Author Archives: dougdraper

“Responding to the COVID-19 crisis calls for us all to confront the vested interests that oppose transformative change, and to end‘business as usual’.

“We can build back better and emerge from the current crisis stronger and more resilient than ever – but to do so means choosing policies and actions that protect nature – so that nature can help.”           – from an expert article shared this May 202 with members of the World Economic Forum, of which Canada is a participant

A Brief Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher       Doug Draper –

Please read this important article, prepared by world experts on pandemics and the environment, and think about what are left of the rich woodlands, wetlands and other green spaces still in the crosshairs of some developers and some of our politicians in Niagara who still have a 1950s notion of what constitutes good urban growth.

What a positive thing it would be – and what a hopeful tone it would at a difficult time like this –  if members of our current Niagara Regional Council formally adopt the language in this article as a vision for how our communities grow, and how we must work to save what is left of our natural areas as we re-imagine Niagara’s post-pandemic future.

• Doug Draper, daring to re-imagine a healthier Niagara for all

The following article was written by Global pandemic and environmental experts Professors Josef Settele, Sandra Díaz and Eduardo Brondizi, and Dr. Peter Daszak from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). It was shared this May 2020 with members of the World Economic Forum

Must Save Lives, Protect Livelihoods, and Safeguard Nature to Reduce the Risk of Future Pandemics

There is a single species that is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic – us.

As with the climate and biodiversity crises, recent pandemics are a direct consequence of human activity – particularly our global financial and economic systems, based on a limited paradigm that prizes economic growth at any cost. We have a small window of opportunity, in overcoming the challenges of the current crisis, to avoid sowing the seeds of future ones.    Continue reading →

Vera Lynn was a young voice of a singer for the Second World War with warm, coming home safe songs like ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘(There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) White Cliffs of Dover’

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted June 18^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Vera Lynn, during her Second World War era days

Most people reading this may not remember her, and I only do through my now late parents, but Vera Lynn was a youthful singer in Great Britain who helped allied troops fighting fascism want to finish it up and come home to their families and friends.

She was often called Britain’s “sweetheart” during those perilous years of war, and was a prototype for British singers like Petula Clark a few decades later.

Vera Lynn died this June 18^th at age 103, but not before one of those Second World War era songs went viral again with a younger singer virtually accompanying here at the Royal Albert Hall.

The song was ‘We’ll Meet Again’ – a perfect message for soldiers fighting on foreign fields in the 1940s, and a perfect one again for those of us who have been dying, during this ongoing COVID-19 nightmare, to get back together with good friends.

To watch a recently produced video of Vera Lynn, in several moments over the years, singing that song, click on the screen below –

Vera Lynn  was one of the last of the living icons from the Second World War era, and many of the people she sang her songs to – members of what have come to  be known as “the greatest generation” – are gone. Continue reading →

“Yes, our lives may never be the same as they were before, but that does not mean we are worse off. In some ways, we have been given the opportunity to rebuild aspects of our economy and our community so that it may better work for everyone. I hope as we slowly and safely start to recover and rebuild, we will do so in partnership and collaboration.”

– from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley’s State of the Region address, June 18^th, 2020

The Regional Chair’s State of the Region Address, this one delivered virtually

Posted June 18^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

“Good morning.

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

I want to thank each of you for logging in today to participate in this virtual State of the Region.

While I know meetings of this type have become common place over the last few months, I am personally looking forward to our next opportunity to gather as a  community and make the connections that some of us used to take for granted.

I also want to thank the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce and all of today’s sponsors for making this event possible. I am grateful for the opportunity to share some thoughts on the state of our Region and how Niagara will emerge on the other side of one of the most challenging times that we have experienced as a community.

Finally, I want to thank Dr. Mustafa Hirji, the Region’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, and Ron Tripp, the Region’s Acting Chief Administrative Officer, for joining me as part of the discussion panel. I am looking forward to addressing the question from this chamber’s membership.

*COVID‐19 Impacts*

I want to begin my remarks today by addressing the impact COVID‐19 has had on our economy, our public health systems, and most importantly, our people.

(If you would like to watch and listen to Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley delivering this State of the Region address virtually, click on the screen immediately below.)

Many businesses are struggling to keep the lights on as doors remain shut and revenues are down. And unfortunately, we all know of businesses who paid an even larger sacrifice to keep the community safe and will never reopen after the pandemic is over. Continue reading →

It’s Official. Border Closing extended to all but ‘Non-Essential Traffic’ until at least July 21st

Keep Border Crossing Closed to Trumpland Until End of Year, If Necessary

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

Posted June 17th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Thank You Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the role you played in continuing to keep the Canada-U.S. border closed

Well, what can one say? We are living in post-apocalyptic times, after all.

As someone who has spent most of my life crossing the border to the United States, and has made many dear friends in “the land of the free,” I never imagined a time would come when crossing that iconic Peace Bridge between Niagara, Ontario and Buffalo would be closed to all but mostly commercial, “essential traffic” for going on four months.

You would have to go back 102 years, to the misnamed “Spanish Flu” pandemic of 1918, to know the real life-and-death impacts of anything like this.

There are many lessons to learn from the 1918 pandemic – not least of which are the disastrous consequences of declaring the health emergency over and re-opening “business as usual” way too soon –  but there is a self-described “stable genius” south of the border in the White House who thinks he knows better than any health experts do. Continue reading →

Will Ford’s Moves Put Biodiverse Gems Like Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls and Waverly Woods in Fort Erie at Further Risk

“Instead of investing in recovery from the pandemic, the Ontario government is continuing its hatchet job on sound planning.” – The Canadian advocacy group Environmental Defence

A Statement by Environmental Defence’s Executive Director, Tim Gray, on the Ontario government’s proposed weakening of the Growth Plan

Posted June 16th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – Today (this June 16th)  the Ontario government resumed their attack on farms, sustainable cities, nature and affordable healthy living in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH).

Let’s not let short-sighted politicians and greedy developers use the Pandemic and need to “get back to business” to destroy places like this – Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls – for all time. Photo by Lori Monroe

The proposed changes to the Growth Plan include:

•  1. Removing all protection for endangered species and their habitats from the impacts of aggregate pits, quarries and way-side pits in natural heritage areas.
• 2. Considering the use of inaccurate population projections to guide future growth, even though their own Ministry of Finance has determined that census based projections show that only Peel Region and Toronto are exceeding Growth Plan projections, while every other region is attracting far fewer residents.
• 3. Extending the required period for municipalities to plan for growth until 2051, thus facilitating massive urban boundary expansions onto farmland and natural areas.
• 

  Let’s protect Ontario’s species at risk and in danger of disappearing forever. They are worth more than low-density urban sprawl.

