An Invite from Friends of the Red Hill Valley & Its Friends
11TH ANNUAL SPIRIT OF RED HILL VALLEY LECTURE – On Tuesday, April 5th, 2016 at 7:00 PM
Presenter Gordon Laxer PhD, founding director of the Parkland Institute is author of “After the Sands: Energy and Ecological Security for Canadians”, that Ralph Nader hails as “a myth-destroying blockbuster book.”
It provides a roadmap to end oil and gas exports and ensure that all Canadians get sufficient energy in a carbon-constrained future.
An Invite from Sierra Club Niagara’s Climate and Clean Energy Writers Group in Buffalo/Western New York
Posted March 24th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
An Open Letter to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne from the Ontario Health Coalition and its member groups in Niagara and other regions of the province
Posted March 23rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Dear Premier Wynne,
As presented, the 2016 Ontario Budget contains a plan to have many seniors pay substantially more for prescription drugs, based on their incomes.
In addition, the government is planning to increase the co-payment for filling prescriptions. Under this plan, seniors with incomes over $19,300 for a single person or $32,300 for a couple, will have to pay nearly double the deductible before their drugs are covered.
The concept of the high cost of healthcare.
Deductible costs will increase from $100 to as much as $170. In addition, all seniors, regardless of income, will see their co-payment rise when they go in to get prescriptions filled.
Premier, we are asking you to cancel the fee increases for seniors and uphold the principle of universality for our health care system. As Ontario pays down its deficit, the fundamental values that underlie our public health care programs should not be abandoned. Continue reading
Posted March 23rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large
The David Suzuki Foundation welcomed this March 22nd’s federal budget as the first in almost a decade that seriously commits funding to climate change and clean energy, habitat conservation and a healthy environment.
“After nearly a decade of federal budgets that pitted the environment against the economy, it is refreshing to see a budget that acknowledges a prosperous Canada depends on healthy ecosystems and a transition to a clean economy,” said David Suzuki Foundation CEO Peter Robinson.
“At the same time, we’re concerned that the level of investment doesn’t match the urgency of the environmental challenges Canada faces.” Continue reading
By John Bacher
Posted March 23rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large
(This is another in a series of pieces s by John Bacher that Niagara At Large will be posting in the days and weeks ahead on the recently released Crombie panel report and related issues to do with keeping what is left of our natural areas in Niagara and other regions of the province from being paved over.)
One of the clearest way in which provincial planning in Ontario can be made to increase environmental protection is a simple proposal made by the Niagara Escarpment Commission during the provincial four plan review.
This would be to accept its suggestion for a plan amendment, which would prohibit new licenses for aggregate extraction from the Niagara Escarpment Rural Area.
Crombie, in response to the NEC’s proposal to amend their plan, does not offer any specific arguments as to why it is wrong. He simply states on page 155 that, “we do not support the NEC’s recommendations to prohibit aggregate operations in the Niagara Escarpment Plan area.” Continue reading
From the Office of MP Vance Badawey, representing the federal riding of Niagara Centre in Niagara, Ontario
Posted March 23rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Ottawa, Ontario – The March 22nd, following weeks of consultations across Canada, including three days of consultations in Niagara, Finance Minister Bill Morneau tabled his first budget.
Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey
The Federal Government is focusing on strengthening the middle class and on long-term investment. To this end, Morneau has reduced the middle-income tax rate from 22 per cent to 20.5 per cent, thereby cutting taxes for middle-class Canadians on average $330 per year.
“This is part of our plan to help families,” said Badawey upon hearing Morneau’s speech in the House of Commons. Badawey added that, “In addition, the Government is introducing the Canada Child Benefit that will provide families with a benefit of up to $6,400 per child under the age of 6, and up to $5,400 per child aged 6 through 17.” Continue reading
An Brief Analysis of the Federal Budget from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, a not-for-profit think tank based in the nation’s capital.
Posted March 23rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada —This past Tuesday, March 22nd’s federal budget delivers on poverty reduction, makes important steps towards reducing inequality, and addresses decades of underfunding and neglect on reserves.
However, delaying infrastructure and social program investments will not solve the problems of slow growth and high unemployment.
“This budget provides something that’s been missing for a long time: a real response to poverty and inequality,” says CCPA Senior Economist David Macdonald. “Changes to the Canada Child Benefit and Guaranteed Income Supplement will have a big impact on reducing poverty for children and seniors.”
There are many welcome investments in the March 22nd budget but CCPA economists say more spending is needed to boost Canada’s faltering economy. Continue reading
Posted March 22nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large
(A Brief Foreword Note from NAL publisher Doug Draper – Love him or hate him, Rob Ford became towering force – as colorful as he was , colourful, shocking and controversial – in municipal politics and a household name across Canada and in many other regions of the world during his turbulent term as mayor of one of North America’s largest cities. I couldn’t phone or visit a friend in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida or Maryland without being asked within the first minute or two of our conversation – ‘So what’s up with Rob Ford?’ as if he was the wild guy next door.
Former Toronto mayor Rob Ford
Here, for the record, for NAL’s readers in this region for those who follow this site from other regions in Canada and the United States, is a brief statement from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, who was one of many targets of Rob Ford’s political attacks, following news of his death from this March 22nd, 2016 at age 46)
Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement regarding the passing of Rob Ford:
“It was with deep sadness that I learned that former Toronto mayor Rob Ford has passed away. Continue reading
News from the Government of Ontario
Posted March 22nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Posted March 22nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large for the information of our NAL subscribers and the many others who visit our news and commentary site
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today (this March 22nd, 2016) issued the following statement after learning of a number of terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium:
“I am outraged and deeply saddened by the news that so many have been killed and injured in terrorist attacks targeting the people of Brussels, Belgium.
“Sophie and I join all Canadians in extending our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed. We also hope for a fast recovery to all those who have been injured.
“Canada stands by Belgium in this difficult time and has offered all possible assistance. We will continue to work closely with our allies and the international community to help fight and prevent terrorism here and abroad, and to bring to justice those who are responsible for planning and carrying out these senseless acts.
