Author Archives: dougdraper

This January, 2025  Marks 100-Year Anniversary of Shea’s Buffalo Theatre Groundbreaking. Stay Tune For Month After Month of  Celebratory Events

‘A special celebration will take place in April, marking the birthday of Shea’s Buffalo Theatre founder Michael Shea. Born in 1859 in St. Catharines, Ontario, as a young boy Michael and his family moved to Buffalo’s Old First Ward.

St. Catharines, Ontario-born Shea’s Theatre founder Michael Shea, holding shovel at 1925 groundbreaking for the iconic Buffalo, N.Y. theatre

He worked as a laborer on the docks of Buffalo’s waterfront and later owned a saloon before beginning in the theatre entertainment industry, with Shea’s Buffalo being his crowning work.’

News from Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York

Posted January 24th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – As much as this commentator  has joined others in encouraging boycotts of American-made products and travel to the United States in response to Trump’s threats against Canada, one exception I would make is the performing arts, art and craft festivals and garden walks in the Buffalo, New York area where it is likely that almost everyone in those creative fields voted against Trump in the November 2025 presidential election. It makes no sense to me that people in the arts, on either side of the border, should be punished in the war Trump has threatened to wage against Canada.)

Shea’s Performing Arts Center has kicked off the centennial celebration of Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. The commencement took place on January 15, 2025, which marks the 100th anniversary of the day ground was broken on construction of the historic theatre.

The launch marks the beginning of two years of centennial festivities planned at the theatre and in the community during 2025 and 2026. Built in one year and one day, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre first opened to the public on January 16, 1926.
Brian Higgins, President & CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center said. Continue reading →

“The president (Trumps) is talking clearly about territorial expansion (including in Canada), and while some people are saying that it’s just talk meant get a rise out of people, we can’t take that chance,” – Associate Brock University Professor Blayne Haggart

A News Release from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted January 23^rd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Over the past two months, Trump has repeatedly threatened Canada with annexation

Concerns about aggression, authoritarianism and the future of democracy in North America are being shared by experts in Brock University’s Department of Political Science following U.S. President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.

Associate Professor Blayne Haggart says the rhetoric around expanding the country’s borders in Trump’s inaugural address was particularly shocking.

Continue reading →

Even Lady Liberty wants to leave the U.S.A.

Posted by Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

January 22nd, 2025

I think it is a very safe bet that I am not the only one who would feel that this song by Davie Bowie nails it right now.

To hear the song and watch the video produced for it, click on the screen below –

Do you want to cross the border to the United States right now?

Buy Canadian. Send thetens-o-millions of Trumpies in America a Message. Let’s Boycott Anything and Everything We Can That Is Made In The U.S.A.

• Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

New Nuclear reactors will cost 2-3 times more than solar or wind power

A Call for Public Acton from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to campaigning for clean, safe renewable energy

Posted January 21st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Urge Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce to invest our money in other safer forms of renewable energy. Keep reading for details on how to contact him.

Ontario Energy  Minister Stephen Lecce’s nuclear ambitions are nothing short of astonishing.

His latest proposal involves building a massive 10,000 megawatt nuclear station in Port Hope, almost three times the size of the existing Darlington Nuclear Station.

This plan, coupled with his proposals for new nuclear reactors at Darlington and in Bruce County and the rebuilding of outdated reactors at Pickering, would meet 100% of Ontario’s predicted 75% rise in electricity demand over the next 25 years. Continue reading →

“On this Day of Unity of Ukraine, we reaffirm our support to the people of Ukraine as well as the 1.3 million Ukrainian-Canadians who call Canada home. May Ukraine’s sovereignty be as unwavering and ironclad as the spirit of its people.”                       – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minster of Canada

A Statement from Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Posted January 22^nd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today  (this January 22nd, 2025) issued the following statement on the Day of Unity of Ukraine. – 

“Today, on the Day of Unity of Ukraine, we celebrate the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people. We also renew our commitment to a Ukraine that charts its own future with freedom and sovereignty.

“On this day in 1919, the Unification Act was proclaimed in Kyiv, uniting the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic. This landmark event symbolized Ukraine’s determination to achieve independence. This strength of will and character is as alive today as it was over a century ago. Continue reading →

Join Ontario Nature in urging the Government of Ontario to restore provincial wetland protections before it’s too late!

A Call-Out to All of Us from Ontario Nature, a non-profit citizens’ group dedicated to speaking out for the protection and preservation of Ontario’s natural heritage

Posted January 22^nd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario’s wetlands are incredibly valuable for many reasons. 

Wetlands mitigate flooding, store carbon and provide habitat for a diverse range of species, making them significant nature-based climate solution powerhouses. However, these powerhouses need our help now more than ever.

Wetland loss has already exceeded 72 percent in southern Ontario, and losses are ongoing. To make matters worse, changes to Ontario’s planning policy and legislation over the past several years have undermined wetland protection across the province, accelerating wetland loss. Continue reading →

“Climate change is a big scam for a lot of people to make a lot of money.” – U.S. President Donald Trump

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/ publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 21^st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

As of this past January 20^th, with Donald Trump’s swearing in as President of the United States, Canada no longer has an ally south of the border in the fight against man-made climate change.

Within a few hours of being sworn in for the second time in eight years as U.S. President, Trump signed a tsunami of executive orders. Among them was an order from his high office for the United States to immediately drop out of the nine-year-old Paris Climate Accord, signed by Canada, the U.S. and more than 90 other nations around the world to reduce climate-ravaging carbon emissions. Continue reading →

A Brief One Commentary by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted on Martin Luther King Day, January 20th, 2025

The legendary American civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Martin Luther King must be tossing and turning in his grave.

This January 20th – a day set aside across the United States and other countries, if they choose to, to honour his great work as a voice for social justice, for racial equality and for the better angels in us – is also the day Donald Trump, who is the complete opposite of virtually everything King stood for, is being sworn in as president of the United States with a long list of grievance he vows to settle with those he considers to be “enemies” as he re-enters the White House. Continue reading →

Our Canada Is Worth Standing Up For Against the MAGA Forces South of the Border

A Brief Comment by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 19th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Getting ready for his closeup

Two and a half centuries after Americans fought to free themselves from the shackles of Crown rule, more than 70 million of them have voted to bring something that looks like a monarchy, with all the trappings of unelected, billionaire barons, back again.

On top of that their new ‘King Donald’ has been bellowing away about wanting to do some empire building, beginning with a takeover by military or economic force of the Panama Canal, of Greenland  and of our Canada.

Continue reading →

“As Premier of Ontario, if President Trump’s tariffs make retaliation necessary, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of Team Canada to fight back using every tool in our toolkit.”

