Latest news with #Michel
Global News
19 hours ago
- Health
- Global News
Health Minister: Ottawa will try to improve Vaccine Injury Support Program
The federal government will 'try' to improve how the Vaccine Injury Support Program delivers services and financial support to ailing and fragile Canadians, Health Minister Marjorie Michel said Monday. Michel made the brief remarks in New Brunswick, as she publicly answered questions for the first time about the VISP's performance since a five-month Global News investigation was broadcast and published online earlier this month. 'As you know, for now, it's a third party delivering the (VISP) services. We heard that some people are complaining about it. We are tracking this closely with the third party with delivering services. And we will try to improve,' Michel said. 2:41 'Slap in the face': Calls for investigation into Vaccine Injury Support Program Michel was responding to Global News' questions at a news conference she held in Moncton, N.B. She had travelled there to announce the injection of federal money into French-language health services for francophone communities in the Atlantic province. Story continues below advertisement The Liberal government in 2020 announced it would create the VISP to provide financial support to anyone who is seriously and permanently injured by a vaccine as it embarked on the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the largest such effort in Canadian history. The Public Health Agency of Canada decided to outsource the administration of this program to an Ottawa consulting firm, Oxaro Inc., in 2021. Last week, four Conservative MPs called for a Commons committee investigation into the how VISP is being administered, and a pivotal non-profit health foundation said the effort needs an urgent overhaul because it was too slow. 3:02 Federal Vaccine Injury Support Program leaving some injured people waiting for years Global News' five-month investigation that prompted the outcry revealed that: Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Oxaro had received $50.6 million in taxpayer money; $33.7 million has been spent on administrative costs, while injured Canadians received $16.9 million. Updated Health Canada figures released last week show the company has now received $54.1 million and spent $36.3 million on administration costs, with $18.1 million paid to injured Canadians PHAC and Oxaro underestimated the number of injury claims VISP would get, initially predicting 40 per year and then up to 400 valid claims annually. More than 3,317 applications have been filed — of those, more than 1,738 people await decisions on their claims Some injured applicants say they face a revolving door of unreachable VISP case managers and require online fundraising campaigns to survive Some VISP applicants and former staff said Oxaro was unequipped to deliver fully on the program's mission to deliver 'timely and fair' support, and questions emerged about why the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) chose this company over others, while internal documents suggested poor planning from the start When asked at her Moncton news conference whether the Liberal government will renew Oxaro's contract once it expires next year, the Health Minister responded: Story continues below advertisement 'Every option is on the table, for now, I will tell you,' Michel said. 'That's my answer to you, I know everything we heard. It's very, you know, we are tracking it. It's unacceptable what we heard about this. And we are, every option is now on the table.' 'No, people shouldn't wait if they really need services or to get compensation, but as I will tell you it's more complex than this. Sometimes there's reason why they cannot get access to the benefits,' Michel added. Global News obtained internal documents that suggested poor planning from the start as both the government and consulting firm underestimated the number of applications the program would get. In an email to Global News Monday, a VISP spokesman identified only as 'William, Case Escalation Manager,' reiterated earlier comments and responses by the consulting company but confirmed Global News reporting. Story continues below advertisement 'Applications to the program grew to more than 10 times the originally anticipated levels,' William said. 'The program processes, procedures and staffing were adapted to face this unexpected increase in volume.' 'VISP is a program that adapts to changing circumstances and continuously improves to meet its objectives,' William added. 2:48 Whistleblowers allege 'high school' workplace inside federal program 'OXARO and PHAC have been collaborating closely to evaluate how the program can remain agile to handle the workload on hand while respecting budget requirements,' the company said. Oxaro has also said that its monthly invoices to the government include documents and details, which in turn PHAC reviews and approves prior to all payments it gets. –with a file from Anna Mandin, Global News READ MORE OF OUR COVERAGE PART 1: Canada set up a $50M vaccine injury program. Those harmed say it's failing them Story continues below advertisement PART 2: 'Nothing was ready': Inside Canada's Vaccine Injury Support Program PART 3: VISP aimed to curb vaccine injury lawsuits. Now, people are suing in 3 provinces READ OTHER RELATED STORIES: Tory MPs, health group call for investigation and overhaul of vaccine support program Federal auditors target vaccine injury program amid surprise Oxaro office visit 'Breach of trust': Critics slam Ottawa's vaccine injury program 'failure' Is VISP an independent administrator? Here's what some documents say Vaccine injury programs elsewhere also face challenges, criticism Want to contact us about this investigation? Email: or You can also reach Andrew at (416) 550-4684.