“Canadians mourn the loss of so many innocent victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Belgium.
“Canadian citizens in Brussels requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada in Brussels at 32 (2) 741-0611 or call Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre collect at +1 613 996 8885 or at +1 800 387 3124. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca .
“Friends and relatives in Canada of Canadian citizens known to be in the area can contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 613-996-8885 or 1-800-387-3124, or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca .”
NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.
Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.
A Commentary by Doug Draper
Posted March 22th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – As public concern grows over what the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is up to with its recent fetish over something called “biodiversity off-setting,” to play around with what’s left of the region’s wetlands, I posted a piece late this February urging Niagara At Large readers to take their concerns directly to the NPCA’s board of directors.
In this age of fear and loathing and online, where many say they feel a reluctance to use the internet to express their views on hot topics, at least some of you took advantage of a list we posted here of board members’ names and email addresses, to express your concerns over this thing being packaged by the NPCA and provincial government as “biodiversity off-setting.”
One person who did was Niagara, Ontario residents Sheila Krekorian and Joe Skura, who received responses from only two of the NPCA’s .14 board members – the board’s chair Bruce Timms, who is also a Niagara regional councillor for the City of St. Catharines, and Brian Baty, who is a regional councillor for the Town of Pelham. Continue reading
A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper
Posted March 21st, 2016 on Niagara At Large
The late New York hotel tycoon and millionaire Leona Hemsley once infamously said; “Only the little people (meaning most of the rest of us) pay taxes.”
Well much to surprise, apparently not all the millionaires in the great Empire State across the Canada/U.S. border feel it should stay that way.
One can only imagine the mixture of shock and delight on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s face earlier this March when he received the following letter from more than 40 millionaires in his state, among them members of the diamond-studded Rockefeller and Disney families.
It is a letter that I’m sure would be received by millionaires and billionaires in most other regions of the United States, and by their counterparts across the border here in Ontario and the rest of Canada as a betrayal of one of golden rules of the 1 per cent club – that individuals in those upper stratapheres of wealth never give a cent in paying more taxes, to the extent they pay taxes at all. Continue reading
By John Bacher
Posted March 17th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
(This is another in a series of pieces s by John Bacher that Niagara At Large will be posting in the days and weeks ahead on the recently released Crombie panel report and related issues to do with keeping what is left of our natural areas in Niagara and other regions of the province from being paved over.)
News from the Ontario Health Care Coalition and its Chapter Group in Niagara
Posted March 21st on Niagara At Large
Toronto, Ontario – At a press conference today at Queen’s Park, patients and concerned citizens from Welland issued an urgent plea to Ontario’s Minister of Health to overturn the decision to close the Welland Hospital, telling him that more than 100,000 people served by the Welland Hospital will suffer worse access to vital health services if the Welland Hospital is closed.
The group has been working tirelessly to save the Welland hospital from closure and has collected more than 14,000 signatures on a petition that will be presented this afternoon in the Legislature, by Cindy Forster, Member of Provincial Parliament for Welland.
Currently, there is a plan to close five entire community hospitals in the Niagara region, including the Welland Hospital. The closure of a hospital serving 100,000 people is almost unheard of in Canada. All patients would be forced to travel to other communities for acute care, inpatient services and emergency department services. Continue reading
A Call-Out from Niagara Action for AnimalsPosted March 20, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – Volunteers from Niagara Action For Animals (NAFA) recently rescued 5 cats from horrible living conditions.
None of the cats in this household were spayed/ neutered and they were all suffering with skin infections from flea infestation, poor nutrition and broken teeth; at least one will require further dental surgery.
The cats have been fixed and treated by one of our veterinarians and they are almost ready for adoption. A couple of the cats require more socialization as they are still very shy with their human friends.
At this time, we are looking for some special persons who have a spare room and time to foster and socialize one or more of these cats to help prepare them for adoption (food/ litter and supplies can be provided)
If you can help these cats by fostering please fill out our foster care application here: http://goo.gl/forms/1nE2DMgIK6
or – NAfA Foster Care Application
For more information on the not-for-profit, volunteer group Niagara Action For Animals and its animal advocacy work click on – http://www.niagaraactionforanimals.org/ .
NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.
Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.
Posted March 20th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – The Council of Canadians is calling for a $7.4 billion expenditure on water in this year’s federal budget plus the creation of a new ministry.
Radio Canada International (RCI) reports, “March 22 is World Water Day.
It is also budget day in Canada and the Council of Canadians is calling on the government to budget $7.4 billion to expand the protection of water.
The citizens’ group wants the new prime minister to name a cabinet minister responsible for water. Water issues are currently overseen by 20 different departments.” Continue reading
A Report from the Ontario Health Coalition, a province-wide citizens’ advocacy group
Posted March 19th on Niagara At Large
Welland/Niagara/Toronto, Ontario – The Niagara Health System – an amalgamation of Niagara, Ontario’s hospital services – revealed a sliver of its hospital plans this March 19th.
The Welland hospital site’s days may be wondered without more of a public fight to save it.
In its email to the media, the hospital outlined its new proposal for an ambulatory care centre (outpatient clinics), an “urgent care” centre (walk-in clinic) and long-term care beds to be located in Welland.
The timing of the revelation is interesting. On Monday, Welland residents head to Queen’s Park to hold a Welland Hospital Awareness Day. Residents will raise the planned closure of Welland’s hospital in a media conference at the Main Legislative Building and will meet with MPPs and other officials at the Ontario Legislature to advocate for the hospital to be saved and the cuts stopped.
The currently approved government plan is that all inpatient hospital services and the emergency department will be closed down in Welland along with the closure of four other entire hospitals in Niagara, to be replaced by one hospital (at the southwest end of) Niagara Falls (near the QEW and Lyon’s Creek Road.). Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper
Posted March 18th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
This March 17th, a number of major media outlets in Canada and the United States reported a decision by SeaWorld to finally place a ban on breeding captive orcas (popularly known as killer whales) and on making them perform tricks for its park visitors as if it was a major victory in the ongoing war against animal abuse.
