Author Archives: dougdraper

A Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper followed by a Statement from the Buffalo, N.Y area’s U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted February 2^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Foreword by Doug Draper –

This Friday, February 2^nd 2024 is or was (depending on when you read this) Buffalo, New York’s Brian Higgins last day as a U.S. Congressman and that is a loss for American and Canadian citizens on both sides of  the Niagara River.

One cannot blame Higgins, who served as a proud Democrat for 19 years, for joining others across his country for wanting to leave a Congress that radical MAGA Republicans and their dear leader, Donald Trump, has turned into an insane asylum. And why wouldn’t Higgins want to bust out of a mess like that when he was offered and has recently accepted an opportunity to serve as the chief executive officer of Buffalo’s iconic Shea’s Theatre.

But his service as a U.S. Congressman will be a loss people on both sides of the Niagara River just the same because, so unlike our feckless federal representatives, both Liberal and Conservative, on the Ontario side, he could often be counted on to speak out publicly on cross-border issues that concerned us all. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted January 31^st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Do you have to update your health card? Get a new driver’s license? Or apply for a marriage license?

Well ready up your wallet because Walmart and Staples would like to sell you as much as they can while you’re at it.

The Ford government’s recent decision to move ServiceOntario locations into Walmart and Staples will open up opportunities for US-owned mega corps to monetize every Ontarian accessing critical government services. Continue reading →

Award-Winning Heritage Preservationist and Community Activist Pamela Minns Passes Away At Age 94

A Tribute to Pamela Minns from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 31^st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

One of the last times I saw Pamela Minns in the flesh was two summers ago when she was kind enough to invite me to a gathering of a book club she was a member of.

Pamela Minns addresses a large gathering of friends and supporters at her 90th Birthday celebration in December, 2019. Photo courtesy of Helen Michlik

The book the club had gathered under a gazebo to discuss on that warm, sunny day was one that Pamela had fallen in love with and that she knew I had often used as a reference – what I sometimes called my bible -going back to my years The St. Catharines Standard where my work as an environmental reporter often intersected with writing stories about the good, bad and ugly of urban planning across our Niagara region.

The book was called ‘The Geography of Nowhere – The Rise and Fall of America’s Man-Made Landscape’by U.S. journalist James Howard Kunstler and at age 92, there was Pamela at the book club gathering, with the same sparkle in her eyes and speaking with the same keen mind and passion for preserving what’s left of the best in our communities that I remember when I first met her more than 30 years ago.

It is with a great deal of sadness that I learned of the passing of Pamela Minns earlier this January, 2024 at the age of 94. Continue reading →

A Statement from Ontario Green Parky Leader Mike Schreiner

Posted January 30th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner

GUELPH, Ontario  — Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to news that the Ford government will proceed with the refurbishment of four reactors at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

“Ford’s Pickering plan will drive up electricity costs.

Greens understand that nuclear power from the Bruce and Darlington nuclear stations will be part of Ontario’s electricity mix for decades. Continue reading →

We must have full cost transparency for this mega project at Pickering Nuclear Plant, not backroom deals benefitting powerful interests

A News  Release from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a not-for-profit citizens advocacy group

Posted January 30th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

In yet another backroom deal bonanza, the Ford government has signed off on a plan to rebuild four 40-year-old nuclear reactors at North America’s third-oldest nuclear plant – the  Pickering Nuclear Station [https://www.cleanairalliance.org/search/?_sf_s=pickering] in the eastern GTA.

The government is offering no information on how much this dubious plan will cost in total, but lots of happy talk about its ability to get these ancient (and outdated) reactors rebuilt on schedule. Continue reading →

Pickering would supply reliable, low-cost and emissions-free power for an additional 30 years

A News Release from the Ford Government of Ontario

Posted January 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Old Pickering Nuclear Reactors along northern shores of Lake Ontario

PICKERING , Ontario – The Ontario government is supporting Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to proceed with the next steps toward refurbishing Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s “B” units (units 5-8).

Once refurbished, Pickering would produce a total of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, equivalent to powering two million homes, helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and fuelling the province’s economic growth. Continue reading →

‘Mayors of the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, Township of West Lincoln and the Chair of Niagara Region have submitted a request to Hamilton Health Sciences to change the name of the new hospital to West Niagara Memorial Hospital’

A News Release from the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation and Hamilton Health Sciences

Posted January 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH), a Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) hospital, is being rebuilt to accommodate the growing health care  needs of west Niagara’s communities.

Public support of the new hospital has been overwhelmingly positive, as local residents acknowledge this important endeavour and have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the redevelopment project.

The Mayors of the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, Township of West Lincoln and the Chair of Niagara Region have submitted a request to Hamilton Health Sciences to change the name of the new hospital to West Niagara Memorial Hospital. Continue reading →

Sprawl is the leading cause of farm, forest and wetland loss in Ontario.

A Message from Sherry Wu, Green Party of Ontario

Posted January 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

There’s no doubt about it: Doug Ford’s supercharged sprawl agenda is an environmental wrecking ball.

Sprawl is the leading cause of farm, forest and wetland loss in Ontario. It makes us more vulnerable to climate impacts and food insecurity, and doubles down on climate pollution.

Ontario Greens know that sprawl isn’t a housing solution. 

Luckily, there are plenty of common-sense solutions to build the homes we need in the communities we already know and love WITHOUT paving over protected land. Continue reading →

“Given spiraling climate change impacts and accelerating rates of biodiversity loss, the need to expand and strengthen protected areas in Ontario has never been more urgent.”

By Katie Krelove and Corina Brdar for Ontario Nature, a non-profit group advocating for the protection and preservation of Ontario’s natural heritage

Posted January 30th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

As the Government of Ontario seeks input on its next budget, will it consider a golden egg from the federal government?

A year has passed since COP15 – the United Nations biodiversity conference in Montreal where 196 countries signed onto a global agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

As the Government of Canada develops its national biodiversity strategy<https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/biodiversity/national-biodiversity-strategy/milestone-document.html> and related legislation<https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2023/12/government-of-canada-takes-action-to-restore-and-protect-nature-with-commitment-to-introduce-a-nature-accountability-bill-in-2024.html>, it’s identifying supporting provincial partners that are willing to play along. Continue reading →

Listen to a Sunday, January 28^th CKTB Radio Interview with St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman by Clicking on a Link at the End of this Commentary

A Commentary by Niagara At Large journalist/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 28th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Regional Coucnillor Haley Bateman

Niagara, Ontario – In my 45 years as a journalist in Niagara, starting with my close to two decades at The Standards before moving on to Niagara This Week, The Thorold News and now Niagara At Large, I have viewed few meetings of Niagara’s regional council that I have found more disappointing and disturbing than the one that took place this past Thursday, January 25^th.

I would have to go back more than six years ago, to the dark times when then-Niagara Regional Chair Al Caslin and what was rightfully called his cabal of councillors and some of the Region’s senior staff. to dredge up examples of meetings that were as bad or worse than this January 25^th meeting was.