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Supporting community-led responses to the illegal toxic drug and overdose crisis in Atlantic Canada Français
Funding will prioritize urgent needs at community level FREDERICTON, NB, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced $2.8 million in funding from the Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF) to support four projects in Atlantic. These investments will directly support communities in Fredericton and Miramichi, New Brunswick, in Amherst, Nova Scotia, and in St. John's, Newfoundland. The ETF is part of the Government of Canada's efforts to help communities rapidly respond to emerging, critical needs related to the overdose crisis faced by municipalities and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. It provides support for a wide range of urgent interventions to bolster local capacity to help the most affected populations. Minister Michel highlighted a mobile outreach project led by the City of Fredericton and the John Howard Society. This project will expand outreach efforts in Fredericton, New Brunswick, by adding overnight services to support vulnerable populations by delivering supplies, providing transport to critical services, distributing naloxone, and offering overdose support and weather warnings year-round. Quotes "Communities across the country have called for help - and through the Emergency Treatment Fund, we are responding. This funding will deliver immediate support where it is needed most. We are using every tool available to connect people to care, address urgent local challenges, and keep our communities safe." The Honourable Marjorie Michel Minister of Health "Families and communities continue to feel the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis. This funding will improve access to life-saving harm reduction services, health supports, and community-based programs for those who need it the most. Through ongoing collaboration, we can continue building a compassionate, evidence-informed approach that protects lives and supports recovery." David Myles Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Nature) "This project, led by the John Howard Society and supported by the City of Fredericton, is a vital step in addressing a key need identified in our Community Safety Task Force Report. By adding a mobile overnight outreach unit, we're ensuring vulnerable residents get the support they need when they need it most. This partnership reflects our commitment to a safer, more supportive Fredericton for everyone." Her Worship Kate Rogers Mayor of Fredericton "This initiative marks an important step forward in our commitment to providing comprehensive, around-the-clock support to individuals in need. By extending outreach efforts into the overnight hours, we aim to ensure that no one is left without access to essential services—regardless of the time of day. These new overnight outreach services will work in close coordination with existing daytime programs, creating a continuous and responsive support system that prioritizes safety, connection to services, and community care. We are proud to work in partnership with Fredericton Police and Fire on this initiative, and we thank all of the frontline workers and community partners who make this vital work possible." John Barrow Executive Director, John Howard Society of Fredericton Quick Facts Budget 2024 provided $150 million over three years for an ETF for municipalities and Indigenous communities to help provide rapid responses to the overdose crisis. Further to the 2024 ETF Call for Proposals, more than $100.5 million in funding is being provided for 102 projects. Projects will be made public when the agreements are in place. Associated Links Government of Canada supporting solutions and rapid responses to the substance use and overdose crisis Emergency Treatment Fund 2024 The Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy Get help with substance use Hope for Wellness SOURCE Health Canada (HC)
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Man travels 500 miles to meet beauty queen and 'future wife' - before discovering sad truth
Michel, 76, from Belgium, believed he was about to meet the 'love of his life,' famous model Sophie Vouzeland. A lovestruck man was left dumbfounded after a 500-mile journey to meet a beauty queen ended in the discovery that he had been catfished. Michel, a 76 year old from Belgium, believed he was on his way to meet his ' soulmate ', the renowned model Sophie Vouzeland. However, upon arriving at her residence in Saint-Julien, France, he was met by her husband, Fabien, instead. The smitten senior announced himself as her " future husband", only to be shocked when the man at the door said: "Well, I'm the current one." Michel had been under the impression that he was communicating with the 2007 Miss France runner-up via WhatsApp. Convinced of their bond, Michel had even transferred a whopping £25,000 as a loan to someone he thought was Sophie, reports the Mirror. The couple took to social media to share a poignant video of their encounter with Michel, hoping to raise awareness about romance fraud. In the footage, a disheartened Michel admits: "I think she played a dirty trick on me. I am an imbecile." He proceeded to show Fabien the messages they had exchanged. "My wife, no, it's the fake accounts," Fabien clarified. "You have to be very careful." The video was uploaded to Instagram with a caption expressing sympathy for Michel: "I feel so sorry for this man. Watch out for fake accounts. I'm sharing this video to show you it's real and to be vigilant! Take care of yourself." Sophie, who is expecting a baby with Fabien, expressed that the incident "hurts my heart". The scam has since sparked reactions on social media, with users finding it alarming that their address was known. One individual warned: "Let us all be vigilant! Fake accounts and scams suck." Another sympathised: "Poor Sophie in the middle of this being pregnant. Fingers crossed this doesn't happen again and ends well. Cheer up to both of you." Grateful for the support, Sophie replied in the comments: "Thank you, it's not easy." A third shared their astonishment: "Oh crazy what a story! Poor gentleman. It's horrible to know that there are still people scamming people. I hope it won't happen again and that you can live your life peacefully." One more person highlighted the risks of online exposure: "The danger of social networks. But I'm surprised how he could get your address. It's absolutely not normal."
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Catfish scam sees Belgian lose £26K and driving 500 miles across Europe to meet French model believing she was his 'future wife'
A Belgian man who drove almost 500 miles to meet his 'future wife' for the first time faced huge disappointment when he finally came face-to-face with the woman he'd fallen for online. In an Instagram video translated by the New York Post, a man named Michel revealed he drove 472 miles across the border to France to meet model and former beauty pageant contestant Sophie Vouzelaud, 38. The clip documented him arriving at Sophie's door - but instead of getting his fairytale ending, he was met by the model's actual husband, Fabien Boutamine. The Miss France 2007 runner-up, who is currently pregnant, denied knowing the stranger, prompting her shocked husband to say to him: 'Well, I'm the current one [her husband]. There's going to be a confrontation'. Michel claimed that he believed he was going to wed Sophie and that he had previously sent a whopping $35,000 (£26,000) to a woman who he believed to be the model. 'I have to film because there's a guy who just rang my doorbell, and he says "I'm the future husband of Sophie Vouzelaud"', said Fabian. 'Well, I'm the current one. There's going to be a confrontation' he continued. It appears the reality of the situation then dawned on Michel - whose face was never revealed during the video - when he emotionally admitted that something wasn't quite right. 'I think she played a dirty trick on me' he added. Fabian appeared resigned to the fact that another potential suitor had been scammed online. 'My wife, no, it's the fake accounts, you have to be very careful' he warned the stranger. 'I'm sorry, sir, but the problem is that Sophie puts a lot of videos on [social media] networks to say to be careful not to get hurt'. The shock factor was ramped up a notch when Michel confessed he had wired $35,000 to the suspected imposter who alleged she was pregnant and had later lost her baby. Michel also brought out his phone which purported to prove text message exchanges between himself and the fake Sophie. The exchanges seemed to touch the expectant mother, who could be heard saying, 'this hurts my heart'. 'You must keep all the evidence and take it to the police' she added. Sophie, who boasts 296,000 followers, shared the bizarre video on her Instagram page along with a caption detailing how 'sorry' she felt for Michel. 'I feel so sorry for this man' she wrote. 'Watch out for fake accounts, I'm sharing this video to show you it's real and to be vigilant! Take care of yourself'. The digital era has made it easier than ever for scammers to take advantage of unwitting victims. In May, a woman reached out for help after discovering her mother might be falling head over heels for a fake Owen Wilson. The unnamed woman shared her concerns on US forum Reddit, along with an alleged video of the Hollywood star, 56, telling her mum she is an 'amazing woman'. The poster said she tried to convince her mum that it was the workings of artificial intelligence after finding a 'plethora of red flags' such as the man mainly contacting her mother via WhatsApp voice calls. In the clip, the purported Wedding Crashers actor - who in real life was busy shooting his latest action thriller Runner in Australia - appeared to be the result of sophisticated computer graphics; most notably given away by static eye movements and a grainy facial complexion. The woman said her and her sister had tried tirelessly to inform their mother it was a grand 'scam' but lamented that 'she's just not hearing us'. After reading her plight, many users agreed that it was indeed a hoax, with one person shockingly advising the siblings to create their own AI Owen Wilson and siphon money from her to prove it. According to her mother, the odd pairing came about after a chance meeting at Yahtzee with some friends. Though the exact location was withheld, the poster said the man claimed to have mistaken her mother for someone he knew in 'real life' when he saw her at the dice game. She then explained that the two only spoke by WhatsApp, voice calls and FaceTime, which installed doubts over the genuinity of their relations. She concluded her post by asking fellow users for advice 'to definitively prove to her [mother] this is a scam'. One viewer immediately noticed the actor's 'robotic' nature, writing: 'Wow that's scary, you can tell the tone is off and robotic. Face also looks slightly different than Owen but wow that's crazy for someone who wouldn't know any better.' 'His nose and eyes are also... not human lol,' chimed another. 'Tell her to watch his nose lol,' said one person.
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Belgian man travels 750 Km to meet ‘future wife', is greeted by her husband instead
In a bizarre case of online deception, a Belgian man's dream of meeting his 'future wife' turned into an awkward and heartbreaking reality check, one that ended with him face-to-face not with the woman of his dreams, but her real husband, Fox News reported. The man, identified only as Michel, reportedly drove nearly 750 kilometres (around 472 miles) from Belgium to France to meet French model Sophie Vouzelaud, or so he believed. Vouzelaud, a former Miss France runner-up, is a well-known public figure. But when Michel arrived at her doorstep, he was met by her husband, Fabien Boutamine, who documented the unexpected encounter in a video that has since gone viral. 'I have to film this,' Boutamine is heard saying in the clip. 'There's a man at my door saying he's Sophie Vouzelaud's future husband. But I'm her current one.' The video captures a tense and bewildering exchange, with Michel appearing genuinely convinced that he and Vouzelaud were in a relationship. He had reportedly been in touch with someone impersonating the model online, and claimed to have sent a staggering $35,000 (approx. ₹ 29 lakh) to the scammer over time. Sophie Vouzelaud later addressed the incident on Instagram, urging followers to be cautious of fake accounts using her name and images. 'I feel so sorry for this man… Please be vigilant. I'm sharing this video to show that this really happened. Be careful and take care of yourselves,' she wrote in French. The incident has sparked conversations about online romance scams and the emotional toll they take on victims. Michel, clearly shaken, could be heard saying in the video, 'I think she played a dirty trick on me,' to which Boutamine replied, 'It's fake accounts. You have to be very careful.' While no formal action has been reported so far, the case serves as a sobering reminder of how easily people can be manipulated online.