Animal advocates protest in front of Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario. File photo by Doug Draper
It is not.
As Julie Woodyer of ZooCheck Canada, an organization that has worked with other animal advocacy groups for decades to end the abuse of these magnificent animals, told me in a phone conversation about the SeaWorld ban this March 17th, orcas are not the only marine mammals parks like SeaWorld and Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario are exploiting. Continue reading
A Call-Out from the Buffalo For Bernie Sanders Campaign In Buffalo, New York
Posted March 18th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
We are at the halfway point in the Democratic primaries and Bernie Sanders is doing better than the naysayers and critics predicted.
He’s won 9 primaries, come very close in a few others, tied in Iowa, and came so close in Missouri that a recount is underway. All this was done without relying on corporate donors, a multi-million dollar SuperPAC, orsignificant support from the DNC.
We built support for Bernie Sanders even with a relative media blackout of his candidacy.
******New voters have until march 25th to register as Democrats to support Bernie Sanders in the NY primary.****
No one said a political revolution would be easy, and we need you now more than ever. We need people ready to make phone calls, canvass, register voters, and to improve our organization on the ground. Continue reading
A Brief One from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper
Posted March 18th, 2016
To all of you who are Irish or who wish you were Irish for a day or four this time of year, I raise a mug of Guinness for a Happy St. Patrick’s weekend and first day of spring – this March 20th – to one and all of us who make up the 99 %.
A few of the countless thousands gathered for a past St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Buffalo, New York. That parade is back this Sunday, March 22nd, starting at noon on Delaware Avenue. Maybe we’ll see you there.
As for the remaining 1 % – all of the tax-dodging billionaires out there – let’s raise our mugs again to not letting them crash the party. They’ve crashed more than enough decent-paying jobs and opportunities for the rest of us to live the middle-class dream already.
And speaking of the billionaires, here is to the only candidate for high office on the continent who has continued to wage a political revolution aimed at making them start paying their fair share and stop out-sourcing millions of good jobs.
That candidate is U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who is now running for President of the United States and speaking of the Irish, here is a letter he sent to then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher 36 years ago, when he was the Mayor of Burlington, Vermont, calling for the humane treatment of Irish prisoners in her government’s custody. Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
A Brief One from Doug Draper, publisher, Niagara At Large
Posted March 17th, 2016
This Thursday, March 17th, an 81-year-old, terminally ill Ontario man, reportedly racked with unbearable pain from the cancer occupying his body, was finally granted his wish by a Toronto Superior Court judge to “die with dignity” with the assistance of a doctor.
The judge’s decision has come almost a year after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the current nation-wide ban on doctor-assisted death is unconstitutional and gave the federal government a year to table legislation replacing that ban.
With the tabling of new legislation now only weeks away, a national debate over the legality and morality of granting individuals the right to die with the assistance of a physician continues to intensify. Continue reading
News from the Government of Ontario
Posted March 17th on Niagara At Large
Queen’s Park, Toronto – Ontario continues to put its new Climate Change Strategy into action by investing $13 million in two initiatives to help Indigenous communities address climate change and support economic growth.
The province is providing $5 million from the Green Investment Fund to the Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources, in partnership with the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation. This investment will help provide Indigenous communities with training, tools and infrastructure to address climate change by:
Ontario is also committing $8 million to develop advanced microgrid solutions in First Nations communities. These microgrid projects will support economic growth by reducing reliance on diesel fuel and enabling stable, predictable sources of power. Continue reading
From the Ontario Health Coalition, a citizens’ health care advocacy group
Posted March 17th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Toronto, Ontario – This survey is being conducted by the Ontario Health Coalition, a public interest group dedicated to protecting and improving public health care.
The survey takes most people less than 5 minutes to complete and almost everyone finishes within 10 minutes.
You can do the survey by printing the attached file, filling it in and sending it back to the Ontario Health Coalition by May 31, 2016. Continue reading
From the Office of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Posted March 17th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Queen’s Park, Ontario – The Ontario PC Critic for Seniors and Long-Term Care, Bill Walker, says he is appalled by the province’s Liberal Government’s proposal to reduce access to seniors’ drugs, contained in the 2016 Budget.
This March 17th, 2016, he called on the Wynne Liberals to halt proposed changes to seniors’ drug benefits.
“It’s a well-known fact that most seniors live in medically underserviced and rural areas and that they live on a fixed income. As such, we have to ensure they have affordable access to medical drugs,” MPP Walker said. Continue reading
An Invite to All of Us from the Council of Canadians’ South Niagara Chapter and Cinema Politica Brock
Posted March 17th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – “Anyone who can throw a hatchet and sue you is a force to be reckoned with,” says renowned climate activist Bill McKibben describing Caleb Behn, a young First Nations warrior and lawyer and the charismatic subject of the film Fractured Land.
Caleb Behn in the award-winning documentary film Fractured Land, screening at the Niagara Art Centre this March 22nd
Tuesday, March 22, is World Water Day. To emphasize the many threats to our water, the Council of Canadians South Niagara Chapter and Cinema Politica Brock are co-hosting a free screening of this powerful new documentary, at 8 p.m., at the Niagara Arts Centre, 354 St. Paul Street East, St. Catharines, Ontario. Continue reading
A Call-Out from Niagara Action For Animals in Niagara, Ontario
Posted March 17th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Dear Friends of Animals
From your arm chairs you can help support a new Bill C-246 – introduced by Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, the federal Liberal MP for the Toronto area riding of Beaches-East York – by going to the link below and signing the petition.
At the bottom of the petition, there is also a link you can follow with suggestions on writing a letter to your own Federal Member of Parliament.
