The record, 24 février 2012, vendredi 24 février 2012

The Townshipper of the Month project Daniel Coulombe - Page 6 - THE RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 Weekend edition Group says no to Bt toxin Page 3 95 CENTS + TAXES PM#0040007682 Friday, February 24, 2012 Saint-Romain murder trial postponed again The trial of Pascal Morin, the accused in the three murders in the small Estrie community of Saint-Romain earlier this month, has been postponed for another three weeks so that the psychiatric evaluation of the suspect can continue.The 35-year-old Morin first appeared in court on Monday, Feb.14, at which time both the crown prosecutor and defence lawyers agreed to postpone the trial until yesterday so that the suspect could undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The evaluation, taking place at the l'Hôtel Dieu location of the CHUS, was to be used to determine whether Morin was fit to stand trial, and if possible to determine his frame of mind at the time of the incident.The ten-day period did not prove to be enough time, however, and another postponement was requested and approved Thursday morning at the Sherbrooke courthouse.Morin’s trial will thus only begin on CONT’D ON PAGE 5 Winter not over just yet AL RASH BARBER ' • ^ - -^4 , 4 M f.Lennoxville resident Rose Pelletier is not a lady who would let a little snow come between her and a shopping trip.Pelletier, 84 is shown here clearing the Thursday morning snow off her car.Environment Canada forecasts 15 centimeters of snow today for the Townships and more snow for Saturday with mild temperatures for both days.The five day outlook is available on page 2 in today’s Record.IlfcSft SSiKgJS HmS mm Lewis TO REACH YOUR GOALS: RRSP OR TFSA?Talk to your Desjardins advisor or financial planner* about using RRSPs and TFSAs to help you with all your projects.RRSP-TFSA 1-800-CAISSES desjardins.com/RrspTfsa •Financial planners and mutual ‘und representatives work for Desiardinç cmanaai Services Firm b U Desjardins Cooperating in building the future Page 2 Friday, February 24, 2012 The Record e-edition There for you 24-hours-a-day 7-days-a-week Wherever you are Access the full edition of The Sherbrooke Record as well as special editions and archives.Add an online subscription to your print subscription for less than $2 a month, or purchase the online edition only tor $55.Record e-subscription rates 1 year print: $120.plus tax 1 year print and web: $140.plus tax 6 month print: $63.plus tax 6 month print & web: $75.plus tax 3 month print: $32.plus tax 3 month print & web: $40.plus tax 12 month web only: $55.plus tax 1 month web only: $4.99 plus tax Web subscribers have access to the daily Record as well as archives and special editions.Subscribing is as easy as 1,2,3 when you go to www.awsom.ca Click Subscribe.Choose newspaper.Complete form and wait for an email activating your online subscription.«* —» -'I- Weather I* or t ^r TODAY: CLOUDY ->.?SNOW, 15 CM * J HIGH OF 0 LOW OF-6 ¦O Z.'s ,?SATURDAY: SNOW 7jf -HIGH OF 0 'J' LOW OF-2 \ / SUNDAY: X/ SUNNY HIGH OF-3 LOW OF-12 MONDAY: RAIN LOW OF-11 TUESDAY: PERIODS OF SNOW HIGH OF XX LOW OF XX _ G _/l"T ~'>T G 'jT 7j7 _ *7 /Jr- _ r.'i' m, m* G G , ~'jT 'Ï* - -r G y )._ G , '¦J* / J #¦ ^ It fW 5g1*P ncwsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record Bishop’s University Student’s Representative Council.Tales from the Old Library ROBERT VITOLS The Old Library at Bishop's University.Hidden deep within the Bishop’s campus is a place where ancient knowledge lives on, and an eerie quiet whispers the proud legacy of Gaiters who came before.The ‘Old Library' can be found on the second floor of the McGreer building.The space is remarkable, with vaulted ceilings complemented by a beautiful south facing rose window, where sunlight pours in.Surprisingly though, this library was only used as a library from 1909 until 1958.After that it served many other purposes and at one point even suffered the indignity of a wall built down its centre.Thankfully for the Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1993 the library was returned to its former glory, hosting the Governor General of Canada at the time, who presented the University with its unique coat of arms, drafted by England’s College of Heralds.Speaking with Anna Grant, the University’s Archivist and Head of Special Collections truly illuminated the uniqueness of this place.The Old Library is mainly filled with the university’s Canadiana collection, resources on Canadian and Quebec history, and the largest part of the collection focusses on the Eastern Townships.The bulk of the ROBERT VITOLS A bust of Bishop Mountain, father of the founder of Bishop's University’s written history is kept here too.Like any campus library, the space is open for studying and research, however many students seem to miss the subtle, wood clad entrance between the schools records and business office.But, the library does not suffer from a lack of attention.It has played host to book launches, special lectures, fashion shoots and even a couple of Hollywood films.Grant recalls her curatorial instincts kicking in during the filming of ‘Lost and Delirious’, where she had to refrain