Friday, Oct. 15th - The Ontario government is providing a new pathway for nursing education with the recent launch of St. Lawrence College’s new stand-alone four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Details were shared today in Kingston by Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, who was joined by Glenn Vollebregt, President and CEO of St. Lawrence College and Dr. Barb Le Blanc, St. Lawrence College’s Dean of Health and Wellness.

        "This is an important day for St. Lawrence College and for postsecondary education in Ontario," said Minister Dunlop. "By allowing colleges and universities to have stand-alone degrees our government is increasing choice and reducing barriers to access high-quality, local education for our students. I am delighted to see St. Lawrence College become one of the first colleges to offer a stand-alone nursing degree, independent of a university partner.”  

         “I want to welcome Cornwall campus’s first cohort of stand-alone nursing students. I am pleased our local students will once again have the opportunity to obtain their nursing degree here at home,” said Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “Graduates will be key to our government’s efforts to increase the number of health care staff as we put an end to hallway health care.”  

        The new program builds on Ontario’s recent changes allowing both publicly-assisted colleges and universities to offer a baccalaureate degree in nursing to increase opportunities for students to access a high-quality education. This includes stand-alone Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs offered at universities, colleges, and through collaborative university-college partnerships. St. Lawrence College welcomed the first cohort of new nursing students in September 2021.  

        “Ontario’s nurses go above and beyond to provide exceptional care to patients, and we are grateful for their continued efforts throughout the pandemic,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “St. Lawrence College’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program will provide students with more choices for nursing education, further strengthening our health care workforce as more Ontarians pursue this important career.”

        “I want to thank the province for this investment in nursing education and for recognizing the caliber of college nursing programs and faculty,” said Glenn Vollebregt, St. Lawrence College President, adding,  “The ability to grant our own nursing degree brings an important credential to regions where St. Lawrence College is located, and this funding will help us train more nursing professionals at a time when the need is high.”

Friday, Oct. 15th - The Ontario government is investing $6 million in a campaign to help support the recovery of the local tourism sector.  The campaign, designed by Destination Ontario,  an agency of the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, encourages Ontarians to safely rediscover the diversity of attractions and experiences that demonstrate Ontario offers the world in one province.

        “Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry is home to many tourism attractions, offerings and experiences which provide important contributions to our communities, creating local jobs and boosting the local economy,” said Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “That’s why this new marketing campaign is so important – it reminds us that there is an incredible community right outside our doorstep that we can safely explore and reconnect with.”

         The new fall campaign, running from October 4 to November 14, 2021, is the second of three 2021-22 campaigns launched in cinema and on radio, digital, print and social media. The campaign promotes tourism activities in Ontario this fall and includes links to itineraries, articles and points of interest. 

        “This campaign is a compelling reminder of our province’s rich and unique tourism offerings and will give a much-needed boost to a sector that has been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “With its diverse experiences, natural beauty, vibrant arts and cultural scene and international cuisine, Ontario truly is the world in one province. I encourage everyone to plan their fall and winter getaways safely, adhering to COVID-19 protocols and take advantage of the abundant local travel possibilities and rediscover the world of Ontario.”

        Brendon CHARBONNEAU, age 20, Navan, Ontario was arrested and is charged with:

  •  Criminal Code 320.17 - Flight from peace officer

  •  CC 354(1)(a) - Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

  •  CC 267(a) - Assault with a weapon - two counts

  •  CC 334(b) - Theft under $5000

  •  CC 320.13(1) - Dangerous operation

  •  CC 145(5)(a) - Fail to comply with release order

  •  CC 733.1(1) - Fail to comply with probation order - six counts

  •  Highway Traffic Act - Drive - No licence - two counts

  •  HTA - 12(1)(d) - Use plates not authorized - two counts

        The accused was held in custody and scheduled to appear at Ontario court of justice in Cornwall on Oct. 14th, 2021.

        The investigating SD&G OPP made note of witnesses at the scene and wish to send out a heartfelt thank you to the many residents of Carraway Crescent in Morrisburg following this incident. According to an OPP spokesperson, 'The genuine concern and care shown to the officers at the location did not go unnoticed. They were truly empathetic to the officers and their thoughtfulness, assistance, and dedication to betterment of their neighbourhood is a hallmark of community support.' 