The Modernizing Animal Protections Act would make common sense improvements to the animal cruelty section of the Criminal Code. Continue reading
News from the Bridges Community Health Centre in Niagara, Ontario
March 16th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – Thanks to funding from the Niagara Prosperity Initiative, and the support of Bridges Community Health Centre and the Town of Fort Erie, an important part of the transportation solution for Niagara makes its’ official launch this third week of March, 2016.
Niagara Ride Share, a free web-based ride matching service virtually connects people living in the same neighbourhood so they can share the ride to work, school or even regular meetings. It doesn’t exclude one off rides either.
“There’s no question that we need different modes of transportation services to solve Niagara’s transportation crisis,” says Taralea McLean, Executive Director at Bridges Community Health Centre. “We think Ride Share will make a significant difference in people’s lives and offset some of the costs or challenges of getting people where they need to be.” Continue reading
By John Bacher
Posted March 16th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
(This is the first of a series of pieces s by John Bacher that Niagara At Large will be posting in the days and weeks ahead on the recently released Crombie panel report and related issues to do with keeping what is left of our natural areas in Niagara and other regions of the province from being paved over.)
One of the most effective strengths of the 2005 Greenbelt Plan and Act responsible for its creation was the good impact they had on protecting the Niagara Escarpment from urban sprawl.
One of many signs in the Niagara, Ontario area, welcoming people to the Escarpment area as a designated ‘World Biosphere Reserve
In the preceding years, it had become apparent that the biggest glitch in the otherwise strong 1985 Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP) was the relative ease with which urban expansions were allowed to take place – even when made the focus of complicated battles before the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).
The largest urban expansion was a massive one involving over a thousand acres in the City of Milton. A smaller expansion impacted fruit land in St. David’s in Niagara-on-the-Lake through a subdivision known as Bevan Heights. Continue reading
A Special to Niagara At Large from Florence and Timmis Studios in Florence, Italy
Posted March 16th, 2016
In 2014 Canadian artist, based in Florence, Frank Rekrut was commissioned by the District School Board of Niagara to sculpt a life-sized statue of Harriet Tubman for the new Harriet Tubman Public School.
The life-size Harriet Tubman statue, now in place at Harriet Tubman Public School in the Niagara, Ontario city of St. Catharines.
The Harriet Tubman Public School is born from the unity of three public schools in St. Catherine, one of which Frank attended as a child.
Intrigued by Harriet’s story, filmmaker Dorin Vasilescu, followed the creative process of the sculpture, documenting Frank’s every move while recreating history, telling her story from an outside perspective and developing a relationship with the piece.
The images set the story in the artist’s studio, placed in the heart of Florence, showing the sculpture coming to life, from the chair Harriet is sat on to the book placed in her hands.
“I think the best part about being an artist is to develop a relationship with your piece. Whether it was positioning her hand, the title of the book, or the tilt of the head, it felt like she was talking to me.” states Frank Rekrut. Continue reading
From Niki Ashton and Canada’s New Democratic Party
Posted March 16th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
(A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – I hardly know anything about Niki Ashton at all, but two thumbs up for this Federal Parliamentarian from the Province of Manitoba for paying some real attention to the challenges faced by young people, rather than just those faced by seniors or whatever is left of “the middle class” so many
politicians on both sides of the Canada/U.S. border pay so much lip-service to.)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – New Democrats are launching a campaign to address the rising challenge of precarious work among millennials, which leaves many young Canadians with little job security, no benefits, and no ability to plan for the future.
“The rise of precarious employment is driving growing inequality and threatens the future of an entire generation,” said Niki Ashton (Churchill – Keewatinook Aski) NDP Critic for Jobs, Employment and Workforce Development. “The government can no longer ignore the challenges facing millions of young Canadians who lack job security and basic benefits.” Continue reading
Posted March 16, 2016 on Niagara At Large
A number of Canadian companies – including TransCanada, BMO Financial, Cenovus, Resolute Forest Products and Suncor – are helping to finance a legal action to block US President Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan, according to a report by Vancouver-based Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE).
U.S. President at a solar power facility last year, making a pitch for his Clean Power Plan
The legal action against the US government is being led by the US Chamber of Commerce.
The National Observer reports, “In 2009, Apple, and some other large companies pulled out of the U.S. Chamber, expressing frustration with the lobby group’s efforts to block action to tackle greenhouse gas pollution.
But the [SHARE] report identified more than a dozen Canadian companies that are still part of the trade associations supporting legal action launched by the U.S. Chamber against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to crack down on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.” Continue reading
A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper
Posted March 15th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
I once took great issue with Evangelical Christians calling Darwin’s Theory of Evolution a bunch of unholy bunk that shouldn’t be taught to young people in our schools.
But maybe they’re right. When you look at what is happening with the Republicans these days in the U.S presidential race, I’m beginning to believe that a stronger case could be made for devolution, if not total fossilization.
How else do you go from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to Abe Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, then onward and downward through Richard Nixon and George W. Bush, and finally to this recent spectacle of Tea Party goddess Sarah Palin stumping for billionaire, reality TV celebrity and Republic presidential frontrunner Donald Trump? All while being cheered on by tthrongs of what Trump is fond of calling the “under-educated.”
Click on the following and you will see what I mean –
.
Finally, here are the two Republican/Tea Party darlings featured on the front page of the January 20th, 2016 issue of the New York Daily News. Never mind God Bless America. God Help Us All!
NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.
Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.
News from the Office of Welland, Ontario Riding MPP Cindy Forster
Posted March 15th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
St.Catharines, Ontario – After meeting with seniors from CARP’s Niagara chapter this March 15th , Cindy Forster, MPP for Welland, demanded the Wynne government stop its proposed increase to the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, included in the recently released 2016 provincial budget.
Cindy Forster, Provincial Representative for the Niagara, Ontario riding of Welland
“Since the Ontario budget came out we have been hearing from seniors here in St.Catharines and across Ontario, who are worried about how they’ll pay for prescription drugs this summer,” Forster said.
The budget says that, starting on August 1st, the Liberals will nearly double the cost of prescription drugs for most seniors, with no consultation and no warning. One in three Ontario Seniors require 10 or more prescriptions to stay healthy, independent, and out of hospital.
