Author Archives: dougdraper

An Invitation to All from the City of St. Catharines

Posted November 8^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario  – The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre will hold a pair of community events as it prepares to close its exhibit highlighting the war-time experiences of St. Catharines residents on the front lines and at home.

The St. Catharines Museum is closing the Doing Our Bit: World War One from St. Catharines to the Western Front exhibition with some special events, including a 1918-themed Victory Party on Nov. 30, and the original dramatic production, Stories from the Front, on Saturday, Nov. 10. Dressed in 1918 character are, from left, museum volunteers Des Corran,  Ian Ashman and museum public programmer Lauren Curtas.

Doing Our Bit: World War One from St. Catharines to the Western Front, closes Friday, Nov. 30.

The closing of the exhibition will be celebrated with a themed Victory Party on Nov. 30, and the museum is also presenting Stories from the Front, an original dramatic production featuring stories and music from the First World War, on Saturday, Nov. 10. Continue reading →

‘After Jewish refugees on board were denied entry to Cuba, the United States, and Canada, they were forced to return to Europe, where the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands agreed to take them in. When the Nazis conquered Belgium, France, and the Netherlands in 1940, 254 MS St. Louis passengers were murdered in the Holocaust.’

From the Office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Posted November 8^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, this Wednesday, November 7^th  delivered a formal apology in the House of Commons regarding the fate of the MS St. Louis and its passengers. The Prime Minister apologized to the passengers, their families, and Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.

These people, aboard the MS-St. Louis, came to Canada in 1939, hoping that our country would welcome them and save them from possible death in Hitler’s Holocaust, and Canada turned them away. We all have to work to make sure something like this never happens again.

In May 1939, the MS St. Louis departed Germany with close to a thousand passengers, including over 900 German Jews, who were desperate for safety and refuge from persecution at the hands of the Nazis. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from Marcie Jacklin from Community Voices of  Fort Erie, a Niagara-based citizens organization

Posted  November 7^th, 2018  on Niagara At Large

Inside Waverly Woods – in an area of Fort Erie now targeted for urban development.

I’m sorry to report that there is more tree cutting at Waverly Woods in the north east corner. This is the third site where tree cutting has occurred on this property within the last few months.

Please email or call the Mayor, Town Councillors (see below) and Rick Brady. This shouldn’t be happening because:

1. a) the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sports has informed us that tree cutting disturbs the archaeological site
2. b) this violates conditions 54 and 56 of the Notice of Approval of Draft Plan of Subdivision Harbourtown Village.

Continue reading →

Take the Case of Malcolmson Eco-Park in St. Catharines

A Special to our Niagara At Large readers from Claire Theijsmeijer, a member of the volunteer advisory committee for the group, Friends of Malcomson Eco-Park

Posted November 7th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

 “Greenspace” — is it enough? 

In Niagara, we have a significant amount of what is termed  greenspace or “open space reserve, protected areas of undeveloped landscape.”

In reality?

Urban greenspace includes parks, cemeteries, vacant lots and golf courses … all “developed” in some way, so that native species of plants, birds and insects are mostly absent. In efforts to improve on this reality, many urban volunteer groups are now working to restore native ecosystems. So why is this important?

Take the case of Malcolmson Eco-Park in St. Catharines.

It’s a city park – with a difference. Given to the City in 1976 by then Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, this former plant nursery for the Seaway, was named for Mary Malcolmson, who started the first Girl Guide group in Canada, and  was the first President of the St. Catharines and District Council of Women (now the Niagara District Council of Women, NDCW).

Continue reading →

“This latest cut comes after it became public that the Parents Reaching Out grants had been scrapped for 2018-19. Those grants allowed parent councils to hold programming on a range of subjects – including supporting children in mathematics at home.”

A News Release from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted November 7th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

He may have dropped out of college after two months, but that won’t stop Ontario’s premier from doing his own slash-and-burn restructuring or de-construction job on the province’s school system.

Queen’s Park – Just days after Education Minister Lisa Thompson introduced legislation to impose a new math test on Ontario teachers, Doug Ford’s government is poised to cut funding that helps teachers improve their math skills.

NDP Education Critic Marit Stiles raised the issue in question period this past October 31st.

 “By introducing a new test at the front end of a teacher’s career but taking away opportunities to build on those skills and keep them sharp down the line it is clear that this government is more interested in playing politics than actually improving outcomes for students,” Stiles said.

 “How can the Minister justify imposing a new math test for teachers with one hand while cutting the funding meant to strengthen those skills on the other?” Continue reading →

‘Trump had to know this day would come. That a TSUNAMI of women & young people & people of color would show up in record numbers at the polls.’

Michael Moore

By Michael Moore, from American activist and film-maker Michael Moore’s Facebook Page

November 6^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

THIS IS THE RECKONING!

Trump had to know this day would come. That a TSUNAMI of women & young people & people of color would show up in record numbers at the polls.

Millions showed up in DC twice – women & students – to warn him what today would look like. Now add in all the older white dudes who “get it”. In 12 hours we’ll know. Continue reading →

Register Below for a Free Webinar Conservation With Experts and Advocates across the Great Lakes – Thursday, November 8th, 1 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, 12 P.M. Central Time

An Invite from the Alliance for the Great Lakes, a Lakes-wide citizens advocacy group

Posted November 5th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Want to make a difference in the fight against plastic pollution in the Great Lakes? Tune in on Thursday, November 8th at 12pm CT to learn how you can take action in your community. Continue reading →

The Sierra Club’s List of Candidates that People who Care about Environmental Protection Should Vote For 

From Representatives of the Sierra Club in Western New York

Posted November 5th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Trump has gutted environmental programs in ways that can impact lives and degrade the quality of the environment for tens-of- millions of people on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. These U.S. elections could stop his war on the environment if the right candidates win.

(A Brief Foreword by NAL reporter and publisher Doug Draper – Anyone in the United States or Canada or anywhere else in the world who cares about the protecting the environment and the health of our planet, may already know that few other leaders in the Western world have done as much to trash environmental regulations and programs as Donald Trump.