Continue reading →

Be Part of a Virtual Open House, hosted by Niagara’s Regional Government, this Wednesday, June 17 from 5 to 6 P.M.

Find Out More About How to Get Involved in the Open House and in an Online Survey Below

Saving our trees for the health of our environment and for our childrens’ future. Niagara needs stronger tree protection rules

A Call-Out for Public Input from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted June 16th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Niagara residents, businesses and other stakeholders are being asked to weigh in on the future of woodland conservation in the region, through a brief online survey and a virtual open house.

The Region is in the process of updating its Woodland Conservation By-law, which has been regulating and conserving woodlands in Niagara since 1981. Public feedback is needed to ensure the revised by-law provides the tools needed to effectively conserve and regulate Niagara’s woodlands, while remaining consistent with Provincial legislation and best planning and management practices. Continue reading →

‘Federal Goverment funding announced on June 5, 2019, by (Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s) former Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, saved the 50 Million Tree Program (MTP), which had had its funding cut by (Premier Doug Ford ‘s) Government of Ontario.’

Some Good News we should all read from the not-for-profit group Forests Ontario

Posted June 15^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper – This important program also benefits Niagara and has been engaged in for years by good field staff at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and by volunteer conservationists across our region.

Shame on Ontario’s Ford government for defunding and good for the Trudeau government in Ottawa for restoring the funds needed to keep it alive for present and future generations who need these trees for a healthy life and environment.

On World Environment Day, Forests Ontario says 2020 tree-planting season was a success despite COVID-19

Toronto, Ontario  – This (past) World Environment Day, on June 5th, Forests Ontario celebrated the first anniversary of receiving federal funding for their 50 Million Tree Program (50 MTP). They report that their 2020 planting season ended just 10 per cent under target, despite COVID-19 related challenges. Continue reading →

Need A Hair Cut? Want to go back to the Shopping Mall? How about a restaurant outing? These are among the businesses and services that will be eligible to re-open in Niagara just four days from now.

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted June 15^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Shortly after noon this June 15^th, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that Niagara and six other regions across the province will now join 24 others in moving to State Two when it comes to re-opening businesses and services.

That means that shopping malls, restaurants and hair salons will be among the businesses that can now open in Niagara following a lockdown that has lasted more than two months due to the health emergency triggered by COVID-19. Continue reading →

“Migrant Workers face multiple challenges and obstacles in accessing services and information crucial to their well-being during their stay in Canada. … Many migrant workers are left with few resources to help them deal with the health, social, and legal issues they encounter while in Canada.”                                    – Niagara Migrant Workers Interest Group

“Migrant workers such as our seasonal agricultural workers are an essential part of Niagara’s and Canada’s workforce. … They deserve to have the same basic rights and protections such as healthcare, decent work, pensions and employment insurance as all other Canadian workers.”                                                                       – Lou Ann Binning, President of the Niagara District Regional Labour Council.

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

Posted June 15^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Picketers receive honks of support for migrants from people driving by St Catharines constituency office of Liberal MP Chris Bittle this June 13th. All Photos by Doug Draper

One the more telling things this pandemic has done, for better or worse over the past three or four months, is amplify the weaknesses and inequalities in our systems for looking after one another – for treating one another fairly.

That is certainly the case when it comes to millions of people, from grocery store clerks to those working in long-term care homes, which have been labelled “essential workers” and have even been celebrated as “frontline heroes” during this COVID crisis, yet are struggling to get by on low wages and little or no benefits.

And it is also the case for countless migrant workers that owners and operators of agricultural operations in Niagara and other parts of Ontario employ each year under a Government of Canada Temporary Foreign Worker’s Program that, by many accounts, fails to do justice for them. Continue reading →

St. Catharines resident Kariann Gracey earns prestigious Governor General Academic Medal

“Gracey is driven by her passion for social work and her mission to advocate for society’s most vulnerable.”

News from Niagara College in Niagara, Ontario

Posted June 15^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Top Niagara College graduate from St. Catharines, Kariann Gracey

For Niagara College’s top graduating student Kariann Gracey, achievement is not just about making the grade – it’s about making a difference.

As the College prepares to celebrate Spring Convocation with five days of virtual ceremonies beginning June 15, the lifelong St. Catharines resident stands out as head of NC’s Class of 2020.

On June 18, she will officially graduate from the Social Service Worker program with a 97.67% grade-point average and as the recipient of the most prestigious award a Canadian student can receive – the Governor General’s Academic Medal.

“Kariann is known by faculty for being outstanding – both as a student and as a person,” said Carolyn Triemstra, dean of Community and Health Studies. Continue reading →

A Brief Foreword  from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted June 12^th, 2020

Please read the following news release from Niagara’s Regional Government and take advantage of this important opportunity to strengthen the regional bylaw for protecting the trees and forests we have left in our region.

One of the most important messages we should learn from this pandemic is the direct relationship that exists between human health and the health of our environment. If you believe in science, you may already know that the evidence is now virtually full proof that healthy ecosystems can play a key role in preventing the spread of deadly viral diseases.

In the new normal we face in the wake of this terrible pandemic, we can no longer afford to go on paving over more and more of our natural green places.

So please get involved in the process Niagara’ Regional Government is now launching to redraft the Region’s bylaw for protecting and preserving our trees and forests. Read the details on how you can get involved below.

– Stay Safe and Stay Involved, Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

For the future of our children, let’s all be tree huggers!

Provide your feedback to help protect Niagara’s woodlands

A Call-Out for Public Input from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted June 12th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

This image posted here by Niagara At Large

Niagara residents, businesses and other stakeholders are being asked to weigh in on the future of woodland conservation in the region, through a brief online survey and a virtual open house.

The Region is in the process of updating its Woodland Conservation By-law, which has been regulating and conserving woodlands in Niagara since 1981. Public feedback is needed to ensure the revised by-law provides the tools needed to effectively conserve and regulate Niagara’s woodlands, while remaining consistent with Provincial legislation and best planning and management practices. Continue reading →

A Message from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted June 11^th, 2020

So how are you doing in these post-apocalyptic times?

glass planet in a forest with sunshine – Usa map

That is a question someone I know on Cape Cod, Massachusetts started asking me every time I walked into his record store over the past year or two. It is almost as if he anticipated the global pandemic that has been plaguing our lives for all of these weeks and months this year.

