 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
 LOCAL NEWS - JANUARY 27, 2021: NORTH SHORE – COVID-19 Vaccine Information
CFBS has been receiving questions from our listening audience regarding the COVID-19 vaccine that has begun to be administered to the North Shore and Lower North Shore population in the last couple of weeks. So far, the vaccination campaign has targeted primarily the health care workers, seniors living in CHSLD's, those working in CHSLD's, and the elderly population over the age of 80 years old in accordance with the vaccination priority groups. The CISSS de la Côte-Nord stated in their press brief held last week that the vaccination campaign is going well in the region. Other vaccination clinics intended for the population will soon be organized elsewhere in the territory, depending on the availability of vaccines. In each setting, the vaccination will be carried out while respecting the prioritization of the groups to be vaccinated as established by the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Speaking by email this week with Pascal Paradis, Communications Advisor of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, about vaccine questions that CFBS was receiving, the following is the info that he had shared with us: How effective is the vaccines? The COVID‑19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) approved by Health Canada are safe. The vaccines were tested on a large number of people. They have met all the requirements for approval. Vaccine efficacy 14 days after the first dose, and before the second dose, is 92%. These are thought to be 95% effective after two doses. Experts closely monitor any adverse reactions that may occur after vaccination and take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. Are there any possible side effects? Adverse reactions are not uncommon after vaccination. These reactions are usually mild or moderate, and can last a few days. Symptoms may include pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever and chills. To date, no serious adverse effects have been identified with RNA-based vaccines. Will all age groups be receiving the vaccine, such as babies, children, and pregnant women? Vaccines will become available gradually. Some people will be vaccinated before others. There is an order of priority of groups for vaccination that can be found here. Vaccination of children and pregnant women will be determined based on future studies on vaccine safety and efficacy in these people. For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccinations, you can visit here. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Screenshot of Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health LOCAL NEWS - JANUARY 19, 2021: NORTH SHORE – CISSS PRESS BRIEF COVERAGE 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 led by Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine, Mr. Claude Lévesque, interim president and CEO of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, and Priscilla Malenfant, director of the program to support the autonomy of the elderly (SAPA). In the past week 18 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded, for a total of 25 cases on the North Shore since January 1st. There are currently 17 active cases in the region. The situation remains delicate across the North Shore. The CISSS requests that the population follow the health instructions in all places and at all times. If you have at least one of the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, loss of breath, or loss of smell or taste, stay home and call 1-877-644-4545 to get a screening test appointment. REMINDERS: • Indoor and outdoor gatherings are prohibited. • Do not receive any visitors at home, except for a family caregiver. If you live alone, you can receive one visitor. • Do outdoor activities with members of your household. • Stay at least two meters away from people from other households. • Wear your mask adequately (it must cover your mouth and nose). • Wash your hands. The vaccination campaign is going well in the region. To this day, 2,646 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in the region. This week, the vaccination operation continues everywhere on the territory, in accordance with the vaccination priority groups. Health care workers who are in contact with users will be vaccinated first. Some people, such as seniors of the North Shore, are more affected by the pandemic. The CISSS de la Côte-Nord would also like to remind seniors to keep moving despite the confinement! Simple efforts can make a world of difference. For example, 15 minutes of light exercise, standing up for a few minutes every hour, or going for a walk outside, when possible. For the population in general, do not forget to look after the seniors around you, even remotely. A simple telephone or video call can make a great difference in their daily life. In a press release this afternoon, the CISSS de la Côte-Nord invited people aged 80 and over, who reside in the MRC of Sept-Rivières, to register now for a vaccination clinic by appointment to be vaccinated against COVID-19, which will begin on Thursday, January 21, 2021 in Sept-Îles. People in this age group wishing to register for this clinic must leave their contact information (name, phone number, and date of birth) at 1-844-407-0967 for an appointment. As mentioned in today's press brief, other vaccination clinics intended for the population will soon be organized elsewhere in the territory, depending on the availability of vaccines. In each setting, the vaccination will be carried out while respecting the prioritization of the groups to be vaccinated as established by the Ministry of Health and Social Services. This week, vaccines are distributed everywhere on the North Shore. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 and its complications. It is in addition to other measures such as physical distancing, wearing a medical mask or face covering and washing hands, states the CISSS in today's press release. You can obtain information about the COVID-19 vaccination by visiting Québec.ca. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  BLANC-SABLON - JANUARY 12, 2021 - Lower North Shore Residents Respect the Curfew
CFBS was speaking by email this morning with officer Guy Pinard, of the local Sûreté du Québec in Blanc-Sablon. He informed us that since the province wide curfew began on Saturday, January 9th, there were no health infractions issued on the Lower North Shore for not respecting the provincial curfew of 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Officer Pinard also wanted to thank all citizens on Lower North Shore for their collaboration in respecting the rules, mentioning that our streets locally have been empty at night. Keep in mind that not following the public health directives regarding the provincial curfew could be costly, fines can range from $1000 to $6000 locally if you are caught in violation. Here is a look at the new restrictions and what's open and what's closed during the four-week curfew that is expected to end on February 8, 2021: CURFEW RULES The Quebec government says between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., residents will be prohibited from moving outside their place of residence, with exceptions for health care, humanitarian reasons or essential work. EXEMPTIONS:
VISITORS/GATHERINGS
TRAVEL BETWEEN REGIONS The Quebec government says travel between cities and regions is not recommended, with exceptions for students, workers, shared custody agreements and the transport of goods. EDUCATION
EDUCATIONAL CHILDCARE SERVICES (DAYCARES)
SPORTS
BUSINESSES
OFFICE SPACE Teleworking is mandatory for people working in offices from Dec. 17, 2020 to Feb. 8, 2021, with the exception of workers who presence is deemed necessary by the employer. RESTAURANTS
OTHER BUSINESSES Museums, cinemas, theatres, personal care settings, saunas and spas must remain closed, except for massage therapy treatments provided. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - JANUARY 8, 2021 - New Veterinary Service Opening on the Lower North Shore CFBS was speaking today with Gabrielle Landry, veterinary technician, to talk about the services being offered at the new LNS Veterinary Service, opening it's doors at 1161 Boulevard Docteur Camille Marcoux in Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon on Tuesday, January 12th. Some of the services being offered will include:
You can check out the Facebook page of Service Vétérinaire BCN / LNS Veterinary Service by clicking here Listen to the interview with Gabrielle Landry 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). Becky Spingle CFBS Journalist
 LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 23, 2020 - CFBS welcomes you to join us this Dec 24th for "Maureen's Christmas Eve Storytime"
It is with the upmost respect and holiday spirit that CFBS welcomes our listeners to join us on 89.9/93.1 FM this Christmas Eve at 7pm for the story "I’m not Santa" by Jonathan Allen, recorded by Mrs. Maureen Wellman back in 2016. Maureen passed away last spring (2020) and has been greatly missed by her community, family and friends. An avid listener of CFBS, she was a huge advocate for literacy, and made sure that we honoured literacy days by giving CFBS trivia questions, books, and prizes to give away. Born in 1955 on July 1st, she was our local Canada Day lady, always spreading her love for our nation. Maureen taught many local residents while she was a teacher from 1977 to 2012, she was a teacher at the school in Bradore and also at Ecole St. Theresa. She was known in our communities for giving books to the children. She loved children and their excitement and appreciation of receiving a book. Many thanks to Maureen's family for agreeing to have her recording of "I’m not Santa" by Jonathan Allen play on CFBS airwaves this December 24th at 7pm. So everyone, tune in to the radio or listen online right from your bed on your I-pads this Christmas Eve. Online listeners can tune in here. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Wanda Beaudoin, Mayor of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 23, 2020 - A Christmas Message from Mayor Beaudoin of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon CFBS was speaking today to Mayor Wanda Beaudoin regarding the days that there will be no daily COVID-19 updates given by Santé Publique for the North Shore on the CISSS de la Cote Nord website during the holiday season, as well as Mayor Beaudoin's holiday message to the population. 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 - DECEMBER 22, 2020 - Follow the rules or face a fine, orange zone infractions could cost you!