From the Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted January 19th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford

TORONTO— Today (this January 19th), Premier Doug Ford issued the following statement ahead of the U.S. presidential inauguration ceremony on Monday, January 20^th, 2025 –

“I want to offer congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump and Vice-President-elect JD Vance as they take office tomorrow in Washington, D.C.

Canada and the United States can be the richest, most successful, safest and most secure two countries on the planet. Continue reading →

Premier Danielle Smith Could Be Sworn In As the New State of Alberta’s First Governor And Most Of Her Subjects, Given Her Popularity in the Province, Would Probably Love It.

A News Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 17^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Danielle Smith, putting the interests of carbon-polluting oil industries over the greater interests of her country

At a time when it has never been more important for Canada’s leaders to stand together against threats to our country’s sovereignty and economy voiced by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has chosen to side with the interests of her corporate masters in the carbon fuel industry over those of her our country.

Not so surprisingly, Smith, who has brandished words about Alberta remaining  “sovereign” from the rest of the country before, is insisting that the carbon-polluting tar sands operations in her province should be exempt from any tariff war Canada may be forced to engage in if Trump follows through with sweeping 25 percent tariffs on products entering his country from north of the border. Continue reading →

$200 payment will be sent to every eligible taxpayer and child in Ontario

News from Ontario’s Ford Government with a Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 17^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

A Foreword by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – Well here come those 200 buck cheques, just in time for Premier Doug Ford to call a snap provincial election.

Ford’s old friend and mentor Mike Harris used this same ‘give-the-little-people-a-few-bucks-of-their-money-back gimmick when he was premier a couple of decades ago and when I openly expressed criticism about at it a public forum  then, someone in the audience  held up their cheque with a smile and said; “Well, it’s better than nothing.” Continue reading →

A Statement from Ontario’s Official Opposition NDP Leader Marit Stiles

Posted January 17^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Place, along the Lake Ontario shoreline in Toronto was once  viewed by millions of visitors to it as a “peoples’ place”. Now, thanks to Ford and his masters in the development industry, pieces of it are being turned into a parking lot, a private spa, at a huge cost to Ontario taxpayers.

QUEEN’S PARK — Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario NDP, released the following statement in response to the Integrity Commissioner’s report on Ford’s Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma:

 “Ontario taxpayers are subsidizing this Made-in-Austria mega spa to (at the Ontario Place site in Toronto) to the tune of $2 billion, and for what? Families from Windsor to Wawa are paying $400 per household for a Toronto luxury destination that’s hours away and out of reach. That’s not putting Ontario first.” Continue reading →

“This (Ford) government could be supporting people in our communities with home heating costs, or a real plan for affordable housing. Instead, the Conservatives are investing $2 billion in their Toronto mega-spa (at the old Ontario Place site), at a cost of $400 for every household in Niagara.” – Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

News from the Constituency Offices of Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates and St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens

Posted January 16^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

From left, Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates and St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario – NDP MPPs Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines), Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) and Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) issued the following statement in response to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs pre-budget consultations in Niagara Region.

“The message we’ve heard today is clear,” said Stevens. “After seven years of Doug Ford, the Niagara Region has been left with an alarming shortage of family doctors and our St. Catharines hospital site is well over capacity.”

Continue reading →

“When they attack our country, when they attack our people, when they attack the jobs of hard-working Canadians, you cannot sit back and say, ‘Keep on attacking,'” declared Ontario Premier Doug Ford at a January 15th meeting with Canada’s Premiers and Prime Minister over what to do about Trump’s threats to use “economic force,”  including crippling tariffs, to annex Canada & turn it into a 51st U.S. state. “You have to hit back with every single tool in our toolbox.”

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 15^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is seizing the moment in the fight against Trump’s threats against Canada.

If you follow history, you may very well know that it is quite often the case that when people see their country’s security and sovereignty being threatened by an outside force, they will, at least temporarily, put their differences on other issues aside and rally behind whoever looks like the strongest leader they have to fight back.

At the moment, at least, with Donald Trump just days away from being sworn in for a second term as U.S. president, and with him continuing to threaten Canada with sweeping 25 per cent trade tariffs that could crater our economy to a point where many here are begging for relief – even if that means becoming “the 51^st state,”- many may also see Ontario Premier Doug Ford  as the leader most likely to protect us. Continue reading →

“Canada as 51st State? Four-in-five Americans say a merger should be up to Canadians; 90% of Americans say ‘no.” – Angus Reid Poll Show

 ‘Among Americans, 31 per cent have a very favourable view of Canada and a further 46 have a generally favourable view.’

A Report from Data Shows, a professional Ontario-based polling analysis group

Posted January 15, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Trump’s threat to take over Canada by ‘economic force’ is not polling well with most Americans

President-elect Donald Trump may have gone too far and handed Canadians some useful ammunition to battle against his proposed 25 per cent tariff attack, a new poll suggests.

Trump’s recent pitch to use tariffs as “economic force” to annex Canada appears to be a misfire with his own supporters, who don’t want that, according to the survey by Angus Reid released on January 14^th, 2025.

Among 2024 Trump voters, 76 per cent disagreed with using economic or military force to annex Canada, the survey shows. Just nine percent of Trump supporters favoured economic force to annex Canada; only two per cent favoured use of military force. Eleven per cent didn’t know or couldn’t say. Continue reading →

It’s One Great Escape From The Cold Winter & Bad News

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted January 14^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The cover of the now-classic 1963 album, ‘The Freewheelin’ Dylan’, showing Bob Dylan and his then girlfriend Suze Rotolo walking down one of the snowy streets of Greenwich Village, New York.

I have sometimes asked myself the following – ‘If I could travel back somewhere in a time machine, where would it go?’

One of the places and times near the top of my list is Greenwich Village in New York City in the early 1960s when it was one of the world’s great meccas for poets and other writers, and for young musicians like Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan.

Earlier this week  my wife Mary and I went to a movie theatre at the Pen Centre in St. Catharines/Nagara  and saw a movie called ‘A Complete Unknown’ that brought me about as close to realizing that dream of going there than just about any other book I’ve read about that exciting time and place. Continue reading →

“I don’t care if you’re Conservative, Liberal, NDP, Green, or Independent – we must work together across party lines to protect Ontarian & Canadian jobs, independence, and sovereignty,”  – Wayne Gates.