It was the grave damage that Trump has been doing that my Cape Cod friend was referring to, course, and Trump is still around, posing as much, if not more of a danger to his country and the rest of the planet too.

So we can’t just ignore him as the existential threat he is, or the pandemic, but we are going to try to push a re-set button here at Niagara At Large anyway. Continue reading →

“Poverty is complex and intersects with many other forms of oppression, including race and racism. While media attention is focused on the United States, the same problems of institutional racism and violence are also present across Canada.”   – Niagara Poverty Reduction Network

A Statement from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network (NPRN)

Posted June 11th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

A common image across Canada, the United States and around the world in the weeks following the death of George Floyd, an African Amiercan, under the knee of a police officer

A Statement in support of Black Lives Matter from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network –

“The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is a network of social and health agencies, educators, business and government representatives, faith communities and individuals committed to addressing poverty in Niagara through education and advocacy.

Poverty is complex and intersects with many other forms of oppression, including race and racism. While media attention is focused on the United States, the same problems of institutional racism and violence are also present across Canada. We recognize that state-violence is deeply rooted in our own history, in public policy, and a function of white supremacy. Continue reading →

New York Governor Calls Trump’s Tweet About a 75-Year-Old Buffalo Man “Reckless, Irresponsible, Mean and Crude”

“Those who think our unhinged president’s recent mania  about a murder two decades ago that never happened represents his moral nadir have missed the lesson of his life: There is no such thing as rock bottom. So, assume that the worst is yet to come.”   

– George Will, a veteran American newspaper columnist who left the Republican Party in 2016 over Trump’s nomination, from a June 1st, 2020 column in The Washington Post

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted June 11th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

News columnist George Will is one of numerous American conservative thinkers and now ex-Republicans who has completely washed his hands of Trump and the party he has destroyed

American columnist George Will wrote the above words in response to Trump firing out a number of disgusting tweets, charging Joe Scarborough, who has been highly critical of Trump’s presidency and who is a co-host of the MSNBC TV program ‘Morning Joe, of possibly murdering a female intern who died for reasons around what turned out to be a previously  undiagnosed health condition while working for Scarborough two decades ago when he was still serving as a Republic congressman from Florida.

Although the charges were completely baseless and a widower of the deceased woman begged him in an open letter to stop making them because they were hurtful to him and his family, Trump kept making them anyway.

One of the key points that Will makes in his column, that there is “no such thing as rock bottom” when it comes to Trump’s vile behaviour and that it is only going to get worse, leading to Will’s conclusion that “Trump must be removed,” has proven to be true again and again.

75-year-old Buffalo peace activist, bleeding on the ground this past June 4th after a close encounter of a bad kind with police. A video of this incident went viral around the world

On June 1st, the day Will’s column was published, Trump had uniformed thugs use clubs, shields, rubber bullets and chemical gases to clear an area of peaceful demonstrators so he could walk from the White House to a nearby church and have his picture taken holding a Bible upside down.

Then this June 9th, there was this outrageous tweet about a 75-year-old Buffalo peace activist who, days earlier, who fell so hard after being knocked down by police in front of Buffalo City Hall that he was seen on video, bleeding from the head. Continue reading →

Posted June 10, 2020 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper –

Potentially damaging wind warnings for the Lake Erie shoreline – this one issued and included immediately below from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority – have become more and more common place in this age of climate crisis.

They are warnings that people living on or near the shores of Lake Erie, including people from Wainfleet, Port Colborne and Fort Erie in the Niagara, Ontario area, have already too often learned the hard way, need to be taken seriously.

How comforting for federal and provincial Conservatives and their anti-scients followers that they can regard the climate emergency we face as a hoax.

Here is a news report from 2019 on the grief and destruction this “hoax” can cause to people and their property. Click on the screen immediately below to watch –

Yes, it is quite a hoax, isn’t it? The real threat, according to the likes of Tories in Canada, is any effort by the federal government to put a price on climate-ravaging carbon pollution – that dreated “carbon tax.”

Now here is the Warning issued earlier this June 10 by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority –

Continue reading →

 Niagara Children’s Water Festival Partners Offering 2020 Festival Online

An Invite from Niagara’s Regional Government, the City of St. Catharines, Brock University, Ontario Power Generation and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Posted June 9th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region and its Niagara Children’s Water Festival partners City of St. Catharines, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Ontario Power Generation and Brock University, are pleased to offer a virtual water festival to provide children with an interactive opportunity to learn about water.

Teachers and parents can find the festival and the activities on the Niagara Region website <https://www.niagararegion.ca/waterfestival/virtual/default.aspx?topic=1>.

The Niagara Children’s Water Festival Steering Committee worked to design a set of learning activities for a four-day virtual water festival. Each day focuses on one of four water themes from the festival:

Continue reading →

Province’s Decision Leaves Many Niagara Businesses and Organizations Locked Up and Leaves Countless Niagara residents Out of Work

“We understand that this decision was undertaken at the provincial level without consulting local health authorities, which the GNCC feels was a mistake.”                                                                 – Mishka Balsom, CEO, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce CEO Mishka Balsom

A Statement from Mishka Balsom, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted June 9^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

The Government of Ontario has announced that on June 12, selected regions of Ontario will be allowed to move to Stage Two of the provincial re-opening framework. Niagara was not among those selected, and remains at Stage One, along with the rest of the core Golden Horseshoe.

We understand that this decision was undertaken at the provincial level without consulting local health authorities, which the GNCC feels was a mistake.

Local public health authorities are the most familiar with the reality on the ground, and could explain whether a recent spike in cases, for example, is due to generalized community transmission which needs to be contained, or to an isolated group which has already been contained. Local health authorities must be a part of these decisions. Continue reading →

Niagara Is NOT One of the 24 ‘Public Health Unit Regions’ Serving Communities Across Ontario Green Lighted by Ford Government For Further Business Re-Openings this June 12th

Shopping Malls, Hair Salons, Restaurants Among Businesses in Niagara to Remain Mostly Shuttered For Now. Public Swimming Pools and Beaches in Niagara Also Missed Making the Re-Opening List

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

Posted June 9th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Businesses across Niagara, along with countless numbers people across the region waiting to go back to work, waited with bated breath this Monday, June 8th to find out if Niagara would be on the provincial government’s list of regions given a green light to re-open again.