Trump’s war on the environment is one of numerous reasons why it is so important to see people elected to key positions in this Tuesday, November 6th, mid-term elections in the United States who work to stop him before there is nothing healthy to save or pass on to future generations.

So if you are one of our American readers and you are eligible to vote in this Tuesday’s elections, please give consideration to the following list of candidates endorsed by one of North American’s oldest and most respected environmental organizations, the Sierra Club.)

Dear Friends of the Environment

We urge you to vote on Tuesday, November 6th.

Before voting, we invite you to watch short videos below of candidates the Sierra Club has endorsed who may be running in your area.

You can find out which Assembly, Senate or Congressional District you live in by clicking here

To watch a short video just click on the name of the candidate below.

If you’d like – feel free to spread these videos far and wide to your friends and networks.  The videos were shot at the Sierra Club’s Candidate Meet & Greet held October 12th at the UAW Region 9 Headquarters. Continue reading →

Will The Ford Government Take Steps That Have An Impact On Who Gets Niagara’s Highest Political Job?

“If (the Ford Government doesn’t) like the option(s) for Chair from Council – like odds-on favorite Jim Bradley, for instance – they could open it up for someone else to run. … It could go one step further and actually appoint the next Regional Chair.”

A Commentary by Dave Augustyn, outgoing Mayor of Pelham and Niagara Regional Councillor

Posted November 5^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

And, so it begins.

How much of a role will Doug Ford play in picking Niagara’s next regional chair?

We are hearing rumblings of at least one – Niagara Falls Councillor Bob Gale – testing the waters in an attempt to become the 2018-22 Regional Chair.

While the new term of Council officially begins December 1st, Regional Council cannot convene until the indirectly-elected Councillors – the 12 Mayors – are officially sworn in at the local Councils.

So, on Thursday, December 6 at 10:00 AM, the Regional Clerk will officially convene the inaugural meeting. She will first administer the “Declaration of Office” for the 19 directly and 12 indirectly elected members. Continue reading →

The Niagara West Community came together with more than 18,000 constituents signing the petition to save WLMH

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted November 5^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large 

Queen’s Park –Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West tabled a petition this past Wednesday, October 31st that called on the Government of Ontario to engage in community consultations with respect to hospital service delivery in the Niagara West region, and expedite the process of rebuilding the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff tabling petitions on West Lincoln Memorial Hospital issue in Ontario Legislature

The petition came in response to Hamilton Health Sciences’ recent announcement of the temporary move of some important services from WLMH.

“The recent decision of Hamilton Health Sciences to potentially remove services from the hospital has caused deep concern and disappointment in my riding, and across Niagara,” said Oosterhoff,

“But I’m very grateful for the thousands of community members who have come together to fight for our Hospital.”

He noted that over 18,000 of his constituents signed the petition.  In a statement made earlier the same day, Oosterhoff assured his constituents that the PC Government was on their side.

“I know our Minister of Health is working with HHS and doing everything she can to keep the services at West Lincoln my constituents need and deserve,” adding, “I am so proud of Premier Doug Ford for coming to Niagara, hearing from local leadership about the importance of these services, and committing to work on a positive solution to the situation.”

The former Liberal government called redevelopment of WLMH a priority, promising that construction would begin by 2009 and after subsequent broken promises, the government’s 2012 budget cancelled the project entirely.

MPP Oosterhoff, on the other hand, is dedicated to turning the page on broken promises.

“I’ve said it time and time again: I will not stop fighting for the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital until the doors open on a new build.

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

 “A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

‘The belief that universal, public funded health insurance necessarily requires huge tax increases is not confirmed.’

A Commentary by Rick Clements, an outreach volunteer, based in the Buffalo/Western New York area, for the Campaign for New York Health

Posted November 5th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – I found out about Capaign for New York Health when I met members of the group at an information booth they set up at the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts in Buffalo, New York this past August.

I reached out to them at the time with an invitation post commentary on Niagara At Large, which has a readership in the Buffalo area.

With what many U.S. commentators are calling one of the most important elections in the country’s history coming up this Tuesday, November 6^th, and with the need for a health care system that is fair and affordable polling as a priority issue for many Americans, I decided to put one of the group’s commentaries on now.

Here it is, and here is hoping that Tuesday’s election ushers in a new, more positive dawn for our American neighbours, when it comes to health care and a host of other issues.)

There is nearly universal agreement that we all should be able to get necessary medical treatment when needed.  Most even believe that healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege just for those who can afford it. 

For healthcare, Americans pay about double per capita what other countries pay, while our results still fall short, leaving millions unprotected and in jeopardy of bankruptcy due to medical costs. There is clearly a need for improvement.    Continue reading →

Wouldn’t you know the CAO would get enough votes from this outgoing Caslin-led regional council to go

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted November 2^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region’s CAO Carmen d’Angelo is heading off to China on a trade mission for the region, even while his hiring to the CAO’s job two years ago is being investigated by the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office.

Poor Carmen D’Angelo. Should the beleaguered Niagara regional CAO keep his travel bags packed and ready to go, or not?

First we learned, through information leaked to the news media, that D’Angelo would be leading a trade mission to China this month – even while the very legitimacy of the process that got him hired to the Region’s chief administrative job in the first place is now the subject of an ongoing Ontario Ombudsman’s Office probe.

Then, this November 1^st – at what was the last meeting of a regional council under the occupation of Al Caslin and his cabal before a new council of what we hope will be liberators rides in – D’Angelo announced that he has decided not go to what has been described as an “International Import Expo” in Shanghai from this November 6^th through 10^th because of what he called “the distraction that occurred” around news that he was going.

The last meeting of the Al Caslin-led Niagara regional council – Thursday, November 1st, 2018. Photo by Doug Draper

D’Angelo did not make clear the source of “the distraction.”