CFBS was speaking by email this morning with Officer Guy Pinard of the local Sûreté du Québec office in Blanc-Sablon regarding what the fines could be for those who do not follow the health directives during the holiday season, as detailed to the Sûreté du Québec by Santé Publique. Keep in mind that gatherings of no more than six people will be permitted in regions and areas located in alert (orange) zones, as well, that activities such as office parties are prohibited in all regions. Here is what you need to know:
Officer Pinard of the local Sûreté du Québec office in Blanc-Sablon would like to also remind the population that if you have any questions about the health measures, or if you are having symptoms of COVID-19, that you can call Santé Publique at 1-877-644-4545 at any time. The SQ continue to be present at the local airport and federal wharf to remind travelers of the restrictions and recommendations for arriving into the region. For a list of COVID-19 rules and restrictions for living in an orange zone, you can check out the Quebec government website at quebec.ca. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 21, 2020 - What you need to know about the holiday restrictions in an orange zone
Lots of questions have been emerging in the region following the North Shore moving to an orange zone alert level 3 last week for the North Shore, especially regarding holiday gatherings and parties. CFBS is awaiting info from the local Sûreté du Québec police regarding what the fines will be given for those who do not follow the directives regarding holiday gatherings. Here is a recap of what you should know taken from the Quebec government website, quebec.ca: HOLIDAY GATHERINGS Gatherings of no more than six people will be permitted in regions and areas located in alert (orange) zones. For these regions, it is recommended to do a voluntary confinement, one week before and one week after the time of the gatherings. OFFICE PARTIES Activities such as office parties are prohibited in all regions. OFFICES Office worker telework is mandatory in all regions from December 17, 2020 to January 10, 2021, inclusively, except for workers whose physical presence is deemed by their employer to be required to maintain the ongoing activities of a public or private organization. CHILDCARE SERVICES AND SCHOOLS Childcare services (daycares, CPE and family care) will remain open. However, in order to limit contact during the Christmas holidays, families are advised to keep their children at home as much as possible and so inform their childcare provider beforehand. As for preschool and elementary school students, they will stay home, and distance learning services will be provided from December 17, 2020 to January 10, 2021, inclusively, on the basis of their school calendar. Secondary school students will stay home and distance learning services, according to the usual schedule, will be provided from December 17, 2020 to January 10, 2021 inclusively, according to their school calendar. Specialized schools for children who need special services will stay open. In addition, exceptionally, some students with special needs may be allowed to attend school so as not to adversely affect their progress. EMERGENCY SCHOOL CHILDCARE SERVICES Emergency childcare services will be set up in schools but will only accept children whose parents are employed at a qualifying listed job and/or priority service. These services will be available according to the school calendar. This means that no emergency childcare services will be provided if a day off is scheduled. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 19, 2020 - Two new cases of COVID-19 has just been confirmed for the LNS The CISSS de la Côte-Nord updated their website today at 11:00am Quebec time with COVID information for the territory from santé publique. At that time, there was 4 new cases announced today for the North Shore, 2 in the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore), 1 in the MRC of Manicouagan, and 1 in the MRC of Sept-Rivières. Speaking by email this afternoon with Marlène Joseph-Blais, Communications for the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, the following update was given by Ms. Joseph-Blais regarding the 2 new cases added on the Lower North Shore today: "Two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded for the LNS. These two people were not present on the North Shore during their period of contagiousness. The two people are in isolation outside of the North Shore. No risk of transmission for communities. We cannot specify the places of residence to ensure confidentiality." The CISSS has previously reminded the population in the last weeks of the importance of respecting the privacy of anyone confirmed of having COVID-19, giving them support, and to not have any community discrimination. In total to date, there have been 260 confirmed cases on the North Shore region since the beginning of the pandemic, with 221 cases having been cured, leaving 36 cases now active in the territory, 1 hospitalization at this time on the North Shore, and 3 deaths on the North Shore due to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. Specifically, today's announcement brings the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore) covid case total to 3 since the beginning of the pandemic. The North Shore territory is now at ALERT LEVEL 3 in orange, which is the moderate alert level. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
 LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 18, 2020 - Epidemiological Investigation Underway of 3rd Confirmed Case of COVID-19 on the LNS