But when the list of what the Ontario government dubs “public health unit regions” representing towns and cities across the province was released this June 8th, at a news briefing hosted by Premier Doug Ford, a total of 24 regions made the list for “State 2” re-openings and for reasons that has at least a little bit to do with still having too many COVID 19 case outbreaks, Niagara was not on it. Continue reading →

“God gave Noah the rainbow sign. No more water, the fire next time!”       – from the late American author and civil rights activist James Baldwin’s  classic 1960s book-size essay ‘The Fire Next Time’, about the racism that continues to poison life for so many in his native land

“Finally the tables are ready to turn. Talkin’ bout a revolution,”                   – from a song Tracy Chapman  wrote in the 1980s, but that could serve as a soundtrack for the demonstrations continuing  in countries around the world today.

A Brief One from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted June 8^th, 2020 on NAL

They have filled streets around the world, black and white and every other colour, and so many of them young and fighting for a decent future. There seems no stopping them now. Finally, the tables may be ready to turn.

Since the shocking death of African American George Floyd late this May under the cruel knee of a white police officer, I have heard and read and talked to many people who have been turning to songs, books and movies that speak to the growing call in the United States, Canada and other countries around the world for an end to racial and economic injustice, backed up by cops in riot gear, firing tear gas and rubber bullets, and wielding big clubs.

There are so many meaningful songs, books and films to choose from, and I will only start here with a video performance of one song by American singer/songwriter Tracy Chapman that was released in the 1980s but seems more relevant today.

To hear and watch Tracy Chapman perform the song, click on the screen immediately below –

Now along with his classic book ‘The Fire Next Time’, there is a must-see film documentary called ‘I Am Not Your Negro’, based on the draft for a book James Baldwin did not completely finish and release before his untimely death at the age of 63 in the late 1980s.

Watch this film, including the footage from the 1950s, 60s and 70s of police beating civil rights protesters in the streets and white supremacists waving signs boasting Nazi swastikas and hate-filled words, and you would almost think you were watching the news today.

Here is a trailer for that critically-acclaimed film which I hope you kind find a full copy of. Watch the trailer by clicking on the following screen –

Let all peace-loving people hope that when it comes to racial and economic injustices, the tables are finally ready to turn.

My heart and soul is with the millions of people of all ages, colours, sexual orientations and faiths, marching peacefully in the streets. I hope yours is too.

Trump and his morally bankrupt, hate-filled kind can’t kill us all.

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

(I might just as well mention a contemporary follow-up book to The Fire Next Time that has also received critical acclaim. It was originally published in 2016 and is called; ‘The Fire This Time – A New Generation Speaks Out’ by Jesmyn Ward and a host of contributors. Jesmyn Ward has recently been interviews a number of times over the demonstrations taking place around the world right now.)

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

“He has to advance Canada’s interests and that is what he’s doing.”                                                                                                           – former Ontario NDP Premier and now retired Liberal MP Bob Rae, in defense of the Prime Minister’s long pause after being asked to comment on  Trump’s authoritarian-like response to anti-racist demonstrations south of the Canadian border

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted June 8th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Prime Mnister, this June 2nd, 2020, after being asked by a reporter to comment on Trump’s anti-democratic conduct across the border. Twenty-one seconds and counting, and we are still waiting for an answer.

As one Canadian news commentary put it recently, the 21 seconds of absolute silence that followed a reporter recently asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to comment on the iron fisted way Trump has been responding to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations across the United States serve as a kind of Rorschach test for those who watched during those 21 seconds and waited for the PM’s answer.

In other words, there is so much a person can read in to the 21 seconds that the Prime Minister of Canada stood there during one of his COVID-19 news briefings this June 2nd and said nothing the day after Trump had public space near the White House violently cleared of peaceful protesters so he could walk across a park to the front of a church that never invited him and do a photo-op of himself wielding a copy of The Bible like a sword of wrath for his mostly white evangelical base. Continue reading →

An Update by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted June 7th, 2020 on  Niagara At Large

A 75-year-old man – now we know him to be long-time peace activist Martin Gugino – on the pavement with blood running from his head after video shows police officer pushing him down near Buffalo City Hall. As of this June 7th, 2020, Mr. Gugino reportedly remains in hospital in serious condition.

Unless you have just come back from another planet or don’t care about the anti-racism marches and protests encircling the world right now, you have probably already seen the video of a 75-year-old man in Buffalo, New York, bleeding from the head area after looking very much like he was pushed to the pavement by police.

You have most likely seen this video because it went viral this past June 4th, on the day this very disturbing incident occurred.

Since Niagara At Large last posted news on this incident, two of the Buffalo police officers involved appeared in an Erie County District Court this past Saturday, June 7th where they were charged with second-degree assault, a charge where, if they were found guilty, reportedly carries a sentence in the State of New York of up to seven years. Continue reading →

A Celebration of the Life and Times of Wilma Morrison Makes the National News

You Can Watch this Tribute, Aired June 2^nd on CBC TV’s The National, Below

A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper

Posted June 7^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Wilma Morrison

After residents across this Niagara region learned of the death this past April 23^rd of Wilma Morrison, the tributes began rolling out from long-time friends, from area politicians, from Brock University where she received an honorary degree a decade ago, and from members of the news media.

Each and every tribute for Wilma, who died at age 91 of complications from COVID-19, were well deserved for her many decades of work as a heritage advocate, as an archivist of Black history in the Niagara area, and as a dedicated contributor to the good of her community in Niagara Falls and the communities around her. Continue reading →

News from the Niagara Parks Police Service in Niagara, Ontario

Posted June 7^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

At approximately 1 p.m.on Saturday June 6th, 2020 the Niagara Parks Police Service along with Niagara Regional Police Service 2 District (Niagara Falls) uniform officers were called to the area of the Lower Niagara River Gorge in the City of Niagara Falls.

Rescue in progress over the churning waters of the Lower Niagara River. Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Police

Parks Police responded following the report of a 16 year old male in distress in the swift waters in the vicinity of the Whirlpool. Continue reading →

Were Was the Prime Minister’s Bravery This Week?