        Anyone with information on the above incidents or any crime is asked to call SD&G OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or submit a TIP online at www.seawayvalleycrimestoppers.ca

                          Compiled from the desk of MPP Jim McDonell 

Friday, Oct. 15th - Our province-wide success at reducing the number of COVID-19 cases while increasing vaccination rates allows the Ontario Government to take the cautious, measured steps required to reopen Ontario. There is no defined path laid out to successfully reach the desired outcome of any open economy, with reasonable and acceptable health impacts. Our Chief Medical Officer of Health, along with our expert panel, reviews data from around the globe to evaluate the results of various options taken, including action plans that lift capacity limits in select indoor and outdoor settings. As a result, our Government now allows more fully vaccinated Ontario residents to enjoy indoor sporting and entertainment activities, such as cinemas, concerts, and professional sporting events. We continue to maintain capacity limits in restaurants and gyms where face coverings need to be removed, and physical distancing is hard to maintain. As vaccination rates slowly increase, we will look to open additional venues while closely monitoring any changes in active cases and the impact on our health facilities. We are trying to avoid the negative results inflicted on many jurisdictions that attempted to reopen too quickly, only to have to return to tighter measures to bring the pandemic under control. Data around the world clearly shows that it is a difficult balancing act between relaxing restrictions and containing the resulting health impacts to a manageable level that our limited health care system can accommodate. 

       Upper Canada Playhouse opened its doors on Tuesday, Sept. 7th for the first time in 20 months and audiences embraced it enthusiastically. The first show of their Fall Season, Johnny & June, sold out and their second show, the new Norm Foster comedy "Old Love", is already filling up its 5 ½ week run, Thursday, Sept. 23rd thru  Saturday, Oct. 30th. Sales are so brisk that The Playhouse has added nine additional performances to the show.

        "Our re-opening has been amazing," points out Artistic Director Donnie Bowes. "Not only have people been enjoying the shows, but they’ve also expressed their appreciation for all the COVID protocols we’ve put in place and how safe they feel attending our live shows again."

        The theatre has now shifted gears from a Johnny Cash concert to a comedy from Canada’s favourite playwright. Old Love is the story of one man’s obsession. For 25 years, Bud has loved Molly from afar. Molly, too, has been waiting but she just doesn’t know it. Now he’s recently divorced and she’s newly-widowed. At her husband’s funeral, Bud sees his chance to win her at last and emerges to pay his respects, leading to a re-awakening of forgotten emotions. It’s a story of romance, courtship and relationships between older adults.

        Filled with humour and heart, this sparkling Foster comedy is driven by hilarious situations, witty dialogue and unforgettable characters and poses the age-old question about whether or not it’s ever too late to start again. Directed by Jesse Collins, the play stars Melanie Janzen and Brian Young who, in addition to playing Molly and Bud, also bring a variety of the play’s other characters to life.

        Collins, who has directed a host of Playhouse hits such as The Ladies Foursome, Halfway There and The Affections of May, is an Emmy-nominated director with decades of directing and acting experience in stage, tv and film. Janzen is a veteran performer with extensive stage credits from the Stratford and Shaw Festivals to the North American tour of the musical Showboat. She has also appeared in such Playhouse productions as Wife Begins at Forty, Here on the Flightpath, There Goes The Bride and Halfway There. Young is also no stranger to Playhouse audiences from his performances in such hit shows as Boeing, Boeing, The Affections of May, Miracle on 34th Street and Last of the Red Hot Lovers. 

        Old Love plays till Saturday,  Oct. 30th, with matinee and evening performances Tuesday through Sunday. The season continues into November with Sweet Dreams: The Music of Patsy Cline and Lucien in Trumpland and concludes in December with the new Leisa Way concert Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree.

         Due to social distancing a limited number of seats are available by contacting the

Box Office at 613-543-3713 or 1-877-550-3650.

        Contact Upper Canada Playhouse @ https://uppercanadaplayhouse.com for more details . . .

        The Municipality of South Dundas has announced the third annual Awards of Excellence Program. Nominations for the awards will open on September 9, 2021 with a deadline for entry of September 30, 2021. The award winners will be selected and announced later this year. 

        The Municipality of South Dundas Awards of Excellence recognize and celebrate growth and success in the Municipality. These Awards shine a spotlight on success stories of local businesses and individuals who are contributing to the growth of the South Dundas community. 

        The eight award categories include: Agricultural Leadership Award, Business of the Year Award, Community Builder Award, Green Award, Innovation Award, New Business Award, Tourism Award and Young Professional Award. Nomination forms and more information can be found on the Municipality’s website. 

        Everyone is encouraged to nominate a business, organization or individual who they feel is deserving of this recognition. Self-nominations will be accepted.