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Posted January 14^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates whose riding includes the Canada-U.S border municipalities of Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the Lake

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario  — NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) responds to Premier Doug Ford’s dousing gasoline on rumours to call a provincial snap-election in the face of a U.S. tariff threat, and urging the Premier to use a Team Ontario approach, working with border communities and leaders across the province to protect jobs and the economy – 

“Ontario cannot afford to take its eye off the ball,” said Gates. “What I hear from my communities along the border and from our leaders is that this is an existential threat that requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. Continue reading →

An Important  Message from Niagara Region Public Health

Posted January 14^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region Public Health is reminding parents and guardians to review and update their children’s immunization records as required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA).

This provincial law mandates that all Ontario students must be vaccinated against nine diseases, or have valid exemptions, to attend school. High vaccination rates are essential for protecting children, reducing school disruptions and preventing outbreaks. Continue reading →

A Brief Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 13^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Let me ask you a few questions.

If you are lucky enough to have a job, when was the last time you got a 25 per cent pay raise?

If you are a senior, when was the last time your pension was hiked 25 per cent?

And if you happen to own a small business, when was the last time you say a 25 per cent increase in revenue?

Yet on the other side of the ‘looking glass’, in that ‘wonderland’ where far too  many  of our federal, provincial and municipal politicians have taken to calling  shots that are completely out of touch with reality, raising costs well above the rate of inflation for   everything from municipal taxes, water rates, police services and post-secondary education to posting a parcel or letter has become the norm. Continue reading →

“Encampments and homelessness in every single community are a stark reminder of this (Ontario Ford) government’s failure. After six years, there is still no real plan to address the critical lack of affordable housing that is forcing so many of our neighbours out in the cold.”                           – Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

A Statement from Ontario NDP Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles

Posted January 13^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario NDP, released the following statement in response to AMO’s Municipalities Under Pressure report on homelessness – 

“This report is a searing indictment of this government’s inaction the homelessness crisis” said Stiles. “Under Ford’s watch, the number of people facing housing instability continues to increase at an alarming rate.”

“Encampments and homelessness in every single community are a stark reminder of this government’s failure. After six years, there is still no real plan to address the critical lack of affordable housing that is forcing so many of our neighbours out in the cold.” Continue reading →

‘You tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
How you don’t believe
We’re on the eve of destruction.’

Posted on Niagara At Large with a Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

January 12^th, 2025

There are some songs that are more relative today than they were when we first heard them.

With Trump’s inauguration to a second term as U.S. president just days away, a song called “Eve Of Destruction” by Barry McGuire is one of them.

Released in 1965, with a nuclear arms race in full throttle and civil rights and  anti-war protests playing out on streets and campuses across North America, McGuire’s hit song from 60 years ago could be the perfect soundtrack for the havoc Trump is promising to start wreaking  on his country, on Canada, and on other nations – including longtime friends and allies-  around the world  “on day one” of his presidency.

To hear and to listen to the powerful words of this prescient song, click on the screen below and crank it up –

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large. 

Stand Up For A Canada That Is Independent, Strong and Free!

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

“All of the internationally produced global temperature datasets show that 2024 was the hottest year since records began in 1850. Humanity is in charge of its own destiny. … The future is in our hands – swift and decisive action can still alter the trajectory of our future climate.”                                                 – Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, Carlo Buontempo

News from the European Weather Forecast Centre

Posted January 10^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The year 2024 was the warmest on record globally and the first calendar year that was more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level, according to the Global Climate Highlights Report 2024 from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) implemented by ECMWF.

The Paris Agreement of 2016 has a goal to keep the rise in global surface temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and preferably to 1.5°C. This refers to an average over at least 20 years, so that one calendar year does not mean the goal has been missed.

Human-induced climate change remains the primary driver of rising air and sea-surface temperatures, while other factors, such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), also contributed to the unusual temperatures observed during the year. Continue reading →

“Niagara is one of the fastest-growing regions in Ontario, home to over 14 million tourists every year. Why is Niagara being treated like a second class community by barely being mentioned in the (Ford government’s)expansion plan?” – Niagara Falls Ontario NDP MPP Wayne Gates

From the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Posted January 10^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario – Wayne Gates, NDP MPP for Niagara Falls, called out the Ford government over the lack of clear commitment to expanding Metrolinx’s GO Train service expansion plans with a timeline for all-day, two-way service to Niagara Falls.

“This isn’t just about GO Train service. It’s about making life better for all of us,” said Gates.

Continue reading →

“The scope and scale of homelessness across Ontario’s municipalities is truly staggering,”  – Robin Jones,  President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario

A Report from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

Posted January 10th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

This January 9th , 2025 the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) released a comprehensive study that reveals the unprecedented and growing toll of homelessness on individuals, families, communities, and governments.

It outlines the risk of inaction and how we can work together toward a solution.

The study was conducted by HelpSeeker Technologies, in partnership with AMO, the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) and the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA).

Ontario is at a tipping point in its homelessness crisis.

Continue reading →

“I am thrilled to have Dave as a part of our strong Team Niagara as we get to work delivering a better, brighter future for the people of Ontario!”- Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles

News from Ontario New Democratic Party

Dave Augustyn, Ontario NDP candidate for Niagara West Riding

Posted January 10^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

GRIMSBY, Ontario – New Democrats in Niagara West came together to nominate Dave Augustyn to be the Ontario NDP candidate in the next provincial election.

“Niagara West deserves a representative that stands up for them and a government that builds homes, hires doctors, fixes schools, and makes life easier,” said Augustyn.

Continue reading →

“This strategy is a product of that collaboration and provides a roadmap that will benefit both students and the broader community.”                                                                                                 –  Michelle Sergi, The Niagara Regional Government’s Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted January 9^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara’s Regional Headquarters in Thorold

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region is working to improve housing for post-secondary students by supporting a new Post-secondary Student Housing Strategy.

This strategy, a part of the Region’s broader Attainable Housing Strategy, aims to optimize existing housing stock, enhance the availability and quality of student accommodations, and address the growing housing needs of Niagara’s students.

The strategy focuses on five main areas: collecting data, increasing the supply of housing (both on-campus and off-campus), securing funding and advocating for change from other levels of government, creating effective policies, and building partnerships. Continue reading →

“The Pow Wow is an opportunity for the Brock and broader Niagara community to come together and celebrate the brilliance and beauty of Indigenous cultures.” – Robyn Bourgeois, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, Brock University

An Invite from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted January 9^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – A powerful community-building tradition will return to Niagara next week as the second annual Pow Wow gears up to bring a vibrant celebration of Indigenous music, dance and art to Brock University.

Hosted by the Brock Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, in association with the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, the free public gathering will take place Friday, Jan. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the University’s Ian Beddis Gymnasium.