Was it the news that he – a controversial figure going back to his days as CAO at the problem-plagued Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority – was going? Or was it the tsunami of public protest that followed? Continue reading →

• To Take Place on Sunday, November 4^th at 6 p.m. in front of St. Catharines City Hall in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario

• Everyone Welcome

An Invitation to All of Us, circulated by Karrie Porter, St. Catharines resident and newly elected member of St. Catharines city council

Re-Posted November 2nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario  – A candlelight vigil to remember the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsbburgh will take place in front of St. Catharines City Hall on Sunday, November 4 at 6pm.

The vigil will also present an opportunity to stand with the Jewish community of St. Catharines in the face of a rising tide of anti-Semitism sweeping Canada, the United States and the rest of the world and affirm that the people of this city will not tolerate hate and bigotry.   Continue reading →

Humanity has wiped out 60% of animal populations since 1970, report finds

Some Urgent News from the World Wildlife Fund, one of the world’s leading organizations for fighting to save what is left of the wildlife on this planet

Posted November 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper’

Sue Corcoran, one of the many Niagara residents who has campaigned to save provincial significant wetlands in Thundering Waters Forest

I would like to thank Sue Corcoran, a Niagara, Ontario resident and community activist who has often been there, at public meetings and rallies, to fight for green places in our region like Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls, for being the first person to draw my attention to this very important and disturbing World Wildlife Fund (WWF)report.

In a brief note to me this October 30th, Sue Corcoran said the information in this WWF report amplifies “the importance of taking a stand” to protect what is left of our forests, wetlands and other natural places in Niagara before it is too late.

Read the WWF news release for the report below, and click on the link embedded in the release to the read the report itself. Then promise yourself that you will join the ranks of people who stand up for the protection and preservation of what is left of our life-sustaining natural heritage.

Our future and that of future generations depend on it. – Doug Draper).

Now here is the World Wildlife Fund news release –

• Populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians have, on average, declined in size by 60 percent in just over 40 years.
• The biggest drivers of current biodiversity loss are overexploitation and agriculture, both linked to continually increasing human consumption.
• Given the interconnectivity between the health of nature, the well-being of people and the future of our planet, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) urges the global community to unite for a global deal for nature and people to reverse the trend of biodiversity loss.

Humanity and the way we feed, fuel and finance our societies and economies is pushing nature and the services that power and sustain us to the brink, according to WWF’s Living Planet Report 2018. Continue reading →

“The Ford Government has made it clear that it does not support the federal carbon pricing plan. The simplest way to break free of the federal plan is to develop a Made-in-Ontario plan that will achieve the same level of greenhouse gas reductions.”

A Message from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a non-partisan public interest group

Posted November 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Environment Minister Rod Phillips is seeking suggestions from the public on how Ontario can reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Specifically, Minister Phillips wants to create “a balanced solution that puts people first, makes life more affordable for families and takes Ontario’s role in fighting climate change seriously.” Continue reading →

Can you think of a Scarier Halloween for the World than this one!

Here is hoping that our American friends go to the polls in droves this coming Tuesday, November 6th AND VOTE DEMOCRAT!

Posted by Doug Draper, October 31^st 2018 on Niagara At large

A tweet on the even of Halloween, this October 31st ,from Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post politics reporter Ashley Park –

Ashley Parker‏Verified account @AshleyRParker 7h7 hours ago

“Just in time for Halloween… Trump has transformed the federal government into his own Fear Factory, as part of his midterm strategy.”

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

 “A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

Niagara Parks Commission chair Janice Thomson

“In 2016, we generated a surplus of $12 million on $97 million in revenue and a surplus of $17 million on $110 million in revenue in 2017. And again this year, we are projected to see a surplus of over $11 million on $121 million in revenue. All surplus funds are directed to environmental initiatives, cultural events, new capital projects and deferred maintenance.” – Janice Thomson, Chair, Niagara Parks Commission Chair

An Address from Janice Thomson, Chair of Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission to the NPC’s board and members of the public

Delivered at a Public Meeting, Niagara Parks Commission
School of Horticulture, Friday October 19, 2018

Posted October 31^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

This November marks the finish of Janice Thomson’s current term as chair of the Niagara Parks Commission and her re-appointment to this key position is totally at the discretion of Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his government.

Ford and his government – a government and a Conservative Party that professes to care about and to want public agencies that run efficiently and save taxpayers money – would do well to appoint Janice Thomson to another term as the NPC’s chair.

I don’t know if Janice Thomson is a partisan or member of a political party, and I don’t care, and neither should Premier Ford and his government. Partisan politics should play no role in who gets appointed to any position at Niagara Parks.

All that should matter is that Niagara Parks has not bee run this well in at least two decades now and Janice Thomson has played a key role in its recent successes. She deserves another term in the job.

If you feel so inclined, you may wish to contact your Ontario member of parliament -MPP- and let him or her know that you would like to see Janice Thomson re-appointed chair of the Niagara Parks Commission so she can continue to build on the successes of the past 10 years.)

Now here are Janice Thomson’s October 19th comments to the NPC’s board and members of the public – 

“The Niagara Parks Commission was founded in 1885, 133 years ago. In all of those years, the organization has been served by many thousands of employees, but only 11 General Managers or Chief Executive Officers.

“Today, I have the bittersweet task of recognizing the dedicated efforts of one of those 11 organizational leaders and outstanding public servants, Reegan McCullough, as he prepares to depart Niagara and Niagara Parks to assume a community CAO role in Alberta. Continue reading →

Hosted by Open Arms Mission of Welland, the Hope Centre and Welland Food Drive

Posted October 31, 2018 on Niagara At Large 

GET INVOLVED! Place non-perishable food items on your porch before 10am for pickup by our volunteers! 

SPREAD THE WORD! You can also help us out by telling your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers about this amazing event that happens the first Saturday in November, each year. 

DONATIONS ARE NEEDED. Donated non-perishables are hand sorted at Club Richelieu by our hard-working volunteers. Donations are split between three transport trucks that deliver to our food banks in Welland: The Hope Centre, The Welland Salvation Army, and Open Arms Mission. Continue reading →

“It’s shocking to hear that this Conservative government is not including the very people who will be impacted by this social assistance review.”

