Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall
Weather forecast for Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Today – A mix of sun and cloud. 30 percent chance of showers this afternoon with risk of a thunderstorm. Fog patches dissipating this morning. High 28. Humidex 35. UV index 9 or very high.
Tonight – Partly cloudy. 30 percent chance of showers early this evening with risk of a thunderstorm. Fog patches developing overnight. Low 21.
There have been reports of fog in the area. Be safe out there.
Dense fog drive with care. Lights on and leave space between vehicles.
— OPP West (@OPP_WR) 11 July 2017
Fifth Street Bridge over Thames River in Chatham – Closure Reminder
The Fifth Street Bridge (over Thames River) is closed to all forms of traffic, including automobiles, pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians have been witnessed crossing the bridge by removing barricades and fencing to do so. There have also been damages to materials and equipment on the site.
In the interest of safety we ask that the public refrain from entering the site. Crossing the bridge, or entering the site when not authorized to do so is considered trespassing. Demolition work is set to continue in the next week with work proceeding on schedule.
Any damage to both equipment and materials, or injury resulting from trespassing may have unforeseen impacts on construction schedule.
No more hidden fees when booking a summer vacation
Ontario is seeking feedback on additional changes to the Travel Industry Act.
Vacations should be relaxing, and planning one should be too, government officials say.
Ontario has taken steps to help people make informed decisions when booking travel by increasing consumer protection and transparency.
As of January 1, 2017, Ontario travel agents and wholesalers are now required to display the total cost, including all taxes and fees, in any advertisements that include price of travel. Government officials say all-in pricing reduces confusion and prevents surprises for consumers who purchase travel services in the province, such as all-inclusive vacations.
“All-in-pricing provides transparency and reduces confusion for consumers in Ontario who are looking to book vacations,” stated Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Government and Consumer Services.
“Our government is committed to further strengthening consumer protection in the travel industry, that is why we are reviewing the Travel Industry Act and encourage people from across the province to participate in the consultations.”
To help further protect consumers buying travel services and reduce burden on businesses, the government is looking for feedback on possible additional changes to requirements for Ontario travel agents and wholesalers. To participate in the consultations visit ontario.ca/TravelActReview before July 24, 2017.
“We are very pleased to be working with the government on its comprehensive review of Ontario’s Travel Industry Act and Regulation,” stated Richard Smart, CEO & President, Travel Industry Council of Ontario.
“Along with the recent introduction of the all-in-pricing requirement, we are pleased with the prospect of further modernization to the legislation to enhance consumer protection in the province as well as lessen burden to business.”
Strengthening consumer protection is part of the governments plan to create jobs, grow the economy, and help people in their everyday lives.
More details:
– In 2016, up to 79 per cent of travel bookings were made online
– The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is the designated administrative authority that administers and enforces the Travel Industry Act requirements.
– Travel agents and wholesalers operating in Ontario must be registered under the Travel Industry Act
– More than 1,740 people and organizations have participated in the Travel Industry Act review to date
Photo of the day
As a teaching site for the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry (Western University), Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is pleased to announce the arrival of two new Family Medicine Residents.
Drs. Aaron Gross and Adam McDowall began their post-graduate medical training in early July. For the next two years, these residents will live in Chatham-Kent and gain experience with local physicians who provide support and direction to complete the hands-on portion of their medical training. The Chatham-Kent program offers the opportunity to learn and practice medicine in a more rural environment with a variety of learning opportunities in both inpatient and outpatient medicine.
Dr. Gross attended the University of Waterloo for Biomedical Sciences and completed his Doctor of Medicine at Western University. Originally from Blyth, Ontario, Dr. Gross is looking forward to joining the community of Chatham-Kent and practicing medicine within a community setting.
“I’m excited to continue my medical training, join the community of Chatham-Kent, and having a chance to care for patients in many different settings over the next 2 years. I really appreciate the warm welcome I have received already,” said Dr. Gross.
Dr. McDowall grew up in Belle River, Ontario and obtained a Bachelor of Health Sciences from McMaster University and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Toronto. Dr. McDowall expressed his excitement upon joining CKHA.
“I am thrilled to start my Family Medicine Residency in Chatham-Kent! I have continuously heard wonderful praise for the staff and atmosphere at CKHA and from day one everyone has been so welcoming and friendly in the local community. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to start the next chapter of my medical career here in Chatham-Kent,” said Dr. McDowall.
Drs. Gross and McDowall join second-year Family Medicine Residents, Drs. Narisa Duboff, Kristin McCulloch, Cara McMahon, Shawn Segeren, Sarah Sikkema, Travis Trudeau and fellow first-year Resident Hina Jhawer, who will begin her second year of Residency in the fall.
World news
At least 16 dead in US military plane crash
10,000 people are under evacuation orders due to B.C. wildfires
Report: Trump Jr. knew Russian government was behind anti-Clinton info
Emmanuel Macron faces heat for G20 comments about Africa
A holy river succumbs to pollution
Camper survives after waking up to a bear ‘crunching’ on his skull
These solar eclipse graphics are gorgeous and fascinating
People are using drones to smuggle things into prisons
If you have a suggestion, story idea, column idea, or if you want to say hello… drop me an e-mail at aaron@sydenhamcurrent.ca.
