1-844-656-4312, or you may email depistagecancerpoumon@ssss.gouv.qc.ca For more information, you can visit the government of Quebec website here. Listen to the interview with Dr. Kim Boutet 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
 LOCAL NEWS - JUNE 17, 2021: BLANC-SABLON – Trying out something new with the accordion From his early beginning playing the organ at local churches in the region, Davey Jones quickly discovered that he loved music. Growing up he heard his father play the accordion at home, and soon he was also playing the instrument for family and friends, later releasing albums of his talent. CFBS had the pleasure of speaking today with Davey Jones, originally from Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon but now living in Port Au Choix, NL, about his music career and new musical projects. Besides for the traditional style of playing the accordion, Davey has found a fresh new way to enjoy this instrument, by mixing it with techno music! You can listen to my interview with Davey Jones 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  Davey along with his wife Melita and son Josh
 LOCAL NEWS - JUNE 15, 2021: BLANC-SABLON – The Better Together community group wants you! Do have a certain set of skills that may better your community, or maybe just the drive to be involved in a group that aims to build a community network of people working together for a unified goal? Better Together is a community innovation accelerator, by building public community infrastructure to help make the world a better place and help communities care for and support one another and share their knowledge, skills, and resources to promote local resilience and community empowerment. CFBS was speaking today with the co-founder of Better Together, Robert Smith, about the goals and future direction of this interesting community imitative of solving problems and advancing together for the betterment of all involved. You can listen to my interview with Robert 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). For the website of Better Together, you can click here For the group Facebook page, click here And for the Better Together community hub, click here Email: community@bettertogethersolutions.com Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
 LOCAL NEWS - JUNE 8, 2021: BLANC-SABLON – Goodchild Park Welcomes You Free of Charge! Sometimes in life, an event will happen that will shake a community to its core, and with time in trying to find ways to cope with what has happened, people will come together in a positive way to begin to heal. On March 9th 1995, an avalanche occurred at Goodchild hill, claiming the lives of two residents on Goodchild Street, Tony Lavallee and Jamie Lavallee, a father and a son. The avalanche of 95' left devastation and sadness in the tiny community of Blanc-Sablon. Then later, in the year 2002, the Quebec government approved relocation project saw the residents of Goodchild Street relocated elsewhere in Blanc-Sablon. Renita Lavallee of Blanc-Sablon recalls the memories of growing up in the area, and fondness for the street and those who lived there. "I always walked in the area after the houses were moved, the space has always been a place I enjoyed coming to. It was where I grew up." As time moved forward, nature began to reclaim the area. Land lots that once held homes, were now overgrown and unkept. Then one day, Renita along with Melissa Lavallee, Darcy Chubbs, Marlene Letto, Melvina Lawless, and Bernice Lavallee, had an idea of cleaning up the area and making it a community campsite. And so together, they set out on beginning the clean up effort, putting in countless hours of their own time, and money, to bring the community back to Goodchild Street. "It was very therapeutic for me to return to the site and make something positive for the community after what had happened. We also realized that together, we can take an idea and then put it in action for the community, to make a special space," says Renita Lavallee. A few years later, she had decided to approach the local Caisse Populaire for funding to buy much needed necessities for the campsite, up to that point, everything that was placed at Parc Goodchild was community donated, and most of the time from Renita herself. Renita had received the funds requested from the Caisse Populaire, as well as from Pacte Rurale, with assistance from the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon, and Blanc-Sablon à vie. The Centre services scolaire du Littoral (CSSL) recently donated the playground set that was originally on the Ecole St. Theresa site. Family and friends of those who had perished in the avalanche of 1995 had also donated items to the campsite in memory of Tony and Jamie.