News from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted October 31st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – During question period on Tuesday, NDP Social Services critic, Lisa Gretzky, said the Ford government is making unilateral decisions on changes to social assistance after it failed to consult with the public and people who have lived experience with ODSP and OW.

The Ford Conservatives announced they will be releasing the results of their 100-day review of Ontario’s social assistance system on Nov. 8.

“This government has been surprisingly tight-lipped about how exactly they are conducting this review, and who has been involved in its development,” said Gretzky, MPP for Windsor West. Continue reading →

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will be in the leaders’ debates in 2019 election!

News from Canada’s Green Party

Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May

Posted October 31st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

For the first time since 1968, the leaders’ debate will be held under a system of fair and inclusive rules – published in advance.

Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould has established an Independent Debates Commission, and adopted our approach for deciding which leaders can participate.

The leaders’ debates underpin our electoral process and our democracy. Major party leaders need to share (and debate) their political visions with all Canadians — including seniors, youth and people living in rural and remote areas — in a proven and easily-accessible way.

For years now, the Green Party, with the support of activists like you, has been calling for fair rules governing debate inclusion.
Continue reading →

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

Posted October 29th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls regional councillor Bob Gale, questioning St. Catharines citizen Haley Bateman, after she addressed the Region’s council in 2017 on the issue of code of conduct rules for the council.

In the days following the October 22nd municipal elections, I floated the names of two individuals on Niagara At Large that might throw their hats in the ring to replace Al Caslin as Niagara regional chair.

I’m surprised that at least one of the names  floated here – that of Bob Gales, a regional councillor for the City of Niagara Falls – did not trigger a little more reaction from readers given Gales’ record during this past term of the Region’s council.

For  critics of the outgoing council, it was a record of marching in lock step with the rest of Caslin’s fellow travellers – known to many across Niagara as Caslin’s cabal – on a number of issues that provoked a good deal of public controversy.

I floated Gale’s name because a number of political insiders across the region have told me they have reason to believe he is already out there, working to line up the support he or anyone else interested in the position would need from  newly elected or re-elected members of the Region’s council who will decide who they will ultimately appoint to it. Continue reading →

A Public Forum Panel – Wednesday, November 14th,      8 p.m. in St. Catharines

An Invite to All from the Niagara District Council of Women

Posted October 30th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Niagara District Council of Women will be hosting a Public Forum Panel, “Is Niagara Ready for Legal Cannabis” on Wednesday, November 14 at 8:00 pm in the Mills Room at the St. Catharines Central Library (54 Church Street). 

One of the guest speakers – Patrick Robson,  Professor of Environmental Management and Assessment, Niagara College

Our guest speakers will be: Patrick Robson,  Professor of Environmental Management and Assessment, Niagara College; Professor Bill MacDonald Coordinator of the Cannabis Production Program at Niagara College; Barbara Wiens, Director of Planning & Development for the Town of Pelham; and a representative from Niagara Region Public Health. 

Discussions will include regulatory issues; the need for qualified and trained professionals in the cannabis production industry; regulatory and trade requirements for the safe and legal production and packaging of cannabis; land use planning; the local perspective, community questions and concerns; and public health considerations. Continue reading →

Thousands attend vigil for victims of Saturday, October 27^th mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh

Remarks of Ontario Premier Doug Ford at Toronto vigil

Posted October 29^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Joyce Fienberg, one of the victims of this act of hatred that unfolded in in Pittsburgh this past Saturday,, grew up in Toronto.

Thank you to everyone here tonight (this Monday, October 29th), and to the organizers of tonight’s vigil. Thank you for providing this opportunity for us to come together as a community, to grieve, to remember, and to stand united in the face of anti-Semitism and hatred. 

We are seeing too often the rise of hatred and indeed the rise in anti-Semitism even right here in Ontario. Let me be clear, and I know I speak on behalf of all MPPs: there is no place for hatred and racism in Ontario.

Tonight, I am here with my fellow MPPs to tell you that the government of Ontario and the people of Ontario are standing shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community, our friends and neighbours. And we will always, always stand with you. Continue reading →

“Niagara has being shaken to its core by a shocking number of people who need mental health support. People are struggling to get the services they need and they need more support from this Conservative government.” – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Fals MPP Wayne Gates

Posted October 29th, 2018 on Niagara At Large 

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates. File photo

Queen’s Park, Toronto—This October 29th,  NDP MPP Wayne Gates asked the Minister of Health to review their current mental health plans and increase funding for mental health services.

 “Niagara has being shaken to its core by a shocking number of people who need mental health support,” said Gates. “People are struggling to get the services they need and they need more support from this Conservative government.”

“I’ve spoken to the families time and time again, and it’s clear to all of us in Niagara that the need for expanded mental health services is critical.” Continue reading →

Lend your voice to a citizens’ campaign to save another precious piece of Niagara’s natural heritage by signing the petition below

The following petition was started by Marcie Jacklin, a resident of Fort Erie, Ontario

Posted October 29th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

A subdivision has been proposed at Waverly Beach/Erie Beach called HarbourTown Village.

Waverly Beach in Fort Erie – another precious piece of Niagara’s natural heritage that is now in the cross-hairs. Don’t let any piece of it get bulldozed away.

We object to this proposed subdivision based on the following criteria: This location is used as a connection to nature for many Fort Erie residents and has been for many decades. It has historical significance and may contain important artifacts. Continue reading →

NIAGARA ECONOMIC SUMMIT 2018 – Friday, November 2nd, 2018

An Invite from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted October 28th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

If there is a single lesson to take from the recent NAFTA/USMCA negotiations, it is that an economy is vulnerable when it relies too much on a single trading partner, a single industry, or a single market. Economies that will survive and thrive in this uncertain climate will be those that are diverse.