It was a meeting where St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman wanted to table a motion asking her fellow councillors to recognize, in so many ways, the ongoing slaughter of mostly Palestinian civilians (a disproportionate number of the more than 24,000 killed to date women and children) in the Gaza strip – just as the current Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley released a statement and ordered that the Region’s headquarters be lit up in blue and white following the brutal butchering by Hamas terrorists of some 1,200 Israeli citizens last October. Continue reading →

By Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 28^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman’s motion in support of a ceasefire i in the Srael-Hamas war and more Canadian refuge for Palestinians fleeing from the Gaza Strip was quickly dispatched with by the majority of her fellow regional councillors

A motion drafted by St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman, asking her colleagues on Niagara Region’s council to support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War and to call upon Canada’s federal government to allow more entry of Palestinians fleeing harm’s way in the Gaza Strip, received a quick burial at the Region’s January 25^th council meeting.

Only minutes into the January 25^th meeting, Bateman’s fellow St. Catharines Regional Councillor and Mayor of St. Catharines Mat Siscoe immedialy declared that what Bateman’s motion was asking for falls outside any business the Regional Council should be dealing with and that it might also cause more divisiveness in the Niagara community over the whole Israel-Hamas affair.

Siscoe put a motion of his own on the table that Bateman’s not be considered which was seconded by another St. Catharines Regional Councillor Laura Ip. Continue reading →

St. Catharines Regional Councillor Plans to Table Motion at this Thursday’s, January 25^th Meeting of Regional Council

A News Analysis by Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted January 22nd 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman plans to table Hamas-Israeli War ceasefire motion

Niagara, Ontario – It’s a gutsy motion and one that may very well trigger some lively, if not heated debate when members of Niagara Region’s Council meet in full session this coming Thursday.

The motion, to be tabled at the January 25th meeting by St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman, asks the Council to echo calls that have been made by a growing number of governments around the world for an “immediate ceasefire” in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war so that adequate humanitarian assistance can be delivered to civilians suffering from the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

If approved in full, the motion (a copy of which is included below) would also see the Region calling on the Government of Canada to “remove the cap on the number of Palestinians who can seek refuge with their Canadian extended family members from the violence in the Gaza Strip” and take further steps to make it possible  for Palestinians now living in Canada to welcome into their homes family members now living in harm’s way. Continue reading →

‘The Ford government has already green-lit the felling of 850 mature trees on the (Ontario Place) west island. … In the process, they’ll destroy the habitats of many endangered and threatened species.’

A Call-Out from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted January 23^rd 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Place in Toronto, Ontario has, for decades, been a popular place for people and wildlife. The province’s Ford government is determined to change that.

As (Ontario’s Green Party) writes this, tall black fencing dominates the view of Ontario Place’s West Island (along the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto) – blocking visitor entry as the land is cleared for the construction of the massive Therme mega spa.

The Ford government has already green-lit the felling of 850 mature trees on the island, and soon site servicing crews will begin flattening the ground to prepare for construction.

In the process, they’ll destroy the habitats of many endangered and threatened species that live on the West Island and in the waters around it. Continue reading →

Movie Giant Norman Jewison Makes  His Final Take this January, 20th  2024 at Age 97

A Few Brief Words from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large reporter/publisher amd a long-time fan of Norman Jewison

Posted January 23rd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Norman Jewison, flimmaker extraordinaire

He was a movie maker after this movie lover’s heart.  So I can’t let this moment go by  without  posting a few words of tribute  a few words for him.

Norman Jewison, born in Toronto, Ontario, was a filmmaker who was not afraid to take on hot-button issues like racial hatred and injustice. as he did in ‘A Soldier’s Story’, a 1980s movie spotlighting racial segregation in the U.S. Army, 1999’s ‘Hurricane’, the true story about boxing champ Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter who wrongly spent almost 20 years of his life in jail for a murder he didn’t commit, and my perhaps favourite of all his films, ‘In the Heat of the Night’, starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger in a drama set in racially charged Mississippi in the 1960s. Continue reading →

“It is so desperately important that we save the natural world.”

A Foreword and a few words of tribe for Jane Goodall from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 22, 2024 on Niagara At Large

When it comes to friends of the earth, few, in this veteran environment writer’s view, have been truer in her almost 90 years and counting than Jane Goodall.

Jane Goodall engaged in conservation with one of her friends in the forest.

Goodall, who earned world-wide recognition as one of the world’s foremost experts on chimpanzee before and how it relates to humans and other living beings in the world around us, continues to speak out passionately for all of us to do what we can to fight climate change and protect the life-sustaining resources of our plant for present and future generations.

This past January 21^st, 2024, Jane Goodall was interviewed by CNN television host and political commentator Fareed Zakaria. It was an interview I believe  everyone should see and that should be mandatory viewing in our schools and in every town and city council and provincial/state and federal legislature  on this  continent.

If you missed it, I am including a link for the interview that  you can click on a few paragraphs down. Continue reading →

“(Newly-surfaced) e-mail shows that the Premier’s office was far more involved in the Greenbelt land removals than Mr. Ford claimed.”                                                – Marit Stiles, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition Party

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted January 22^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

(A brief  introductory  note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper  – The news release posted here outlines some of the latest revelations swirling around alleged efforts by Ontario’s Ford government and its friends in the development industry to collude in carving up and forever destroying some of the province’s most precious food-growing lands in a protected Greenbelt wrapping around Lake Ontario from Niagara to rural areas north of the lake   for urban sprawl. The affair was first outlined in a detailed Ontario Auditor General’s report and is now the subject of an ongoing Ontario Provincial Police investigation.)

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP has revealed new evidence showing further involvement from the Premier’s Office in the Greenbelt scandal.

Emails obtained in response to a Freedom of Information request suggest a timeline that is inconsistent with the testimonies provided by Ryan Amato and Patrick Sackville (senior Doug Ford government staff members) under oath, and that the Premier’s office knew about the land swaps much earlier than they claimed.

Official Opposition NDP Leader Marit Stiles is calling for the Premier to start being transparent with Ontarians about what really happened. Continue reading →

“(Doug Ford’s) Ontario government, through its laws, policies and actions, is actually contributing to climate change. … The kids aren’t alright. The government is putting their future in jeopardy. And we’re going to court to help support their fight.”     – Environmental Defence Canada, a citizens group dedicated to fighting for a cleaner, healthier planet

A News Release from Environmental Defence

Posted January 20^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The young people championing this important case. Photo by Tilly Nelson,

This (past) week, (we have been) at the Court of Appeals for Ontario in support of seven youth who are suing the Ontario government over its weak climate target and plan.

The youth are being represented by lawyers from EcoJustice and Stockwoods. Environmental Defence and West Coast Environmental Law, represented by West Coast lawyers Anna Johnson and Andrew Gage, are one of 11 groups of intervenors. 

What’s the case about?

When the current Ontario government came to power in 2018, one of the first things they did was introduce a bill that canceled the cap and trade program and weakened Ontario’s climate target, which had been enshrined in law. This move set back climate ambition in Ontario, and Canada, significantly. 

Continue reading →

Former Ontario Liberal Governments  played a significant role in breaking the system

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted January 19^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontarians deserve healthcare that’s there when they need it. Access shouldn’t depend on how much money one has in the bank. That’s why Tommy Douglas’ NDP created the framework for public universal healthcare – publicly funded and publicly delivered.

But how did we go from having a healthcare system envied around the world to the crisis we are in right now?