GOODCHILD PARK CAMPSITE WELCOMES YOU ...... Today, Goodchild Park is a bustle of activity, breathing renewed enjoyment to a street that still feels like home to people, and making new memories for the campers who choose to visit the community. The park has many campsites that include a fire pit, lounge chairs, some with tent platforms, on site port a potty, benches, picnic tables, playsets, and more. Renita says soon there will be better access to running water, and a 2nd port a potty will be arriving that is wheelchair accessible, and other functional items soon to be added, like an adapted outdoor playset from Jambette. The park is there for everyone to enjoy, and it is free of charge to visitors, and campers. Those who visit are asked to clean up after themselves and to please respect the space. Unfortunately, there has been incidents of vandalism over the years, and Renita asks everyone that comes to the site to remember what the campsite is all about; a spot for the community and visitors to gather, a community memorial, and a place to appreciate the beauty of the local scenery. Renita would like to thank all those who have been a part of the realization of Goodchild Park, the volunteers over the years who assisted in the upkeep of the area, and especially to her father Clarence Lavallee, and to her husband Jody Letemplier, who have also worked tirelessly at maintaining the park. Visitors who are coming to region, when exiting the ferry: turn right at the first intersection, and then follow the Boulevard Docteur Camille until you see Goodchild Hill and then make a left to the campsite. For the Facebook public group page of Parc Goodchild, click here. Summer is finally here, so why not stop by Goodchild Park and relax, or go for a scenic walk. The site is breathtaking, and if you see Renita, stop and say hi to her. And if you have some time to give, why not ask if she needs a hand. Because together, we can make something beautiful happen. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist   Middle Bay, Quebec LOCAL NEWS - JUNE 2, 2021: BONNE-ESPERANCE – Vandalism and theft cases at Middle Bay The local Sûreté du Québec office in Blanc-Sablon is seeking information to help solve a series of crimes that was committed in Middle Bay earlier this week. Vandalism and theft occurred at 11 cabins and the fish plant in Middle Bay, either on Monday night (May 31st), or early Tuesday morning (June 1st), resulting in property damage and items being taken. The Sûreté du Québec in Blanc-Sablon is asking the population to assist their investigation by providing any information that may help solve the crime by calling 418-461-2162. Any information given will be treated as confidential. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - JUNE 1, 2021: BLANC-SABLON – The Sûreté du Québec reminds motorists to slow down
From June 11th until June 17th 2021, the Sûreté du Québec along with the police chiefs association of Quebec and the SAAQ will work together for the National Speed Operation (NSO). For the second year in a row, this operation is named "I Slow Down, I Save Lives" to remind motorists that if every driver would practice safe driving habits, that their actions can make a difference. Speeding is the principal cause of death on Quebec roads. As the province continues to return to normal activities following all of the covid restrictions, there will be a lot more traffic on the roads. The Sûreté du Québec is taking the opportunity to warn motorists to slow down, drive responsibly, and avoid receiving a speeding ticket. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - MAY 31, 2021: BLANC-SABLON – Annual Walk to Raise Funds for MS The annual walk for MS was held locally here in Blanc-Sablon on Sunday, May 30th. CFBS was speaking today with one of the organizers, Stefanie Beaudoin, who expressed great excitement on the success of this year's walk. In total, 85 local walkers joined the event in the beautiful weather on Sunday, the temperature hovered at a comfortable 11 degrees Celsius. Walkers were able to select the distance that they wanted for their walk, such as: - 10 km walk, from the arena to the airport road and back - 5 km walk, from the arena to the blue moon and back - 2 km walk, from the arena to rue Petit-Havre and back Most impressive is that over $2000.00 was raised by the participants and passersby's, and that amount still climbing as online donations still pouring in! Bravo to all who participated, and to the event organizers and volunteers especially. Stefanie Beaudoin also extended thanks to JL Joncas for donating the water for participants, to the local Sûreté du Québec for patrolling the route, to the Junior Rangers for assisting and helping out, and to Candice Rogers for the use of the arena and set up. Donations for the Blanc-Sablon team can still be made online by clicking here. Once again, congratulations to all who participated on another successful MS walk! Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Dr. Richard Fachehoun, Director of public health LOCAL NEWS - MAY 21, 2021: NORTH SHORE – CISSS PRESS BRIEF COVERAGE A press briefing was held this morning by the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Côte-Nord (CISSS de la Côte-Nord) regarding the COVID-19 situation on the North Shore. The press briefing by Zoom, was led by Dr. Richard Fachehoun, the Director of public health. The epidemiological situation in the region keeps improving. As announced by the government, the North Shore will move back to a yellow alert level on Monday, May 24th. Dr. Fachehoun reminds of the changes that come with a yellow alert level for the region. Gatherings in private homes will be allowed for people of two households, while respecting physical distancing. It is also recommended that you wear a mask during indoor gatherings. Telework is still recommended for employees who do administrative or office work. Starting on May 28th, thanks to the new relaxed measures, outdoor gatherings in private yards will be allowed for up to eight people. Registration for vaccination of teenagers between 12 and 17 years old will start on May 25th. Vaccination will help protect them, their families and their school. With two doses, we can keep children in school and improve their learning situation. You can book your appointment through Clic Santé. The CISSS de la Côte-Nord is also working with school service centers to offer vaccination in secondary schools in the week starting June 7th. For grade 6 students who are 12 years old, parents are invited to register them on Clic Santé. Parents will also be contacted to plan vaccination appointments. Communications will be sent to parents very shortly. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  CFBS NEWS BLANC-SABLON - MAY 19, 2021 - Alert level changes come into effect for the region on Monday May 24th
After nearly 2 months of restrictions be tightened in the region, the North Shore will be returning to alert level 2 – Early Warning (yellow zone), on Monday May 24th, along with Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Northern Quebec. Here is a reminder of some of the measures for yellow zones that will come into effect on Monday:
For more information about yellow zone restrictions, and the measures in place, visit Québec.ca. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - MAY 17, 2021: NORTH SHORE – Seniors keeping fit and staying active There are significant health benefits seen in adults aged 65 years and older who participate in regular physical activity. Brisk walking, jogging, biking, dancing, and swimming are great forms of activity, but also moving around your home and doing daily chores can be considered important activity as well if you are able to do so. Older adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity each week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. When chronic conditions make it hard to achieve the 150 minutes each week, older adults should be physically active as their abilities and conditions allow. CFBS was speaking today with Stephane Talbot, an activity advisor for Public Health, regarding the importance of physical activity for seniors. You can listen to my interview in English with Mr. Talbot, and in French with Becky Spingle, 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
 Mr. Claude Lévesque, interim president and CEO of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord LOCAL NEWS - MAY 13, 2021: NORTH SHORE – CISSS PRESS BRIEF COVERAGE A press briefing was held this morning by the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Côte-Nord (CISSS de la Côte-Nord) regarding the COVID-19 situation on the North Shore. The press briefing by Zoom, was led by Mr. Claude Lévesque, interim president and CEO, and Dr. Richard Fachehoun, director of public health. The CISSS de la Côte-Nord representatives stated that the vaccination campaign is going well in the region. This is great news if we want to have a nice summer, but to achieve that, we really need every resident of the North Shore to do their part and get vaccinated. The epidemiological situation of the North Shore is improving. Last week, the number of new cases was 60% lower than it was at the peak of the third wave. The rate of positive tests also went down by 50%, going from 2% to 1%. We owe these improvements to the efforts of the population. VACCINATIONS
Vaccination helps us protect our schools, our daycare centres and our workplaces. It is important that we keep our schools open, and we need your collaboration to achieve that. In elementary schools, here is a list of protection measures:
The next step will be vaccinating teenagers aged between 12 and 17 years old. Meanwhile, the public health of the North Shore believes that it will be only a matter of days before the change back to a yellow alert level. At today's press briefing, the regional director of public health, Dr Richard Fachehoun, confirmed that the recommendation for the change of alert level was already submitted. Our teams have been working on recommendations on the change of bearing since last weekend, he told reporters. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist LOCAL NEWS - MAY 11, 2021 - Programme Empreinte interveners visit schools on the Lower North Shore to speak about Sexual Violence against girls Sexual violence is a serious social problem affecting thousands of people every year in Quebec. It is mistakenly believed that the perpetrator of sexual violence does so out of impulse, but it is more often the expression of an underlying desire for power and domination of the victim. Sexual violence has many faces: sexual assault (rape), incest, sexual harassment and abuse by a professional are just a few manifestations. The shame, guilt and fear that surrounds sexual violence are still very much present among victims and often keep them in social isolation. Breaking the silence, speaking freely, is a first step towards healing, and Programme Empreinte is aiding students, families, friends and school staff in the process. CFBS was speaking today with Laurie Boulianne and Alexandra Paradis, Interveners for the Programme Empreinte, a program designed to give support to victims of sexual violence, and anyone else affected by giving tools in order to cope while respecting the confidentiality of all involved. This program is through Lumière Boréale Calacs in Baie-Comeau, a community organization founded in 1990 specifically dedicated to the problem of sexual assault. This center for help and the fight against sexual assault in Baie-Comeau helps women aged 14 and over and those around them. If you are a victim of sexual violence, there is support available to you, and it is confidential. You do not have to bear the burden of the situation alone. Lumière Boréale Calacs in Baie-Comeau Phone: 1-800-563-0443 Website: http://lumiereboreale.qc.