Continue reading →

  “As a leader, President, and humanitarian, Jimmy Carter left the world a better place. He leaves behind a profound legacy that will inspire us for generations to come.”                                                                                                        —  Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

A News Release from the Office of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Posted January 9^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Former U.S. President and life-long humanitarian Jimmy Carter

Ottawa, Ontario – The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced he will travel to Washington, D.C., United States of America, on January 9, 2025, to attend the funeral of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

President Carter was an inspirational statesman, leader, and lifelong humanitarian. During his visit, the Prime Minister will deliver condolences on behalf of Canadians for the loss of President Carter, as well as reaffirm Canada’s commitment to a successful Canada-U.S. partnership. Continue reading →

Ontario Launches Rebates for Home Renovations Including New Windows, Insulation, Air Sealings, Smart Thermostats and Heat Pumps

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara West Ford Government MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted January 8^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

BEAMSVILLE – The Ontario government is launching new energy efficiency programs, including the Home Renovation Savings Program, to help families and businesses across Ontario and in Niagara save money.

The programs are part of a new $10.9 billion twelve-year investment in energy efficiency, the largest in Canada’s history.

“These new Energy Efficiency Programs will lower energy bills, put more megawatts into Ontario’s energy grid, and ultimately put more money back into the pockets of the people of Ontario,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. Continue reading →

A Brief One from Doug Draper, a life-long Beatles fan who has room for Elvis too

Posted January 8th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

“There must be lights burning brighter somewhere
Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue
If I can dream of a better land
Where all my brothers walk hand in hand
Tell me why, oh why, oh why can’t my dream come true.”

From a 1968 song written for Elvis Presley by Walter Earl Brown

It is hard to imagine a 90-year-old Elvis Presley. 

Forever known as ‘The King of Rock & Roll’, he was born on January 8th, 1935. And to borrow a few words from a Bob Dylan song, Elvis, who died on August 16th, 1977 at age 42 from an apparent drug overdose, will always remain “forever young.”

In 1968, at the end of a television show that rekindled his career and became known around the world as his ‘comeback special’, Elvis Presley introduced a song called ‘If I Can Dream’ which, in the dark and divisive times we are living in now, shares a  a message that we need more than ever. Continue reading →

At January 7^th, 2025 Press Conference, Trump Once Again Gives Canada’s  Sovereignty The Finger As He Talks About That ‘Artificially Drawn Line’ Between The Two Countries

A Commentary by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted January 7^th, 2025

Trump, figuratively speaking, gives Canada the finger as he strengthens his rhetoric about Canada becoming a “51st state.”

Up to now I have joined what I believe were many other Canadians in half dismissing U.S. Presidential-elect Donald Trump’s taunts and threats against our country as child-like ravings from the ignorant clown that he is.

But his rant at a press conference he hosted at his palace down in Florida this January 7^th has crossed the line for me, as I suspect it has for many others judging from the commentary later in the day on CBC’s main cable news network.

Even our outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, who have been walking fairly gingerly up to now in the hope, I imagine, that they can keep Trump from poisoning a long-standing friendship and economic partnership between the two countries, finally spoke out with some pretty strong words. Continue reading →

The Gentle-Spoken Folk Singer & Peace & Civil Rights Activist Dies At Age 86

A Brief Tribute by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted January 7^th, 2025

Peter Yarrow in his later years. He died this January 7th, 2025 at age 86.

Peter Yarrow, with his friends and fellow folksingers Paul Stookey and Mary Travers of ‘Peter, Paul and Mary’ fame, along with Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and others that played the clubs and coffee houses in Greenwich Village, N.Y. in the early 1960s, were at the vanguard of a folk music revival that continues to inspire singers and songwriters today.

I was fortunate enough to see Peter, Paul and Mary in concert three times.

And in 1995, I was there to hear them perform a few of their best-known anthems for peace and social justice – Pete Seeger’s ‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone?’ and ‘If I Had A Hammer’, and Bob Dylan’s ‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ – at a 25^th commemoration at Kent State University in Ohio in memory of four students who, in 1070, were shot and killed on that campus by Ohio Guardsmen during a protest of the Vietnam War. Continue reading →

Provincial police resources will conduct highly visible activities to crack down on illegal cross-border activity

News from Ontario’s Ford Government

Posted January 7^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Traffic crossing the Canada-U.S. border on the Peace Bridge linking Buffalo, N.Y. and Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario. On e of the busiest border crossings on the continent.

TORONTO – The Ontario government has launched “Operation Deterrence,” the province’s preparedness and planning framework for enhanced security at international borders and tackling criminal activity that is harming people on both sides of the border.

“Ontario has been calling on the federal government to step up and address safety and security concerns at the border. We need to see words turned into visible action,” said Premier Doug Ford. Continue reading →

“Every Liberal MP in power today and every potential Liberal leadership contender fighting for the top job helped Justin Trudeau break the country over the last 9 years.” – Federal Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre

A Statement  from Canada’s federal Conservative Party Leader On Justin Trudeau’s announcement to resign as Prime Minister

Posted January 6^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

“This Changes Nothing”

Canada’s federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wants an “Axe the Tax election” now.

Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement (this January 6^th, 2025) on Justin Trudeau resigning as the Liberal Leader:

“Canadians desperate to turn the page on this dark chapter in our history might be relieved today that Justin Trudeau is finally leaving.

“But what has really changed? 

“Every Liberal MP in power today and every potential Liberal leadership contender fighting for the top job helped Justin Trudeau break the country over the last 9 years. Continue reading →

A Brief One Posted by Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

January 6^th, 2025

Here is Canada’s now outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau(left)  making nicey nice with Trump down at Mar–Lago late this past year. Within a matter of days after  Trudeau’s audience with America’s soon-to-be dictator, Trump went right back to openly  threatening Canada with plans for tariffs that would wreak havoc on the economies of both countries and with dreams of making Canada the 51st state  of his MAGA nation.

Shortly after Justin Trudeau announced this January 6^th, 2025 that he was resigning from office, Donald Trump, who has spent several weeks now, mocking and threatening Canada, posted the following on his social media site –

“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned,” Trump posted.

“If Canada merged with the U.S. There would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!”

An Afterword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – Maybe we should tell Trump that if federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is elected the next prime minister of Canada, his leadership would be redundant.

Meanwhile, here is a question for  all my fellow Canadians out there. How many of you want to live in the 51^st state of the United States with ringmasters Donald J. Trump and his buddy Elon Musk running the show?

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“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

A Brief Comment from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted January 6^th, 2025

It was beginning to seem like it was taking forever for this day to come, but within minutes of  this posting, Justin Trudeau – first sworn in as Canada’s Prime Minister in 2015 – will hold a press conference and announce that he is resigning.