Well, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane:

* 1996: Conservative Premier Mike Harris, infamous for his austerity measures, opened competitive bidding for home care, which allowed for-profit companies to take over home care delivery. Today, we have a home care system that is beyond broken. Continue reading →

“As an Indigenous student, I feel a sense of community seeing everyone coming out and supporting us,” he said. “Events like this have helped me to become more comfortable in my own identity.”                                                                                                         – James Gowland, a member of the Indigenous community and a fourth-year Medical Sciences student at Brock University

A News Release from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted January 19^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The thunder of drums roaring through the air was a welcoming call inviting people from all nations to gather together at Brock University Friday, Jan. 19.

Head Dancer Kendra Jessie Rosychuk (BSM ’21) invited attendees to the floor during a Pow Wow hosted by Brock’s Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre on Friday, Jan. 19. Photo courtesy of Brock U.

Hundreds of people packed into Ian Beddis Gymnasium to take part in a Pow Wow hosted by Brock’s Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, and the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement. Continue reading →

“The (Doug Ford) Conservatives put municipalities in a frenzy across the province through flip-flopping policy changes that did not reflect people’s housing needs or regions’ growth strategies simply so that a select few land speculators could get richer.”        – Jeff Burch, NDP MPP for Niagara Centre and critic for Municipal Affairs

A News Release from Ontario’s Official Opposition New Democratic Party

Posted January 17^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP Housing critic Jessica Bell (University – Rosedale) and critic for Municipal Affairs Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) are calling on Ford’s Conservatives to stop wasting time with their corrupt and failing policies and get to work on solutions following reports (https://globalnews.ca/news/10230448/ford-government-housing-targets-2023/) of housing starts doing down—not up—in 2023.

“Ford and his Conservative government have wasted a year pursuing corrupt backroom deals to cynically exploit the housing crisis for their own political gain,” said Bell. “Now, we see that while the government was busy being in damage control, they failed to meet their own housing targets and deliver any real solutions for Ontarians amidst a growing housing crisis.” Continue reading →

In Letter to Ontario Energy Minister, Niagara Citizens take Ford Government To Task For Continued Focus on Servicing Homes Across Province With Carbon-Polluting Gas

“Transitioning away from gas would make the cost of homebuilding less expensive for developers and would make the cost of owning a home more affordable for citizens — a win-win that your ministry and your government should support. … Ontarians are worried about the environment and the affordability of housing. They want to see Ontario as a leader of a clean, green transition.”                                                                        – from a letter the Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara sent to Ontario Energy Minister Todd Smith on behalf of more than 100 individual citizens and citizen groups across the region.

A January 12th Letter to Ontario Energy Minister Todd Smith from the Biodiversity and Climate Action Collective Niagara

Posted January 19th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Re. Legislation affecting the Ontario Energy Board Decisions on Enbridge’s Rate Application Dear Minister Smith:

In over-ruling a recent Ontario Energy Board decision welcomed by many citizen groups across Niagara and the rest of the province , the Ford government shows that it continues to favour tmore burning of climate-ravaging fossil fuels over greener, renewable  energy alternatives.

Given your government’s focus on providing good housing options for Ontarians, the groups and individual members of Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara were deeply concerned to read that you plan to introduce legislation to reverse a recent Ontario Energy Board (OEB) decision.

That decision, taken by the OEB in December, was that they would not approve Enbridge’s recent ‘rate application’ because the utility’s long-term plan unreasonably assumed that every new housing development will include gas servicing, and furthermore that homebuyers will remain on gas for 40 years, despite an energy transition toward electrification.

The OEB stated that they: “are not satisfied that Enbridge Gas’s proposal will not lead to an overbuilt, underutilized gas system in the face of the energy transition.”

Continue reading →

“The Ford government quickly moved – just days before Christmas –  to protect its fossil fuel industry friends by stating that it will pass legislation to reverse the (Ontario Energy Board’s) decision (to stop subsidizing Enbridge fossil fuels services to new residential development) –  an extraordinary step without precedent in Ontario.”

Ford’s Conservative government “still has its head buried in the sand when it comes to climate change,

A News Commentary from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a not-for-profit citizens group dedicated to fighting for a greener future

Posted January 18^th, 2-24 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier delivers gifts like Santa Clause to his corporate pals. But when it comes to the rest of us, and the climate emergency we face, we can go to hell.

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has seen the future and that future does not include subsidizing the expansion of fossil gas service to new residential developments.

The OEB ended that subsidy, finding that this would lower energy bills for new homebuyers and for existing gas customers.

But for a (Doug Ford) provincial government that still has its head buried in the sand when it comes to climate change, the OEB’s decision to end generous subsidies that generate big profits for Enbridge Gas was not acceptable.

Continue reading →

“The Marotta family’s generous gift is transformational for Niagara Health, and the naming of the St. Catharines hospital is a fitting recognition of their dedication to the community.”            – Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niagara Health

A News Release from Niagara Health, managing the amalgated system of hospital services across Niagara, Ontario

Posted January 18^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario – The Niagara Health Foundation and Niagara Health proudly announce a monumental step forward in healthcare as the Marotta family has pledged to make a transformational contribution to the St. Catharines hospital of $15 million.

In the picture right to left is: Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli, Mayor Mat Siscoe, Angela Marotta at a celebration gathering for the renaming of the St. Catharines hospital site. Photo courtesy of Niagara Health

The Marotta family’s generous donation will significantly impact the future of care at the St. Catharines hospital, fostering innovation, enhancing services and vitally-needed equipment upgrades that will benefit our community for generations to come.

In recognition of the gift, the St. Catharines hospital will be named the Marotta Family Hospital. After touring the St. Catharines hospital, Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli were moved to contribute to the improvements and expansion of the healthcare services that are being offered within the hospital. Continue reading →

Expansion projects by three companies will create 46 new, good-paying jobs

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted January 17th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

SMITHVILLE/Niagara — The Ontario government is supporting $65 million in investments by three companies to boost local manufacturing and create 46 new, good-paying jobs in the Niagara Region. As part of these investments, the province is providing the companies with $6.7 million in support through the Regional Development Program (RDP).

Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

“The Niagara Region is home to a robust manufacturing community, and thanks to their continued growth and investment, we can be confident that our targeted approach to fostering stability and growth across our economy is working,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Our government is proud to support local businesses as they expand and create new jobs in communities across the province.”

Niagara Region recipients include:

Continue reading →

A Statement from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

Posted January 17^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley,

Regional Chair Jim Bradley offered the following statement following news of the federal government’s investment of $25.7 million from the Housing Accelerator Fund in St. Catharines:

“I am pleased to see the federal government’s investment of over $25 million into the City of St. Catharines to fast track the construction of new homes.

“Over the next 10 years, more than 12,000 homes will be built in part due to this generous funding, representing a significant impact on our goal to ensure there is more attainable and affordable housing. Continue reading →

“As one of the great humanitarians of the 20th century, Mr. Wallenberg’s story is a powerful reminder that we must stand up against antisemitism, hatred, and racism. In light of … the appalling rise in antisemitic incidents in our communities, this reminder is more crucial than ever. The federal government will continue to combat antisemitism, as well as the denial and distortion of the Holocaust.”                                                                           – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

A Statement Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Raoul Wallenberg Day

Posted January 17^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s  Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement on Raoul Wallenberg Day:

“Today (this January 17^th, 2024), we pay tribute to Raoul Wallenberg, a remarkable humanitarian who rescued thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust.