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lumiereboreale.calacsbaiecomeau For 24/7 Emergencies after hours, please call 1-888-933-9007 Listen to my interview in English with Laurie Boulianne, and in French with Becky Spingle and Alexandra Paradis, 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
LOCAL NEWS - MAY 4, 2021 - Lower North Shore is soon to have the 2nd dose of Moderna vaccine administered
In February, all adults in Minganie, the Lower North Shore and the MRC of Caniapiscau who wanted to be vaccinated, received the 1st dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from the Moderna company. And now, four months later, residents of the Lower North Shore will be in line to receive the 2nd dose of the vaccine within the next two weeks. CFBS was speaking by email with Pascal Paradis, Communications Advisor of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, requesting some information regarding the next round of vaccinations in the region. The 2nd dose of vaccine is being offered this week in some communities of the Lower North Shore, it is the Moderna vaccine that is being administered. A first part of the vaccinations will take place this week, and another part is scheduled for the week of May 16. In the first part of the Lower North Shore vaccinations, the 2nd dose will be administered in: La Tabatière, St-Augustin, Chevery, Harrington Harbour, Kegaska, Rivière St-Paul, and La Romaine. The other vaccinations will take place during the week of May 16. Anyone who refused the first dose of vaccine, but would now like to be vaccinated, can call Santé Publique at 1-877-644-4545 to say that they want to be vaccinated. They will be contacted as soon as possible with an appointment. Currently 82% of the Lower North Shore population (aged 18 years old and over) have received the first vaccine. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Les Chefs – Classe EHDAA – École Mgr Scheffer LOCAL NEWS - APRIL 23, 2021 - Congrats to the winners of the CSSL for the 23rd OSEntreprendre Challenge! The OSEntreprendre Challenge is a major Québec movement that acknowledges the entrepreneurial initiatives of thousands of participants each year, from young people from elementary school to University to new entrepreneurs. The OSEntreprendre Challenge is deployed and takes root at the local, regional and provincial levels. More than 350 representatives are mobilized in all 17 regions of Québec to help carry the OSEntreprendre Challenge and shine the spotlight on projects in their communities. In total, nine projects from six schools were submitted for this 23rd edition. Sixty-six young entrepreneurs, from kindergarten to secondary 5, put in hundreds of hours of work on projects that will have a concrete impact on their community. The jury was impressed by the quality of the projects submitted and hopes to see the projects of our youth spread throughout our region. École Mgr Scheffer held a ceremony on Thursday morning (April 23rd) at the playground of the school to honour the school's winners of the OSEntreprendre Challenge:
Other winners of the challenge on the Centre de Services Scolaire du Littoral territory are:
Congratulations to all of the students and teachers, what a remarkable achievement you have made! UPDATE: Sarah Iris Foster, Student Life Animator for the CSSL, informed CFBS this afternoon that 2 schools on the Lower North Shore have won the regional competition. Congratulations to:
Both of these finalists will be moving on the the provincial competition! BRAVO to all, we will be cheering for you! You can catch the live OSEntprendre Côte-Nord Gala this evening at 6:30 pm by clicking on the following link here. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - APRIL 14, 2021 - The North Shore becomes an orange zone tonight at 8PM
As of 8 PM this evening, the North Shore region will be designated at Level 3-Alert (orange). A curfew has been reinstated to begin at 9:30 PM until 5 AM each evening until further notice. Unnecessary social contacts are not allowed, e.g. gatherings with family or friends, etc... The Surete du Québec will also be on patrol in the region to ensure that the health guidelines are being followed. Police officers continue to ensure compliance with health measures and can intervene when individuals are outside their homes during curfew hours, only reasons deemed as essential will be accepted, the Quebec government list of acceptable reasons can be found here. Offenders are liable to fines now ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 if they are unable to adequately justify why they are outside the home. Young people 14 years of age and over are subject to a $500 fine. To enable individuals who are travelling