The news, first reported by CBC, raises some obvious questions.

Probably first and foremost, who will take over leadership of the federal Liberal Party and will it make any difference coming into an election that will most certainly take place later this year?

Continue reading →

A year or so before the pandemic started in 2020, signs like this began appearing on lawns in Buffalo neighbourhoods. Buffalo residents were trying to assure us that regardless of anything Trump, then serving his first term as U.S. President,  had to say about Canada at that time, they considered us to be friends.

“It certainly is true Canadians’ opinion of the United States has plummeted. Surveys by Environics in the 2010s regularly found 60 to 70 per cent of Canadians held a favourable view of the US. But in September 2020, only 29 per cent held a favourable view. Canadian opinion recovered a bit with the election of Joe Biden but remains low, and is likely to fall lower with the return of Trump.”            – from a News Release circulated by the Ontario-based polling survey group Data Shows

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large followed by News from the polling survey group Data Shows

Posted January 3rd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The Peace Bridge crossing between Niagara, Ontario and Buffalo, New York

With only a few weeks left before President-elect returns to White House for a second term, this commentator has heard and read more than a little commentary from my fellow Canadians about their waning interest in crossing the Canada-U.S. border, even for a day of shopping.

While some of it may have to do with the diminishing value of our dollar against American currency, more often than not I hear people say they don’t want to go to a country with a president who, even before he is sworn in, is already threatening Canada with potentially crippling trade tariffs and is insulting Canada with not-so-funny “jokes” about making us the 51st state. Continue reading →

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – the late French author Anatole France

Our newest furry friend, Misty

Support All Animal Assistance Efforts In Your Community

A Brief One by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

January 3^rd, 2025

This past December, thanks to a partnership between Niagara Falls Community Cats, a citizens-based animal assistance group, and the folks who run the Pet Valu Store at the Pine Plaza in Thorold (Ontario) – two parties that have had a long record of finding cats good homes – our family was fortunate enough to adopt a beautiful young tabby named Misty.

As a family of animal lovers, there could be no better Holiday Season gift than that.

Here is Misty, striking a regal pose –

To find out more about Niagara Falls Community Cats and about what you can do to support their good efforts, click on – https://www.facebook.com/Niagara-Falls-Community-Cats-1655197994755647/

For information on Pet Valu in Thorold and cats that may be up for adoption, click on the store’s Facebook page at – https://www.facebook.com/PetValuThorold/

Let’s all do everything we can to live safely and lovingly together with all creatures great and small on this earth – domestic or wild.

• Wishing You All Better Days in the New Year, Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Luna

The best to you from Luna too, another wonderful friend and companion who came to us by way of Pet Valu and Niagara Falls Community Cats too.

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

‘You ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we’ll find better days.’

• Lyrics from a song by the Buffalo, N.Y.-based band, Goo Goo Dolls

A New Year’s Message from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Will we have better days in the coming year?

When you consider at all of the political, economic and environmental forces rallying against us, there are so many reasons to fear that we won’t.

Here in Niagara, the Regional Council  just recently approved a budget for 2025 with a staggering 9.6 per cent increase in property taxes – the third year in a row that a majority of regional councillors have slammed us with an increase well above the rate of inflation. Continue reading →

“I have never been happier, more exhilarated, at peace, rested, inspired, and aware of the grandeur of the universe and the greatness of God than when I find myself in a natural setting.”    – former U.S. President Jimmy Carter from his 1988 book, ‘An Outdoor Journey’

A Brief One from Doug Draper, reporter and publisher of the totally independent online news and commentary site, Niagara At Large

Posted New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2024

Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. President and humanitarian extraordinaire who died this past December 29th, 2024 at age 100, was also a great lover of the natural world who advocated for renewable energy at a time, in the 1970s, when most everyone else was barely giving it a thought and who (as president) ushered in landmark measures to protect the environment.

My father, Doug Sr., who finished his life’s journey a decade ago, was also a lover of nature who passed that passion that fueled an urge to write about environmental issues on to me, was thrilled to briefly meet Jimmy Carter in 1988 when the former president was autographing his latest book ‘An Outdoor Life’ for people in a West Coast bookstore.

My father, Doug Sr. on the left side of this photo, having a copy of the book ‘An Outdoor Journal’ signed by the man who wrote it, Jimmy Carter, on the right side of the picture.  The serious looking guy in the middle could be a secret service agent who continue to stand guard .after a U.S. president leaves office.

For those of us who share a love of the natural world and who do are part to protect and preserve it, here are a just a few words of wisdom from that book –

Continue reading →

A Brief One from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted New Year’s Eve, December 31^st, 2024

The illustrators at Coca-Cola, a soft-drink that goes back to the late 1800s, have arguably done as much as author Clement Clarke Moore and the illustrators of his much-beloved early 1800s book ‘Twas’ The Night Before Christmas’ to shape the most popular, modern day image of Santa Claus in the western world.

I almost can’t believe I am doing this because I am no fan of television commercials and I have certainly never dreamed of posting one on this site (or on Facebook, if that’s where you go for  NAL news and commentary).

But after all, this is  (at least for another day or two) the Holiday Season when we  yearn for a little fun and magic to escape from so much of the bad and ugly news that invades our lives the rest of the year.

In that spirit, this ad from Coca-Cola, called ‘ Holiday Magic’, with its polar bears, a majestic elk, a beautiful dog and sparkling Christmas lights glowing in the snow as a fleet of gleaming red Coke trucks glides by , hits the spot like a nice cool  bottle of Coke  after a long jog or working up a sweat on an ice rink or the ski slopes.

I have to admit that I am totally captivated by the “magic” this one. To watch it, click on the screen immediately below –

So there, with more than a little help from artificial intelligence techniques,  is some Holiday Magic for us. Those advertisers at Coke sure now sure now how to do, as one of their slogans go, “the real thing,” don’t they?

For better or worse, Niagara At Large will get back to the more serious news and commentary in the New Year. Please keep supporting NAL with your visits to http://www.niagaraatllarge.com, and tell all your relatives, friends and associates to do the same.

• The Very Best to you in the New Year, Doug Draper

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

Posted by Doug Draper on Niagara At Large

December 29^th, 2024

former U.S. President and humanitarian extraordinaire Jimmy Carter

In my view, for what it is worth, no one as decent and as honest as Jimmy Carter has ever served as President of the United States since at least the end of the Second World War.

Even after he left office the Oval Office in 1981, he continued to devote his life to humanity effort as a founding member of Habitat for Humanity and in so many other ways.