The CISSS de la Côte-Nord updated their website today at 11:00am Quebec time with covid information for the territory from santé publique. At that time, there was 1 new case announced today in the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore), bringing the total case load on the LNS to 3 since the beginning of the pandemic. As well, there were also 4 other cases announced on the North Shore today in the MRC of Manicouagan. Speaking by email this afternoon with Pascal Paradis, Communications Advisor of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, the following update was given by Mr. Paradis regarding the new case on the Lower North Shore: "There is a new case of COVID-19 on the LNS. The person followed all the recommendations of the entry and isolation management protocol. The epidemiological investigation is underway and the person is in isolation. Close contacts of the case were identified, assessed and placed in isolation. The risk of transmission in the community is considered low." The CISSS has previously reminded the population of the importance of respecting the privacy of anyone confirmed of having COVID-19, giving them support, and to not have any community discrimination. DO YOU HAVE THE COVID ALERT APP YET? Did you know that your smart phone can help limit the spread of COVID-19? The COVID Alert app will let you know if you’ve been in contact with someone who also used the app and later tested positive. COVID Alert doesn’t collect any personally identifiable information. No one will know who you are or where you’ve been. Using the app is one more thing we can all do together to limit the spread of COVID-19. Protect yourself, and protect your community. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 18, 2020 - One new case of COVID-19 has just been confirmed for the LNS The CISSS de la Côte-Nord updated their website today at 11:00am Quebec time with covid information for the territory from santé publique. At that time, there was 5 new cases announced today for the North Shore, 1 in the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore), and 4 in the MRC of Manicouagan. Keep in mind that there may be little information given about the new case on the Lower North Shore today, as the CISSS de la Côte-Nord previously mentioned privacy in their press conferences since the 1st confirmed case was announced on the Lower North Shore back in November. The CISSS reminded the population at that time of the importance of respecting the privacy of anyone confirmed of having COVID-19, giving them support, and to not have any community discrimination. In total to date, there have been 256 confirmed cases on the North Shore region since the beginning of the pandemic, with 215 cases having been cured, leaving 38 cases now active in the territory, 1 hospitalization at this time on the North Shore, and 3 deaths on the North Shore due to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. Specifically, today's announcement brings the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore) covid case total to 3 since the beginning of the pandemic. The North Shore territory is now at ALERT LEVEL 3 in orange, which is the moderate alert level. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
CFBS photo taken in November at the Blanc-Sablon/L'anse au Clair border check point LOCAL NEWS – DECEMBER 17, 2020: Will there be changes made to the Labrador border entry requirements? CFBS was contacted this afternoon by some concerned citizens asking to clarify rumours that there would be changes taking place tonight at the border checkpoint for Blanc-Sablon/L'anse au Clair border. These rumours seem to stem from concerns that changes may take place following the Quebec government's decision to have the North Shore territory enter an orange zone alert level, despite the low case numbers, as this change signals more measures within the region that target specific sectors of activity and settings where the risk of transmission is deemed higher. The sectors and settings in orange zones are subject to selective restrictions, prohibitions and closures. At this time, the goal of moving all of the provinces yellow zones to orange, and orange zones to red, is for prevention to curb the spread of the virus. The border check point at Blanc-Sablon/L'anse au Clair border was re-instated on November 26 by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The entry point for Southern Labrador border is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture officials. The purpose is to monitor traffic at the border. In an email exchange between CFBS and Newfoundland and Labrador's Premier, Andrew Furey's office back in November, it was stated that the decision at that time to re-instate the check point was based on information the government had received from Quebec Public Health. CFBS was speaking this afternoon with Chad Letto, the Mayor of L'anse au Clair and Chair Person for the Combined Councils of Labrador. Mr. Letto said that he did have a conversation with Lisa Powell-Dempster, MHA for Cartwright/L'Anse au Clair at the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, about if there may be any possible border changes for L'anse au Clair/Blanc-Sablon following the alert level changes happening on the Quebec side. During this conversation, she confirmed that Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, the chief medical officer of health for Newfoundland and Labrador, has said that there will be no border changes for the Blanc-Sablon/L'anse au Clair border at this time from their government. Speaking as well this afternoon with Wanda Beaudoin, Mayor of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon, she stated that she is not aware of any changes being made to the Blanc-Sablon border at this time from the Quebec government. Important to note however, is that all details for the region with the new orange zone restrictions have not yet been made clear. More directives from Public Health may be given to the region in the next days regarding the new alert level. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine, and Mr. Dave Charlton, Regional Chief Pharmacist. LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 16, 2020: NORTH SHORE – CISSS PRESS BRIEF COVERAGE 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 led by Mr. Claude Lévesque, interim president and CEO of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine, and Mr. Dave Charlton, Regional Chief Pharmacist. The North Shore territory will move into an orange alert level 3 tonight at midnight tonight for the period of time between Dec. 17 and Jan. 11, as the province's yellow zones will be upgraded to orange and orange zones to red — which is the highest alert level. Travel restrictions will apply within an orange zone, schools will be closed from Dec. 17th to Jan. 11th, multiple stores will be closed starting on December 25th, and telework is also recommended for office workers whose employer does not require their presence in office. Regarding the travel restrictions, for the Lower North Shore and the other isolated regions such as Minganie and Caniapiscau, the entry protocol will now apply the same as the rest of Quebec. All visitors to the region will have to undergo a screening test upon arrival and undergo isolation. This rule will not apply for travel within the region. The following orange alert level 3 information was taken from the Government of Quebec website, which can be found at www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/progressive-regional-alert-and-intervention-system/level-3-alert-orange/:
The CISSS de la is also actively preparing for the COVID vaccination campaign on the North Shore, stating that they want to be prepared to administer the vaccine to the population as soon as it is received, expecting approval in the coming days. The CISSS de la Côte-Nord would like to remind the population that a telephone consultation service is available at all times. A qualified nurse or a social counsellor will answer the calls 7 days a week / 24 hours a day, through the Info Health/Info-Social programs, by simply dialing 8-1-1. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Map of the Lower North Shore QC., photo from lowernorthshore.ca LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 14, 2020 - Construction on the Route 138 will commence on the LNS this spring The federal government announced this afternoon that it will finance the construction of two new sections of Route 138, Kegaska to La Romaine and Tête-à-la-Baleine to La Tabatière, totaling an investment of $185 million for the region's infrastructure with those two projects. Quebec's portion of the cost has not yet been determined and will be announced later when all of the final details are outlined. This major news for the Lower North Shore region was announced this afternoon from Ottawa by the honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities) and the honourable Jonatan Julien, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region (on behalf of François Bonnardel, Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region). In attendance for the announcement by zoom were also local elected officials and administrators of the Basse-Côte-Nord Region; Randy Jones, Warden of the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent and Mayor of Gros Mecatina, Chief Bryan Mark of Unamen Shipu, and Chief Mike McKenzie of Uashat-Maliotenam. "The federal government can build bridges, the province will build roads, and we'll get this country hooked up from one end to the other," said Minister Joly, quoting Warden Randy Jones' previous statement regarding the need to connect the country through the Route 138. Quebec has already launched a call for tenders for a soil study earlier this fall to develop two other sections of road, one between La Romaine and Tête-à-la-Baleine, as well as another between La Tabatière and Old Fort. These sections (approx. 300 km), would complete the Route 138 connection of the Lower North Shore to the rest of the province, a long awaited connection by the population of the region. To quote Warden Randy Jones excitement during the announcement, "YAHOOOOOO!" will be a reaction across the Lower North Shore region today. Mr. Jones expressed his thanks to the federal government on behalf of the population and also to Chief McKenzie and Chief Mark for their collaboration in lobbying the government for the continuation of route 138. CFBS asked Minister Julien if all should go as planned for the timeline completion of the Route 138 connecting the Lower North Shore to the rest of the province, if there was an estimate for how many years the completion of the project would take. Minister Julien said that they will have a clearer picture once the work begins this coming spring in the two portions mentioned, Kegaska to La Romaine and Tête-à-la-Baleine to La Tabatière. At that time they will have more of an idea, especially after the info is obtained from the soil studies being carried out in the other areas of the Lower North Shore where there will be work on connecting the Route 138. FINISHING THE ROUTE 138, FROM WEST TO EAST - Kegaska to La Romaine: Approximately 50 km, CONFIRMED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - La Romaine to Tête-à-la-Baleine: Approximately 200 km, SOIL STUDIES BEING CARRIED OUT - Tête-à-la-Baleine to La Tabatière: Approximately 30 km, CONFIRMED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - La Tabatière to Old Fort: Approximately 100 km, SOIL STUDIES BEING CARRIED OUT Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist Watch the live feed of the Infrastructure announcement here:  LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 11, 2020 - Epidemiological Investigation Underway of 2nd Confirmed Case of COVID-19 on the LNS