from outburst while the film’s actors were stomping from table to table in what is generally a ‘quiet’ space.Although I came prepared for many-a-ghoulish tale from the library’s history.Grant insisted that nothing truly strange had happened here over the years.Yet with much probing, Anna divulged the library’s sole supernatural tale; that of the ghost of Principal McGreer.The winter of 1947 saw the sudden disappearance of the Principal and without hesitation classes were cancelled and students were sent out in search parties to find him.Until it was confirmed that Bishop’s longest serving principle had fallen accidentally in the Massawippi, the student populace was rife with tales of encounters with the spirit of Principal McGreer in the upper levels of the building.Grant is quick to point out she believes in no such thing, and admittedly it does sound like a tale of adolescent hysteria! The Old Library is open to everyone and invites you to relive the school history.Come in to explore your Eastern Townships genealogy or simply enjoy the tranquility! Aaron Ries is the Communications Manager with the Bishop’s University Student’s Representative Council.You can e-mail him at src@ubishops.ca Q1 12 22 Draw results: 2012-02-22 25 42 44 Next grand prize (approx ) : $ 11,000,000 04 08 12 m 22 m Efjtra 8032013 (SetcM/CACi) Don't miss the gala, February 26 at 7:00 p.m.on TVA Network.'nt ol discrepancy between this list and the official winning list ol Loto-Québec, the latter shall prevail ! Ben by Daniel Shelton IPBA.-LET'S GO OUT TO LUNCH! LUNCH?(FOUR SUOQtT?IS IX YOU T 1 KNCW PART) fl&IREWE ~ 'CMCV\T FOR ABOUT TWENTY DOLLARS.you put WMONEY IN MYRXKEX qPIPNTYOJ?MET; WHY WOUIPICO THATTCMON m HUNGRY! The'Record newsroôm@sherbrookérecord.com Friday, February 24, 201 2 Page 3 ^OCAL N EW “The references we oiferyou are scientific references that were published in journals with peer-review.” Environmental groups seek end to produce modified with Bt toxin Les AmiEs de la Terre de TEstrie says evidence points to Bt entering human bloodstream By Evan LePage Les AmiEs de la Terre de 1’Estrie, a local environmental organization, has just filed an official complaint with the provincial department of agriculture, fisheries and food (MAPAQ) in the hopes of stopping the production of all genetically modified organisms (GMOs) containing the Bt toxin, specifically corn, in Canada.Bt stands for bacillus thuringiensis, a soil-dwelling bacterium often used as a biological pesticide.When sprayed over the plants, Bt is a temporary and sporadic measure of protection against insects, as it destroys their intestinal walls; but when the genetic material is artificially transferred into the genome or DNA of plants, making them into transgenic products or GMOs, the plants will essentially produce their own insecticide for the duration of their lives.André Nault, president of Les AmiEs de la Terre de 1’Estrie, explained that the organization filed the complaint based on 14 scientific studies that indicated that Bt can pass through the intestinal wall of humans and animals in addition to insects and possibly have a negative effect on health, despite producer and government claims to the contrary.“Our request for the withdrawal of transgenic Bt corn is scientifically well-founded,” Nault told a crowd of approximately 70 people gathered into the Tremplin 16-30 venue located on Wellington Street South for a press conference Thursday morning.“It is now time, as indicated in the scientific evidence we are presenting, to withdraw transgenic Bt corn from the market.The toxin produced by the transgenic process is present in the food chain and could pose risks that were never evaluated by our regulatory agencies.” “We hope that this complaint will bring caution to the introduction of new transgenic products in the country, and that the role of the protection of citizens will be taken into account in the evaluations and not the profit of companies,” Nault continued.The lack of regulation of these transgenic products was a theme reiterated throughout the press conference as an essential element of the complaint.Nault offered a brief history of the production of genetically modified produce in North America, pointing to the principle of substantial equivalence, the prin- ciple used by the Canadian food Inspection Agency to approve GMOs, as specifically problematic.“In 1992 they established the principle of substantial equivalence.The principle of substantial equivalence means that if we have a potato, it looks like a potato, we do chemical comparison and it has all the elements of a potato, it is a potato,” Nault explained.“So we put aside the differences, and it’s the differences that hurt people and not the similarities.” The issue of approval of these products was also picked up on by Laurier Busqué, former professor at the University of Ottawa and member of les AmiEs, who said that allowing the companies producing this modified produce to do their own research into its safety is unreliable.