Recently Premier Wynne said she needs until the end of the month to “consult” on whether to raise the income threshold. Continue reading
News from Brock University
Posted March 15th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – Public demonstrations like the one that took place at Brock University (in the Niagara, Ontario community of St. Catharines this March 15th) help raise awareness of the need for more effective ways of helping survivors of sexual harassment and violence.
The Brock Tower looming over the university’s St. Catharines, Ontario campus.
Universities are no more immune to these types of incidents than any other workplace in Canada, however unlike most workplaces, Brock was one of the first universities in Canada to have formal procedures dealing with sexual violence.
Earlier this month, Brock administrators took action against an employee after a former student came forward with a complaint about sexual harassment. The complaint led to an independent investigation, the results of which were presented to the University in January. As a result, the employee is not assigned to a class and is not on campus. Continue reading
Posted March 14th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
A Brief Foreword by NAL publisher Doug Draper
On the editorial page of this March 14th’s Globe and Mail – that’s Canada’s equivalent to The New York Times for our American readers and neighbours who may not know – is a cartoon showing Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama walking in the sunlight on the White House lawn.
In the background, the cartoon depicts dark storm clouds rolling in with the faces of Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and other presidential candidates etched into the clouds, along with a caption that reads; “but tomorrow is another day.”
Also etched into those clouds is the face of Bernie Sanders – one candidate I don’t believe belongs there – but Trump and Cruz (the two now most likely to win the Republican nomination) certainly do.
If Trump or Cruz or anyone else who shares their extremist, right-wing views becomes the next occupant of the White House, Americans, Canadians and others around the world who share a vision for peace, tolerance and a carbon-free, more fair and prosperous future for everyda people may have to kiss that vision goodbye.
Forget about fighting climate change and start building the Keystone pipe, and uncork more champagne for the wealthiest one per cent! Continue reading
News from Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch
Posted March 14th, 2014 on Niagara At Large
Grimsby, Ontario – One of the great educational family events will once again take place on Good Friday, March 25th at Beamer Memorial Conservation Area when a stunning aerial show of birds of prey will soar over the skies of Niagara.
The Annual Open House for the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH), is being held at Beamer Conservation Area in the Niagara, Ontario, at the brink of the Niagara Escarpment in the municipality of Grimsby on Good Friday, March 25th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Throughout the day there will be displays from various naturalists clubs and plenty of opportunity for all to observe and learn about migrating hawks, eagles, vultures and ospreys that pass over Grimsby every spring. Visitors can also enjoy the trails throughout the Conservation Area and the fantastic views from the observation decks on the edge of the Niagara escarpment.
Continue reading
News from the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority
Niagara, Ontario – Terence Bowles, CEO of The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, will kick off the St. Lawrence Seaway’s 58th navigation season with his outlook for the year at an Official Opening Ceremony in St. Catharines, Ontario on Monday, March 21st, 2016.
Open season for the Seaway system and Welland Canal in Niagara, Ontario.
Allister Paterson, President of Canada Steamship Lines, whose state-of-the-art Trillium-class vessel the Thunder Bay will be the first ship of the season, will serve as the keynote speaker.
Other speakers include Francois Allard, Director Marine Distribution for K + S Windsor Salt Ltd., whose salt is this first cargo and who will be discussing the importance of the Seaway, and Betty Sutton, Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (United States). Continue reading
A Call-Out from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper
Posted March 13th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
An independent, cross-Canada advocacy organization called Leadnow has posted an online petition that Niagara At Large is reposting here for your consideration.
The petition calls on the new Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to plug the Harper era loopholes that allow Canada’s richest individuals and corporations to avoid paying taxes in this country, and Niagara At Large is joining Leadnow in urging all Canadians to sign it before the government tables its first budget this coming March 22nd.
Niagara At Large also urges you to send your own email message to the federal government and the Member of Parliament in your riding (whose name you can Google for countact information) and let them know that the richest among us should be made to pay their fair share into keeping Canada a great country for everyone who lives here. Continue reading
A Message from U.S. Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders & ‘from the Buffalo for Bernie Sanders’ Campaign Office
Posted March 13th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
U.S. Senator and presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders
The Following Letter Was Sent To Two Federal Cabinet Ministers by Niagara, Ontario citizen Gary King and is being posted in Niagara At Large with his permission.
Every Canadian citizen who pay their fair share (and sometimes more than their fair share) of taxes in this country while some of the wealthiest among us fly out tens of billions of dollars each year to tax havens in other regions of the world, should read this letter and continue sending one of their own to our political leaders.
Now here is Gary King’s great letter.
An Open Letter, Dated March 11th, 2016, from Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates
To The Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
RE: Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Decision to Euthanize Dogs
One of the more than 30 dogs awaiting their fate. Niagara Falls, Ontario MPP Wayne Gates Is calling on the provincial government to spare them.
News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario
Posted March 11th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – A news report this March 11th on the CBC about a sexual harassment case at Brock University contains some outdated information. The University has in fact addressed the issue in a serious manner. The employee is not assigned to a class and is not on campus.
A main entrance to Brock University in the Niagara, Ontario community of St. Catharines.
The University sincerely regrets the emotional trauma this incident has caused to the complainant, and Brock staff were supportive and responsive as soon as they learned of the complaint. University President Jack Lightstone has spoken directly with the complainant.
The incident in question occurred in the Fall of 2014. Eleven months later, the complainant notified University officials and requested an investigation through the University’s Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy (RWLEP). Continue reading
A Commentary from the Office of Ontario Conservative Opposition Leader Patrick Brown
Posted March 10th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Queen’s Park, Toronto – Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown used Question Period today to highlight some ways the Wynne Liberals Budget 2016 makes life more expensive for average Ontario families and seniors.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne won’t raise income taxes, which are progressive, but keeps slamming us with higher and higher user fees, which hit lower income people hardest.
“This budget increases virtually every other government service fee, and at the same time it cuts popular middle class tax credits for education and active children,” said Leader Patrick Brown. “Life is just that much more expensive for the average family.”
Ontario families are already burdened with skyrocketing costs of living, including among the highest electricity prices in North America. Rather than making life more affordable for Ontarians, the Liberals are hiking fees and slashing important tax credits to pay for years of scandal, mismanagement and waste. Continue reading
A Message from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a citizens’ coalition in the province
Posted March 10th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
This March 10th, Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) announced that it has signed five contracts with private sector companies for wind power at costs ranging from 6.45 to 10.55 cents per kWh.
According to Ontario Power Generation (OPG), the cost of electricity from a re-built Darlington Nuclear Station will be 7 to 8 cents per kWh.
However, every nuclear project in Ontario’s history has gone massively over budget – on average by 2.5 times. If history repeats itself, the cost of electricity from re-built Darlington reactors will be 15 cents per kWh .
That would make even solar power acquired through the new Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) process competitive with nuclear. Continue reading
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the bilateral meeting with President Obama
Posted March 10th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Washington, D.C. – The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement this March 10th after a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama:
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama talk climate change/trade this March 10th, 2016 at White House
“Today (March 10th), President Obama and I had a very productive meeting that will help our countries transition to low-carbon economies, foster clean growth, and create good jobs and great opportunities for our citizens.
“The President and I agreed to formally join the Paris Agreement in the global fight against climate change, and to take ambitious actions to reduce methane, hydroflurocarbon, and greenhouse gas emissions.
“We announced a new partnership to build a sustainable Arctic economy, and we will work together to develop new, science-based standards for commercial fishing, low-impact shipping, sustainable development, and Arctic biodiversity. Continue reading
From the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, an independent, non-partisan research institute
Posted March 10th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Ottawa, Ontario —The 2016 Alternative Federal Budget (AFB), released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), projects a federal deficit of $29.2 billion for 2016-17 when Liberal platform measures are taken into account. It also delivers a blueprint showing how the government could take on a $37.9 billion deficit and still maintain Canada’s debt-to-GDP ratio.
The AFB, now in its 21st year, brings together leading Canadian economists and sectoral experts to produce a detailed progressive economic plan—and the means to pay for it. The measures in the Alternative Federal Budget would lift 1.1 million Canadians out of poverty, reduce income inequality, boost economic growth, and, at its peak, result in 520,000 new jobs, bringing Canada’s unemployment rate to 6.0%. Continue reading
An Invitation from the Buffalo History Museum
Posted March 10th, 2016 in Niagara At Large
Buffalo, New York – The Buffalo History Museum introduces BREAKOUT, a new and reoccurring program that extends activities designed around Museum exhibits and topical history related themes.
Families are invited to drop in during school vacation break during the scheduled time.
What: BREAKOUT! – Creative hands-on history learning fun for kids 5 years of age and up
When: March 22 – 25 Time: 1-3 pm Location: The Buffalo History Museum, One Museum Court (off Elmwood Avenue in the Delaware Park area)
This month, kids will have the opportunity to explore the connections between history and science. Different activities are planned for each of the four days: Dyes & Fabrics, Quill Pens & Papermaking, Native American Plantings, and more. Continue reading
Posted in Arts & Entertainment
From Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama
Posted March 10, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Washington, D.C., United States of America – President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau share a common vision of a prosperous and sustainable North American economy, and the opportunities afforded by advancing clean growth.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama make climate change a focus of talks during state visit this March 10th in Washington.
They emphasize and embrace the special relationship between the two countries and their history of close collaboration on energy development, environmental protection, and Arctic leadership.
The two leaders regard the Paris Agreement as a turning point in global efforts to combat climate change and anchor economic growth in clean development. They resolve that the United States and Canada must and will play a leadership role internationally in the low carbon global economy over the coming decades, including through science-based steps to protect the Arctic and its peoples. Canada and the U.S. will continue to respect and promote the rights of Indigenous peoples in all climate change decision making. Continue reading
Posted March 9th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Queen’s Park, Toronto – The people of Ontario are breathing cleaner air today than a decade ago, according to data in the province’s annual report on air quality.
One of many air quality monitoring stations operated by the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change in Ontario.
The 2014 Air Quality in Ontario report shows significant decreases in smog-causing pollutants while confirming that Ontario’s initiatives, such as eliminating coal-fired power plants, new air standards, Drive Clean, and placing emissions caps on sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are contributing to improved air quality and helping fight climate change. There were no smog advisories in 2014 and the province’s air was rated very good or good for 94 per cent of the year. Continue reading
By Ellen Perschbacher
News from the Great Lakes Regional Office of the Canada/U.S. International Joint Commission
Posted March 9th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Concerned citizens can help decrease the amount of microplastics entering the Great Lakes. It starts with paying attention to microbeads in personal care products.
You and I can make a big difference as consumers when it comes to keeping dangerous microbeads out of our shared Great Lakes waters. Photo Credit: Griszka Niewiadomski
Microbeads are a subcategory of microplastics. They are tiny, spherical plastic particles found in hundreds of personal care products manufactured globally.
As ingredients in toothpastes, shampoos, face washes, sunscreen, makeup, nail polishes and shaving creams, these plastic particles get washed down the drain with each use and in most cases pass through wastewater treatment plants without being removed, flowing directly into surface waters such as the Great Lakes. Continue reading
A Fan’s Tribute from Doug Draper
Posted March 9th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
They called him “the fifth Beatle” and a convincing case can be made that without him at the console, The Beatles may never have emerged from inside the damp, dimly lit walls of the Cavern in Liverpool to conquer the world in ways that changed pop music forever.
Producer George Martin, right, listens to a playback with John Lennon, during the recording of the Sgt. Petter’s album in 1967.
It was George Martin who heard earlier Beatles drummer Pete Best crash, boom and banging his way through an earlier take of ‘Love Me Do’ (you can hear too on The Beatles’ Anthology, Volume One) and said the group couldn’t move forward with him as a drummer. Enter Ringo Starr and the ingredients for the ‘Fab Four’ were complete.
