Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here are a few stories to start your day on this Saturday morning.
Sudbury police ID woman found dead in wooded area
Greater Sudbury Police have released the name of a 40-year-old woman who was found dead in a wooded area close to McNeill Boulevard Nov. 8. Carol Fournier’s death is being investigated as a homicide. Police say she died as a result of blunt-force injuries. “Our deepest condolences go out to Carol’s family and friends,” said a press release from police. “We ask that you respect their privacy during this difficult and emotional time.” Carol was seen on video surveillance footage, walking alone, on Beatty Street around 12:45 p.m. on Nov. 8.
Revealing hidden stories on this Remembrance Day
Every year, Remembrance Day provides an occasion to honour the veterans who paid the ultimate price in defending our freedom. In every Canadian school, students learn about the consequences of military conflicts on society while discovering the stories of remarkable soldiers, both men and women, including those whose names are engraved in our collective memory. While our approach to teaching history highlights these sometimes well-known contributions, it may occasionally leave other soldiers in the shadows. “Forgotten Warriors”, “Unwanted Soldiers” and “And We Knew How to Dance: Women in World War I” are three National Film Board documentaries that can contribute to discussions about people who are sometimes neglected on Nov. 11. I thought I would start by talking about the issues surrounding history teaching. History is a subject that helps shape a collective identity. As a result, there have always been many political debates about how to approach the pedagogy of history. What should we teach, and how? Who deserves a place in our textbooks? This is one of the reasons I’m fascinated by and passionate about this subject. It’s controversial and constantly evolving. History is a living thing!
City ‘breached its duties as employer,’ Supreme Court rules
The City of Greater Sudbury was liable as an employer in the 2015 death of a pedestrian at the site of a water main improvement project. The Supreme Court of Canada upheld this finding in today’s split decision by dismissing an appeal filed by the City of Greater Sudbury. Justice Sheilah Martin’s ruling concluded, “The City was liable as an employer for breaching its obligations under section 25(1)(c) of the Act.” The “act” in question is the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and 25(1)(c) stipulates that the employer, “Shall ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed are carried out in the workplace.” Interpaving Ltd. was previously tried and convicted for breaching this same section of the act.
The Soapbox: Remembering the war effort of the humble pigeon
Pigeons, often misunderstood and underappreciated, have played a significant role in various aspects of human history. Despite their negative reputation in urban environments, it is important to acknowledge and respect pigeons for their remarkable contributions, particularly during Canadian war efforts where they served as messengers, saving countless lives. This article delves into the rich history of pigeons and sheds light on their often-overlooked heroism. The history of pigeons dates back thousands of years. Originating from wild rock doves, humans have domesticated pigeons since ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans times. They were recognized for their intelligence and used as messengers, symbols of peace, and even as sporting birds. The pigeons we see in North America today, originated oversees and were brought across domesticated. During the First World War and the Second World War, pigeons played a vital role in military communications. Their exceptional homing instincts and navigational abilities made them invaluable messengers when other means of communication were compromised. Pigeons were extensively used by the Canadian/British/American military as a reliable method to transmit critical information across enemy lines and difficult terrains.
Astronaut now hangs out of helicopters for bird photography
Canadian astronaut and photographer Dr. Roberta Bondar doesn’t mind doing some kind-of-crazy things in pursuit of wildlife photography. That includes hanging out of helicopters to get her desired shot. “It is not for the faint of heart,” Bondar said, speaking at a Nov. 10 press conference, launching a photography exhibit of her work at Science North. “Probably if I didn't have such a keen desire to communicate science in an intriguing way, and try to have art enfolded with it, I probably wouldn’t have taken all those risks. But hey, when you get to be my age, you kind of want to have a few things to brag about. A lot of adventures, every image has a story.” The 77-year-old Bondar is best known as Canada’s first female astronaut after her 1992 space shuttle flight, but she also has a passion for wildlife photography. Sudburians are able to see her photography exhibit “Patterns & Parallels: The Great Imperative,” free of charge in Science North’s lobby during business hours until Jan. 7, 2024.
Feds ready to step in to try and save Thornloe Cheese
A spokesperson for the minister responsible for FedNor, MP Patty Hajdu, says the government will look at putting up money to save the iconic business. “This is a heartbreaking decision that will impact dozens of families in our region," Director of Communications Simon Ross told BayToday. "We sincerely hope Gay Lea Foods will reconsider its decision and make the investments necessary to keep the facility working. The Government of Canada, through FedNor, stands ready to support the upgrades if the company chooses to do so. We have been here in the past with over $600,000 of investments to support the business, including for facility upgrades, and we are ready to continue.” A committee to save Thornloe has already had one meeting with Gay Lea representatives says Mike Langdon, a vice president of Gay Lea Foods Co-operative.