“file references we offer you are scientific references that were published in journals with peer-review.Contrarily, when they do the approval or homologation (of products), the research produced and submitted by the promoters and producers is not public, and we are far from assured that they are verified by peers,” he said.Busqué went through the five main arguments included in the complaint to MAPAQ by comparing the scientific studies they cited to the assertions made by the transgenic corn producers.“The first assertion is that Bt products do not cross the intestinal wall.The recent study by Dr.Aris, published in the Reproductive Toxicology Journal, clearly demonstrates that the Bt toxins cross the intestinal wall in humans because they were found in human blood,” Busqué stated, adding that the presence of Bt in human blood also disproves the as- sertion that the Bt toxins are all destroyed in the digestive tract.“As a biologist this worries me.(Bt) destroys the intestinal wall of the insects, that is the way to control their actions in regard to the plants.It is legitimate to ask if this also affects the intestinal walls of humans and whether it could affect our health in a significant way.” Many local groups were present at Thursday’s press conference, including Greenpeace Sherbrooke, Amnesty International and consumer protection organization the Cooperative Association of Family Savings of Es-trie.Additionally, Sherbrooke’s NDP MP Pierre-Luc Dusseault and Jean Rousseau, MP for Compton-Stanstead and assistant to the parliamentary critic on agriculture were present as well.Rousseau criticized the government for allowing the companies producing GMOs, rather than Health Canada or the Canada Food Inspection Agency, to verify the safety of these foods.“We are relying on the expertise of companies who want to sell this to producers,” he said.Consequently, Rousseau promised to bring the complaint directly to the agricultural committee he sits on to ensure it is the subject of consideration within the government.“The complaint today touches directly on the reliability and credibility of government organizations when it comes to protecting the health of people, when it comes to protecting the quality and healthiness of foods we will be putting on our plate,” he said.The Plan by /Investors J Group Invwtoni Orovp ftnanciai S«n*(c«« Inc Rnapctei 8«nteOT Rnn CLAUDE FAVREAU, B.B.A.Consultant Financial Security Advisor, Mutual Funds Representative Your partner of trust for 15 years 140 - 3425 King Street West, Sheibrooke, QC J1L1P8 Ph.(819) 566-0666 Ext.222 Toll Free (800) 569-4662 Fax (819) 822-1704 claude.favreau@investorsgroup.com Member of the Power Financial Corporation Group of Companies I VAN I.EPAGlt 'll André Nuult (left), president of Les AmiEs de hi Terre de TEstrie, Sylvie Bonin, general manager of the consumer defence organization the Estrie Cooperative Association of Family Savings, and Compton-Stanstead MP Jean Rousseau were among the speakers to address the issue of regulation of corn and other produce modified with the Bt toxin in Canada.Restaurant la Vieille Gare de Richmond BREAKFAST • SPECIAL OF THE DAY .PROMOS • TABLE D'HÔTE «P* U Wit | NEW OPENING HOURS Monday to Wednesday: 6 a.m.-2 p.m.Thursday: 6 a.m.-8 p.m.Friday & Saturday: 6 a m.9 p.m.Sunday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.739 PRINCIPALE NORTH, RICHMOND 819 826-6655 CD* "Wish Luau" “TV Benefit Dance for ftlusic Fest 2012 - Chiïçlren’s Wish Foundation * # 1 Saturday, February 25 9 p.m.to midnight at the A.N.A.F.Unit #318 The Hut” 300 St.Francis, Lennoxville Featuring music by Night Train ^ with Brian Curtis, Sam Evans, Wendell Pehlemann, Philip Patton, Francine Hamel and Peter Mackey ___^ Tickets: $6.00 available at the door or in advance T , “Pick A Prize” Auction We are starting early this year, so please c&ffte dut and help us grant a local child their Wish this year! * " ,i .www.themusicfest.org Page 4 Friday, February 24, 2012 UdeS, student orgs.settle on $ 100 reimbursement newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record The Université de Sherbrooke and its two biggest student organizations have settled on a $100 average reimbursement for full-time students who saw services reduced or completely stopped last fall as a result of the labour conflict between the school and its union of support staff, SEESUS.The UdeS Federation of Students (FEUS) and the Grouping of masters, diploma and doctorate students (REMDUS) announced Wednesday that members of both their associations voted to approve the agreement in principle they had reached with the university administration.Student members of the FEUS and REMDUS voted in favour of the $100 sum, as advised by the councils of the two organizations, during general assemblies held on Sunday and Wednesday respectively.It was revealed this month that the first negotiations between the student organizations and the administration had not gone well, and that there was a substantial distance between the first offer from the school and what the student union was expecting.The FEUS even surveyed over 5,500 of its members online and said that their members expected far more than the administration had put on the table.Perhaps in part due to the survey however, a second negotiating session held on Feb.15 brought the two sides closer together and an agreement in principle, now an approved