And it was George Martin who raised the idea of following up ‘Love Me Do’, The Beatles’ first single, with a cover version of a song composed by someone outside the group – challenging John Lennon and Paul McCartney (by then determined to be The Beatles’ principle songwriters) to come back with a self-penned tune that was better. The song Lennon and McCartney composed was ‘Please, Please Me’ and when the group finished recording it, Martin leaned into the studio’s intercom and said; “Gentlemen, you’ve just made your first number one record.” Continue reading
From the Office of Ontario Conservative Opposition Leader
Posted March 8th, 2016 on Niagara at Large
Queen’s Park, Toronto – After four years of frozen hospital budgets and a $54-million cut to health care in last year’s Budget, the Liberal Government’s Budget 2016 included only negligible investments in frontline health care while the province’s most vulnerable continue to suffer.
“Despite the fact the budget was released at the end of February, hardly a thing has changed in our health care system. More cuts, cuts and cuts,” said Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown during this March 8th’s Question Period. “Toronto General and Toronto Western had to cut 51 registered nurse positions. 59 were cut at Mount Sinai. 61 registered nurse Positions were lost at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton.” Continue reading
News from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission
Posted March 9th, 2016 and Niagara At Large
Niagara Falls, Ontario – In partnership with Tourism Ireland’s “Global Greening” campaign, the Niagara Falls Illumination Board will light Niagara Falls in green on March 17 for St. Patrick’s Day. A 15-minute green illumination will take place at 10 p.m.
Niagara Falls will be bathed in green lights, joining many other world icons such as the Egyptian Sphinx and Pyramids, London Eye, Empire State Building and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Photo courtesy of the Niagara Parks Commission
Established in 1925, The Niagara Falls Illumination Board is made up of representatives from the City of Niagara Falls Ontario, the City of Niagara Falls, New York, Ontario Power Generation Inc., the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and The Niagara Parks Commission. It is the Illumination Board’s responsibility and mandate to finance and maintain the nightly illumination of both the Horseshoe and American Falls.
NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.
Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.
Posted in Arts & Entertainment
A Brief Notice from Pamela Minns, Heritage Thorold
Posted March 8th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
National Trust for Canada (formerly Heritage Canada) publishes a magazine six times a year entitled “Heritage”.
The historic ‘Old Fire Hall’, circa 1878, in the Niagara, Ontario City of Thorold getting Canada-wide exposure
This magazine goes clear across Canada and it is at the top of the list when it comes to quality and news about Canada’s heritage.
Their next issue will include a story and photographs of Thorold’s downtown business area, with special emphasis on “The Post Office”-Dominion Government Building (former Post Office) on 18 Front St. North, opened in 1936 and designated a heritage site in 2002, and “The Old Fire Hall”.on 12 Albert St. West, opened in 1878 and designated a heritage site in 1989. Continue reading
News from Brock University
Posted March 7th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics has granted $20,000 to a Brock-led multi-media project that features women around the world working to improve animals’ lives.
Bruck University, in the Niagara, Ontario City of St. Catharines
“Women have played a critical role in animal rights and the animal advocacy movement,” says Tricia Stevens, charitable giving manager in Lush’s British Columbia office. The grant comes from the company’s North American Charitable Giving Program.
“The celebration of these women through powerful story telling will not only highlight their impact, but provide inspiration and empower new generations of female leaders,” she says. Continue reading
News from the Office of Niagara Falls Member of Provincial Parliament Wayne Gates
Posted March 7th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Niagara Falls, Ontario – Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates spent the March 5th-6th weekend knocking on doors and visiting retirement homes to talk to residents about the Liberals budget plan to increase prescriptions costs for seniors.
Wayne Gates, provincial member of parliament for the Ontario riding of Niagara Falls.
“As the budget stands today, prescription drug prices are going to nearly double for seniors” said Gates “Seniors spend their entire lives giving back to our community and then they find out that prices are going through the roof when they retire? I don’t think that’s right.”
In the budget the annual deductible under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program for most seniors will be increased from $100 to $170 and Co-pays will increase from $6.11 to $7.11. Nearly two-thirds of Canadian seniors take 5 or more drugs and numbers show that Ontario seniors need an average of 8 prescriptions for different drugs each year.
“The Premier is going to increase costs for any senior making over $19 500 a year – that puts a lot of seniors at risk. They’re already paying steep hydro and gas bills and struggling to get by. I think seniors deserve more respect than that and I’m bringing these signatures directly to the Premier to show that people want this policy changed.”
NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.
Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.
An Invite from the Niagara Secular Humanists
Niagara At Large is pleased to promote the following meeting.
Posted by NAL publisher Doug Draper
On Tuesday, March 8th at 7 p.m., the Niagara Secular Humanists will be hosting a meeting featuring speaker Taylor Telford whose talk is titled; “Preserving the Landscape: Understanding and Appreciating Ecology.”
Don’t let the Niagara Peninsula Conservation use something called “biodiversity offsetting” to decimate what is left of Niagara’s natural wetlands.
Taylor is one of a growing number of people across the Niagara, Ontario region s raising questions and concerns about an idea being explored by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to try something called “bio-diversity offsetting” – a technique that involves destroying natural wetlands for urban development, then attempting to construct a wetland as large or larger somewhere else, to make up for the loss.
Niagara At Large wishes to thank the Niagara Secular Huminists for hosting this meeting and speaker at a time when the Conservation Authority’s expressed interest in using Niagara as a “pilot” region for this controversial technique needs a full public airing in the weeks and months to come.
The March 8th meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Congregation of Niagara at 223 Church Street in the downtown area of St. Catharines.
All are welcome to attend. Admission is $4 for non-members. NSH (Niagara Secular Humanists) members are free.
NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.
Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.
Niagara At Large is pleased to post the following advisory on this event.
Posted March 5th, 2016
St. Catharines, Ontario – Brock for Refugees is proud to introduce our very first committee event: a Panel for Peace with speakers from Amnesty International, the Brock Health Department, Unicef Brock, Save Our Syria, and many more.
Continue reading
A Commentary by Marc Lee, a Senior Economist with The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Posted March 5th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Almost three months after the Paris Agreement was signed, Canada’s first ministers (the prime minister and premiers) met to launch a Canadian climate and energy strategy. Sort of.
Has the call for “Action Now,” coming out of last December’s Paris climate change summit faded out among Canada’s political leaders?
That was what was promised at the time of the December Paris conference, but in the lead-up to this week’s meeting efforts to lower expectations were well underway. It is, of course, notable that the first ministers met at all, meetings for which previous Prime Minister Stephen Harper had no time. And it is the first such meeting specifically on climate change.
So how did our leaders do with the future of civilization on the line? Continue reading
News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario
Posted March 4rth, 2016 on Niagara At Large
St. Catharines, Ontario – It’s five days these students won’t soon forget.
Brock University students will participate in the national 5 Days for the Homeless campaign from March 7-11 by sleeping outside to raise awareness of youth homelessness in Niagara.
Jonas Gillespie was one of the Brock University students who slept outside at last year’s 5 Days for the Homeless campaign.
Students participating in the campaign give up necessities and comforts such as shelter, proper sleeping arrangements, access to food (except what is donated to them), heat, lighting and showers.
With the exception of using technology for homework and sharing their experience on social media to promote the 5 Days for the Homeless campaign, students will give up their smartphones and laptops while continuing to attend class throughout the week. Continue reading
By Brent Patterson from The Council of Canadians, a country-wide public advocacy group
Posted March 4th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
The Council of Canadians Vancouver-Burnaby, Surrey-White Rock-Langley and Delta-Richmond chapters took part in a rally outside the first ministers summit on climate change yesterday.
The outreach for the rally noted, “Come join us in telling Trudeau, the Premiers and the nation about the ambitious national climate plan we need. A plan based on real justice for indigenous peoples, workers and local communities and keeping the oil in the soil.” The Council of Canadians had called on the first ministers to embrace the demands of the Leap Manifesto at their summit.
CBC reports, “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the provincial premiers emerged from their meeting in Vancouver to say they are working toward a national climate change plan that includes an agreement in principle for a carbon-pricing mechanism — although they did not offer specifics on how it would work. ..” Continue reading
News from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance
Posted Marcy 4th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
According to this March 3rd’s Communique of Canada’s First Ministers, the Government of Canada will “foster dialogue and the development of regional plans for clean electricity transmission to reduce emissions.”
The ball is now in Premier Wynne’s court to ask the federal government to invest infrastructure funds in electricity transmission system upgrades that would allow increased electricity trade between Ontario and Quebec.
Water power imports from Quebec can lower Ontario’s electricity bills and reduce our dependency on high-cost nuclear power and polluting gas plants.
Under Premier Wynne’s status quo energy plan, the greenhouse gas emissions from Ontario’s gas plants will double during the next ten years.
To learn more about the benefits of water power imports from Quebec, watch Steve Paikin’s interview with Jack Gibbons on The Agenda.
You can also read the new Equiterre and Ontario Clean Air Alliance report on the benefits of increased electricity trade between Ontario and Quebec.
For more on the Ontario Clean Air Alliance and its environmental advocacy work click on – http://www.cleanairalliance.org/ .
NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.
Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.
News from The Council of Canadians, a cross-country public interest group
Posted March 4th, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Ottawa, Ontario – The Council of Canadians South Niagara chapter and the Unitarian Congregation of Niagara screened ‘This Changes Everything’ on March 1st.
Based on the award-winning book on climate change by Naomi Klein
The Brock Press reports, “people funneled in despite the impending ice-storm”.
Even with the blizzard that evening, 50 people braved the weather to attend the screening.
To date, that means that more than 4,290 people have now gone to chapter-organized screenings of the film across the country. We have shown the film in Montreal, Saskatoon, Duncan, Elora, Charlottetown, Yellowknife, Prince Albert, Chilliwack, Ladner, Mabou, Windsor, Courtenay, Saint John, St. John’s, Sudbury, Golden, Terrace, Regina, Fredericton, Powell River, Thunder Bay, Hinton, Picton, London, Kent County, Kamloops, Peterborough and now in St. Catharines, Ontario. Continue reading
News from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission
Posted March 4rth, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Niagara Falls, Ontario – The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) has put together a great lineup of activities for visitors and families this March Break holiday. Enjoy the majesty of Niagara Falls and marvel at the beauty of the remaining ice formations, which have taken shape this winter, as you take part in all that Niagara Parks has to offer, including:
Leave the winter cold behind in Niagara Park’s world-renown Butterfly Conservatory
We are the Insects Exhibit – Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
March Break Hours March 12 to 20 – Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4:30 p.m.)
Butterfly Café Holiday Hours March 12 to 24 – Daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
The “We are the Insects,” exhibit highlights the important role played by insects in our environment. Visitors to the fully accessible Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory will learn all about the advantages and interesting adaptations insects possess such as night vision, special hearing, enhanced smell, taste and touch, as well as defense mechanisms which allow them to not only survive, but thrive in their natural and increasingly settled habitats. The exhibit was developed by the Montréal Insectarium, one of the largest insect museums in North America. Continue reading
A Communiqué From Canada’s First Ministers
Posted March 4rth, 2016 on Niagara At Larve
Vancouver, British Columbia – Canada’s First Ministers today issued a joint communiqué following the First Ministers’ Meeting and released a declaration on clean growth and climate change:
“In the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, we met today to discuss the economy and actions to address climate change and agreed on immediate work to support growth and create new jobs.
“Building on commitments and actions already taken by provinces and territories and the momentum from COP21 in Paris, we are moving toward a pan-Canadian framework for clean growth and climate change that will meet or exceed Canada’s international emissions targets, and will transition our country to a stronger, more resilient, low-carbon economy – while also improving our quality of life. Continue reading
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