during the curfew because of their work to readily demonstrate that such travel is legitimate, employers are asked to complete the Employer Attestation Concerning Travel During the Curfew Decreed by the Gouvernement du Québec found here. A press briefing was held this afternoon by the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Côte-Nord (CISSS de la Côte-Nord) regarding the COVID-19 situation on the North Shore. The press briefing was by zoom with Mr. Claude Lévesque, interim CEO of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, and Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine. This situation unfolding thus far during the 3rd wave of COVID on the North Shore continues to concern the CISSS de la Côte-Nord. The region has seen an increase in the number of cases in April, with 51 cases, which are mainly in the Haute-Côte-Nord and Manicouagan MRC's, but also in other MRC's as well. Most of our positive tests are due to the British variant, which is 1.7 times more contagious and more virulent. The border regions of the North Shore are seeing an increase in the number of cases. There is a limited capacity of the hospitals in Baie-Comeau and Sept-Îles to treat any people hospitalized with severe forms of COVID who may require intensive care, and there would be impacts if there was an offloading of cases to other areas. As previously mentioned, an increased number of cases and hospitalizations will cause a postponement of non-urgent surgeries and diagnostic examinations. To reduce the number of cases during the third wave and to prepare for the summer, the CISSS de la Côte-Nord along with Public Health are issuing the following directives :
If symptoms of COVID develop or if you have COVID related questions, residents are asked to call Santé Publique at 1-877-644-4545, and they will guide you through the steps of what to do. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine LOCAL NEWS - APRIL 12, 2021: NORTH SHORE – CISSS PRESS BRIEF COVERAGE A press briefing was held this morning by the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Côte-Nord (CISSS de la Côte-Nord) regarding the COVID-19 situation on the North Shore. The press briefing was by zoom with Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine, and Mr. Claude Lévesque, interim CEO of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord. The epidemiological situation on the North Shore is getting worse. There is an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, with 44 cases confirmed since the beginning of April: 25 cases in the Manicouagan RCM, 16 in Haute-Côte-Nord and 1 case each in the Sept-Rivières, Caniapiscau and Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent MRC's. Dr. Richard Fachehoun points out that there have been seven active outbreaks: 3 in Manicouagan, 2 in Caniapiscau and 2 in Haute-Côte-Nord so far during the 3rd wave. "I am very worried because almost all cases (83%) are related to the United Kingdom variant, which is 1.7 times more contagious," said Dr. Fachehoun. "Close to 300 close contacts are currently isolating. The increase in the number of cases will probably continue this week, but the decisions you make will allow us to limit the transmission of the virus and move on to a decrease in the number of cases. The situation is critical. You must reduce your social contacts now and not later, because then it will be too late," he added. An increase in cases is often followed by an increase in hospitalizations, which could affect the health condition of people who need treatments unrelated to COVID-19 (surgeries, for example). The collaboration of the population is essential to make it through this very difficult time. The CISSS de la Côte-Nord would like to remind the population of the importance of the following:
Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Wanda Beaudoin, Mayor of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon LOCAL NEWS - APRIL 1, 2021 - MAYOR WANDA BEAUDOIN GIVES AN UPDATE TO THE POPULATION An update from the Mayor of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon, Wanda Beaudoin, regarding:
Listen to the interview with Mayor Beaudoin 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
LOCAL NEWS - April 1, 2021: NORTH SHORE – Free Security training for fishermen being offered in the coming months, sign up now! CFBS was speaking with Geneviève Gélinas, from the Fisheries Workforce Sectoral Committee, to talk about the free training being offered on the maritime safety management system. The training will be offered this summer, but captains interested must sign up soon to take advantage of this training opportunity for themselves, and their crew members on their vessels. For those who would like the training in English, an interpreter will be provided as well at no charge. This new fishing vessel safety requirement was put in place by Transport Canada since 2017 for owners or operators of a fishing vessel. You can register for this free safety training by calling Geneviève Gélinas (418)-361-2626, or by email to formation@pechesmaritimes.org Listen to the interviews with Geneviève Gélinas and I in English, and with Chrissy Letemplier in French, 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
Dr. Richard Fachehoun of Public Health is Concerned about the 3rd wave of COVID-19 for the Region3/31/2021