agreement, was formed.The $100 sum is only an average figure for full-time students, since the amount students pay for services, like sports or health services on campus, differs based on the number of credits they are taking in any given session.It was revealed that part of the reimbursement will also be put towards the Force Foundation, which supports young people in difficult financial situations.Viaduct work postponed until after winter Carnival The City of Sherbrooke has decided to push back the construction work on the viaduct on Frontenac Street in light of the many activities taking place downtown in the first week of March for the annual winter carnival.It was announced on Tuesday that work to reinforce the viaduct would begin on Feb.27 and run until approximately Apr.8.Upon reflection however, the city sent out a press release Thursday stating that in light of the many carnival activities downtown that will take place between Mar.2 and 4, they decided to push the beginning until after the event.“The City wanted to ensure, notably, that Wellington Street North and the de la Grenouil- lère parking lot remain accessible to the public for the special events organized by downtown merchants as well as for the presentation of fireworks on Saturday evening, Mar.3,” reads the release.The construction work, which will come at a cost of approximately $460,000, will force the closure of Frontenac Street between the parking lot and des Grandes-Fourches Street.The city says it is currently taking the necessary measures to determine a new calendar to accommodate the required six weeks of construction, though the dates have not yet been determined.Proposed Compton multi-use centre generating debate In a statement released by a committee of those in favour of the new building project that would be built in Compton, citizens have been showing their full support over the upcoming project for a new multi-use building.The Coalition of Compton have issued a statement in favour of the multipurpose centre in the week before the referendum scheduled for Feb.26.So far three public meetings have been held.Despite the goodwill expressed throughout the campaign, citizens in favour of the project have had to respond to false accusations and personal attacks launched in social media by individuals claiming to be voting against the launch of the project.Anonymous letters have also been posted to attempt to cast doubt on the integrity of those elected and cause confusion within the community according to the press release issued Thursday.“Recognized professionals have sketched plans, independent experts have validated the data and the Quebec Government has endorsed the project” said Gaétan Couture, Chairman of the Coalition and local development engineer.“This would be a chance for Compton to have an administrative centre, community outreach, public library that can accommodate books and computer equipment as well as a centre for emergency measures.This is an opportunity that should not be taken lightly.Compton is becoming a centre for major attractions, and this opportunity is one that could boost the public persona of Compton itself” concluded Couture.Magog job breakfast a hit On Tuesday, February 28,2012, YES, in partnership with Townshippers’ Association, is providing its Professional Entrepreneurship Services in Knowlton & Lennoxville.I FREE ENTREPRENEURSHIP WORKSHOPS Jump-Start Your Business / Grants & Loans Orientation Session, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: CIDI Radio-Communautaire Missisquoi, 305 Knowlton Rd, Knowlton k FREE ONE-ON-ONE BUSINESS COACHING SESSIONS From 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM (By appointment only) • Drop-in from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location.Townshippers’Association, 257 Queen Street, Sherbrooke (Lennoxville) Also, take advantage of YES’ Free Online Business Coaching Sessions from wherever you connect to the internet.^ Guidance in researching and |> Expanding your product line evaluating your business ideas and customer base ?Answers to your business questions / Knowledge on importing and exporting ?Financing options and resources ^ Succession planning and much more.To make an appointment with a business coach, contact Leann Brown at 1-888-614-9788 ext 316 • lbrown@yesmontreal.ca or visit www.yesmontreal.ca for more details.Business Cwdiing 6 offered tree ol charge (wiffi a aie tune $20 file actuation fee).AvateWe by appointment only.Space is limited.Participants attending the Lenooxvile coaching sessions win have this fee waived, courtesy of the Townshippers' Association.Appropriate hardware and bandwidth capabilities are required for our online services.Services are provided m English.The first ever-English job seekers breakfast has been dubbed a success after close to 20 participants enjoyed a hearty meal, relaxed network building and informal information sessions earlier this month in Magog.Held at Princess Elizabeth Elementary School and organized by CEDEC and the Comité de Lutte à la Pauvreté, participants learned about services offered to job seekers in English in the Memphremagog area from guest speakers from JobLinks, New Horizons Adult Education Centre and the Pré-retour service from Carrefour jeunesse-emploi “The participation rate clearly demonstrates a true interest and confirms a need from the community to have better knowledge of the services available,” stated Josée-Mélanie Lupien, Interim Director at CEDEC’s Eastern Townships office who is delighted by the response.