Page 19 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 114

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #114 July 2022 19

Stormont-Dundas-South The Dragons are Coming!

Glengarry MP
By Lea Emard and Casey Leger

Interview

with

MP Eric Duncan

It’s Time to Scrap

ArriveCAN

t is time for the government to immediately scrap the problem ridden This photograph captures the excitement of friendly competition on
IArriveCAN smartphone app process, and also permanently remove all the Cornwall Canal. Photo by Cindy Rowe
federal travel restrictions and mandates. ragons will be back on the excitement on the waterfront. Employers
Dcanal in 2022, and the Cornwall are often willing to contribute toward the
Our local constituency office has received countless calls and emails Waterfest Dragon Boat Race Committee entry fee because they find that the event
from constituents who are having horrendous experiences with the encourages everyone who wants to join in is a great way for coworkers to enhance
ArriveCAN application. Seniors who don’t have smartphones or are not the fun to get their team registered soon. teamwork, cohesion, and camaraderie.
comfortable with technology are overwhelmed with the process, and Committee Chair, Lea Emard, says that
many are just wanting to cross the border for lunch in Massena, or to visit while there has been lots of interest in the Lively music and various food and
the Casino after two years of restrictions. race, people have been slower than usual craft vendors will be onsite to keep
to get their team rosters finalized and to participants and spectators energized
Canadians have experienced various glitches when using ArriveCAN submit their registrations. The races and fueled throughout the day. Again,
and then receive threatening messages of fines of $5,000 or more. It is will take place on Saturday, August 13, this year, Hospice Cornwall will
absolutely ridiculous, and this daily chaos needs to stop immediately. The at the Cornwall Canal on Second Street be the partner charity of the event.
federal travel restrictions and the use of the ArriveCAN app are unfairly West, and organizers hope to attract 21 “Teams are encouraged to raise
and unnecessarily punishing Canadians who simply want to get back to teams to take part. pledges and contributions for this very
their normal lives. Because the Dragon Boat Race is so worthy organization that provides
The tourism industry is hoping to finally to see a recovery in this welcoming and approachable to paddlers compassionate end-of-life care at a most
summers travel season, but the federal government is standing in its way. of all levels, participants need not worry challenging time,” says Emard. There
will also be a 50/50 draw and a silent
By doubling down on requiring the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN that there has been no competition for auction with 100% of the fundraising
application, the Liberal government is actively discouraging travel to the past two years, due to COVID. “The
nice thing about our racecourse is that initiatives going to Hospice Cornwall.
Canada.
it is a calm, sheltered canal, and it is It takes a lot of work to organize
Recently, a group of Canada-US border Mayors and tourism business approximately 200 metres in length,” this annual event, and Emard wants
leaders spoke out against the federal government refusals to scrap the says Emard. “This makes it very to thank the hardworking Cornwall
ArriveCAN app. In reaction to growing frustration at airport wait times accessible to beginning paddlers, but it Waterfest Committee for their effort
and a drastic increase in cancelled flights, the federal government also offers a challenge for experienced and dedication. “We are in need of
teams that want to put their skills to
suspended the proof of vaccination requirements, while still requiring the some energetic, community-minded
ArriveCAN app to be used at all ports of entry, including land borders. the test. Teams can choose to enter the volunteers for race day,” Emard says.
recreational, competitive, or ladies’
The federal government also announced that a paper ArriveCAN form division. All local teams will be offered “If you can pitch in for a half or full day,
would be available as an option. a practice run to help get them into form or even a few hours to assist in making
The Liberals need to listen to these valid criticisms and acknowledge before race day and are guaranteed three the event run smoothly, we would be
grateful for the help.”
there is no need for ArriveCAN to be mandatory to complete when races at the event. “
returning to Canada, and with so many glitches and complaints, it needs A team is made up of 20 paddlers Spectators are welcome and entry to
to be scrapped. Canadians have been more than patient with the rules and and a drummer who helps keep the the site is free.
restrictions during the pandemic. It’s time to make it easier to travel, end team in sync. The festival provides an More information is available on the
all federal mandates permanently, and let Canadians live their lives again experienced steersperson as part of the Cornwall Waterfest website at www.
without threats of charges and fears of being fined. $840 registration fee. This works out to CornwallWaterfest.com or by email at
$40 per participant for a day of fun and cornwallwaterfest@gmail.com