Diversification is the key question at this year’s summit. How do we attract not just new businesses, but new industries? How do we diversify our workforce and our population? Continue reading →

Sign a Petition – Below – to Stop the Riverfront Community Project and Save what is left of Niagara’s Precious Natural Heritage

A Petition posted by St. Catharines citizen activist Emily Beth Spanton

Posted October 28th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

PETITION UPDATE

Paradise Walk to open in 2021 – GR-CAN

Emily Beth Spanton, St Catharines, Canada

OCT 28, 2018 — PETITION UPDATE

Paradise Walk is part of a larger 484-acre mixed-use community called ‘Riverfront Community at Niagara Falls’, which will include homes as well as more than 200 acres of nature preserve.

Wetlands inside Thundering Waters Forest are vital to the web of life for all species and to the health of the Niagara River watershed. Let the developers build their Disney-esque “Paradise” somewhere else in Niagara. There is plenty of land in this region that is zoned for development and that does not risk destroying ecosystems like this.

The goal of Paradise Walk is to be accessible to the general population and as such, it will not be positioned as a luxury centre — rather, it will include a democratic offering in an upscale and attractive-looking environment.  Continue reading →

First Meeting of Niagara’s New Regional Council Scheduled for December 6th

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 26^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The old cliché “the show must go on” is just that – a cliché

In reality, all shows – good, bad or ugly – reach one last finale, sooner or later. Even a circus.

The  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performed its final show in 2017 after 146 years.

And this coming Thursday, November 1^st, the circus that was Al Caslin’s Niagara regional council will perform its final show after four years – although for many of us who made it our burden to endure this off-putting spectacle, it seemed like 146 years. Continue reading →

Bill S-203 Which Ends The Captivity Of Whales And Dolphins In Canada Has Passed Senate!  Now we need it passed in     Canada’s House of Commons.

A Call-Out from Niagara Action for Animals (NAFA)

Posted October 26^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Dear friends of animals –

Two requests for quick emails to governmental reps to help black bear cubs and to help whales and dolphins.

FOR THE BEARS:

Emails needed to Manitoba Minister of Sustainable Development, the Honourable Rochelle Squires. Email: minsdev@leg.gov.mb.ca  

The Manitoba Ministry of Sustainable Development will be releasing three orphaned bear cubs this fall. This can and has been done successfully in other jurisdictions.

However, it is critical that the cubs weigh over 80 pounds upon release to ensure that they are able to hibernate and emerge in a healthy condition in the spring. It is also critical that these animals be monitored using GPS collared so that their release can be assessed and measured.  Continue reading →

An Invite from the City of St. Catharines

Posted October 26th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines City Hall

St. Catharines/Niagara – The Budget Standing Committee and City staff are calling out to residents to gather opinions and ideas about the 2019 operating budget.

Mayor Walter Sendzik, City Budget Standing Committee Chair Mat Siscoe, and City staff will answer questions about the 2019 draft operating budget during the annual Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Continue reading →

“Plastic waste is choking our oceans, threatening to outweigh the amount of fish by 2050 if nothing is done. … Here in Canada, we generate about 3.25 million tons of plastic waste every year3. 1.6 million coffee cups sit in Canada’s landfills4. And Canadians throw out about 57 million plastic straws a year.”  – words from a petition that you can lend your name to below   

A Call-Out from the Broadbent Institute

Posted October 26^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Plastics contaminating the shores and waters of our Great Lakes

On Tuesday (October 23^rd, 2018) the European Parliament voted in favour of a complete ban on single-use plastics in the EU market by 2021.

Canada should do the same. Continue reading →

One of the Last Things Niagara’s Battered Conservation Authority Needs Is Timms’ Continued Presence On Its Board

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher           Doug Draper

Posted October 25th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

a Meesage to St. Catharines regional councill Bruce Timms. It’s time to say goodbye

If there was an award we could bestow on the most delusional member in the crowd of Niagara politicians on their way out the door this October, recently defeated St. Catharines regional councillor Bruce Timms would surely rank as a top contender.

Timms, a veteran member of the Region’s council and a member and former chair of Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s (NPCA) board of directors who failed to win one of the city’s six seats on the council in this past Monday, October 22nd’s municipal elections, was quoted in The St. Catharines Standard the following day saying; “What we did right in the last term (of regional council) will stand the test of time.”

What they did RIGHT?!! What on earth is Timms talking about? Continue reading →

• This Saturday, October 27^th, 2018 –

An Invite from Throld’s Downtown Business Community

Posted October 25th, 2018 on Niagara At Large.

Downtown Thorold will be hosting a costumed dog event – The Halloween Canine Costume Contest on Saturday, October 27, 2018.

Pre-registration is online at http://www.thoroldbia.com/events.  Check in is at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Front St. N. and Regent Street (next to Book Depot) and the promenade through the sidewalks of Downtown Thorold starts at 11:00 a.m.  Continue reading →

Now On To Appointing A New Niagara Regional Chair And Rebuilding Public Trust In Region’s Council

And A Few Words On Why Jim Bradley Should Be The Region’s Next Chair

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 24th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The following image, posted on Facebook this October 24th by former St. Catharines regional council candidate Peter Gill, captures the way many of us across Niagara feel about the defeat of outgoing Niagara regional chair Al Caslin and so many members of his cabal on the Region’s council in this past Monday’s municipal elections.

Gill, a retired Niagara Regional Services Police officer, fell short of winning one of the six seats available to St. Catharines on the Region’s council, but he deserves a great deal of thanks from everyone who have shared concerns about the conduct of Caslin and too many on the outgoing regional council for using social media to continually shine a light on their misdeeds. Continue reading →

Local health and rehabilitation centre waiting months for $500,000 in promised funding

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

Posted October 24^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

Queen’s Park – NDP MPP for Niagara Centre Jeff Burch said this past Tuesday, October 24^th  that the Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre has been waiting months for the Ford government to confirm $500,000 in crucial funding that was promised.

“After over a decade of fighting for a planning grant to expand the facility with 65 additional beds, the Hotel Dieu Shaver was successful when the province announced a $500,000 planning grant this past May,” said Burch.