“The bravery and selflessness demonstrated by Canadians on that day in Normandy, and throughout the war, remind us of the incredible cost of defending freedom, human rights, and democracy.”                                                                                                  – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

‘Excuse me, Mr. Prime Minister. Where is your bravery when it comes to defending the principles of democracy against a fascist like Donald Trump?’                                          – Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Canadian soldiers on D-Day, 76 tears ago this June 6th, 2020

A Statement by the Prime Minister on the 76th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, followed by a Brief Critique by Doug Draper on Justin Trudeau’s 21 seconds of silence

Posted June 6th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario – The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on the 76th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy:

“Today (this June 6^th, 2020), on the 76th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, we remember and honour the brave Canadians and Newfoundlanders who fought, and those who gave their lives, alongside Allied forces in a battle that became a turning point in the Second World War and changed the course of history. Continue reading →

Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Province Extends the Suspension of Limitation Periods and Time Periods for Legal Proceedings until September

“It is critical that we keep these emergency orders in place so we can continue to reopen the province gradually and safely. “We are not out of the woods yet”                                    – Ontario Premier Doug Ford

A COVID-19 Update from the Office of the Ontario Premier

Posted June 6^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO — The Ontario government, after consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has extended all emergency orders currently in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until June 19, 2020.

Extending these emergency orders will give employers of frontline care providers the necessary flexibility to respond to COVID-19 and protect vulnerable people and the public as the province gradually and safely reopens.

Current emergency orders that have been extended include those that enable frontline care providers to redeploy staff where they are needed most, allow public health units to redeploy or hire staff to support case management and contact tracing, and prohibits long-term care and retirement home employees from working at more than one home or for another health service provider. Continue reading →

“First, our thoughts are with the friends and family of George Floyd. …It is important to remember that Mr. Floyd was a real person, with the same hopes and dreams and concerns that each of us have. … On behalf of Niagara Region, I want to offer a full and unequivocal condemnation of racism and discrimination, regardless of what form it takes.”                                                           – Jim Bradley, Chair of Niagara’s Regional Government

People continue to gather at a shrine created at the spot where the life of an African American man, whose name, George Floyd, is now known to the world, was taken under the weight of now fired and charged Minneapolis, Minnesota police officers. His killing has triggered calls for racial justice in communities all over the world, including her in the greater Niagara region and Greater Toronto Area

A Statement from Niagara Regional Chair, Jim Bradley in support of diversity and inclusion

Posted June 5^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley issues statement in wake of George Floyd killing

At last night’s (June 4^th, 2020) special meeting of Regional Council, Regional Chair Jim Bradley offered the following statement to councillors rejecting racism and supporting diversity and inclusion:

“First, our thoughts are with the friends and family of George Floyd. Much has been reported about this incident over the past 11 days and it can become easy to lose sight of the individual at the core of this case. It is important to remember that Mr. Floyd was a real person, with the same hopes and dreams and concerns that each of us have.

Second, on behalf of Niagara Region, I want to offer a full and unequivocal condemnation of racism and discrimination, regardless of what form it takes. Whether it is overt or systemic, there is no place for this type of behaviour in our region, province or country. This council, I know, rejects all forms of exclusion and intolerance. Continue reading →

A 75-year-old man on the pavement with blood running from his head after video shows police officer pushing him down near Buffalo City Hall

“The completely unwarranted use of force by police in front of Buffalo City Hall last night (this June 4th) is a call to action for our city and country.”                   – Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins

A Brief Comment from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large, followed by a Statement released this June 5^th by Brian Higgins, U.S. Congressman for the Buffalo area

Posted June 5^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

How disappointing and disturbing it was to flip to American news networks this June 4^th and watch video of a 75 year old man being pushed to the ground, apparently by a Buffalo police officer wearing riot gear, and being left there on the ground, with blood running from his skull, while other officers marched by.

All of this unfolding before sunset outside of the front steps of the city’s grand old city hall. Continue reading →

‘Each and every one of us must be vigilant. We must be ready to call out abuse of power and the mistreatment of others whenever we see it.’

A Commentary by Gary Screaton Page, Welland, Ontario

Posted June 3^rd, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Sadly, there is nothing new in what we are now witnessing south of the border here.

In the mid-50s my two eldest brothers, in their late teens at the time, were approaching Chattanooga, Tennessee. As they drew closer, they came upon the roadside, the body of a black man who had been recently lynched: no charges, no trial, no justice, only death without mercy or regard to his humanity.

The late Eugene “Bull” Conner, a notorious racist who, believe it or not, was a ‘Commissioner of Public Safety in the State of Alabama, turned on fire hoses and sicked dogs on African American civil rights activists during the 1960s. These Bull Connor episodes came to mind for some again in recent days when Trump threatened to turn “vicious dogs” on people protesting the murder of George Floyd.

“Lynchings” continue in the United States today! Continue reading →

Local food report highlights those who are keeping food on store shelves and kitchen tables during COVID-19 outbreak

A News Release from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Posted June 3^rd, 2020 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO – The Ontario government is celebrating local agri-food heroes who have stepped up to ensure the province’s food supply chain remains strong during the COVID-19 outbreak. Individuals, businesses and organizations are highlighted in 2020 Local Food Report: Ontario Spirit – A Celebration of Local Food Collaboration.

“Ontario’s agri-food supply chain is one of the strongest in the world and COVID-19 has just reinforced that fact,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The commitment shown by our farmers, food processors, grocery store workers, truck drivers, restaurateurs, and everyone across the agri-food sector during the COVID-19 outbreak is inspiring.” Continue reading →

Extension Key to Protecting Ontarians as Province Safely Reopens

News from the Office of Ontario’s Premier

Posted June 2nd, 2020 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO ― In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario is extending the provincial Declaration of Emergency to June 30.

The decision supports the government’s efforts to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and protect the health and safety of Ontarians as the province reopens in a measured and responsible way. The extension, under s.7.0.7 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, was approved by the Ontario legislature earlier this June 2nd. Continue reading →

“The Canadian Armed Forces report painted a stunning portrait of the situation in long-term care during this crisis; our investigation will look at the systemic issues that led to it, and will make constructive recommendations for corrective action”    – Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé

A Brief Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large, followed by a News Release from the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman

Posted June 2nd, 2020 on Niagara At Large

A report from Canadian Armed Forces personnel on the conditions inside at least some of Ontario’s long-term care homes was described as “gut-wrenching” by Premier Doug Ford when it surfaced this May

Coming on the heels late this May of the Ontario Ford Government’s decision to carry out an “independent review” of the operations of long-term care homes across the province, the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman, an officer independent of the provincial legislature, is now also weighting in with an investigation of its own.