 Dr. Richard Fachehoun, public health medical consultant to the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, at the press brief for March 31, 2021 LOCAL NEWS - March 31, 2021: NORTH SHORE – CISSS PRESS BRIEF COVERAGE A press briefing was held this morning by the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Côte-Nord (CISSS de la Côte-Nord) regarding the COVID-19 situation on the North Shore. The press briefing was led by Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine, in attendance by zoom. Dr. Richard Fachehoun began by reminding the population that the region is at the yellow alert level, and that the 3rd wave poses a threat. Since March 26th, our region has been at the yellow alert level, thanks to the commitment of people on the North Shore to following the measures in place. Dr. Facheoun reminds that your contribution is essential to keeping the yellow alert level for as long as possible. "I am worried for our region when I see the increased number of cases in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Capitale-Nationale and Saguenay. Also, the proportion of cases related to variants keeps increasing, and variants will be predominant in Québec within two weeks. They are more contagious and more virulent than the basic strain. Based on modelling, only strong adherence to basic measures (physical distancing, use of the mask and handwashing) and screening coupled with intensive tracking and isolation of cases would allow us to avoid a 3rd wave that would be more important with more hospitalizations in people under 65 years of age," said Dr. Facheoun. In order to limit the spread of the variant, a new isolation directive was emitted for people living with a close contact of a case. Therefore, if someone who was in close contact with a case is self-isolating, people in the same household must remain in isolation until the contact receives a first negative test result. During the press briefing, Dr. Facheoun also gave suggestions for safe private gatherings with people from two households:
Stay home and do not receive visitors if any of the following pertains to you:
Dr. Facheoun also took the time to remind everyone that travel outside of the region should be for essential purposes only. If you travel, arrange for tesing on day 1 and day 7, as well as mandatory self isolation for 7 days until you receive a negative test result after day 7. With the upcoming Easter holiday approaching, everyone must also remember that private gatherings should be from two households only. For everyone's safety, please follow the guidelines, concluded Dr. Facheoun. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  CFBS NEWS BLANC-SABLON - MARCH 29, 2021 - Safeguard your keys with the War Amps! CFBS was speaking with Sofia Benzakour, Communications assistant for the Quebec department of War Amps Canada, about their key tag campaign. The War Amps began their 2021 key tag campaign last month in Quebec, the theme “You Are a Part of What We Do,” marks the 75th anniversary of the Association’s Key Tag program! Since amputee veterans started the Key Tag Service in 1946, more than 1.5 million sets of lost keys have been returned to their owners. Key tags are produced in Canada at The War Amps sheltered workshop, employing persons with disabilities. How do key tags work?
You can order your War Amps key tags by visiting here. Listen to the interviews with Sofia Benzakour and I in English, and with Chrissy Letemplier in French, 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
 CFBS NEWS BLANC-SABLON - MARCH 22, 2021 - Alert level changes come into effect for the region on Friday March 26th After months of restrictions be tightened in the region, the North Shore will be returning to alert level 2 – Early Warning (yellow zone), on Friday March 26th, along with Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Northern Quebec. The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de la Côte-Nord issued a press release last week to remind the population of the adjustments made to the measures currently in place, and the importance of continuing to follow the health safety measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. They ask that the population continue to follow the health instructions and notes that people aged 10 years and over are still required to wear a face covering in interior public places. “These adjustments are the direct result of your respect of the measures, and for that, we thank you. With the increasing proportion of cases related to variants, the situation remains delicate, and we must stay vigilant if we want the North Shore to remain a yellow zone for several weeks or months. Remain careful, get tested if you have symptoms and get vaccinated when it is your turn,” says Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine. Here are some of the measures for yellow zones that will come into effect on Friday:
For more information about the coronavirus and the measures in place, visit Québec.ca. CFBS also asked the CISSS de la Côte-Nord if there would be any changes to the entry protocol to the region regarding travel. Pascal Paradis, Communications advisor for the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, confirmed by email that there are no changes at this time. This means that anyone travelling for more than 24 hours outside of the region are asked to respect the isolation requirement and Covid testing protocol. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  CFBS NEWS BLANC-SABLON - MARCH 12, 2021 - La Patience du Lichen by Noémie Pomerleau-Cloutier Far away on the north coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence there is a road sign in the middle of the road with the word END: the traveler must stop at this place. However, beyond the limit of the asphalt, there are several hundred kilometers of communities that are accessible only by air, water or ice, depending on the season. We know it well, this is a part of the Lower North Shore. Fascinated since her childhood by the end of Route 138, Noémie Pomerleau-Cloutier came to meet us Coasters and recorded our voices to remake poetry from these fragmented territories and our struggles. La patience du lichen is a poetic testimony of rare scope, a report with a big heart that delves into the history and intimacy of our little-known part of Quebec. You can find the link to purchase the book by clicking here. Listen to the interview with Noémie Pomerleau-Cloutier, author of La Patience du Lichen, 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
 Addison Letemplier, 11 years old CFBS NEWS BLANC-SABLON - MARCH 12, 2021 - Young lady with Coaster ties wins a gold medal for her Irish Jig As St. Patrick's Day is fast approaching, we think of all things Irish, beautiful music, everything green, as well as Irish dancing. Fast paced, controlled and beautiful, this type of dancing is not as easy as it looks to gracefully kick up your feet! CFBS was speaking with Sherrie Martin, originally from St. Augustine on the Lower North Shore, about the amazing accomplishments of her daughter, Addison Letemplier, who has recently won a gold medal for her beautiful, and well trained, professional Irish dancing. Both Sherrie and Addison's Dad, Darcy Letemplier, originally from Blanc-Sablon, are very proud of what their daughter has accomplished. Here is what CFBS learned about this very talented 11 year old who dances with such composed grace and style: How did Addison get started in Irish dancing? "Addison starting Irish dancing at Costello Irish dance school in January of 2018. She was 8 years old when she started. A competition in Irish dance is called a feis, and she competes in about 5-8 feis a year. Before the pandemic hit she was training an average of 10-12 hours a week as a solo Irish dancer plus she was on 3 dance teams. She was on a 4 hand team, 6 hand team and a 8 hand team." Can you tell us about the competitions that she attended? "She competed in her first eastern regional Irish dance championships in December of 2019, and placed in the top 10. Her 4 hand team and 6 hand team won gold, and her 8 hand team won bronze that year. Her 8 hand team was training extremely hard as they were going to dance in Dublin Ireland at the worlds Irish dance championships last April. However is was canceled due to the pandemic." Has the Covid pandemic affected her training? "Once the pandemic hit, Addison continued to train on zoom online with her teachers and friends. She took to the new online training very well but cannot wait to get back in studio with her coaches and friends. She just completed in her first online feis and did very well!" What is Addison's favorite memory in her Irish dance experience so far? "Addison says that her favorite memory is placing in the top 10 at the eastern regional championships, she felt so proud to work hard and then to be able to reach that goal." CFBS would like to congratulate Addison on her remarkable accomplishments, and wish her continued success in her Irish dancing. Very cool Addison! You can watch a video of Addison's dancing by clicking here. Happy all things Irish for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day, may the luck of the Irish be with you! Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  CFBS NEWS BLANC-SABLON - MARCH 11, 2021 - Protect yourselves against fraud and spread awareness! As March is Fraud Prevention Month, CPA Canada has released the results of its latest survey, which reveals the online security practices of Canadians, banking and consumer behavior, and fraudulent dating. As more of our communications and interactions become virtual due to the ongoing pandemic, CPA Canada is stepping up efforts to educate Canadians on how to better protect themselves against fraud by sharing key tips on how to avoid falling victim to online fraud, identity theft and financial schemes. Canadians cannot afford to let their guard down when it comes to fraud, according to a new survey conducted for Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada). Almost three-quarters (73%) of those surveyed replied that they had received fraudulent messages, and one-third (33%) had actually been victims of one or more types of fraud during their lifetime. is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada. And, good news, 62% of respondents are taking more precautions today than five years ago to ward off the tricks of scammers. “Scammers are always finding new tricks to abuse people's trust and get their hands on personal information; vigilance is therefore required, ”said Doretta Thompson, head of financial literacy development at CPA Canada. “And as our business has been increasingly done online since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to be on guard and protect your confidential data. " CFBS was speaking with David Malamed, a CPA expert in forensic accounting and fraud investigation, as well as Benoit Vachon, a CPA expert in personal finance, about the latest survey results and fraud awareness information. Listen to the interviews with David Malamed in English, and Benoit Vachon in French with Chrissy Letemplier. 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
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