“The Hotel Dieu Shaver has been in the dark on the status of this grant since the Ford government took office and they need to know if they can expect the money so they can begin planning for years to come.” Continue reading →

Trudeau Acts In Wake Of Ford’s Move To Give Ontario’s Polluters – In The Name Of Making Province “Open For Business” – A Free Ride

“Canadians are seeing the costs of climate change first hand, from wildfires in the west to floods in the east, smoke that makes the air unsafe to breathe and heatwaves that endanger the young and the elderly. We need to act now to fight back against climate change, for our children and grandchildren.”

A News Release from the Office of Canadian Prime Minister        Justin Trudeau

Posted October 24th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna (at left), talk to school children about need to protect environment for their future, during a visit to Niagara-on-the Lake on Earth Day in April of 2017. Visit followed shortly after Trump announced his decision to walk away from Paris Climate Change Agreement with Canada and rest of the world. File photo by Doug Draper

Canadians are seeing the costs of climate change first hand, from wildfires in the west to floods in the east, smoke that makes the air unsafe to breathe and heatwaves that endanger the young and the elderly. We need to act now to fight back against climate change, for our children and grandchildren.

The Government of Canada has a plan that protects the environment while growing the economy, and that plan is working – our emissions are down and the economy has grown by 500,000 full-time jobs. But we know we need to do more.

The Government of Canada worked with provinces and territories for two years, giving them the flexibility to design their own climate plans that included putting a price on carbon pollution. Continue reading →

“Working people need more help to build a great life and a great career here — not less.” – Ontario NDP and Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

A Statement from the Office of Official Opposition and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted October 24th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Opposition and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Queen’s Park — Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath said that Doug Ford’s plan to scrap basic worker dignities like paid sick days will hurt hard-working people in Ontario, and drag the province backwards.

Doug Ford’s government announced this past Tuesday(October 23rd) he’s rolling back workers’ rights — taking away paid sick days, requiring a sick note when someone calls in sick, and taking away equal pay provisions so that if employers give a person less than full-time hours, the business is rewarded by being allowed to pay that worker a lower hourly wage. Continue reading →

A Message from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted October 23rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

This is the real Dave Augustyn from Pelham

It is bad enough Pelham’s Dave Augustyn lost in these municipal elections, Niagara At Large made the mistake in a post published earlier this October 23rd of using his last name when I meant to refer to Sandy Annunziata, the defeated regional councillor from Fort Erie. 

The two individuals could not be more different, and I apologize to Dave Augustyn in advance of him even possibly noticing, for the mistake.

• Doug Draper

Here is the link to the corrected commentary – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2018/10/23/somewhere-between-beautiful-and-abysmal-these-municipal-elections-werent-bad/ 

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

 “A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

At The Very Least, They Served To Pull Enough Teeth Out Of The Monster

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 23rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

On this first morning after these municipal elections in Niagara that were a rout for Al Caslin and many of his fellow travellers on the Region’s council, I woke up to email and Facebook messages that summed the results in words that ranged from “beautiful” to “abysmal.”

Abysmal?

Niagara Region’s controversial chair, Al Caslin, running in St. Catharines for a regional council seat, had a lot of campaign signs covering the fences and walls of buildings in the city’s downtown area, but they didn’t do him any good. He polled 20th in a field of 23 candidates, along way from the top six where he had to be to win another term on the council. Photo by Doug Draper

Abysmal in the sense that for some people, the elections did not produce a total purge of Caslin’s cabal. There were still a few left at the end of the night, like Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati and a regional councillor from that same city, Bob Gale.

But look at how many of them were booted out. Selina Volpatti from Niagara Falls, Patrick Darte from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Tony Quirk from Grimsby, Doug Joyner from West Lincoln, Brian Baty from Pelham, Sandy Annunziata from Fort Erie, Bruce Timms from St. Catharines, and last but not least, the chair of the cabal himself, Al Caslin from St. Catharines. Continue reading →

Former MPP Jim Bradley Leads Pack, Caslin Is Buried in Race for St. Catharines Regional Council Seats

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 23^rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Former St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley was a big winner in these municipal elections, leading a pack of 23 candidates for one of St. Catharines’ six seats on Niagara Region’s council. Could he be appointed the Region’s new chair next?

If it was change the people of Niagara wanted in these municipal elections, we certainly got it – especially at the regional level.

So much so that when a new regional council is sworn later this fall, a full 23 of the 32 members, including the Region’s chair, sitting on it will be new.

The number of incumbents swept out in these October 22^nd elections was extraordinary by compared to elections gone by, but hardly all that shocking given the amount of controversy the outgoing council, chaired by the ever so controversial Al Caslin, became mired in over the past four years.

Lest there be any doubt that St. Catharines voters have had enough of the ill-conduct at the regional council level, Caslin polled 20^th in a field of 23 running in the city for a seat on the Region’s council, while long-time regional councillor Bruce Timms – one of Caslin’s fellow travellers during this now finished term of council – ranked ninth, with only the top six in the field winning a seat. Continue reading →

We Are Now Finally On The Verge Of Finding Out

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted October 22^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

When retired Niagara Regional Police Services officer and now St. Catharines regional council candidate Peter Gill posted this image on his Facebook page this past spring, Niagara Regional Chair Al Caslin and a majority on his council were already mired in controversy and there was already a strong public desire for change – or as Gill put it, a housecleaning – in the air.

That urge for change has only grown stronger since then, and on this Monday, October 22nd municipal election day, I’ve heard one anecdotal report after another that voter turnout at the polls is much higher than usual. Continue reading →

Tens of Thousands of People – Rallying Together – Can Make A Big Difference

A Statement from Natalie Mehra, Ontario Health Coalition

Posted October 22nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

“I am hearing from many corners of the province that a rally or an action won’t work. It won’t change anything.

“This is not objectively true, and it is really dangerous thinking. In truth, we have saved dozens and dozens of local services and even entire hospitals through political action and advocacy. Continue reading →

Niagara Residents Invited To Hop On The Bus And Join The Rally – This Tuesday, October 23rd

To demand restored & expanded public health care. No cuts and privatization!