Given the shocking findings in a Canadian Armed Forces report, obtained by the news media late this May, this is welcome news.

The Armed Forces report graphically described horrific conditions for seniors residing in at least some privately and publicly run homes across the province, including residents suffering with open bed wounds and begging for help, residents eating rotting food, left unattended for hours on end, living with cockroaches, and the list of nightmare items goes on and on. Continue reading →

“The Rainbow Flag raising is a collaborative partnership with Niagara College that is symbolic of our unwavering support for not only the LGBTQ2+ community, and other marginalized communities, but for all students, faculty, support staff, administrators, and visitors at the College. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we work together as a community to strengthen and support each other.”           – Niagara College Student  Council president Tom Price

News from Niagara College in Niagara, Ontario

Posted June 2^nd, 2020 on Niagara At large

Niagara, Ontario – Rainbow flags will fly over Niagara College campuses this June, to celebrate equality, inclusivity, and acceptance in support of the College’s LGBTQ2+ community during Pride Month.

From left to right, Niagara College Student Administrative Council president Tom Price, Niagara College president Sean Kennedy, and Dalton Bird, NC student and vice president of the NC Student Administrative Council’s Loving Out Loud Club, celebrate the raising of a rainbow flag at the Welland Campus in recognition of Pride Month

With physical distancing measures in place, Niagara College president Sean Kennedy and Niagara College Student Administrative Council president Tom Price led a flag-raising ceremony at the Welland Campus on the morning of June 1. A flag was also raised at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Continue reading →

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

“From coast to coast to coast, Canadians are feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19, while they do what they can to protect the health and safety of their families and communities. That is why we are taking action to restart the economy, get Canadians back to work, and come out of this stronger.”                                         – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

A COVID-19 Update from the Office of Canada’s Prime Minister

Posted June 1^st, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario – As we continue to focus on the health and safety of all Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are also taking immediate action to support small towns and big cities across the country to restart the economy, and create good, well-paying jobs.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that funding delivered through the federal Gas Tax Fund will be accelerated this year to help communities as quickly as possible while respecting public health guidelines. Continue reading →

We must put a stop to racism wherever it is – Canada’s New Democratic Party

A Statement from NDP MPs Lindsay Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe) and Matthew Green (Hamilton Centre)

Posted June 1^st, 2020 on Niagara At Large

“As we watch the reaction to the injustice and the murder of George Floyd by police south of the border, Canadians still haven’t come to terms with the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, the killing of D’Andre Campbell, an unarmed black man, by police, and other injustices right here in Canada.

Today, Indigenous and racialized people in Canada are facing a frightening evolution of hate. In communities across the country, discrimination remains a reality.

Anti-Black racism, racism against Indigenous Peoples, Anti-Asian racism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate are not only allowed to exist, but flourish. This is because of decades of policies that have systematically discriminated against minorities. Continue reading →

Niagara Region Public Health confirms COVID-19 workplace outbreak at Pioneer Flower Farms

News from Niagara’s Region Government

Posted June 1^st, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services is investigating 20 confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in employees of Pioneer Flower Farms in (west) St. Catharines. The ill employees have been isolated as part of the  usual response to COVID-19 cases.

Similar to other outbreaks, Public Health is facilitating testing of other employees who have symptoms or are at increased risk. All employees who have been exposed to the infection have been isolated or are working separately from others to prevent further spread. Continue reading →

“I can’t move. … Mama, Mama, …Please Sir I Can Breathe.”          – the final words of George Floyd, on Monday,, May 25th, 2020 in Trump’s America

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted May 31^st, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Here are the final words of another unarmed black man, murdered in a culture of anger and hate that is stoked with relish by the monster holding the highest office of the land –

“It’s my face man

I didn’t do nothing serious man

please

please

please I can’t breathe

please man

please somebody Continue reading →

American activist Tamika Mallory

“We are not responsible for the mental illness that has been inflicted upon our people. …We learned looting from you. . … We learned violence from you. So if you want us to do better, then dam it, you do better.”                                                                               – Tamika Mallory, an American activist and one of the organizers of the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. in 2017

A Brief One from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper

Posted May 31^st, 2020

These words, delivered by Tamika Mallory at a press conference shortly after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota this past May 25^th, speak for themselves.

To listen and watch a video of her address, click on the screen immediately below –

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

“The choices we make now about how to recover from this pandemic will shape not only our health and economic future, but also the future of human life on this planet.”                                 – Canadian Labour Congress President, Hassan Yussuff

A News Release from Laura Bergamo,  Greenpeace Canada

Posted May 30^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

As governments prepare recovery plans amidst the COVID-19 crisis, an informal alliance of over 150 civil society groups, representing collective memberships of millions in Canada, are demanding these plans move us toward a more equitable and sustainable future, with the release, (this May 25^th), of six Principles for a Just Recovery.

United in support of the Principles, endorsing organizations span sectors and communities across the country, including the Canadian Labour Congress, Indigenous Climate Action, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec and the Canadian Health Coalition. Continue reading →

“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” – from Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher           Doug Draper

Posted May 29^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

The first time I went to Marineland was back in or around 1970 for a date with a girl I was going out with at the time.

Inside the gates there was the ‘King Waldorf Theatre’ with the big cement pool surrounded by bleachers and stage props where dolphins and seals and whales and walruses swam and performed an assortment of tricks, and there was a pen where you could go and feed deer and another where bears stood begging for an ice cream cone or any other food a part visitor might toss down to them.

Marine mammals enthrall the masses at at the King Waldorf Theatre in the Marineland Park in Niagara Falls, Ontario

And that was about it.