“There is no substitute for support and help from others in a similar situation.Perhaps starting a jobseekers club could be a next step.” Kicking off the month long Training and Job Prospects Month activities for Feb, the event promoted the importance of networking and making contact and taught how to better access employment, language skills and training opportunities.Activities will continue until Feb 29.To see the full program of events visit www.cjememphremagog.qc.ca Ski fans meet at Owl’s Head fuKUdby 1*1 SmnmSCmOm YtS b 4 netkrorçM ongarvwa- *** BSGB ToWKfHlp|>#r/ OOn Saturday, February 25 Owl’s Head will hold its 3rd edition of the Owl's Head Telefestrie event.The main attraction for Telemarkers will be the Telecross race on the Owl's Head “Boardercross” course with sign up possible on Saturday morning and the event happening at 1 p.m.A provincial race will also be held on the same day.Over 120 young racers ages 9-10 years will race the “Shady Lady” trail.Owl’s Head has invited the BMW Xtour crew who will be onsite charging up the atmosphere with some great music as well as offering prizes that will be drawn.The famous “Airbag” team will follow “Freestyle” skiers and board- ers giving them an opportunity to show off their talents without the worry of getting hurt because of the promised “soft” landing.“This firms up the rumour that there is something for every type of snowsport fan at Owl’s Head,” said Owl’s Head Sales and Marketing Assistant, Denis Delbois,-”! cannot wait to hear the talk at the Owl’s Head Creemore Lounge après-ski,” he added.The Owl’s Head team wishes everyone a great end of winter season! For more information about Owl’s Head, contact 450-292-3342 or visit www.owlshead.com or contact Luc “Sky-powder” St.Jacques at 819-578-6697 or luc@ohd.ca The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Friday, February 24, 2012 Page 5 Acting on several complaints of r neglect, investigators seized six horses from a property in Val-Joli last Sunday.Three Belgian horses, a pinto, one Arab and a horse of unknown breed were found living in a building designed to house cows.The space has been described as being dangerous and cramped with low ceilings that prevented the horses from raising their heads.Accompanied by a veterinarian and armed with a search warrant, animal protection officers took the animals after the property owner failed to respond to a notice left the previous week.All of the horses are suffering from swollen legs caused by a lack of exercise.Humane society workers fear for one of the Belgian’s that has a major tear in the abdomen and a seriously infected wound, which could be potentially deadly.Inspectors will be handing over their files to the Prosecutor who will decide if charges will be laid.Meanwhile, the Eastern Townships SPA, which has a mandate to ensure the protection of animal welfare, is reminding the public that they can report suspected cases of animal cruelty or neglect by calling 819-821-4727, option 5.Val-Joli Six neglected horses seized a PHOTOS COURTESY OF THF EASTERN TOWNSHIPS SPA Saint-Romain Cont’d from page 1 Mar.14.The suspect's lawyer, Jean Couture, stated on Feb.14 that he thought the 10 days would give the medical professionals enough time to finish the evaluation.While there has been much speculation about Morin suffering from a mental disorder like schizophrenia.Couture was not willing to make any concrete statements regarding any conditions or disorders his client was suffering from.He did acknowledge at the time that Morin had "certain problems" that would be made clearer in the psychiatric evaluation and added that "he is not doing very well," however.Morin is accused of three counts of first degree murder of his two nieces, eight-year-old Juliette Pillion and 11-year-old Laurence Pillion, and his mother, 70-year-old Ginette Roy-Morin, whose lifeless bodies were found in the elderly woman’s home on the evening of Feb.10.t Pascal Morin was arrested later that night in connection with the crime.The viewing for the three victims will take place today in the Paul VI Community Centre on Principale Street in Saint-Sébastien, with the funeral taking place tomorrow, Saturday.CALL SECURITY.ÉPARGNE your PLACEMENTS ^ranteed QUEBEC 100% 1 800 463-5229 | www.epq.gouv.qc.ca BONUS OF the first year on new RRSP, RRIF.LIRA and LIF funds.Open Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 p.m., and Saturdays during February, from 10 am.to 4 pm.