The CISSS de la Côte-Nord updated their website today at 11:00am Quebec time with covid information for the territory from santé publique. At that time, there was 1 new case announced today in the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore). As well, there were also 8 other cases announced on the North Shore, bringing today's total to 9 new cases for the whole territory. Speaking by email this afternoon with Pascal Paradis, Communications Advisor of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, the following update was given by Mr. Paradis: "There is a COVID-19 case on the Lower North Shore. The person followed the recommendations of the entry management protocol. The epidemiological investigation is underway. The person is in isolation." Keep in mind that this may be the only information given about the new case on the Lower North Shore today, as the CISSS de la Côte-Nord previously mentioned privacy in their press conferences since the 1st confirmed case was announced on the Lower North Shore back in November. The CISSS reminded the population at that time of the importance of respecting the privacy of anyone confirmed of having COVID-19, giving them support, and to not have any community discrimination. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 11, 2020 - The Second Case of COVID-19 Has Just Been Confirmed on the LNS The CISSS de la Côte-Nord updated their website today at 11:00am Quebec time with covid information for the territory from santé publique. At that time, there was 9 new cases announced today for the North Shore, 1 in the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore), 2 in the MRC Haute-Côte-Nord, 3 in the MRC of Manicouagan, and 3 in the MRC Sept-Rivières. At this time, there may be little to no details given about the new case on the Lower North Shore, as the CISSS de la Côte-Nord previously mentioned privacy in their press conferences since the 1st confirmed case was announced on the Lower North Shore back in November. The CISSS reminded the population at that time of the importance of respecting the privacy of anyone confirmed of having COVID-19, giving them support, and to not have any community discrimination. In total to date, there have been 227 confirmed cases on the North Shore region since the beginning of the pandemic, with 209 cases having been cured, leaving 16 cases now active in the territory, 0 hospitalizations at this time, and 2 deaths on the North Shore due to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. The North Shore territory remains at ALERT LEVEL 2 in yellow, which is the early warning stage. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 11, 2020 - Local SQ officers spreading awareness during the 2nd wave of COVID-19 pandemic CFBS was made aware this week that local Sûreté du Québec officers were present at the airport in Blanc-Sablon and the federal wharf speaking with passengers entering the region from the province's "red zones." Speaking by email with Denis Chartier, head of the local Sûreté du Québec in Blanc-Sablon, he provided this information on the new request given to the SQ: "So, shortly, no changes about the mandate as SQ officers. We only answer a request from the “Comité de Sécurité Publique” (CSP) of the MRC about the rising of this 2nd wave of the pandemic and incoming people from “red zones” … in fact nearly all of the Province of Quebec at this time is tagged “red” actually and we will expect some students, workers, travelers who will coming back to LNS with Xmas holidays coming. In fact, SQ officer’s will try to be present at airport and wharf to inform and sensitize travelers about the strict recommendations of Public Health when they get in LNS. It’s an answer from a concerns addressed from our MRC to the SQ. The objective is to prevent any contamination of the LNS. It’s an emphasis of Regional Public Health Director recommendations in this critical period of residents/students/workers coming back home - and in their family." - Denis Chartier, head of the local Sûreté du Québec in Blanc-Sablon Mentioned last Friday at the CISSS de la Côte-Nord press briefing, Public health is asking all visitors from outside of the region to isolate themselves for a period of 7 days upon their arrival on the North Shore and to take a screening test on the first, and seventh day, if they are entering the Lower North Shore, Minganie, or Caniapiscau. Hosts of the visitors should also isolate themselves. As well, the new measures announced by the CISSS de la Côte-Nord last Friday will now allow visitors to isolate themselves part-time for work purposes. The CISSS confirms that it will be possible for a visitor to go to work as soon as they arrive on the Lower North Shore, or elsewhere on the territory of the North Shore, provided that they respect "social distancing" and the health rules of the workplace. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 1, 2020 - Winter tires are due in Quebec today
Owners of motorized road vehicles registered in Quebec must be equipped with winter tires as of today, December 1st. This mandatory winter tire installation date, notably allows better adaptation to changing and unpredictable weather conditions and provides greater safety for road users. When temperatures drop below 7°C, all-season tires begin to lose elasticity, which results in reduced traction and inferior control and braking abilities. Winter tires, however, retain their elasticity at temperatures well below 7°C. This obligation applies to any motorized road vehicle registered in Quebec other than a heavy vehicle, a tool vehicle or an agricultural machine. It also applies to any rental vehicle regardless of its place of registration. The owners, like the lessors of these vehicles, must comply with the obligation for the period from December 1, 2020 to March 15, 2021. Anyone who contravenes the regulations would commit an offense and would be liable to a fine ranging from $ 200 to $ 300. The Ministère des Transports also reminded drivers earlier this fall that when purchasing winter tires, consumers are advised to consult a specialist dealer to ensure they are choosing a quality product that meets their needs. Remember that a tire designed for winter driving is a tire on which the official pictogram, a logo showing a snowflake and a mountain, is affixed or a tire fitted with studs and used in accordance with the Regulation respecting the use of anti-skidding on the tires of certain road vehicles. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist |
CFBS LOCAL NEWSContact our journalist at Archives
March 2022
Categories |
||||||||||||||||||||||
RSS Feed