The Niagara Falls amusement park had only been open about eight or nine years at the time and was not anywhere near as elaborate as it came to be in later years with all of the amusement park rides on and around a man-made mountain at the back, and a larger pond, dubbed ‘Friendship Cove’, where they exhibited beluga whales. Continue reading →

 DON’T MISS  ‘The Walrus and The Whistleblower’

This Thursday, May 28th at 8 P.M. on CBC Television – Channel 6 on Cogeco

A Reminder to all of our Niagara At Large readers to check out the Premier of this great CBC HOT DOCS Film 

Posted May 28th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

See a trailer for this full-length documentary by clicking on the screen immediately below –

If you have wondered what all the years of controversy over the keeping of whales, dolphins and other marine mammals at amusements parks like Marineland or SeaWorld has been all about, you have got to watch this film                                                   – Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

To read more on the documentary, posted on Niagara At Large this May 25^th, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2020/05/25/new-film-focuses-on-former-marineland-trainer-and-whistleblower-phil-demers-his-epic-battle-with-an-iconic-niagara-falls-amusement-park/

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

In Wake of Shocking Canadian Forces Military Report In Ontario’s Long-Term Care Homes, Government Deploying Inspection Teams To Homes, Starting Process To Take Over Management Of Five Long-Term Care Homes

At a press briefing this May 26th, Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the contents of a whistleblower report by Canadian Armed Forces members assisting in the province’s long-term care homes during the pandemic “heartbreaking,” “horrific” and “gut-wrenching.”

News from the Office of Ontario’s Premier

Posted May 27^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO — Today (this May 27^th), the Ontario government is taking additional immediate action at high-risk long-term care homes, following the disturbing allegations outlined by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).  Continue reading →

Singer/Songwriter Bruce Cockburn Turn 75 this May 27, 2020

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

Posted May 27th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Bruce Cockburn

He’s always made me proud as a Canadian and I’m pleased to say I’ve seen him in concert at least three or four times.

He is Bruce Cockburn, one of Canada’s most talented and intelligent singer/songwriters, whose engaging lyrics are only matched by his fabulous guitar playing.

He is also a real activist who has put his money and his body where his mouth is when it comes to standing up for a more just and peaceful world, and for a healthy environment.

Believe it or not, Bruce Cockburn turned 75 this May 27th, and I will leave you with one of his great songs that seems fitting for the perilous times we are all living through now.

It is “Lovers in a Dangerous Time’ and you can hear it by clicking on the screen below –

Visit Bruce Cockburn’s Official Website for more on his 75th Birthday and other news by clicking on – https://brucecockburn.com/news/

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

Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan

“This is a very significant investment in the community and will provide much-needed health care to our region. Local residents have been advocating for the new hospital for almost two decades and this is an exciting step in advancing the project.”       – Jeff Jordan, Mayor, Town of Grimsby

A News Release from the Town of Lincoln in Niagara, Ontario

Posted May 27^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Lincoln Ontario – The Councils of Lincoln, Grimsby and West Lincoln have voted unanimously to commit to the local share of funding for the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

One computerized rendition, from years ago now, of what a new West Lincoln Hospital might look like. Movement on building it seemed to grind to a near stop when the new super hospital was opened a decade ago in west St. Catharines.

The Province of Ontario will fund most of the $200-million hospital, but local communities must fund about 30 per cent of the project. In order to move to stage three of the redevelopment, Infrastructure Ontario set a May 31 deadline for letters of commitment from the three municipalities to fund the local portion. Continue reading →

Ed Gould – 1953 – 2020

Words of Tribute from a Bruce Allen, a friend and fellow unionist in Niagara, Ontario

Posted May 28th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Ed Gould in 2013, with one of the many awards he received over the years for his humanitarian work and advocacy on behalf of working people

This Tuesday, May 26th,  the working people of Niagara lost one of its most outstanding militants and leaders. Ed Gould was an active trade unionist and leader for nearly three decades dating back to 1990 when he was a Skilled Trades Shop Committee person and member of the CAW – GM Master Bargaining Committee.

Over the following two decades Ed was a major figure in the local labour movement including the St. Catharines & District Labour Council. Ed was its President in 1998 at the time of the St. Catharines Day of Action/General Strike putting him at the forefront of that mass mobilization.

In his later years Ed went on to become the Chair of the Unifor Niagara Skilled Trades Council, member of the CAW Local 199 Executive Board and a Health and Safety Rep for several years. Continue reading →

Niagara submits joint request for COVID-19 financial relief to the provincial and federal government

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

“The financial effects of COVID-19 on municipalities is significant and will likely have a lasting impact for some time. … While these are challenging times, I am confident we will emerge on the other side a stronger and more resilient community.””                              ~ Jim Bradley, Niagara Regional Chair

News from Niagara, Ontario’s Regional Government

Posted May 27^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara’s 12 municipalities, in close partnership with the Region, have formally submitted a request to the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada for financial relief for the costs incurred from the COVID-19 crisis.

The region has projected the gross costs related to COVID-19 will be nearly $50 million by the end of June. While some costs have been accommodated through the current budget and a number of strategic mitigation efforts, there is still a significant deficit that is only expected to increase as a clearer picture of the crisis unfolds. Continue reading →

Ontario Extending Emergency Orders During COVID-19 Outbreak

Ontario government decides to extend ‘state of emergency’ for some activities. See details below

Public health and safety remain top priorities

A COVID-19 Update from the Office of the Ontario Premier

Posted May 27^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO — The Ontario government continues to protect the health and safety of the public during the COVID-19 outbreak by extending all emergency orders in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Current emergency orders include the closure of outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, public swimming pools and outdoor water facilities, as well as bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery. Continue reading →

‘Horrific, Disgusting, Heartbreaking and Gut-Wrenching’, says Ontario Premier Doug Ford

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted May 26^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large.

Sometimes you ask yourself; ‘What is the point? What is the fucking point?’

Why bother reporting anything more  on economic injustice, our environment, or on anything else if we don’t treat some of the most vulnerable among us – our senior citizens – like anything less than human garbage.

Another hearse pulls out from a long-term care home in Ontario

We just went through the rituals of observing – at least some of us did – the 75^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War when what we collectively pretend to remember as “the greatest generation” fought and sacrificed for the freedoms we have today.

Yet this is the way that we collectively in Ontario treat them – like human garbage, crying for help, dying in dirty diapers with cockroaches crawling around. And why? Continue reading →

On-Line Convocation Scheduled for Friday, June 19^th

“We know that Convocation will look very different this year, but we recognize that this is one of the biggest moments in a student’s life. … We may not be able to come together in person, but … we want to make this something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”                                                                                                    – Geraldine Jones, Brock University Registrar and Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted May 26^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Convocation is a monumental occasion in the life of any post-secondary student, and Brock University won’t let the Class of 2020 go uncelebrated.