- Épargne Placements Québec So I Page 6 Friday, February 24, 2012 newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com The Record Editorial The small kindnesses, the ordinary things that have extraordinary meaning for the people to whom they happen, the defining moments in life.The Townshipper of the Month Daniel Coulombe This week, La Tribune honoured the 63 recipients of the Merite estrien for the past year.Since 1991 the French Sherbrooke newspaper recognizes the talent, the commitment or the success of those that have contributed in a unique way to the advancement of society or has become a role model within the community.The people in this story are mostly everyday people who perform uncommon deeds while receiving little or no pay.Their actions are undertaken without thinking about what is in it for them, or even if they are putting themselves at risk.Universally, they believe that helping others, that acknowledging another person’s value, that recognizing someone else’s potential, their challenges, or pain is as essential as taking a breath.These are also stories about the small kindnesses, the ordinary things that have extraordinary meaning for the people to whom they happen, the defining moments in life.The award represents a thank-you to those who should be recognized.It’s a chance for the good news to be told for once.It is what makes us human.The time has come to specifically recognize the many who in their own way, do so much to make the anglophone community a better place.It is with great pride and pleasure that we have associated ourselves with the Township-pers’ Association and the CBC in order to celebrate the people who have distinguished themselves in their own environment by going after their dreams or beliefs and by becoming a source of inspiration to others.Persons who make the English community better by their actions.Starting this month, a jury will select one person per month from the various candidates submitted by the population and different organizations.Members of our jury will make a decision according to established selection criteria.The selected candidates must have distinguished themselves in their own environment.The selected candidate must be an example of determination, courage and of surpassing oneself that provides a positive image of excellence.The Townshipper of the Month program is comprised of seven categories: Business and Development, Volunteering and Involvement, Arts and Culture, Education and Health, Youth, Personality, Sports and Innovation.The selected person must be, either in their area or by their actions, an example that projects a positive image in the English community.A group of people may be selected, if applicable.A company may be selected, but only through the eligible achievements of an individual or group of people within the company.The Townshipper of the Month award always goes to people.The selection of the jury must not and will not be biased.A politician who is currently in office is generally not eligible barring exceptional circumstances that will be left to the discretion of the jury.Remunerated employees from an organization are not generally eligible since their mandate is to contribute fully to the organization or to a cause.Nonetheless, the jury may consider special cases.Also, the jury may opt to wait until the end of a remunerated employee’s career or mandate to honour their contribution.The jury will have a clear preference for volunteers in organizations, and especially those who work behind the scenes, without neglecting, however, those who find themselves at the heart of current events.The jury has a mandate to seek a satisfactory representation among the winners in terms of gender, age, geography and cultural background.Candidates from the entire territory covered by The Record will be evaluated.We aim to recognize people from the border regions to Thetford Mines and from the Haut-Saint-François region to Farnham.The jury will demonstrate caution in their selections by preferring to recog- RECORD P.O.Box 1200 ShertrookeJIH 516 or 1195 Gilt E.Sherbrooke JIG 1Y7 Fax TOU Newsroom oniy: 819-56M945 e-mail: newsroom^sherbrookerecord.txmi Website: www.sherbrookerecord.coin Sharon McCijuy Pubushkr .(819) 569-9511 Daniei Couiombf News Editor .(819) 569-6345 Stephen Blake Corresp.Editor .(819)569-6345 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman.(819) 569-9931 DEPARTMENTS Accouminc.(819) 569-9511 Advertising .(819) 569-9525 Circulation .(819) 569-9528 Newsroom .(819) 569-6345 Knowlton office 5B Victoria Street.Knowiton.Quebec.JOE l VO Tel: (450) 2421188 Fax: (450) 243-5155 Quebec 1 YEAR 6 MONTHS 3 MONTHS SUBSCRIPTIONS GST 120.00 6.00 63.00 3.15 32.00 1.60 PST TOTAL 11.97 S 1 3 7.97 6.28 S 7 2.4 3 3.19 S3 6.7 9 Rates for out of Quebec and for other services available on request.The Record is published daily Monday to Friday.Back copies of The Record are available.The Record was founded on February 9, 1897.and acquired the Sherbrooke Examiner (est.1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Gazette (est.1837) in 1908.The Record is published by Alta Newspaper Group Limited Partnership.PM#0040007682 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Record.1195 Galt East.Sherbrooke.QC JIG 1Y7 Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA nize a success based on tangible results rather than on the unveiling of an idea or the announcement of a project whose result is uncertain, with the exception of the Innovation category.Even though the goal of the program is to honour the contribution of living people who are actively involved in the community, the