The first and only U.S. president to install solar panels on the roof of the White House, he also continued to champion renewable energy and so many other causes aimed at making life better for people and other life on this planet.

Then U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Niagara Falls, New York in 1980, with Lois Gibbs, president of the then Love Canal Homeowners’ Association, after signing a second emergency declaration, to help Gibbs’ family and hundreds of others evacuate their homes around the Love Canal toxic waste dump.

While still president Jimmy Carter also made a big mark on the American side of the Niagara River when, during his presidency, he declared not one, but two federal  emergencies  that allowed hundreds of families to escape, without losing what they had invested in their homes,  from  buried industrial poisons spreading through the Love Canal neighbourhood where they lived.

The last news I read on him was that he mustered up all the energy he had at the age of 100 to cast his ballot for U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris this past November.

One can only imagine how broke hearted he must have felt when he learned that Donald Trump beat her.

Jimmy Carter visited Niagara with his wife Rosalyn at least once since he left political office and expressed his love for the natural heritage here.

In his memory, let’s double down in our efforts to protect and preserve that natural heritage.

RIP Jimmy Carter

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

To read a statement on the death of Jimmy Carter from Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, click on – https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2024/12/29/statement-prime-minister-passing-jimmy-carter .

To read a tribute Doug Draper wrote and posted on Niagara At Large on Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday this past October 2024, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2024/10/01/happy-100th-birthday-jimmy-carter-a-true-humanitarian-and-pioneering-climate-activist/

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

Law Holds Fossil Fuel Companies Responsible for Impact of Pollution on New York Communities

Actions are Latest Move to Strengthen State’s Climate Actions and Environmental Protection Laws to Prevent Harmful Impacts to New Yorkers

 “The governor’s approval of the Climate Change Superfund Act is a welcome holiday gift for New York taxpayers. Until her approval, New York taxpayers were 100% on the financial hook for climate costs. Now Big Oil will pay for much of the damages that they helped cause.”                                                                         – New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) Executive Director Blair Horner

A News Release from the Office of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

Posted December 29th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – It is long past time that ever more of us start pushing our political leaders at all levels of government in Niagara, in Ontario and across Canada to do what New York State is doing here.

Why should middole and lower income taxpaying citizens  get stuck with the bill for  mounting billions of dollars of costs each year from the damage and destruction caused by big fossil fuel corporations that  have been so willfully and recklessly spending countless lobbying dollars to work on our  political representatives and on us to deny or ignore the science around climate change for decades now?

And here’s a question I have for Ontario Premier Doug Ford and for his federal Conservative Party friend Pierre Poilievre – ‘If you are as concerned about the tax burden on everyday people as  you claim you are, who don’t you do what New York State has done, or in the case of  prime minister wannabe and “axe tje tax” Poilievre, promise you are going to do it?

Now here is the New York State governor’s news release – 

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

Albany, New York – New York State Governor Kathy Hochul today (this past December 26th) signed landmark legislation to bolster New York’s efforts to protect and restore the environment by requiring large fossil fuel companies to pay for critical projects that protect New Yorkers.

Legislation S.2129-B/A.3351-B creates a ‘Climate Superfund’ to support New York-based projects that bolster New York’s resiliency to dangerous climate impacts like flooding and extreme heat.

“With nearly every record rainfall, heatwave, and coastal storm, New Yorkers are increasingly burdened with billions of dollars in health, safety, and environmental consequences due to polluters that have historically harmed our environment,” Governor Hochul said. Continue reading →

The case ‘could have far-reaching implications for how governments respond to one of the most urgent crises of the 21st century: climate change.’

A News Release from Ecojustice, a non-profit legal organization that uses the power of the law to defend nature, combat climate change and fight for a healthy environment.

Posted December 27^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ont — The seven youth at the heart of a landmark climate case have a message for the Ontario government: they are ready to keep fighting.

The brave, dedicated young people who are fighting the uncaring of big government for their future and ours.They deserve the support of all of us.

Earlier this December, the Ontario government filed an application for leave to appeal the Mathur et. al case to the Supreme Court of Canada, setting the stage for a monumental hearing at Canada’s highest court — which could have far-reaching implications for how governments respond to one of the most urgent crises of the 21st century: climate change.  Continue reading →

A Brief One, Written and Shared with You, just for a little escape and end-of-the-year fun, by Doug Draper

Posted December 18th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Singer/songwriter Taylor Swift appears on the cover of Time Magazine’s 2023 “Person of the Year” edition

As so many music and pop culture observers have said in recent times, ‘It’s Taylor Swift’s world and we’re just living in it.”

With all of the Taylor Swift magazine covers, the legions of ‘Swifties’, some of them waiting for days wherever she is,  just a glimpse of her, and with all of the billions of dollars generated from her recently completed Eras Tour, it certainly seems that way.

But every once in a while, there is enough oxygen left on the music scene for other artists – even for a group of musicians that broke up some 55 years ago.

That group, is The Beatles which, when it comes to adoration, was to the 1960s what Taylor Swift is today. Continue reading →

Amid the chaos, Canadians demand bold solutions. Here’s how we push for fair taxes.

‘Canadians want leaders who stand up to the wealthy and corporate interests and commit to real, progressive tax reforms that benefit all of us.’

A Call-Out for Support for this Fight from the not-for-profit citienzens organization Canadians for Tax Fairness

Posted December 27^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

This month’s (December, 2024) political chaos has left many things uncertain. But what remains unchanged are the challenges Canadians face: cost-of-living concerns, worsening housing affordability, and the climate crisis remain top of mind for many of us.

It’s clear now that Canadians are demanding action to address the root causes of inequality, housing unaffordability, and the climate crisis.

Continue reading →

Posted by Doug Draper on Niagara At Large

Christmas Day, December 25^th, 2024

Enjoy this brand new Christmas song on a recently released album of songs for the Holiday Season by one of the greatest funk bands of all time – Tower of Power.

Click on the screen immediately below and crank it up –

Happy Holiday Season, Doug Draper, at Niagara At Large

P.S. – This great Oakland, California based band continues to tour and has been in the Niagara area at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines and at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario at least a few times in recent years, performing all its hits from ‘Your Still A Young Man’ and ‘What Is Hip’ to ‘Bump City’ and  ‘So Very Hard To Go’. If ever get a chance to see them, I can assure you from personal experience that  you sure won’t be sorry.

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

Thank You For Supporting Niagara At Large This Past Year With Your Visits to the Site and Please Encourage As Many Others As Can To Do The Same.

From Doug Draper At Niagara At Large

Posted December 20^th, 2024

It has been a difficult and challenging year in our Niagara region and in so many other strife-torn regions around the world.

