Here are five stories to know today, with the focus first on Cornwall, SDG&A and Akwesasne, then on border job opportunities for Akwesasró:non and a federal extension of home care and mental health funding.
Walton Street death now a homicide investigation, Cornwall police say
Cornwall police are now treating the death of a 52-year-old Cornwall woman as a homicide, the Cornwall Police Service said on October 14. Officers were called early on Monday, October 12, after Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services asked for police help in the 500 block of Walton Street, where the woman was pronounced dead. Police say detectives are looking into the circumstances and reviewing available video surveillance footage, and residents can expect a larger police presence in the area while the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call D/Cst. Pilon at 613-933-5000, ext. 2766, or to leave an anonymous tip with Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Police say they will share more details as they become available. Sources: Cornwall Police Service and Cornwall Seaway News.
City won’t appeal ruling that kept Sarah Good on the mayoral ballot
The City of Cornwall will not appeal the court decision that left Councillor Sarah Good on the ballot for mayor, Wayne Meagher, the City’s director of legal and legislative services, confirmed to Cornwall Seaway News. In her October 2 ruling, Ontario Superior Court Justice Julie Bergeron dismissed the City’s application on jurisdictional grounds, and Seaway News reports her reasons expressly did not decide whether Good had to file an auditor’s report for her 2022 campaign. Good, who represented herself, said she prepared her filing with advice from the clerk at the time and was never told of any default. Incumbent Mayor Justin Towndale, who raised the issue with the clerk in August, said he agreed with the dismissal and stated, “I did not file a complaint.” With online voting already underway since October 12, the decision means Good remains a certified candidate for mayor. Source: Cornwall Seaway News.
Cornwall tourism board mourns vice-chair Dale Allen
Dale Allen, vice-chair of the Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall, died on October 9 after a difficult illness, the corporation announced through the City of Cornwall. Allen had served on the board in several roles since 2020, including as its chair. Board Chair Karen Torrie-Racine described him as a respected colleague and “a very dear friend.” The corporation was set up by the City in 2019 as an arm’s-length body that manages Municipal Accommodation Tax revenue from tourist stays in Cornwall and uses it to fund tourism projects. It says it has put more than $2 million into tourism development since it was founded. Sources: City of Cornwall and Cornwall Newswatch.
CBSA recruitment tour for Akwesasró:non set for October 28
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is encouraging community members to join a Canada Border Services Agency recruitment tour on Wednesday, October 28, starting at 8 a.m. at the Cornwall Port of Entry. Participants will also visit the CBSA College in Rigaud, Quebec, to learn about careers with the agency. Applicants must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or an accepted equivalent, and hold an unrestricted driver’s licence, and the council notes that French is not required. Registration closes Wednesday, October 21. The council says it supports the effort through its role in the CBSA Border Collaborative Initiative, as part of a push for more Akwesasró:non employed and represented at the agency. Source: Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.
Ottawa extends $1.2 billion for home care, mental health and addictions
The federal government plans to extend funding to provinces and territories for mental health, addictions and home care for one more year, at a cost of $1.2 billion, according to The Canadian Press. Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced the extension on social media on October 14, as the existing funding had been set to expire next year. Provincial health ministers had warned of “profound and negative” effects on patients and health care jobs if the agreements were not renewed. Provincial and territorial health ministers are meeting in Winnipeg this week, with Michel scheduled to co-chair Friday’s session, and the federal budget is expected later this fall. For Cornwall and SDG families who rely on home care or mental health and addictions services, the extension keeps this federal support in place for another year. Sources: The Canadian Press via CP24 and The Canadian Press via Medicine Hat News.
About the Author