A Call-Out from the Niagara Health Coalition and Ontario Health Coalition

Posted October 22nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara,Ontario – In what is shaping up to be one of the largest public rallies at the Ontario Legislature regarding the Doug Ford government’s plans to date, the Ontario Health Coalition is ramping up to demand that the government live up to its pre-election promises to “end hallway medicine” and improve mental health resources.

Noting that Doug Ford did not mention the word privatization in the pre-election campaign, the Coalition will send a strong message that the public expects the government to restore closed hospital beds, improve hospital, long-term and mental health care, and re-invest in front-line services.

A decade ago,Wayne Redekop, now Mayor of Fort Erie,  addressesa rally attended on lawns of Queen’s Park  for saving hospital services in his town and other communties across Ontario.  File Photo by Doug Draper

The government has no mandate to cut, privatize, engage in mega-mergers of hospitals or other services, roll back gains that were made last year, and other negative proposals that have been floated or implemented since the Ford government took power. Continue reading →

This Monday, October 22nd, Vote for Candidates who will Stand Up for the Common Good in our Niagara Region

From Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted October 21st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

“Throw them all out and elect new people.”

St. Catharines regional councillor Brian Heit. One of the heroes on Niagara Region’s council that we need to keep.

I have heard that line over and over again from fellow residents across this Niagara region as these Monday, October 22nd municipal elections draw near.

And it is a sentiment that almost makes sense given the ugly mess we have suffered through at the regional council level with Caslin and his cabal, and at some of the local councils in Niagara .

Almost makes sense. But not quite.

It would be a huge and harmful mistake to “throw them all out” because there are some very good, solid and principled people who have served on the Region’s council and our local councils in Niagara over the past four years who deserve to be re-elected and, just as importantly, we need their knowledge and experience to get our councils off to the hit-the-ground-running, productive start our region needs. Continue reading →

This Monday, October 22^nd, Elect Barbara Greenwood, Dave Eke and Dianne Munro to Regional Council

Elect Kim Craitor Mayor of Niagara Falls  and Re-Elect Carolynn Ioannoni to City Council

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher           Doug Draper

Posted October 19^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Okay, Niagara Falls.

In the 2014 municipal elections, you elected Bart Maves, Bob Gale and Selina Volpatti to the three seats reserved for directly elected councillors from your city on Niagara Region’s council.

And along with your city’s mayor, Jim Diodati, all three of them – Maves, Gale and Volpatti –got the 2014 to 2018 term of regional council off to a start by voting to appoint Al Caslin’s to lead the Region’s council as chair.

In February of 2015, they voted in a block again – this time against a motion to hire an integrity commissioner to address code of conduct complaints at the Region.

In June of 2016, they joined with other members of Caslin’s cabal against calls from the public to have an independent, value-for-money audit done on the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA). Then in October of 2016, they voted in lock-step again to higher then NPCA CAO Carmen D’Angelo CAO of the Region. Continue reading →

An Important Municipal Election Report  from ‘A Better Niagara’, a non-partisan, non-profit organization of citizens with a mandate to encourage civic engagement in                       this Monday’s, October 22^nd municipal elections

Posted October 19^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

To watch a video A Better Niagara produced, naming incumbents on Niagara Region’s council that the citizen organization believes do not deserve your vote in this coming Monday’s October 22^nd  municipal elections, click on the screen below –

To review a list of candidates in municipalities across the Niagara region that A Better Niagara is endorsing to serve on regional and local councils, click on – https://www.abetterniagara.com/endorsements

A Brief Footnote from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper –

In the almost 40 years this journalist has been following municipal politics in this Niagara region, I believe these October 22nd municipal elections are the most important ones we have had in terms of what is at stake for our lives, jobs and communities.

We have never had a Niagara regional council with as many bullies and uncivil characters on it, carrying on in ways that are an embarrassment and disservice to all of us. Some of their scandalous antics have generated headlines that have disgraced our region from cost to coast.

I’ve covered this council and I believe that A Better Niagara’s lists of who to vote for and who to boot out are on the mark.

Please review them careful and for the sake of yourselves, your families and your neighbours, GO OUT AND VOTE!

About ‘A Better Niagara’ – A Better Niagara is a non-partisan, non-profit organization with a mandate to encourage civic engagement and municipal public participation in Niagara. The group was founded by a coalition of local residents frustrated by the nature of politics in Niagara who joined together to offer a new vision for governance in our communities.

To learn more about A Better Niagara and its efforts in these October 22^nd, 2018 municipal elections, click on – https://www.abetterniagara.com/

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

 “A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

Ford froze funding increases to Sexual Assault Centres and dissolved the Roundtable on Violence Against Women

A News Release from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted October 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario was not doing enough to end gender-based violence, but the Doug Ford government has cut those efforts even more by dissolving Ontario’s Provincial Roundtable on Violence against Women and refusing to flow funding increases to Sexual Assault Centres promised under the Gender Based Violence plan.

NDP Women’s Issues Critic Suze Morrison says that the Ford Conservatives must do better.

“The Hamilton Sexual Assault Centre has seen a 100 per cent increase in calls to their crisis line over the past three years. Their waitlist for counselling is now seven months long,” said Morrison. Continue reading →

Actions and outcomes from working group meeting on suicide prevention and mental health

News form Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted October 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

As one suicide prevention measure, Niagara Region is installing help line signage around Burgoyne Bridge in St. Catharines. Region says more measures are on the way.

Niagara, Ontario – On Wednesday, Oct. 17, members of Niagara Region’s newly formed suicide prevention working group met to further explore preventative actions to respond to recent suicide-related deaths and the broader issue of suicide prevention in Niagara.

This follow-up to last week’s discussion included representatives from Niagara Region, Niagara Region Public Health, City of St. Catharines, Niagara Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition (NSPC) and Niagara Health. Continue reading →

The funding helps support parent engagement in schools that do not otherwise have community support, or where language, socio-economic and geographic barriers come between parents and their children’s education

A News Release from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted October 18^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Doug Ford’s cuts to education includes parent council programs like the one that helped parents navigate digital safety with their kids.