“Working as a Swedish diplomat in Nazi-occupied Hungary, Mr. Wallenberg issued thousands of ‘protective passports’ to Jews, providing them diplomatic immunity and saving them from persecution. Under dangerous circumstances, he established a network of hospitals, orphanages, soup kitchens, and safe houses.

As a result, tens of thousands of Jews escaped certain death. And his dedication didn’t stop there: he helped diplomats from other neutral powers – such as Switzerland and the Vatican – to do the same, protecting even more lives. Continue reading →

Parents in Niagara Region May Lose Child Care Spaces If Conservatives Refuse To Act

“The lack of child care spaces due to staffing concerns is a problem right across Ontario and that includes the Niagara region” – Wayne Gates, NDP MPP for Niagara Falls Riding

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

Posted January 16th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates on his feet in the Ontario legislature. file photo

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario – NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls riding) is sounding the alarm about the availability of child care spaces in Niagara region, after hearing from concerned parents who may be facing a permanent reduction in before-and-after-school child care at a Boys and Girls Club in Niagara.

“The lack of child care spaces due to staffing concerns is a problem right across Ontario and that includes the Niagara region,” said Gates.

“My office worked with the Boys and Girls Club at Riverview Public School to find a temporary solution to ensure they can continue to operate, but this a bigger structural problem.” Continue reading →

Half of Canadians Surveyed say United States may be on its way to becoming an authoritarian state

The Survey results also show “a significant number (29%) aren’t convinced (a Biden or Trump victory in this year’s U.S. presidential election) would matter either way for Canada.”

A Survey of Canadians’ views from the Angus-Reid Institute, Canada’s Non-Profit Foundation Committed to Independent Research

Posted January 16^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The 2024 American Presidential election looks starkly familiar to the 2020 edition, as it is expected that Joe Biden and Donald Trump will represent the Democratic and Republican Parties respectively.

For Canadians, a repeat outcome from 2020 would be welcome, while a Trump victory has many predicting dire consequences for both sides of the 49th parallel.

New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds two-thirds of Canadians concerned American democracy will not be able to survive another four years of Trump at the helm. Continue reading →

(Let’s) demand that the Ford government show us a real plan to take action on climate in 2024

A Message from Ontario’s Green Party

Posted January 16^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Dense clouds of smoke from a record number of wildfires this past 2023 assaulted the respiratory systems of people and destroyed huge areas  of habitat for wildlife  across Canada and much of the U.S.

Ontario, Canada – 2023 was the hottest year on record – ever. Record-setting forest fires raged across North America, droughts beached fishing boats in the Amazon, and hurricanes, cyclones and tornadoes grew larger and more frequent. 

Now, climate scientists are warning that we’re on the brink of surpassing our 1.5C warming target within the decade.

The science has never been clearer: we need to reduce our emissions NOW by moving to renewable energy as fast as possible. But as per usual, Doug Ford is asleep at the wheel.

Continue reading →

Nearly $2.3 Million Boost in Funding to Expand Pediatric Services

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

Posted December 16th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff

ST. CATHARINES, Niagara  – Ontario is investing nearly $2.3 million to increase access to pediatric services for children and youth in Niagara so they have the care they need, when they need it, right in their own community.

This is part of the government’s investment of an additional $330 million each year in pediatric health services at hospitals and community-based health care facilities across the province.

The nearly $2.3 million in additional funding includes $1.79 million in provincial support for the Niagara Children’s Centre and $500,000 for Niagara Health.

The funding will be used to:

  *   Increase access to children’s rehabilitation services, including speech-language pathology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy at the Niagara Children’s Centre, Continue reading →

“This case feels more important than ever as we come out of the hottest year on record, and it could not be more critical that the Ontario Government acts accordingly.”                                          – – – Madison Dyck, Thunder Bay, Ontario and one of the young people involved in the court case

“There is urgency with this historic youth-led climate case going to court for climate action and for future generations. This case holds precedence and change towards a caring future.”                                 – Beze Gray, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Ontario, another one of the young people involved in the court case 

A News Release from Ecojustice, an environmental law charity pursuing cases for a livable planet

Posted January 15th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Footnote from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – I hope as many as possible will read the following news release, follow this case and do everything they can to support this group of young people. Congratulations to them, to Ecojustice and to other supports for continuing to pursue this case against Ontario’s Ford government.

And shame on all those Ontario voters – most of them older people, including members of the ‘Baby Boomer Generation’ that has had a record of releantless, piggish consumption that has made a mess of our Earth – for twice electing into power a Ford government that has demonstrated over and over again its disdain for environmental protection.

By voting for Ford and his party of climate laggards, these aging Boomers and too many  other members of the over-50 crowd  have helped place a livable future for  our children and grandchildren in peril.

Now here is the January 15th, 2024 news release from Ecojustice – 

Toronto, Ontario —Seven young people at the helm of Mathur et. al., a historic youth-led climate case, (were) back in court(this January 15th)  in what will be a crucial moment in the fight against the climate emergency in Canada.

The young people championing this important case. Photographer Tilly Nelson, set design Kendra Martyn & Kira Evenson

The group is at the Court of Appeal for Ontario, continuing their legal challenge of the Ontario government’s decision to significantly weaken the province’s 2030 climate target. 

Sophia, Zoe, Shaelyn, Alex, Shelby, Madi, and Beze, backed by lawyers from Ecojustice and Stockwoods LLP, are fighting to protect their generation and future generations from government caused climate harms.  

The case faced a setback in April 2023 when it was dismissed by the Ontario Superior Court, however the decision included several positive findings. Continue reading →

New investigations team will strengthen oversight and resident safety

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted January 15th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO — The Ontario government has created a new Investigations Unit to ensure every long-term care resident lives with dignity and experiences the quality of care they deserve.

Supported by an investment of $72.3 million, the new 10-person unit will be an effective deterrent and tool when escalated enforcement is needed to improve compliance and ensure resident safety.

The new unit is now active and will investigate allegations such as: failing to protect a resident from abuse or neglect, repeated and ongoing non-compliance, failing to comply with ministry inspector’s orders, suppressing and/or falsifying mandatory reports, and negligence of corporate directors. Continue reading →

“I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into the hell of thermonuclear destruction. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.”                    – Martin Luther King, in an acceptance speech he delivered after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 

The late civil rights icon Martin Luther King

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper on Martin Luther King Day in America

Posted January 15th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

This Monday, January 15^th, 2024 is Martin Luther King Day in the United States, a day set aside to remember and celebrate the efforts of this heroic civil rights leader to crusade for human equality and peace around the world.

Had he not been assassinated in the spring of 1968 at age 39, Martin Luther King could conceivably still be alive today. And one can only image what he would think of the rise of white supremacy, racial and religious hatred, anti-democratic rule, and continued threat of war and murderous wars now occurring in regions of the world like the Middle East and Ukraine. Continue reading →

Ford Is Moving This Long-Time Government Service to a U.S.-Based, Privately-Operated  Retail Chain

“Welland residents who reached out to my office are worried that these changes will lead to additional delays and longer wait times for back government services like health cards and driver licenses.”– Jeff Burch, Niagara Centre NDP MPP in a letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

A News Release from the Constituencey Office of Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

Posted January 15th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

WELLAND, Ontario – Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch has written a letter to Doug Ford following reports that 11 ServiceOntario locations are set to close across the province, including one in Welland.

The ServiceOntario locations are set to be replaced with kiosks in privately-owned Staples – the latest in Ford’s pattern of putting government services in the hands of private companies.

View Jeff Burch’s letter to Doug Ford  click on – (https://mcusercontent.com/353019c4e982ae7eb8ea53150/files/dd3f9219-14a8-8509-ed90-4dc749257054/MPP_Burch_Welland_ServiceOntario_Letter.pdf) 

Or see it below –

To watch a Toronto City TV news report on this story, click on –

A Brief Footnote from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – Now the question is, which ServiceOntario outlet in Niagara might the Ford government close next? Set your watches for the answer that will come, once again, without any consultation with the public.)

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

Ed Broadbent, Who Passed Away this January 11^th at Age 87 – Spent His Life Fighting For the Common Good and for Social Justice for All

“Today, as we stand at the cusp of 2024, Canada faces significant challenges. A worsening affordability crisis, right-wing extremism, and historic levels of cynicism, created an environment where leaders like Doug Ford, Danielle Smith, Pierre Poilievre, and Donald Trump are emboldened. Thankfully, we at the Broadbent Institute are purpose built to meet these challenges head-on.” – from a Holiday Season message Ed Broadbent sent out to supporters of the Broadbent Institute he founded and to all Canadians just this past December, 2023

A Few Words of Remembrance from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large, followed by a Tribute from the Broadbent Institute and more 

Posted January 11^th, 2024

Ed Broadbent, during the years he served as Leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party

All I can say is that I feel blessed to have shared some of my life  in Canada at the same time as Ed Broadbent, a true humanitarian who served as an inspiration for all who shared his dream for a society that is kind and just for everyone.

Ed Broadbent, who for those old enough to remember, was one of only two  federal  NDP  leaders  in the party’s 62-year  to win more than 40 seats in an election. In 2011,  the now-late and then leader of the ,arty did even better with what was is known to this day as the  “Big Orange Wave” win for the NDP  of 59 seat – a result that has not been achieved by any federal NDP leader since and  can largely be attributed to Layton’s dynamic leadership and to the  two decades  Broadbent spent building a party many Canadians,  were eager to rally their support behind. eager to rally behind.  Continue reading →

Three job fair events scheduled for 2024, beginning on Saturday, January 20

See the Job Fair Schedule and all  Related Details  Below

A Call-Out to seasonal and student job seekers from Ontario’s NIAGARA PARKS COMMISSION

Posted January 11^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Parks’ historic Queen Victoria Park with the American Falls roaring in the background

Niagara, Ontario – One of the region’s largest employers seeking to hire for seasonal and student positions across various departments ahead of the summer season

View popular positions and register today at niagaraparks.com/jobfair

 All job seekers are invited to explore the wide variety of seasonal job opportunities available across various departments at Niagara Parks during three upcoming job fair events for the 2024 season, with the first taking place on Saturday, January 20, at Table Rock Centre. Continue reading →

NDP Leader Marit Stiles gives Premier three quick solutions to shorten wait times today

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted January 11^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

You would think that Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

QUEEN’S PARK — Official Opposition NDP Leader Marit Stiles delivered a challenge to Doug Ford on Thursday to stop ignoring Ontario’s health care crisis and work with the NDP to implement three solutions to immediately reduce out-of-control health care wait times.

“Last year, we saw hundreds of emergency rooms and urgent care centres shuttered; people forced to travel far because their ER or urgent care centre lacked the staff to stay open,” Stiles said at a press conference.

“Doug Ford promised to fix the Liberals’ hallway medicine crisis, but things are only getting worse. The Premier needs to stop pretending this crisis doesn’t exist. He can bring the Legislature back right now and work with us to reduce health care wait times.” Continue reading →

An Invite to All of Us from the Niagara District Council of Women

Posted January 10^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

image furnished by NASA

The Niagara District Council of Women  is holding a zoom public  meeting  on  climate change  at 7;30 p.m. on  January 17th  featuring Dr. Adam Martin  (PhD)  .

Dr. Martin , who teaches at the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto, has encapsulated the nature of his  talk in  its  title “CLIMATE CHANGE AHEAD ! :THE WORLD, THE PROVINCE, NIAGARA. And he goes on to say,  Continue reading →

Let’s triple wind and solar in Ontario by 2035 to lower bills and pollution (and to fight climate change)

“We need a real commitment to renewable energy in Ontario – not window dressing.  Please send a message [https://www.cleanairalliance.org/triple/] to Premier Ford, Energy Minister Todd Smith, party leaders and your MPP, and tell them you want to see a tripling of wind and solar in this province by 2035.” – Ontario Clean Air Alliance

A News Release from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a not-for-profit citizens group dedicated to fighting for a cleaner and safer environment

Posted December 10^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

For the last five years, (under the Ford government) Ontario has been treading water on renewable energy – not contracting for one kilowatt since the election of 2018 – while the  rest of the world has surged forward [https://rmi.org/the-renewable-revolution-continues/].

Now the province says it wants to get back in the game with a target of contracting for 5,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity.

But, as with everything the Ford Government does, the devil is in the details. What the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is actually proposing is a mix of renewing contracts with existing wind and solar power facilities and contracting for some new supply.

This means that Ontario could meet its 5,000 MW target while adding only a token amount of new renewable energy to its grid. Continue reading →

“It is also important to learn from past experiences. Many long-term academic studies have demonstrated that the projected benefits of past amalgamations often failed to materialize.”           – Jim Bradley, Chair for the Regional Municipality of Niagara

A Statement from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley to the Provincial Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy

Posted January 10^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley,

Regional Chair Bradley appeared before the Provincial Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy during a one day hearing in  St. Catharines this January 10th, 2024 to share his personal views on the housing crisis and what role municipal governance plays in addressing that challenge.

The following is a transcript of Chair Bradley’s opening statement.

“Good morning. I am Jim Bradley, Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, accompanied by our Regional CAO Ron Tripp. I stand before you to share own personal perspectives on the future of municipal governance in Niagara and its pivotal role in tackling the housing crisis.

“A recent examination showed that even with an annual income of $85,000, homeownership remains elusive in Niagara. But as I have stated on numerous occasions, the Niagara Region is committed to partnering with your government to address the housing crisis.

“I also agree with Ontario Minister of Muncipal Affairs and Housing Paul  Calandra: this governance discussion should be focused on how a manipulation of governance would result in more homes being built. My comments today will be focused on that goal. Continue reading →

Posted by Doug Draper, January 8^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

How do you feel our Niagara region should be governed in the years ahead?

Do you believe that the 12 local municipalities we have now should be cut down to possibly four or three?

Maybe you would like to get rid of local municipalities altogether and just have one ‘City of Niagara’ rather than have 12 or fewer local or lower-tier municipalities and a regional government.

Perhaps you agree with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and a number of Niagara’s local politicians and citizens that our region has “too many politicians.”

Or maybe you would prefer that Niagara’s current two-tier system of government, including the local municipality you live in stay as it is. Continue reading →

A Message to Ontario’s Premier – Leave Niagara’s Current System of Municipal Governance Alone!

A Commentary by Doug Draper, journalist, Niagara At Large

UPDATED – Posted January 8th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

For the last 30 or so years of my time working as a journalist in Niagara, I have been hearing the same tired old trope coming from what always seems like a relatively small segment of the population with a big bullhorn.

The trope I am talking about goes like this – “Niagara has too many politicians.” And it almost always comes from individuals and organizations with a long track record of being to the far right when it comes to politics and who often complain about government playing “too big a role” in our lives.

Local municipalities across are Niagara Region the way they are mapped out now, and the way they should stayT.

Little wonder then that Ontario’s current premier Doug Ford – the boss hog of one of the most extremist, right-wing governments the province has ever had and who appears to almost never see a government-funded service he wouldn’t like to privatize – has repeatedly said that he thinks Niagara has too many politicians.

Just to cite a few cases, there Ford was, quoted in a March 2019 report on the St. Catharines-based radio station CKTB (Heart Radio),  saying; “Too many politicians is not a good thing and it hurts the community” Continue reading →

Whether by Neglect or Design or Both, Are the Ford Conservatives Taking Us Back To A Time Before Universal Health Care Champion Tommy Douglas, When Quality Health Care Is Only There For Those Who Can Afford to Pay For It?

A Comment by Linda McKellar, a retired health care nurse living in Niagara

Posted January 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

I have no idea where Ford is getting the thousands of new “nurses” he claims to have added to the system.

Are they RN’s, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, personal support workers, orderlies? Is he even aware of the differences or does he hope the public is unaware of the differences?

Of course all categories are team members BUT the education and experience necessary to qualify for each is very different. The responsibilities and abilities are vastly different. The diagnostic and assessment skills are night and day.

The same with the ability to perform certain procedures, some life saving, and having enough pharmaceutical knowledge to safely dispense medications with consideration for untoward side effects and interactions. Continue reading →

A Statement from Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Posted December 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates whose riding includes Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario – MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls riding), Official Opposition critic for Long-Term Care (LTC), released the following statement in response to alarming new COVID-19 rates in LTC homes that have led to 260 deaths in four months (https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/more-than-260-ontario-long-term-care-residents-died-after-getting-covid-19-in-last-four-months-1.6709469) :

“These deaths are heartbreaking to see, and it seems like the Conservatives have learned nothing from the past four, difficult years. Every person we lose is a tragedy, and they leave behind loved ones who mourn them.

Continue reading →

“Less than half an hour into 2024, and Canada’s 100 top-paid CEOs have made more than 200 times what most (workers across Ontario and Canada)  will earn in a year. ,,, It’s beyond unfair, and it doesn’t have to be this way.”

A Statement from Ontario NDP Official Opposition Party Leader Marit Stiles

Posted January 4^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO — Official Opposition NDP Leader Marit Stiles issued the following statement in response to a report (https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-richest-ceo-average-salaries-1.7065191) from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives that finds Canada’s top CEOs make 246 times more than the average worker:

“Less than half an hour into 2024, and Canada’s 100 top-paid CEOs have made more than 200 times what most Canadians will earn in a year.

This is while people are struggling more than ever to afford necessities; while food banks are seeing record usage.

It’s beyond unfair, and it doesn’t have to be this way.

Continue reading →

A Message to Ontario’s Premier – Leave Niagara’s Current System of Municipal Governance Alone!

A Commentary by Doug Draper, journalist, Niagara At Large

Posted January 4th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

For the last 30 or so years of my time working as a journalist in Niagara, I have been hearing the same tired old trope coming from what always seems like a relatively small segment of the population with a big bullhorn.

Local municipalities across are Niagara Region the way they are mapped out now, and the way they should stay

The trope I am talking about goes like this – “Niagara has too many politicians.” And it almost always comes from individuals and organizations with a long track record of being to the far right when it comes to politics and who often complain about government playing “too big a role” in our lives.

Little wonder then that Ontario’s current premier Doug Ford – the boss hog of one of the most extremist, right-wing governments the province has ever had and who appears to almost never see a government-funded service he wouldn’t like to privatize – has repeatedly said that he thinks Niagara has too many politicians. Continue reading →

“Without workers, our hospitals can’t function, and Ontarians will go without the care they need.”                                                        – Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

You would think that Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted January  3^rd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK — Official Opposition NDP Leader Marit Stiles is calling on the Ford Conservatives to address an urgent call from the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions to stop underinvesting in Ontario hospitals, after a new poll (http://chrome-extension//efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://nanos.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-2465-CUPE-OCHU-Members-survey-Populated-report-with-tabs.pdf) shows close to half of hospital workers are considering leaving the sector.

“There is an all-out crisis in our hospitals and the Conservatives are pretending everything is okay — the reality is far from it,” said Stiles.

Continue reading →

100 Highest-Paid CEOs now Make 246 Times More Than Average Workers

A News Release from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives with a Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted December 2^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword by Doug Draper, Niagara At Large –

I can already image at least some who read the news release below saying; “Gee, thanks for starting the New Year by posting news that makes me angry.”

To that I say if we’re not angry we’re not paying attention and if we’re not paying attention, the only change we may have is that things will get even worse.

We’ve got to know about this growing wage gab across Canada and the obscene amount of money the few at the top are shoveling, and we’ve have got to put the heat on our elected representatives at the provincial and federal levels of government to do something about it.

Meanwhile, I’ve lost patience with all those politicians and Chambers of Commerce and other representatives for big business out there who keep beating this drum that we can’t raise the minimum wage or have the kind of living wage or basic income that Ontario Premier Doug Ford blew away during his Conservative government’s first term in in office because the cost of more decent wages for regular working people will hurt business and be passed onto consumers. Continue reading →

“The future doesn’t exist. The only thing that exists is now and our memory of what happened in the past. But because we invented the idea of a future, we’re the only animal that realized we can affect the future by what we do today.”                                  – David Suzuki, scientist, environmental activist and longtime hose of CBC’s ‘The Nature of Things’

A New Year Message from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted December 31st, 2023

A happier, healthier future is in our hands. Let’s work together to make it happen.

All of the havoc far too many people here and around the world have been through over this passing year leaves one to wonder and possibly dread what 2024 will bring.

For that reason, I find it a bit too Pollyannish to simply offer up to one and all a full-throated Happy New Year.

Given the times and all the challenges we collectively face, the usual drive-by wish for a Happy New Year just doesn’t seem to cut it.

Instead, my wish for the New Year is that as many of us as possible do  what we can do today and every day to make the coming year and all the years to follow better than the one we are saying good bye to.

And in that spirit and with your patience, I wish to leave you with just a few ideas of what we all can and must do together –

Continue reading →

If Trump Gets Back In The Oval Office Again – And Thanks To Millions of Americans He’s Put a Spell On, He Very Well Might – WE’RE ALL IN BIG TROUBLE!

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

Posted December 28^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Over this passing Holiday Season, I  stole a little time from all the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping to watch the classic Dr. Seuss-animated version of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ again.

Here, immediately below, is a headshot of the Grinch, with that wicked smile on his face while he hatches his plan to steal all the children’s Christmas toys.

I wasn’t long into the Grinch story when it made me think of another, possibly even more devious and dangerous character.

Here, immediately below, is a headshot of him, with a smile just as wicked, if not more so, as worn by the Grinch.

In that smile, it is not hard to imagine him dreaming of the day when he once again assumes the highest office in his land and uses and abuses its powers to tear up his country’s Constitution and blow away all the democratic rules and institutions around him, and proceeds to wreak havoc on every longtime friend and democratic ally in the world, including Canada.

Continue reading →

“We made the Ford Government’s refusal to consider renewable energy an issue the government could no longer ignore. Now we have to make sure that it prioritizes the  cleanest and lowest cost options to keep our lights on, instead of  polluting gas  and  high-cost nuclear power.”                                                                                  –  Ontario Clean Air Alliance

A Call-Out for Support from The Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a longstanding  not-for –profit citizens activist group fighting for governments to take real action on climate change

Posted December 28^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Ontario is finally ready to feel the power of the sun and the wind once more.

For the sake of our future, we need much more of this.

Five years after tearing up 758 renewable energy project contracts, the Ford Government has announced that it is going to join the rest of the world in tapping into our lowest cost sources of new electricity supply – wind and solar.

But whether this is a real commitment to taking a low-carbon path to meeting our energy needs or just window dressing is going to depend a lot on the details. Continue reading →

One of the More Heart-Tugging and Inspiring Stories of 2023

A Brief Look Back and Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 27, 2023 on Niagara At Large

I long ago came to a conclusion about our species that I know at least some of you out there share with me.

We human can be, and too often can be, the cruelest and most destructive species on the planet.

I am speaking in generalities of course. I know there are also good people among us, doing what they can to make the world better for every living being we share this planet with.

After years of cruel confinement, Vanilla the chimp finally has a chance to live a good life. Photo by Save The Chimps, a group dedicated to protecting chimpanzees

The following story about a chimpanzee named Vanilla tugged at my heart the – as I am sure it will tug at the hearts of many of you –  first time I saw it broadcast this past spring on CBC and a number of other news networks.in Canada and the United States.

It is a story that both speaks to the cruelty too many humans inflict on other species and to the good in who, in this case, worked so hard to free this chimp and give her a chance to live out her life with others of his kind, in the safety and comfort of a sprawling outdoor sanctuary in Florida. Continue reading →

“It is essential that new homes be built with decarbonization in mind, both to limit their contributions to climate change and to save homeowners the costs associated with retrofitting their home sometime in the future.” – Keith Brooks, Programs Director, Environmental Defence

A Statement from Environmental Defence on the Ontario Ministry of Energy’s Move to Reverse Ontario Energy Board’s Decision on Gas Rates

This could be the new logo for the Doug Ford Conservatives across Ontario. We have just been through one of the worst years on record in this climate crisis and they still don’t get it. Just keep burning more carbon-polluting gas, is their answer

Posted December 27th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Toronto -– It is shocking that the Ministry of Energy is moving to overrule the Ontario Energy Board, which made a very sound decision to save homeowners money by encouraging new homes to be built with heat pumps, rather than gas furnaces.

The speed at which this decision was made by the Ministry is also concerning.

The OEB decision would eliminate the subsidy for housing developers to connect to the gas system effective January 1, 2025. Currently, developers can receive a subsidy worth up to $6k per home, with an average of $4.5k per home.

The OEB said eliminating this subsidy would encourage developers to install heat pumps instead, which will improve affordability by lowering heating costs while also reducing risks and costs for all other gas ratepayers. Continue reading →

Posted by  Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

December 25^th, 2023

” “Someday at Christmas men won’t be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December our hearts will see
A world where men are free”

• From a song written and performed by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder wrote and performed the song ‘Someday At Christmas’ in the mid-1960s while he was still in his teens and the War in Vietnam was ramping up and killing more lives. It’s lyrics tugged at people and the song became a bestseller for Motown Records at the time.

With all of the suffering and death from wars now raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, the song’s  message, unfortunately, is just as relevant this Christmas.

To listen to the song, ‘Someday At Christmas, click on the screen immediately below –

Here, immediately below,  are the full lyrics to the song.

Continue reading →

A Call-Out for a Green Christmas from Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted December 23^rd, 2023

I heard a newscaster from one of the cable networks saying that at least some people around us –and maybe even you – are dreaming of one of those ‘White Christmas’s’ that Bing Crosby used to sing about.

So you say you’re dreaming of a white Christmas. Do you want to end up possibly looking like this? An image of Omar Sharif from the movie Dr. Zhivago after suffering his way through snow and ice in the frigid fields of a Russian winter.

To that I say; “Really? You’ve got to be kidding!”

The forecast for this Christmas is a green one and that has me dancing merrily away with sugar plums in my head.

For those of you dreaming of a white Christmas, try finding a copy of the movie Dr. Zhivago and fast forward it to the part where the lovesick doctor (played by Omar Sharif) is wading for what seems like days through mountains of frigid Siberian snow, with blue cheeks and icicles frozen to his beard, in search of the woman of his dreams. Continue reading →

Let’s Stand Together for a Greener, Healthier World Free of Hunger, of Homelessness, of Greed, of Hate and of War

“War Is Over If You Want It”

A Holiday Message from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted December 22^nd, 2023

Dense clouds of smoke from a record number of wildfires this 2023 assaulted the respiratory systems of people and other living beings across Canada and much of the U.S. No cost can be placed on the huge loss of forests and habitat for wildlife

It has been a rough two or three years for many of us with the pandemic and all of the illness and death and isolation and  it brought, and with this passing year’s  record number of damaging and destructive floods, wind storms, wildfires and extreme heat episodes brought to us by all of the carbon pollution overheating our planet. 

So here is a wish for warm times  and  peace  to those of us who celebrate Christmas, and for the same to all of our friends and neighbors and to everyone on this Earth  who celebrate the Holiday Season in other ways..

Yet while so many of us  gather together with our loved ones for this Holiday, so many other lives around the world are being torn apart and cut short by war.

With that in mind, I leave you with a song written many years ago by John Lennon and performed by John and Yoko. It seems to me to be a fitting song at this time.

To hear this song of hope for a better, more peaceful future, and to watch a nice video that accompanies it, please click on the screen below –

Warmest Wishes, Doug Draper, with a call-out to you to support local news and to encourage others to visit and engage in our online news and commentary on Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com or on Facebook

Our cat Luna also wishes you the best of the season although, being as cat-like as she is, she absolutely refused to wear one of those Santa hats we paid too much for in a pet store.

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

“Ford Conservatives continue to shortchange Ontarians, under-spending by billions of dollars.”           – Ontario NDP Finance critic Catherine Fife

A Statement from Ontario’s Official Opposition NDP

Posted December 22^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

As the gap between the haves and the have-nots grows, so do the number of homeless camps across Niagara and the rest of Ontario

Official Opposition NDP Finance critic Catherine Fife issued the following response to the Financial Accountability Office (FAO)’s report on the Ford government’s spending in 2023-4:

“People are struggling to get by during a cost-of-living crisis, yet the Ford Conservatives continue to shortchange Ontarians, under-spending by billions of dollars.

The government’s overall spending is $2 billion less than planned, including less-than-planned spending in vital areas like social services, education and public health. Continue reading →

“We need to reach as many people who care as possible to press for Canada to start implementing our promises (to take immediate action to address climate crisis).”      – Canada’s Green Party Leader Elizabeth May

A Letter from Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada

Posted December 18th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Green Party of Canada Leader and long-time environmental activist Elizabeth May

A Foreword from Doug Draper , Niagara At Large – Few Canadians who have been following environmental issues over the years would question Elizabeth May’s dedication in the fight for a healthier planet.

Through her many years as a founding member of the Sierra Club of Canada and her leading role in building and promoting the environmental agenda of the federal Green Party, Elizabeth May has been an unflinching champion for environmental causes from coast to coast.

Elizabeth May is no stranger to our Niagara region either.

A number of years ago, she was keynote speaker at a well-attended fundraiser for enriching the vegetation and habitat for wildlife in Mel Swart Conservation Park along the shores of Lake Gibson in Thorold. Continue reading →

Here Is Betting You A Buck A Beer That IT COULD!

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

Posted December 20^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Despite all of the controversy and scandall he has been rolling in, Doug Ford is still flying high across Ontario, according to a recent poll

With the Greenbelt scandal controversy dogging them for most of the year, not to mention an ongoing RCMP investigation  that ensued, along with  protest after protest over the way they have been mishandling short-changing key  services like education, affordable housing and health care, you would think that Doug Ford and his Conservatives would now be circling the drain in terms of  public popularity.

Yet at least one recent survey of Ontarians, conducted for Tr provincial election was held now, Ford and company might very well pull through with a minority, and maybe even another majority government. Continue reading →

“Looking to the future, we hope that this progress on zero-emission vehicles also leads to similar ambition in reducing emissions through shifting travel to public and active transportation.” – Canadian citizen groups Environmental Defence and Équiterre

A Statement from Environmental Defence and Équiterre on Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard

Posted December 19^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario –  Environmental Defence and Équiterre applaud (Canada’s federal) Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault for finalizing Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, which will require automakers to gradually shift to 100 per cent zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2035.

This is a crucial policy that will help put Canada on the path to net zero emissions.

“The Electric Vehicle Availability Standard is a holiday gift to the planet. Canada will now join the ranks of leading jurisdictions such as the European Union, California, Quebec and British Columbia, in phasing out the sale of new gasoline cars at the pace required by global net zero objectives.

Continue reading →

New Electric Vehicle Availability Standard will give Canadians better access to more affordable cars and cleaner air

“Many Canadians are increasingly eager to make the switch to cleaner transportation, since it’s a win-win-win in savings, their heath, and the environment.”           – Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change

A News Release from Canada’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change

Posted December 19^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – Across the country, as Canadians make the switch to electric vehicles, they not only help keep our air clean, they save money on their monthly bills by driving cars that aren’t only comfortable and reliable, but cheaper to run and maintain.

Federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault

To make sure people who want to make the switch have access, the Government of Canada is taking action to improve the availability of new electric vehicles across the country.

That’s why  (this December 19^th, 2023), the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced Canada has finalized its new Electric Vehicle Availability Standard to increase the supply of clean, zero-emission vehicles available to Canadians across the country.

The Standard complements additional actions underway by the federal government to develop a robust electric vehicle supply chain and infrastructure that creates good, middle-class jobs and ensures a cleaner, safer environment. Continue reading →

‘Ontario’s current blue bin recycling system is failing: only 43 per cent of non-alcoholic beverage containers are collected and recycled.’

A Statement on Recycling in Ontario from Environmental Defence Associate Director Ashley Wallis

Posted December 18^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – We are relieved to learn that The Beer Store’s successful reuse and recycling program will be preserved. The existing deposit return program keeps hundreds of millions of reusable glass beer bottles in circulation, and even more cans and plastic containers out of landfills and the environment.

The preservation of this successful program indicates that the province recognizes its value. It is only logical that it would also see the value of a complementary deposit program for non-alcoholic beverage containers.

The current blue bin recycling system is failing: only 43 per cent of non-alcoholic beverage containers are collected and recycled in Ontario.

Continue reading →

Legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards Lives to Celebrate his 80^th Birthday. 

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted December 18^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Rolling Stones icon Keith Richards, the way he looks today.

I had a CBC television news network on this past Sunday, December 17^th when I heard one of the broadcasters say; “Keith Richards, guitarist for The Rolling Stones… and immediately I found myself thinking; “Oh no, he has died.

And why wouldn’t that be my first thought?

For us children of the 1960s, the music heroes we grew up with are now passing on at an accelerated pace.

There was Jeff Beck, guitarist extraordinaire with The Yardbards, Robbie Robertson, the guitarist and principle songwriter for The Band, and Charlie Watts, the drummer for The Rolling Stones, just to name a few who left us this year alone. Continue reading →

“As Niagara Regional Chair, I understand the concerns of our community amidst these tough financial conditions.” – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted December 16^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

(See a brief comment by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper at the bottom of this news release.)

NIAGARA, Ontario – Niagara Region’s 2024 Budget process is now complete following last (Thursday, December 14^th) night’s Regional Council meeting. The budget continues to support and invest in the programs and services Niagara residents rely on every day.

For 2024, the portion of the General Levy to support Niagara Region operations, Niagara’s agencies, boards and commissions, including Niagara Regional Police, will increase by 3.72 per cent.

In addition to these operating costs, the 2024 General Levy is required to accommodate critical investments in, historically underfunded, infrastructure renewal throughout Niagara Region with a 1.5 per cent increase dedicated to capital project financing.

Finally, an additional 1.8 per cent increase was required to accommodate for the financial impacts of provincial policy under Bill 23, which required municipalities to provide development charge exemptions.

In total, Council approved the General Levy budget with an increase of $38.6 million in 2024 equaling a 7.02 per cent property tax increase on the Regional portion of the tax bill.

Continue reading →

(UPDATE – Since this piece was first posted in the afternoon of this December 14th, a majority on Niagara Region’s budget review committee passed a motion tabled by St. Catharines Regional Councillor Laura Ip to not to increase transit fares for riders through the coming year. No additonal funding was approved for better building Niagara’s transit service however. so the views expressed below still stand – Doug Draper) 

“Public transit is vital to communities around the world by providing a fast, affordable and efficient way to get around.”                                                – National Research Council of Canada

“Public transit can increase social equity in our society. … By eliminating the need to own a car, public transit allows people living on lower incomes to direct more of their earnings to essentials such as food, clothing and rent.”                                                                                                           – Canadian Health Association for Sustainability & Equity

“If our buses carry more people and directly reduce their own tailpipe emissions, transit’s ability to be part of the climate solution only grows.”                                                    – The Canadian Urban Transit Association

“The most powerful tool urban policymakers have to address catastrophic climate change is the humble city bus.”                                                                                                       – The Canadian Centre For Policy Alternatives

A Call-Out to All Niagara residents from Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted December 14th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

This coming January 1^st, 2024 marks the first anniversary of the launch of a new consolidated transit system in Niagara, marking the end of a patchwork of local transit services that fell short of encouraging more people in our region to opt for a bus rather than a car to take them to where they want to go.

For long-time transit supporters in Niagara, the January 1^st launch spelled hope that the decades of nickel and diming transit services in this region would finally be over. Continue reading →