Page 6 TARNOWSKI ACCLAIMED FOR ANOTHER TERM IN RUSSELL
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VOLUME 41 • NO. 07 • 4 PAGES • EMBRUN, ON • AUGUST 26 2026
N EWS OPP WARNS OF CELLPHONE SERVICE PROVIDER SCAM
GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca
the company directly. Residents should use the telephone number listed on their bill, account docu- mentation or the company’s official website rather than relying on contact information provided by the caller. People should never share passwords, PINs, security codes or multi-factor authen- tication codes with an unexpected caller. Personal or financial information should also not be provided during an unsolicited call, text message or email. Residents should avoid logging into their accounts while being guided by an unknown caller. Before opening a new account or accepting a device, they should verify the offer directly with their service provider. Anyone who receives a cellphone or tablet they did not order should contact the service provider immediately and confirm the proper return process. Residents should never ship a device to an address provided by an unknown caller. Anyone who believes they have been tar- geted by the scam is advised to contact their financial institution immediately and report the incident to their local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Suspected fraud or incidents of fraud can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through its Fraud Reporting System or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning residents about a cellphone service provider scam after receiving reports from across the East Region. In this scam, fraudsters pose as represen- tatives of legitimate cellphone service pro- viders and contact potential victims with offers such as discounts, upgraded plans or new devices. Once they have gained the victim’s trust, the fraudsters may remain on the phone while directing the victim to log in to their legitimate cellphone account. They then request account details, passwords, security codes or other personal information. In some cases, fraudsters convince victims to open an account with a different service provider and obtain a new cellphone or tablet. Victims may be asked to provide identification, such as a driver’s licence or Social Insurance Number (SIN), to complete the transaction. After the device is delivered, the fraudster may claim that the wrong item was shipped and instruct the victim to send it to another address. Victims can then be left responsible for the cost of the devices and any associated account charges.
The OPP is warning residents about cellphone service provider scams involving fraudulent offers, requests for personal information and unauthorized device purchases. (File photo)
Warning signs The OPP is reminding residents to be cautious if they receive an unsolicited call, text message or email offering a discount, upgraded plan or new device. Other warning signs include being pressured to act imme- diately or being told an offer is available for a limited time, being asked to log in to a cellphone account while the caller remains on the line, being asked for an account password, PIN, security code or multi-factor authentication code, being asked to provide
personal identification, including a driver’s licence or SIN, being encouraged to open an account with another service provider, receiving a cellphone or tablet and being instructed to send it to a different address, and being given an address that does not match the verified address of the service provider. How to protect yourself The OPP advises anyone contacted by someone claiming to represent their cell- phone provider to end the call and contact
GENEVIÈVE LAJOIE SEEKS ANOTHER TERM AS CASSELMAN MAYOR
GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca
to be incorporated throughout the year. Preserving Casselman’s character Balancing growth with Casselman’s small- community character will remain another priority if Lajoie is re-elected. She pointed to several initiatives that she says originated directly from residents, including efforts to develop a skate park, a horticulture club, a knitting club, a community garden and a mini food pantry. She recalled meeting with a young resident and his father after the youth expressed interest in having a skate park. Lajoie helped him prepare a delegation to council, and the request was incorporated into the municipality’s park master plan. Municipal staff are now working on the project. For Lajoie, that approach demonstrates how community input can shape develop- ment while preserving Casselman’s identity. She also highlighted the municipality’s annual community heritage barbecue car- nival as a way to celebrate Casselman’s Francophone roots while welcoming new residents and demographics. “Our Francophone roots can help guide this new growth,” she said. A different approach to leadership Lajoie describes her leadership philoso- phy as a “bottom-up” approach rather than a traditional top-down model. She said she does not seek political
mayors would mean having to rebuild some of those relationships and partnerships. Empowering residents Lajoie said one of the most important lessons she has learned during her first term is the value of listening directly to residents. Through the Community Engagement Committee she created, as well as meetings with different community groups, she said she has gained a better understanding of Casselman’s strengths and needs. She wants residents to have more oppor- tunities to influence municipal decisions, particularly as the community continues to grow. “People know what they want, and I just need to give them the tools and the resources,” she said. Lajoie said growth is inevitable and that the municipality must respond to provincial growth requirements, but she wants residents to have a meaningful role in deciding what that growth looks like in their community. She also plans to continue working on traffic safety. A traffic master plan is being developed, and she said residents will have opportunities to provide input on issues such as crosswalks and safe routes for children. Budget decisions are another area where she wants residents’ priorities to be reflected. Rather than waiting until the final stages of the municipal budget process, Lajoie said she wants community priorities
Casselman Mayor Geneviève Lajoie is seeking another term in the 2026 muni- cipal election, saying the work started during her first four years in office is not yet complete. Lajoie, who was first elected mayor in 2022, said she decided to run again because several important files have moved forward but still require continued attention, including water infrastructure, community engagement, regional transportation and economic development. “The work I started isn’t finished yet,” she said. Among her priorities is continuing efforts to find a long-term solution to Casselman’s water needs, including a potential connection to Clarence-Rockland’s water infrastructure. Lajoie said she has worked to bring the issue to the provincial government’s attention, including by sending a 14-page report directly to Premier Doug Ford. She said that effort resulted in connec- tions with provincial leaders who can help advance the file. She also highlighted the relationship she has developed with Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma as an important part of her work. “I need to continue building on the mo- mentum,” Lajoie said, adding that changing
power or control, but instead sees her role as advocating for residents and giving them the tools to participate in municipal government. “I’m more of an advocate than a politi- cian,” she said. Lajoie believes residents should have the opportunity to challenge their municipal lea- ders, ask questions and influence decisions affecting their community. Looking toward another term, she said she wants to continue breaking down bar- riers between residents and local govern- ment while creating more opportunities for community participation. “There’s a huge potential and strength in our people in Casselman,” she said. Her campaign slogan is “Ensemble Cas- selman Strong.” Casselman Mayor Geneviève Lajoie is seeking another term as Casselman’s mayor. (Photo provided)
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