And the cuts just keep on coming

For the second day in a row, Ford’s dducation minister refused to explain why Ford has cut the Parents Reaching Out Grants for 2018-19, or why parents were not notified about the decision.

And parent workshops focused on mental, physical and sexual health, a school event on boosting participation in STEM, and resources for parents of children with special needs are just a few of the hundreds of parent engagement events that have hit Ford’s chopping block. Continue reading →

This Monday, October 22nd, Let the Clean Up Begin by Firing Caslin & Timms, and Hiring A Mix of Incumbents and New Faces on the Region’s Council

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher           Doug Draper

Posted October 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

In the days leading up to this coming Monday’s  municipal elections, I have never encountered  more of a “throw the bums out” mentality among voters than I have this time around – especially when it comes to Niagara’s regional council.

It is time to get more people with integrity in this building. These municipal elections are our best chance to do it. Vote for your future in Niagara this Monday, October 22nd.

That mentality is driven by a good deal of anger over what people have been hearing and reading around the CAO hiring issue and other controversies at the regional council level. And it makes more sense when it comes to the incumbent regional council candidates running in some Niagara municipalities more than others.

When it comes to the extraordinarily large slate of regional council candidates in St. Catharines  – more than 20 in all, running for six of the Region’s 31 seats (not including the regional chair’s) – Niagara At Large believes that voting all of the incumbents out would be a huge mistake. Continue reading →

Premier Doug Ford will appoint Ian Todd as Ontario’s Trade Representative to the United States in Washington, D.C.

News from the Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted October 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Peace Bridge – a major gateway for trade between Ontario and many points in the U.S.

Queen’s Park, Ontario — Today, Premier Doug Ford announced that Ontario’s Government for the People is marking a new chapter in the province’s relationship with the United States.

“I am pleased that we are beginning a new chapter in Ontario’s long relationship with the United States. I am so happy to announce that we intend to appoint Ian Todd to be Ontario’s Trade Representative in Washington,” said Ford.

“In the new era of USMCA, we need someone who is strategically minded, has extensive government experience, and will put Ontario’s interests first. Todd is well suited to promote Ontario’s diversity and diverse economy.” Continue reading →

Former Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown

“There’s a culture at the top of the Conservative party that’s troubling. ,… We’ve seen Ford appoint his friends and insiders to cushy gigs that come with gigantic public paycheques. And now we have serious questions about how Brown spent so much, so quickly.” – Ontario NDP MPP Taras Natyshak

A News Release from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted October 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Former Conservative Leader Patrick Brown has to explain how he blew through nearly $300,000 in public money in just two months, said NDP MPP Taras Natyshak.

“Conservative party insiders get paid, and Ontario people pay for it,” said Natyshak. “Mr. Brown needs to come clean and explain where this money went.” Continue reading →

… And a Well-Deserved Trouncing in the Polls for Regional Council Incumbent Brian Baty

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted October 17th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn with former Niagara Regional chair Debbie Zimmerman this past July, after Augustyn announced his plans to run for Niagara Regional Chair in the October 22nd elections. Thanks to Ford cancelling the regional chair elections, he is now running in Pelham for a seat on the regional council. File photo by Doug Draper

One bright, sunny morning this past July, things finally seemed to be looking ups for people dreaming for an end of the four-year nightmare at Niagara regional council.

At a Tim Horton’s diner in Pelham, packed with friends and supporters, the town’s mayor, Dave Augustyn, did what so many hoped he would do and announced his plans to run in what was still on the books then – a region-wide race for Chair of the Region’s council.

At the time Augustyn made his announcement, a race for the Chair’s seat was already shaping up between him, the seat’s current holder, Al Caslin, former Welland mayor Damian Goulbourne and Niagara Falls resident John “Ringo” Beam. And given all of the controversy swirling around Caslin, the hiring of the Region’s CAO and related matters, it looked like Augustyn might have a pretty good shot at campaigning his way to a winning finish in this October 22nd municipal elections.

Shortly after Augustyn made his announcement, Pelham resident Diana Huson announced her plans to run for the town’s only directly elected seat on regional council, now held by Brian Baty. Continue reading →

On Monday, October 22nd, Vote for Betty Disero for Lord Mayor and for Gary Zalepa for Regional Council

It Is High Time For NOTL’s current Lord Mayor,   Patrick Darte, to Say Goodbye!

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted October 17th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Vote for Betty Disero for Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake

If you are a voter living in the municipality of Niagara-on-the-Lake and you are feeling as fed up or angry as many of the rest of us in Niagara are over what has been going on at the regional government level, the good news is this.

There is something you can help do about the mess at the Region in this coming Monday, October 22nd municipal elections by voting in people who can play a role in making our regional government work in ways that are open, fair, civil and functional again for all of us who live and work in Niagara, and want to build a healthy, prosperous future here.

Voters in Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) can play an important role in getting Niagara Region’s council back on track again by going to the polls – en masse – this October 22nd and electing two good people we at Niagara At Large believe you are fortunate to have on your ballots. Continue reading →

“(This) means ripping $3 billion right out of folks’ bank accounts, or cutting $3 billion from things like health care.” – Peter Tabuns, Ontario NDP’s Energy and Climate Change critic

A News Release from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted October 16th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The cost of this move? $3 billion in the short run.. And there is no estimating how many more billions of dollars of damage and destruction to persons and property we will face in the years ahead because this guy wants to make like Donald Trump on addressing climate change.

Queen’s Park – The people of Ontario will have to shell out an extra $3 billion over four years because of Doug Ford’s favour to big polluters: cancelling cap and trade.

“Doug Ford is hurting Ontario’s environment, and he’s charging all Ontarians extra to do it,” said the NDP’s Energy and Climate Change critic, Peter Tabuns.

“The direct result of Ford’s favour to big polluters will be $3 billion in costs piled onto the backs of the people of Ontario. That means ripping $3 billion right out of folks’ bank accounts, or cutting $3 billion from things like health care.” Continue reading →