With large gatherings banned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, post-secondary institutions around the world have been coming up with creative ways to mark the occasion.

In-person ceremonies are on hold, so Brock University’s 107th Convocation, originally scheduled for the second week of June, will move online. A future in-person celebration is also planned when it’s safe to do so.

In the meantime, the University’s 2020 Virtual Convocation will launch on Friday, June 19. Continue reading →

See the World Premier of “THE WALRUS AND THE WHISTLEBLOWER” on Hot Docs @ Home on CBC and CBC Gem on Thursday, May 28th at 8 pm ET

You can also watch it on the same night at 9 p.m. on the Documentary Channel at 9 p.m. ET

A Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper, followed by more information about the film.

Posted May 25th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

I was originally planning to do my own news story and commentary leading up to the premier this May 28th of this film but found myself backing away from that idea.

Animal activists staged another in a series of demonstrations in front of Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario – this one on Labour Day 2018. File photo by Doug Draper

I have decided to leave any write-ups of the film in the days leading up to its televised debut to other media outlets, although I will likely have something to post about the film, and about Marineland’s past and ongoing existence as a keeper and displayer of wild animals in the days and weeks following the debut.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I apparently appear in this film as one of a number of talking heads, and I shared some of my information and thoughts about Marineland and its practice of keeping whales and other animals in captivity with the film’s director Nathalie Bibeau. Continue reading →

Brace Yourselves Folks. It’s Time to Get Ready for a More Lethal Second Wave of this Killer Virus

Dr Bonnie Henry of British Columbia, one of Canada’s most respected voices during this pandemic

You know what? We’ve never had a pandemic in recorded history that has not had a second wave.”                                                      – Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s Chief Health Officer who, like New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo to the south of us, has earned kudos around the world for her honest leadership during this COVID-19 nightmare

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

Posted May 24th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

I went out for a short drive to a garden centre this weekend, and I don’t think it was just my imagination when I thought I saw the amount of traffic around the Pen Centre shopping mall and just a little further east near a mall that boasts an LCBO and a Sobey’s grocery store as busy as it might be on any “normal” weekend this time of year.

Traffic on our roads in Niagara seems to be getting back to normal again. On this stretch of Glendale Avenue in St. Catharines, there was barely a car on the road earlier this May. All this, while we are hearing that cases of COVID in the province are ticking up again. Photo by Doug Draper, taken May 23rd, 2020

Just a couple of weeks earlier, stretches of this same area along Glendale Avenue near the Highway 406 interchange were so void of traffic that a bunch of kids could have played a game or road hockey on it, if team sports were allowed at the time.

I don’t think it is just my imagination though.

I turned on the CBC this May 24^th to reports of crowded sidewalks, beaches and parks this weekend, and this Sunday’s front cover of The Toronto Sun, a conservative-leaning paper that has not shown a report of being as much of an advocate for lockdowns and social-distancing as, let’s say a newspaper like The Toronto Star, featured a park in Toronto packed with people, many of them not appearing to be wearing masks or keeping two metres apart.

“T.O.’s COVIDIOTS” reads the headline Toronto Sun editors burned in big letters above an image of a mass of ‘Covidiots’ in one of the city’s parks.

All of this while, in Ontario alone, the province’s Premier Doug Ford has had to report, as recently as this May 24^th, that for a number of days in a row, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Ontario are actually going up. That after watching the numbers go down for a while. Continue reading →

“Throughout this pandemic, paramedics have shown up for Canadians, and they have  shown us the very best of courage, compassion, and dedication. And we’re determined to be there for them too.”                                                                                              – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

A Statement from Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau

Posted May 24th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today(this May 24th)  issued the following statement on Paramedic Services Week, which runs from May 24 to 30:

Niagara Region’s Parademics have been their, doing their job with courage, throughout these perilous times. Photo courtesy of Niagara Region

“Today marks the start of Paramedic Services Week. It’s a time for all of us to celebrate and thank the women and men on the front lines of our healthcare system.

“Across the country, more than 40,000 paramedics and communications officers  stand ready to help Canadians in need. Day in and day out, they answer our calls for help and put themselves in harm’s way to save lives. And this year, we’re particularly grateful for their sacrifice and their service in the face of COVID-19. So to all the paramedics across Canada: thank you. Continue reading →

“In general, we need a better appreciation for the fact that learning is happening everywhere especially within families – in every conversation, exchange, meal preparation, routine, backyard game children are learning,”                                                      – Debra Harwood, Associate Profession of Education Studies, Brock University and an expert in Early Childhood Education

One of a number of images produced by the Ontario government, in the wake of the COVID-19 oubreak, on learning at home

News from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted May 24th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – As parents adjust to the announcement that in-school classes will not resume in Ontario for the rest of the school year, a Brock University expert says several key steps can be taken to keep kids learning until the end of June and throughout the summer.

Associate Professor of Educational Studies Debra Harwood says it’s necessary for parents to start with what kids need most.

“I think what’s important is remembering the basics of what children need, such as the sense of belonging within family, safety, and mental health and well-being,” she says. Continue reading →

A Message from Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner

Posted May 23^rd, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner

Being stuck at home these last few months and seeing some bare shelves at the grocery store has me thinking more about Ontario’s food supply and whether we’re prepared for bigger shocks down the road, like climate change.

Last week, in our largest online event ever, I was joined by five food experts who came to a similar conclusion about the lesson from COVID-19: LOCAL FOOD IS KEEPING US FED.  Support Ontario-grown food.

When global supply chains are cut off or big processing plants are overrun by disease, it is local food supplies that we depend on.

And that’s why COVID-19 has more people turning to community gardens, to local egg farmers, and to vegetable delivery boxes. Continue reading →

This One Goes Down As NAL’s Best Political Attack Ad of the Week (not that we routinely do political attack ads of the week.)

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

Posted May 23rd, 2020 on Niagara At Large

The political ad I am featuring here may not be Canadian content in the sense that it eviscerates a character holding elected office in Trump’s America.

Yet, it is an ad that we Canadians in the middle to left side of the political ledger – the more progressive among us, if you will – should learn from for future elections because small-l liberals, lefties and progressives have had a history of being far too nice in the face of bullies and attack dogs on the right.

We prefer to fight elections by offering up detailed plans and  policies, and then look as though we have are genuinely caught off base when the right wing creeps on the other side, verbally punch is so hard,  we crumble to the ground, sitting on our better intentions. Continue reading →