jury can exceptionally decide to honour a deceased person posthumously.The jury may also consider a candidate who is from outside the territory covered by The Record if that candidate is either a native of this territory or contributes to one of the communities within this territory.The Record will present an interview with the selected person, which will be published monthly on the last print day of each month.The person selected will also be asked to give radio interviews on Radio-Canada in Estrie.Of course, it is our hope that our Sherbrooke Record readers will send us nominations for those who deserve consideration.I thank the dozen or so members of our present jury that already have accepted our invitation to be involved.Look for our first Townshipper of the month next Wednesday in The Record.Daniel Coulombe Editor DCOULOMBE@SHERBROOKERECORD.COM Suffocating science: The slow death of knowledge By Francois Tanguay The American Society for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) held its annual convention in Vancouver last week.It had been over 30 years since this group of researchers had held a meeting outside the USA.There were over 8,000 attendees, not a small gathering at that.The meeting, in an unprecedented move, accused the Federal administration of literally blind-siding our science community.There are over 20,000 scientists in the numerous federal research departments and ministries.They represent a major body of knowledge, a critical tool in these times of climate and environmental upheaval and they have been gagged and tied down by Ottawa.It has become nearly impossible for them to publish, speak or give interviews without the ascent of the PMO's office! I have witnessed this on a few occasions while attending international climate events in recent years.I remember two specific meetings, one in Umea in Sweden and the other at the FAO (United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization) annual meeting on forestry in Rome a few months later.In Rome the Canadian seats (in the front row, with flag and all) were occupied by.the very unofficial Quebec Wood industry representatives while the Canadian officials sat in the back rows! We of course did not address the assembly, but neither did our official Canadian representatives.The most dramatic recent censorship example is that of Kristi Miller, a marine genetics expert.She found out through her research that wild Pacific salmon is being attacked by a virus that is linked to the expanding salmon fishing industry off the coast of British Columbia.She got an important number of interview requests after her research was published in Science, a prestigious scientific review.Well, she was not allowed a single interview! There is a Berlin Wall of red tape and mind boggling political control over what science can and cannot reveal.We all pay for this.This is our collective intelligence at work and yet a handful of ignorant control freaks are stealing us out of options for the future.The science community in this country is hopelessly entangled in the political views of the Harper administration.We have some of the best minds on ozone depletion, climate change and forestry and they cannot contribute to the global efforts to make this planet a better understood world and thus help us all to come up with a more responsible attitude towards a sustainable future.Our country is stepping out of the climate negotiations, pushing for more tar sands, creating a false front of pseudo environmental studies to hide its real agenda and all the while, our best minds are gagged shut.At least when the Arctic melts down we’ll have the ships and military to protect the derricks! The Record newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Friday, February 24, 2012 Page 7 “You can no more make amends for the damage your words have done than gather up the feathers.” A Rabbi's wisdom Steven Black One day someone said to me, “I hear you’re leaving the ministry to join the Navy.” Now you’ll have to imagine my much younger self, thinner, hairier (at least on top) and fitter.So I suppose when this person heard news like that from someone she knew she was inclined to believe it.Goodness knows how many people were talking about my career change in the small community and for how long they had been doing so.The only thing was that my decision to join the Royal Canadian Navy was news to me.I puzzled for a while how such a rumour could start and the best explanation I could come up with was that the truth that I was taking flying lessons at the Cornwall Regional Airport had somehow in telling been changed to joining the Air Force and from that to joining the Navy.I have no idea how many people were involved in the gossip or where the mistakes were admitted.I don’t know how many people tried to hush the tales or how many started to pass judgment on me over the “truth” they had come to believe.This gossip wasn’t too hurtful as far as I could tell, but it makes for a good story years later about the danger of talking about people instead of talking to them.Other rumours and critical talk are less kind.While I was at the same church there was talk and brewing, spreading criticism towards me about which I was totally naive.I would find out that even friends were starting to feel bitter towards me and were interpreting what I said, especially in sermons, in critical ways.1 only found out when Ian, one of my friends, came to me with tears in his eyes to apologize.He had found himself drawn into a growing circle of people who were feeling resentment towards me because of my sermon illustrations.Criticism was spreading around the small congregation.And it was all because it seemed 1 talked about my wife-to-be too much.1 don’t know if it is true or not.It is possible.In any event a number of people, including those I considered to be friends, were no longer able to listen to me without finding even more evidence to accuse.Did they think I was bragging or self-centered?I don’t really know.Whatever the case, Ian asked for my forgiveness because he found that he was being drawn into a circle of unkindness.bitterness and character attack.He explained to me that finally he realized what was happening and he pointed out to the others that I was in love and soon to be married, asking them, “What do you expect him to talk about?” Gossip has the dangerous possibility of destroying people, relationships and community.In cities the gossip might be limited to only one circle of a person’s relationships, but in a small town where relationships and circles overlap, spreading talk can be devastating.And what can start out as “concern" can soon become slanderous.An unnamed wise Rabbi once commented, “A gossip always seeks out the faults of people; he is like the flies who always rest on the dirty spot.If one has boils, the flies will ignore the rest of the body and sit on the boil.And thus it is with gossips.They overlook all the good in a person and speak only of the evil.” In fact.Rabbinic wisdom goes farther, warning against speaking of others outside of their hearing even about good things, because you never know how your hearers will use your words.Another Rabbinic tale has been told for hundreds of years.Here is one variation.There was a man who knew many people and who loved to spread news about what was going on in the community.Many people laughed when it was funny.Many shook their heads when what they heard was sad.But one day a merchant came to him because people were no longer coming to his store and he had found out the talker had told tales about rumours of the merchant’s dishonesty.His conscience grieved, the talker went to the Rabbi begging tor assurance of forgiveness.The Rabbi replied that in order to be forgiven he must go home, get a feather pillow, and taking it to the town square tear it open and scatter the feathers to the wind.Thinking this a strange requirement he did it, eager to know he was forgiven.Returning to the Rabbi he said he had done what was asked and wondered if he was now forgiven.The Rabbi replied, “There is one more thing you must do.Go back to the square and gather up all the feathers.” Well, the man did the best he could, but after many hours of back breaking, and increasingly difficult effort he returned to the Rabbi with only a small portion of the feathers.“It is impossible,” he said to the Rabbi.“What must I do?” The Rabbi said, “You can no more make amends for the damage your words have done than gather up the feathers.” Some tales are worth repeating, aren’t they?Second public consultation planned for René-Lévesque axis A second public consultation for residents of Sherbrooke interested in the René-Lévesque axis project will be held next month, during which the city will present its proposition for the future of the street as well as its connection to Bourque Boulevard, it was announced on Monday night.The consultation, organized by the city and its urban infrastructure and en- vironment department, will be held on Tuesday, Mar.20, starting at 7:30 p.m.at the hôtellerie le Boulevard located at 4201 Bertrand-Fabi Boulevard.This consultation will be the final chance for the general public to offer input on the project before the city moves forward with the process and puts the proposal to the government authorities responsible.Mayor Bernard Sévigny will be on hand to answer questions, as well as numerous other city employees.In addition to consulting the city’s proposal, models of the project and videos will be shown to attendees to familiarize them with the city’s plans.The city announced an investment of $2 million into the René-Lévesque axis project in its 2012 budget, presented last December.The project will essentially see the construction of a new street, to be named René-Lévesque Boulevard, which, along with a planned western extension of Portland Boulevard, will create a link between Portland and Bourque boulevards in the Jacques-Cartier and Rock-Forest-St-Elie-Deauville boroughs respectively.CLOSE TO 250 JOBS TO FILL -/ 5 MINUTE INTERVIEW CONCEPT •(OEq seuioo i| ieqM s.ieqi '¦op noA ieqi s| n JSAaieqm jb Jewsq taB oj ‘lueie) jnoA uedreqs oi pjeq mjom,.:uoun|os snoiAeJd Kit n’ Carlyle kitncarlyle@comcast.net www.GoComics.com @2012 UFS, Inc.Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS Herman Laughingstock Internationa! 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