Here in Niagara, we have witnessed a  regional council pass – just in time for Christmas –  yet another annual property tax hike that is well above the rate of inflation and is bound to make life more difficult for residents already struggling to buy groceries and pay for their other bills.

We have also scene developers continue to pave away on ever more of what is left of our green space with the blessing of municipal and provincial leaders and we have mourned the loss of some of our most passionate advocates for protecting and preserving what is left of our urban and natural heritage. And the list goes on. Continue reading →

From Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted December 23^rd, 2024

One of my earliest memories of Christmas time is of my father taking the whole family on a car ride on a dark, snowy night to see some of the homes whose owners  received awards at the time  from a panel of judges in our hometown of Welland  for their great outdoor display of lights.

In that spirit, I am sharing with you a few of the most dazzling displays at homes where I now live in Thorold.

Here they are –

This home on Carleton Street North in the old section of Thorold has been a real show stopper in recent years. photo by Doug Draper

The glow of white lights on this home on Richmond Street in Thorold has passersby slowing down for a good look. I believe this is also the former home of the late Mel Swart, one of the best provincial members of parliament that Niagara has ever had. photo by Doug Draper

Finally, this photo does not do the spectacular display, complete with music and animated Christmas characters,  at this house at the corner of Tupper and St. David’s Road the justice it deserves. If you get a chance, take a road trip before the Holiday Season is over and check it out for yourself. (Just watch the traffic turning on and off Tupper). photo by Doug Draper

I’m sure that you have some stand-out displays like this in your community. Go out and enjoy them while you can.

• Happy Holiday Season, Doug Draper, at Niagara At Large

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

With a brief intro from Doug Draper

Posted December 22^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

I can’t help but think that right about now we could all use a break from the daily news which, let’s face it, has often been quite the downer these days.

So how about a little Santa music from the one and only ‘Boss’ of  Rock & Roll, Bruce Springsteen.

I first heard Springteen perform the song that follows  with his E Street Band before a full house at the old Buffalo Aud on December 4^th, 1980 and it hit the spot as part of a long encore for a concert that had  already been rocking on for more than four hours.

That December, 1980 concert remains one of the greatest shows by any group of musicians that I have ever seen, and I’ve been fortunate enough to see quite a few, and the song I am posting  from a Springsteen tour that included  the Buffalo show  is – just in time for Christmas – is ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’. Continue reading →

“The Liberals don’t deserve another chance. That’s why the NDP will vote to bring this government down, and give Canadians a chance to vote for a government who will work for them.”             – from a Message to Canadians from federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh

Posted December 20^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Jagmeet Singh’s letter to Canadians

Fellow Canadians,

Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh

The Canadian dream is a good job that gets you a home and a fridge full of groceries with enough left over to save for vacations. A country where health care is always there as soon as you need it. I believe every Canadian deserves that.

The Trudeau Liberals said a lot of the right things. Then they let people down again and again.

Justin Trudeau failed in the biggest job a Prime Minister has: to work for people, not the powerful. To focus on Canadians, not themselves. Continue reading →

‘High costs (of housing, food and other necessities of life) and  lagging wages in Ontario are taking toll.’

‘Many Ontarians remain stuck in high rent payments. Others are stuck in long commutes or housing that doesn’t fit their situation because their current place is rent control protected but a new place is not.’

News from Data Shows, a professional, non-partisan data gathering venue based in Ontario, Canada

Posted December 20^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Inspite of all the perks and development charge breaks the Ford government and municipalities,,  across Ontario , including in Niagara, are giving to developers, the province is lagging behind in housing building houses that  many can afford with all of the other high costs they are facing.

Canadian housing starts were up 30 per cent between this November and November 2023 on big gains in BC, Alberta and Quebec, according to data released by CMHC this past December 16th.

But not Ontario, where November housing starts were lower than a year ago. At 5,506 unit starts, results were a tiny improvement over the terrible results of the previous three months.

With a population of 16 million, Ontario last month had fewer housing starts than Quebec, population nine million. Quebec workers started constructing 5,660 units last month. Continue reading →

The Upper Canada Lodge closure “follows the construction and opening of the new Gilmore Lodge long-term care home in Fort Erie and the further development of the new Linhaven long-term care home in St. Catharines.”- Niagara Region

The Regional government has turned “the keys (for Upper Canada Lodge)  over to Parks Canada to resume management of the site and to provide any further details about the property, building or future use of the location.”

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted December 20th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The Upper Canada Lodge (long-term care home) in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, file photo

Niagara, Ontario – After more than 36 successful years, Niagara Region’s Upper Canada Lodge long-term care home in Niagara-on-the-Lake will officially closed this past Dec. 19, 2024.

This closure follows the construction and opening of the new Gilmore Lodge long-term care home in Fort Erie and the further development of the new Linhaven long-term care home in St. Catharines. Continue reading →

Tax holiday: Helping hand or inflationary harbinger? Brock expert weighs in.

News from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted December 20th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – As consumers prepare for the final shopping blitz before the holidays, many were eagerly looking to the federal government’s newly implemented GST/HST pause to help trim down their spending.

But Ernest Biktimirov, Professor of Finance in Brock University’s Goodman School of Business, says the government policy may ultimately contribute to a rise in the price of goods — and increased inflation — in the long run.

“The combination of lower interest rates and the tax break is expected to boost consumer spending, thereby supporting Canada’s economic growth,” says Biktimirov. “However, these measures may also intensify inflationary pressures.” Continue reading →

Canada’s Hopefully Soon-To-Be-Gone Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, Has  Proven To The World That He Is Not The Person To Do It

A Commentary by Niagara At Larger reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted December 18^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

In the Holiday Season movie favourite, A Christmas Story, young Ralphie deals with a bully about the only way a person can to stop them from going after  you.

If you have seen the popular Holiday Season movie ‘A Christmas Story’, you might remember nine-year-old Ralphie (the main character in the film) and his younger brother Randy being chased back and forth to school by a neighbourhood bully.

The harassment went on and on until one day Ralphie, as small as he was, used all the strength he had to pin the bully down on the ground and punched him until his nose started to breath.

The result? The bully never bothered Ralphie  and his brother again.

That brings me to the big bully we Canadians now have to contend with – once again –  south of the. border. Continue reading →

Year-End News on Great Lakes Shipping from the Canada/U.S Chamber of Marine Commerce

Posted December 17^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ships plying the Welland Canal in Niagara, Ontario

As the end of the 2024 marine shipping season draws near, year over year tonnage traffic for marine shipping on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway has remained consistent with 2023, highlighting the resiliency and dependability of the marine mode when facing unique and unpredictable challenges.

As noted in a release recently issued by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, by the end of November there have been total cargo shipments of 32.3 million metric tons since the start of the navigation season. Continue reading →

Many Callers Also Express Strong Distaste For Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre

A Brief One from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted December 16^th, 2024

A majority of CBC Radio program callers across Ontario want Canada’s Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (shown here at right) to resign, but don’t want federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre (shown left) to form the country’s next government either. Many expressed a strong distaste for Poilievre and his angry-man rhetoric.

In the wake of federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s sudden, earth-shaking resignation from Prime Minister Trudeau’s cabinet this December 16, CBC Radio’s noon-hour phone-in show Ontario Today devoted a full hour to the subject.

A majority of those who called in commented favourably on Freeland’s decision to quit before delivering a fall economic statement for Trudeau that she reportedly had strong issues with and before sources say Trudeau was girding to fire her from the finance minister portfolio, leaving her stained with anything the public may not like about the economic statement. Continue reading →

‘Everyone deserves a harassment-free workplace – including elected officials.’ – Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

A Statement from Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

Posted December 16^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

QUEEN’S PARK  — MPP Jeff Burch released the following statement in response to the province introducing long-overdue legislation to address municipal code of conduct issues:

“Every workplace should be harassment-free, and that extends to the council chambers and town halls across this province. Holding elected officials to a standard isn’t political – it’s about safety.”

We brought legislation forward to bring stronger measures to hold elected officials to account for misconduct and followed the lead of organizations like Women of Ontario Say No to make sure that no one gets away with harassment, especially not those who are elected to office. Continue reading →

“Our country today faces a grave challenge. The incoming administration in the United States is pursuing a policy of aggressive economic nationalism, including a threat of twenty-five  per cent tariffs.

We need to take that threat extremely seriously. That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war.”  – From a letter of resignation, dated  December, 16^th, 2024, from Chrystia Freeland, now former Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister to Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau

Posted  December 12^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s now former Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland

A Brief Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper followed by the Full Text of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s letter of resignation from the Trudeau Cabinet

Some may wonder what this post has to do with the interests and concerns of people in the greater Niagara and neighbouring regions, I would argue it has quite a lot to do for all of us. Continue reading →

A Statement from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley on the Regional Council’s 2025 Budget, with a Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted December 13th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword by Doug Draper –

Niagara’s Regional Headquarters in Thorold

A majority on Niagara’s Regional Council just passed, for the third year in a row, an annual  budget – this one featuring a 9.6 per cent tax bill hike – that is well above the rate of inflation, as high as that is.

Now let me ask you something?

How many of you out there who own a home or other property or are renting an apartment or other property in this region is going to see their income or pension go up 9.6 per cent to pay for it? I am sure the answer is very few, if any, of you.

Sufficed to say, something is going terribly wrong here with the way our regional services are being managed and our growth is being planned in this region because these kind of budget increases are off the charts  and completely unsustainable.

Niagara At Large will have more news and commentary on this in the days and weeks ahead.

In the meantime, here is Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley’s statement –

Continue reading →

A News Release and a Special Report  from the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario

Posted December 13^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Toronto — This past December 12th, 2024, the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario (ALO), a coalition of farmers, environmentalists, housing activists, land use planners, health care providers and community groups, urged the four political party leaders to endorse decisive, immediate action to address the housing crisis.

This comes a few weeks after the ALO released a report card evaluating provincial housing actions.

Former Toronto, Ontario Mayor and a founding member of Alliance for a Liveable Ontario,  David Crombie

“Ontarians already know that the Province’s housing actions so far have made the housing crisis worse,” said David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto and a founder of the ALO. “Today we’re showing political party leaders what they need to do to fix things. People need homes they can afford, now.”

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Province taking action to end encampments and crack down on public use of illegal drugs while investing $75.5 million in homelessness prevention

News from the Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted December 13^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO — The Ontario government will introduce legislation today that will, if passed, better protect community safety by providing municipalities and police with new resources and enforcement tools to address the growing problem of homeless encampments and crack down on illegal drug use in parks and public spaces.

Ontario is also investing $75.5 million to further support homelessness prevention and provide people living in encampments with access to reasonable alternative accommodation. Continue reading →

A Tribute To One Of The Great Ones – Dick Van Dyke

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted Friday, December 13^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A young Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore wen they starred in the hit 1960s sitom ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’

If you don’t mind indulging me on this one while I try to lighten things up a little bit, a friend from Massachusetts recently shared a short segment of a recent appearance by the legendary, all-round actor, entertainer and comedian Dick Van Dyke on the late-night show ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’, just a week before his 99^th birthday.

You might remember Dick Van Dyke from all of those re-runs, and they still air them, of the big hit 1960s sitcom ‘The Dick Van Dyke’ show, which also featured the late great Mary Tyler Moore, or from his lead role, across from Julie Andrews, as the chimney sweep in the Academy Award-winning movie Mary Poppins. Continue reading →

A Brief Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted December 12^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

As almost anyone with an open, rational mind already knows, Donald Trump lies as often with as much ease as most of the rest of us breathe air.

But the orange-face clown monster was honest with us way back when in 2016, when he ran and won the race for U.S. president the first time when said one thing; “I can stand out on Fifth Avenue (in downtown Manhattan) in broad daylight and shoot someone and get away with it,” he boasted.

Well here we are eight years later, after a whole posse of state and federal prosecutors were  after him on charges that could land him in jail for years and now, with those criminal cases virtually melting away, he is on his way back to the White House again.

This morning of December 12^th, just as I was beginning to cope with all of the grief and anger that enveloped me after the results of this past November’s U.S. presidential election came in, I woke up to the news that Trump was back on the cover of a soon-to-be-circulated Time Magazine as 2024’s man of the year.

To compound the horror of that, American cable news channels were showing clips of him, grinning like the Grinch who stole Christmas, with members of his family and associates, ringing the opening for the opening of the New York Stock Exchange while traders and hedge fund operators on  on the floor of the Exchange, were chanting “U.S.A., U.S.A. with  dreams of   more tax cuts for the rich and super-rich dancing in their heads.

I wish I could say that I am sorry to inflict this on you, dear readers, but since misery often begs for company, I am including a video clip of Trump and company at the Stock Exchange for your entertainment. You might not want to view it on a full stomach but you can watch it by clicking on the screen immediately below –

One thing I don’t want to hear from anyone on the American side of the Canada/U.S. border any more is; “Everyone is equal under the law.”

At long last and at the very least, spare us from that one.

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders