Author Archives: dougdraper

News from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted October 9th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – Reegan McCullough, Chief Executive Officer of The Niagara Parks Commission, has announced he is accepting a position with an organization based in Alberta.

Reegan McCullough, Chief Executive Officer of The Niagara Parks Commission

Mr. McCullough joined Niagara Parks two years ago and has worked with the Commission to establish a well-researched 10 Year Strategic Plan, with clearly identified priorities and return on investment projections for initiatives that will sustain the operation and allow it to grow, further supporting tourism in Niagara and beyond. Continue reading →

Trumpland Gives America’s #Me Too Movement A Good Ol’Fashion John Wayne Bitch -Slapping

A  Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 7^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

There are times when I feel ashamed to be a member of my gender, and this is one of them.

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford swears to tell the truth during Senate hearings over confirmation of Supreme Court candidate Brett Kavanaugh

Yet it wasn’t just men – mostly old and grumpy white ones – who brushed aside allegations that Brett Kavanaugh, a Washington, D.C. Circuit Court Judge and Donald Trump’s pick for a game-changing seat on the almighty U.S. Supreme Court, attempted to rape a 15-year-old girl when he was back in high school, and engaged in or partied around or with other committing sexually mischievous acts.

There were countless numbers of women, proudly identifying as Trump supporters, who brushed aside these allegations too. Many of them were seen on CNN and other cable news channels, echoing the kind of lines used in the courts against mostly female victims of sexual abuse. Continue reading →

‘Fear and Loathing’ At Niagara Regional Council (With Apologies to Hunter S. Thompson)

“There is no such thing as paranoia. Your worst fears can come true at any moment.” – the late Hunter S. Thompson, writer and reporter for Rolling Stone Magazine

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 6^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

It was what we can only hope will be the last regional council meeting ever of the Al Caslin administration – and how telling it was, once again, that so much of the peoples’ business was discussed behind closed doors.

Niagara Region’s current Chair, Al Caslin

The first two hours of this past Thursday’s (October 4^th) meeting of Niagara regional council got off to a fairly decent start, with good part of the time taken up with a discussion over how best to provide enough affordable housing in communities across Niagara.

Then, barely more than two hours in to the meeting, there was Caslin on his throne, directing the council to go into closed session to discuss yet more information from legal counsel about – you may have guessed it – the process used two years ago to successfully hire Carmen D’Angelo, then the embattled Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s CAO, to the CAO job at Niagara Region. Continue reading →

“Ontario has the fewest per capita beds of any province yet it is considered the financial engine of the country. That makes no sense.”

A Commentary by Linda McKellar, a Fort Erie/Niagara resident and retired nurse

Posted October 5^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Three summers ago, my niece’s son had a horrible head injury from a skate boarding accident.

The closest place in Canada that could treat him in “the golden hour” (the critical time for trauma victims to save brain tissue and even life) would have been Hamilton. Nothing in the Niagara Peninsula was comparable.

Going on a decade ago now, residents in the Fort Erie area rallied over and over again to save that community’s hospital from having its services slashed, but the then Liberal government of Ontario and its regional agent, the Niagara Health System, proceeded with the slashing anyway. Linda McKellar, the author of this commentary, was among those rallying to save this hospital. File photo by Doug Draper

He was rushed to Buffalo, had CT’s to monitor cerebral bleeding and swelling, was intubated and placed on life support (a ventilator) within an hour so he could be “put out”, allowing his brain to rest. We were preparing for a possible funeral. Continue reading →

“All the carbon tax does is take money out of the pockets of workers, families and businesses, and instead fuel out-of-control government spending. We will fight this unfair, punishing tax with every tool at our disposal.” – Ontario Premier Doug Ford

News from Doug Ford’s self-described “Government for the People”

Posted October 5th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Saskatchewan – This October 4^th,  Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Ontario Premier Doug Ford met to discuss how their two governments can continue to work together to fight the federal government’s plans to impose a carbon tax on Canadian families and businesses.

“Premier Ford is a strong voice in the fight against the carbon tax, and I want to thank him again for his commitment to intervene in Saskatchewan’s constitutional challenge against this damaging tax,” said Premier Moe. “I am pleased to announce that Saskatchewan will show the same support by intervening in support of Ontario’s constitutional challenge launched by Premier Ford on behalf of the people of Ontario.” Continue reading →

“In Niagara, we know all too well the consequences of a health system reducing the number of support staff, using inferior cleaning products and rushing patients out of the door.  Remember the 2011 C-difficile outbreak  in our hospitals. It had far reaching effects.  Loved ones died either in the hospital or at home because of the infection they picked up in the hospital.”

A Commentary by Niagara Health Coalition chair Sue Hotte in response to an October 3^rd, 2018 announcement by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his Health Minister, Christine Elliott

Posted October 4^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – For more than 20 years, Ontario has had an overcrowding and under-staffing crisis in our hospitals.  In Niagara, we have seen the closure of the Hotel Dieu, the Niagara on the Lake hospital and the loss of the emergencies in the Fort Erie and Port Colborne hospitals.

Niagara, Ontario area residents holding one of many rallies, this one in 2014, as province moves to reduce services and close local hospitals in the region.

 This has been compounded by the loss of beds in all hospitals in Niagara so much so that we now have fewer than 825 beds (includes 134 beds at the Shaver)  to serve more than 450,000 residents. Continue reading →

Province securing more than 1,100 beds and creating 6,000 new long-term care beds to ease hospital gridlock in communities that need it most

News from the Ontaro Government of Premier Doug Ford

Posted October 4th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

Toronto, Ontario  — Ontario’s Government for the People is delivering on its promise to end hallway health care by taking urgent action to expand access to long-term care, reduce the strain on the health care system in advance of the upcoming flu season and work with front line health care professionals and other experts to transform the province’s health care system.

Today (Wednesday, October 3^rd), Premier Doug Ford and Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, announced that Ontario is moving forward with building 6,000 new long-term care beds across Ontario.

These 6,000 new long-term care beds represent the first wave of more than 15,000 new long-term care beds that the government has committed to build over the next 5 years. Continue reading →

Citizen Volunteers Host Public Meeting with St.Catharines Candidates for Regional Council

October 11, 2018 at The Unitarian Congregation of Niagara at 223 Church Street in St. Catharines/Niagara. Doors Open at 6:30 p.m. Meeting Begins at 7 p.m.

An Invite to All from the Committee for an Informed St. Catharines, an ad-hoc group of citizens in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted October 2^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Who will sit in these regional council chambers for St. Catharines next? Come meeting the candidates, then make an informed vote on October 22nd.

A group of volunteers is hosting an event to introduce St. Catharines residents to their candidates for Regional Council.

“The 2018 regional and local government elections will be a defining moment in the political and, indeed, total life of our Region of Niagara,” says Desmond Sequeira, a committee member and the Social Action Coordinator of the Unitarian Congregation of Niagara (UCN). “On our vote will depend the fundamental integrity and efficiency of the Niagara Regional Council, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and local municipal councils.” Continue reading →

A Niagara District Council of Women Public Forum – Wednesday, October 10th , 8 to 9:30 p.m.                             at the St. Catharines Central Library   

Canadian environmentalist and former Great Lakes United leader John Jackson

Protecting the Great Lakes with John Jackson 

An Invite to All from the Niagara District Council of Women

Posted October 2^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Niagara District Council of Women will be hosting a public forum, Protecting the Great Lakes, on Wednesday, October 10 from 8:00 to 9:30 pm at the St. Catharines Central Library, on  54 Church St. in the city’s downtown.

Our guest speaker for this public forum is John Jackson, Great Lakes Expert and former President of Great Lakes United. “Together, we need to work to protect the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem.”

John Jackson is a passionate leader who has been tirelessly advancing public engagement throughout the Great Lakes, combining an extraordinary depth of knowledge about the Great Lakes with passion and a strategic vision for binational collaboration. He has a remarkable ability to influence Great Lakes policies and issues. Continue reading →

Bi-national marathon begins in USA and finishes at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls

Road closures will be in effect along sections of the Niagara Parkway to facilitate the running event

News from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted October 2^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – Niagara Parks is set to host the annual Niagara Falls International Marathon on Sunday, October 14th.

Voted one of the most scenic marathons in Canada, over 3,900 participants are scheduled to compete in the bi-national running event, which begins in Buffalo, New York and ends in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

An early morning, before it gets real busy, look at the Niagara Parkway near the Falls . Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks

The Niagara Parkway will serve as a key route for participants, including hosting the finish line at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, where spectators, friends and families can come out to support the runners. Continue reading →

Are Senior Levels of Government Doing Enough to Address It?

“Municipalities are often the first to feel the impacts of climate change, such as floods, heat waves, ice storms and public health crises.” – Dianne Saxe, Environmetal Commissioner of Ontario

A News Commentary from Citizens at City Hall, a public watchdog group in Hamilton, Ontario

Posted October 2nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large – the Office of Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner, like those of the Ombudsman and Auditor General, are non-partisan, independent watchdog bodies.)

Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner Dianne Saxe releases a disturbing report about impacts of climate change for municipalities across the province.

The worsening plight of Hamilton and other municipalities in the face of increasingly damaging weather was cited in last week’s report of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario.

The detailed annual review of provincial climate action slammed the Conservative government for cancelling the cap and trade program and the hundreds of projects that had been funded from the nearly $2 billion a year collected in carbon pollution fees.

“Municipalities are often the first to feel the impacts of climate change, such as floods, heat waves, ice storms and public health crises,” noted Commissioner Dianne Saxe. “Municipal governments bear the responsibility of preparing and protecting communities against these impacts, and bear significant costs after a disaster happens.” Continue reading →

“We feel the important lesson to be drawn from this episode of Canadian economic history is the danger in becoming overly dependent upon a single trading partner. ”  – Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

A Statement from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

A caravan of transport trucks crossing Peace Bridge between Niagara, Ontario and Buffalo, New York – one of the continents major cross-border trade corridors

Niagara, Ontario  – The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) is pleased to hear that a deal in principle has been reached for a renewed trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The uncertainty created by negotiations over NAFTA and the brewing tariff war have already had negative effects on the Canadian economy, which have been felt in Niagara, and this deal may bring that uncertainty to an end.

We are grateful to Minister Freeland and her negotiating team for having reached an agreement under difficult circumstances. Given the clouds that hung over the proceedings, the GNCC believes the value of their hard work cannot be overstated. Continue reading →

“It’s time to concentrate on long-term solutions for Niagara residents instead of long-term careers for Niagara politicians.,” Niagara Region’s Chair and St. Catharines Regional Council Candidate Al Caslin

An Announcement from the Campaign of Niagara Regoinal Chair Al Caslin, Running for a Regional Council Seat in the City of St. Catharines

Posted October 1st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Chair and St. Catharines regional council candidate Al Caslin

Today (October 1^st), Alan Caslin announced the second part of his plan to get Niagara politics back on track. In addition to too many politicians, Niagara has too many career politicians. Caslin is seeking re-election as a Regional Councillor in the City of St. Catharines building on four years of serving as Niagara’s Regional Chair.

Today (October 1st), Caslin released the following statement:

“It’s time to concentrate on long-term solutions for Niagara residents instead of long-term careers for Niagara politicians.

The frantic art of career politicians constantly working for re-election is a recipe for disaster. I support three term term-limits for Niagara’s elected officials because less is more. Continue reading →

“Ford  Government will also “be speaking directly with industry representatives from Ontario’s steel, aluminum, auto and agriculture sectors to determine the impacts of this deal.”

A Statement from Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Premier Doug Ford released the following statement today (this October 1^st, 2018) on the announcement of USMCA:

“We want to make Ontario open for business. That’s why, from day one, we have offered our full support to our federal partner throughout the USMCA negotiation process to make sure a deal got done.

We also need to create and protect good jobs here in Ontario. While I’m optimistic that the USMCA agreement announced today will create continued opportunities, I remain concerned about the impact of Canada’s reported concessions on Class 7 milk and access to Ontario’s dairy market could have on our agriculture sector. We also remain concerned about the remaining steel and aluminum tariffs. Continue reading →

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

​Niagara, Ontario – Niagara voters hoping to cast their ballot before Election Day on October 22, 2018 can do so at advance polling sites.

Advance polling sites permit voters to cast their ballot regardless of their Election Day polling station as noted on their voter notification card. Advance poll dates and voting options, including online and by mail, do vary based on municipality.

To learn more about voting options, advance polling sites and dates in your municipality, check your voter notification card, visit niagaravotes.ca, or contact your local municipal Clerk’s office.   Continue reading →

Record Attendance At Ontario Liberal Provincial Council -Over 800 Grits Come Together To Rebuild 

Interim Ontario Liberal Leader John Fraser

“We will stop at nothing. We will overcome every obstacle. And we will use every resource at our disposal – no matter how small it may seem – because Ontario Liberals invite everyone in. … We are the builders who will put Ontario back on track when the Conservatives tear it all down.” – Interim Ontario Liberal Party Leader John Fraser

News from the Liberal Party of Ontario

Posted October 1st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from NAL publisher Doug Draper –

Ontario Liberals’ privatization of Hydro assets and billion-dollar boondoggle on gas-fired power plant contracts left lots of room for a populist like Doug Ford to win voters over

In less than six months the Ontario Liberals have gone from a majority government to a caucus so small that it could hold its meetings in a two-car garage, and probably still have enough room for one car.

Thanks to its last two leaders, premiers Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne, who went from ‘voices for the people’ while they were in opposition to the dictionary definition of “the arrogance of power,” and to their outrageous complicity in cancelling the contracts to build gas-powered energy plants in Oakville and Mississauga (at a cost of more than a billion dollars to taxpayers) and just to keep two ridings in the Liberal camp) and the privatization of publicly owned hydro power facilities, the Ontario Liberals lost so many seats in last June’s provincial election that they no longer have official party status. Continue reading →

“The agreement-in-principle we reached today is good for Canada, good for Canadian businesses, and most importantly, good for Canadian workers and their families.” – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

News from the Office of Canada’s Prime Minister

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today (October 1^st) welcomed an agreement-in-principle between Canada, the United States, and Mexico on a modernized trade agreement – the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) – that will create good, well‑paying, middle class jobs, strengthen economic ties, and expand Canada’s trade in North America.

Following more than a year of negotiations, the three countries have reached understandings in key areas, including rules of origin for automotive manufacturing, agriculture, labour, intellectual property rights, culture, and dispute settlement.

Further, Canada has ensured that any US Section 232 tariffs will not impact Canadian auto and auto parts exports. Canada has successfully preserved key elements of the original NAFTA, while building on the agreement to expand opportunity and improve protections for workers across North America. The resulting agreement offers crucial predictability and stability for Canadian businesses, investors, traders, workers, and innovators. Continue reading →

Augustyn Lauds Ontario Auditor General for Extensive NPCA Report and Recommendations

“Augustyn (has) filed a formal motion to the Clerk for Regional Council to amend the appointment process (for the NPCA board). If approved, the change would permit each of Niagara’s local municipalities to publicly advertise and make recommendations for appointment of qualified and independent citizens with appropriate skills and expertise to represent their respective municipalities.”

Pelham Mayor and regional council candidate Dave Augustyn has been one of a minority on the Region’s council who has raised serious concerns about the NPCA.

News from the Campaign to Elect Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn to a seat on Niagara’s regional council

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Based on an investigation and report by Bonnie Lysyk, Auditor General of Ontario, regarding the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn (now a candidate in Pelham for a seat on Niagara’s regional council) has put forward a motion to amend the appointment process so that qualified citizens can be appointed to the NPCA Board. The motion is to be debated at the October 4, 2018 Regional Council meeting. Continue reading →

Could More Spending Cuts Be Next?

Ernst + Young “Line by Line” Review Biased and Unhelpful: Health Coalition Warns it is Just Repackaging of Same Old Ideas that Have Led to Cuts, Restructuring and Privatization and Widespread Public Anger

An Analysis from the Ontario Health Coalition

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Toronto-– It is long on propaganda but short on new ideas, and despite all rhetoric, would lead to more of the same– cuts, instability, restructuring and privatization — the Ontario Health Coalition warned today in response to the Ford government’s release of its so-called “line-by-line” review of public services. Continue reading →

Ontario Audit Report Shows That For NPCA Board Members, There Are Plenty of Nice Perks In The Shape Of Per Diem Payments For Attending Meetings To Be Had

But Wait A Minute. Would Any Successful Private Business Operate This Way?

A Brief Commentary from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper with excerpts from the Ontario Auditor General’s ‘Special Report’ on the NPCA

Posted September 28^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

These days, there are plenty of talented people out there who are struggling to find a good-paying, full-time employment.

Maybe they ought to consider a career opportunity at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) if and when any career opportunities that open up at this publicly paid for agency is advertised.

According to a “Special Report” that Ontario’s Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk tabled this September 27^th on the NPCA’s operations, apparently it is helpful for someone aspiring to an upper management position in this agency to spend some time sitting on its board of directors, although you probably have to be an elected member of the Niagara regional council to qualify for that. Continue reading →

“It’s time we finally made year-round GO service a priority. … Fast, convenient, and affordable transit is the best way to break gridlock, help our economy grow, and help families spend more time together.” – Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

Posted September 28^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

Queen’s Park – Ontario NDP Municipal Affairs critic, Jeff Burch, tabled a motion this September 27^th that would see GO Transit service to the Niagara region expanded to year-round service.

Burch, who represents the riding of Niagara Centre and who has been a long-time advocate for year-round service, says it would help maximize local economic development, help families and communities thrive while relieving congestion and gridlock.

“For too long under Liberal and Conservative governments, Niagara communities have had to rely on shoddy transit options and it’s time we changed that,” Burch said. “Instead of spending valuable time at work or with loved ones, people are spending too much time stuck in gridlocked traffic. As my first piece of legislation as an elected member, this was an important one to champion and bring forward.” Continue reading →

Saving Money While New Program Targets Biggest Polluters, Protects Ontario’s Air

News from the Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted September 28th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario’s self-described “Government for the People” vows to give province’s drivers a break.

Toronto — This September 28th, Ontario’s Government for the People announced the cancellation of the outdated Drive Clean program, saving money for Ontario taxpayers and reducing the regulatory burden on Ontario families while enhancing regulations for the biggest polluters on Ontario’s roads. Effective April 1, 2019, drivers will no longer be required to get Drive Clean emissions tests for their passenger vehicles.

Drive Clean, introduced in Ontario in 1999 as a way of reducing air pollution in the province from passenger vehicles, will be history in April of 2019

“By ending Drive Clean tests and repairs for passenger vehicles, this government is reducing the burden on residents and families who own a car, so they no longer need to take time out of their days to take their vehicles in for unnecessary tests,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re saving taxpayers over $40 million every year. And we’re better targeting the biggest polluters to protect Ontario’s air.” Continue reading →

A Statement from  A Better Niagara, a Niagara-based citizens organization working to raise public awareness on issues of concern across the region in front of the upcoming October 22^nd municipal elections

Posted September 28^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

In her report this September 27th, the Ontario’s Auditor General, Bonnie Lysyk, listed numerous irresponsible actions by senior managers of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and the complicity of its Board in directing and abetting these actions.

The long list of egregious behaviours cited by the Auditor General includes tainted hiring practices, clear conflicts of interest, willingness to abdicate its responsibilities as a CA and reckless spending of taxpayer’s money. Continue reading →

A Statement from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network

Posted September 27th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is disappointed with the announcement of the cancellation of the minimum wage increase scheduled for January 1, 2019.

The current minimum wage will remain frozen at $14.00, despite data showing that the impacts of the minimum wage increase earlier this year has not led to significant unemployment.

With the annual cost of household living expenses for a Niagara region family of four conservatively pegged at over $71,000, the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network has calculated the hourly wage necessary for families to meet these expenses, otherwise known as a living wage, to be $17.57. The calculation reports are available at www.wipeoutpoverty.ca Continue reading →

“There is a multitude of small firms making diverse products that account for the bulk of the job growth in this sector.” – Charles Conteh, Associate Professor of Political Science at Brock University and Director of the Niagara Community Observatory 

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted on September 28^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

For those in Niagara who continue to mourn the decline of the region’s traditional manufacturing sector, Sean Calcott and Charles Conteh have some good news.

A large crowd was on hand Thursday as the Niagara Community Observatory presented a policy brief on Niagara’s manufacturing sector.

True, the sector is very different than it was 20 or 30 years ago and it has seen some tough times, says Conteh, Associate Professor of Political Science at Brock University and Director of the Niagara Community Observatory (NCO). “But the general trend is that manufacturing has been very resilient, has stayed in the region and, in fact, has seen an upswing since 2012, so there’s a bit of a wind in our sails,” he says. Continue reading →

“The NPCA had not gathered information on the ecosystems in Thundering Waters to determine if they contained unique features that cannot be replicated.”    – Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted September 29^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

If anyone still thinks that those calling the shots at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) put conserving what are left of our region’s wetlands and other natural spaces first, a read of a “Special Report” released by the Office of the Ontario Auditor General this September 27^th should put that thought to rest.

The wetlands of Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls, Ontario

Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk’s 103-page report, based on months-long investigation of the NPCA’s operations by her staff, is rife with examples of conservation issues getting the short end of the stick by this Conservation, guided by a board of directors dominated by regional councillors and mayors in Niagara. Continue reading →

“We need to take action immediately. …We need to listen to front-line staff and make sure they have the services and supports we need.” – Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

Posted September 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Niagara Falls, Ontario – NDP MPP Wayne Gates spoke out today against increasing violence in the Niagara Jail system.

 “I want to rise today and talk about a serious health and safety issue happening here in Ontario – and it’s about the health and safety of our corrections officers. These women and men carry out an incredibly stressful and difficult job on a daily basis. But the consistent underfunding of our corrections system is putting them in danger,” said Gates.

“In Niagara we have a jail that is busting at the seams on the weekends – I’ve seen it myself. People in that jail don’t get to go outside, there’s 35 of them in a dorm meant for 28 and sometimes they’re being held in rooms without washrooms.” Continue reading →

“Now that the Auditor General’s Office has completed its audit, the NPCA is poised for an amazing 2019.”                – Mark Brickell, CAO, NPCA

Posted September 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

NPCA’s chief administrative officer Mark Brickell responds to Ontario Auditor General’s report on Conservation Authority’s operations

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is an organization committed to the ideals of openness, transparency and accountability, and as such wishes to express its appreciation to the Auditor General of Ontario for conducting such an extensive and thorough review of its operations, which when properly understood confirms that while the NPCA is not perfect, it is operationally trending in the right direction. 

NPCA also values the thoughtful comments put forward by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

NPCA concurs with, and is firmly aligned with, all of the recommendations of the Auditor General put forth in this report, most of which relate to process improvements and policy refinements. Continue reading →

“In the absence of a long-term staffing plan, the NPCA (Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority) implemented four costly organizational restructurings between 2012 and 2017, which contributed to significant employee turnover, employee morale issues and grievances. As well, administrative spending rose 49% between 2012 and 2017, while spending on watershed services dropped 18% over the same period.” – one of the highlights from the Ontario Auditor General’s Special Report on the NPCA

Ontario’s Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk has tabled a special report, highlighting a host of problems involving the operations at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

News from the Office of Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk

Posted September 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) has taken steps to improve its operations and has several initiatives under way.

However, it still has significant operational issues to address in order to restore public trust and deliver its programs and services economically, efficiently and effectively, Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk said in a Special Report released today (this September 27th).

Sandy Annunziata, a Fort Erie regional councillor and chair of a Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority board of directors dominated by Niagara regional councillors and majors of Niagara municipalities

“Our audit also found that the governance structure established in the Conservation Authorities Act (Act) and weaknesses in the NPCA Board’s oversight were two of the key contributors to the operational problems at the NPCA that have been the subject of public concerns and criticisms.”

The Report noted that some NPCA Board members (a majority of whom are elected officials, such as mayors and councillors) involved themselves in the day-to-day operations of the NPCA. Their involvement was not always perceived as positive by employees of the NPCA and the public. Under the Act, board members of conservation authorities are authorized to “vote and generally act on behalf of their respective municipalities.” Continue reading →

Brian Higgins and fellow Congress members press for slower pace of NAFTA Renegotiations and Resolve Roadblocks with Canadian Dairy Market

Ways and Means Committee Members represent border-state dairy farmers that rely on access to Canadian market

A News Release from the Office of Buffalo, N.Y. area Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted September 27th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins calls for more time to work out a deal with Canada on dairy product trade.

Washington, D.C. – This September 26th, U.S. Reps. Ron Kind (Wisconsin-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-1), and Brian Higgins (NY-26) called on United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to slow the pace of North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiations, and take the necessary time to come to a fair agreement with Canada on dairy export pricing.

Reps. Kind, DelBene and Higgins represent border-state districts in Wisconsin, Washington, and New York, respectively, that need open-market access to Canada in order to sell dairy exports.

To date, little to no progress has been made with Canada regarding either their historically closed dairy market or their more recent Class 7 National Ingredients Strategy that has displaced U.S. imports into Canada and negatively impacted milk powder markets worldwide. Continue reading →

A Comment to Niagara At Large from Bob Milenkoff, a resident in the Niagara, Ontario community of Welland who, along with many other residents across Niagara, has been pressing for more openness and accountability from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Robert Milenkoff at one of many rallies over the past two years, demanding accountability for what happens to the millions of dollars the NPCA receives through municipal taxes, file photo by Doug Draper

Posted September 26th, 2018

(St. Catharines) Regional Councillor Bruce Timms (who is also member and former chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board of directors) once stated that the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) was a model agency for all Conservation Authorities across Ontario to follow, and that to have an audit done would be a waste of taxpayers’ money.

That money (Timms insisted) would be better spent on planting trees. Continue reading →

“I encourage residents to ask all candidates running for office if they are more worried about saving their own job prospects or will commit to doing the right thing for Niagara by reducing the number of politicians.” – Niagara Region’s Chair and St. Catharines regional councillor candidate Al Caslin

Niagara Region’s Chair Al Caslin is for fewer municipal in this region. File photo

A Statement from  Al Caslin, Chair of Niagara Region’s council and a candidate for St. Catharines regional council in the upcoming October 22^nd municipal elections

Posted September 26^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Alan Caslin recently appeared on ‘TVO’s: The Agenda with Steve Paikin’ to highlight that Niagara has too many politicians. Caslin is seeking re-election as a Regional Councillor in the City of St. Catharines building on four years of serving as Niagara’s Regional Chair.

Today, Caslin released the following statement –

“Let’s face it: Niagara region has a population of 450,000 people with 125 politicians.  Hamilton just next door is over 550,000 people and has just 16 politicians.  Simply put, we are over-governed.” Continue reading →

“Our downtown neighbourhood has enjoyed an incredible resurgence. … We wanted to showcase that in a way that was creative and unexpected but also felt natural.”

News from the City of St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario

Posted September 26th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) awarded the City first place in the Short Film / Video category at the 2018 Marketing Canada Awards for Anything Together: A Downtown Story, a film celebrating the revitalization of Downtown St. Catharines.

The City partnered with Form and Affect, a local agency in Downtown St. Catharines, on the production, which was released in June.

“Since the launch of this film we’ve received nothing but positive and enthusiastic feedback both locally and from outside of the community,” said Brian York, the City’s director of economic development and government relations. “Having it take the top prize in its category at these awards reaffirms there are great stories to be shared about the positive changes in St. Catharines.”

The film, available online at www.stcatharines.ca/AnythingTogether, centres around the story of Jack and Kate as they explore St. Catharines’ vibrant downtown. Featuring several downtown businesses and new facilities, the film is a creative look at the rapid growth and redevelopment of the heart of the community. Continue reading →

A News Brief from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted September 25th, 2018

Ontario’s Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk is ready to table the results of her office’s audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

Following more than two years of Niagara citizens, and local municipalities and MPPs demanding an independent audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations, it now looks like the findings of that audit will be unveiled within days.

Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk released a one sentence message on Twitter this September 24th that her office will be tabling the details of its special audit on the NPCA this coming Thursday in the provincial legislature. Continue reading →

Why Not Save The Rest Of Us Some Money By Being The First To Wave Off Government Assistance If You Become The Victim Of A Severe Weather Disaster?

News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted September 25^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

While thousands of Ottawa-area families were reeling from the horrific destruction of tornadoes that touched down in their communities, Doug Ford and his self-described ‘Government for the People’ were busy this past September 21^st, tabling a motion to shred the province’s Green Energy Act.

Some of the destruction left in the paths of the tornadoes that touched down this September in the Ottawa, Ontario area.

Ford could have announced plans to reform sections of the Act that that even the most ardent supporters of green energy found objectionable, like those that deprive local municipalities of having any say in plans to locate large-scale wind and solar energy facilities in their communities.

Ford could also have announced plans to better ensure that all interested companies, and not just those that have a special friendship with the government of the day, have a fair chance of landing renewable energy projects across the province.

But that’s not Doug Ford’s style.

True to the good old days when he and his late brother Rob were the headliners when it came to slash-and-burn politics, and to causing so much of the chaos at Toronto City Hall, he has simply decided to take a wrecking ball to the former Ontario Liberal government’s green energy legislation, leaving very little left for those who want to invest in renewable energy projects in the province to work with. Continue reading →

“The manufacturing sector may look very different than in days gone by, but it’s still a force to be reckoned with.” – Brock University report

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted September 24^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Brock University Niagara Community Observatory director and co-author of Niagara industry report, Charles Conteh

There’s another side to the doom-and-gloom scenario of empty factories and unemployment lines left over from Niagara’s once-booming large-scale manufacturing sector.

The upside: increased employment; lucrative exports; innovative approaches.

The manufacturing sector may look very different than in days gone by, but it’s still a force to be reckoned with, says new research from Brock University’s Niagara Community Observatory (NCO). Continue reading →

Ford Tories Introduce Legislation to Repeal  Act

“The proposed legislation would give the government the authority to stop approvals for wasteful (i.e. – wind and solar) energy projects where the need for electricity has not been demonstrated.”

News from the Ontario Government of Doug Ford

Posted September 23rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Municipalities to have final say on new energy projects

Toronto — Ontario’s Government for the People is delivering on its promise to repeal the Green Energy Act, 2009, Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, and Monte McNaughton, Minister of Infrastructure, announced this September 21st.

The former Ontario Liberal government put the Green Energy Act in place to, among other things, jump start renewable energy projects in the solar and wind fields, in the province.

The original Green Energy Act led to the disastrous feed-in-tariff program and skyrocketing electricity rates for Ontario families, and took away powers from municipalities to stop expensive and unneeded energy projects in their communities. Under the last government energy rates tripled, hurting families and driving manufacturing jobs out of Ontario.

“The Green Energy Act represents the largest transfer of money from the poor and middle class to the rich in Ontario’s history,” said Minister Rickford. Continue reading →

We Deserve A Niagara Regional Council That Puts The Needs Of Our Communities First

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted September 21st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region’s CAO Carmen d’Angelo. How much more do the people of Niagara have to put up with?

It is just one alarming revelation after another around the conduct of Niagara Region’s CAO Carmen D’Angelo, the Region’s Chair Al Caslin and a cast of characters playing senior roles in and around Caslin’s office.

All of it – the revelations over D’Angelo’s hiring, Caslin’s unilateral decision to extend the length of D’Angelo’s contract and furnish him a golden parachute should he be forced to leave, and on and on and on – is eating up countless hours of regional council time that should be spent on building a healthier, more prosperous Niagara for present and future generations.

And God know, how many hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars it is continuing to us in high-priced lawyers and consultants, and staff time.

This September 21st yet one more revelation was posted online, thanks, once again, to excellent investigative reporting by The St. Catharines Standard and award-winning journalist Grant LaFleche, who members of Caslin’s cabal on the regional council have been doing everything they can to try to discredit with insulting, Trump-like garbage. Continue reading →

It’s Disgusting Enough That We Are Forced To See Millions Of Dollars Of Our Tax Money Go To The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority spent some of its time and our money over the past year slimming Lincoln regional councillor and former NPCA board member Bill Hodgson (left) with a motion of censure and waging a failed lawsuit against outspoken Niagara area citizen activist Ed Smith, right).

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted September 21st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Shortly after Niagara At Large posted a news commentary this September 20th on a $275-per-ticket gala the NPCA’s fund-raising wing, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) was hosting that night, and an email the Foundation’s board chair, Pelham regional councillor Brian Baty, sent to fellow regional councillors that if they buy a ticket, it  “is an eligible expense,” – Peter Gill, a first-time regional council candidate running in St. Catharines in the coming municipal elections, posted the following message on Facebook –

There is another good idea that comes out of Peter Gill’s Facebook message, by the way. If you are going to donate that kind of money, contribute it to a Food Bank in the area or to a charity that sends food baskets to families in need at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

I have no idea how many members of Niagara’s regional council, which includes almost 20 directly elected councillors and the mayors of  the region’s 12 local municipalities, forked the $275 out to go to this “fund-raising” gala at the Queen’s Landing Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake because I certainly did not go as a reporter or in any other capacity.

But I hope at least some, if not most of those who went, are not claiming the price of the ticket as a council expense because we, the taxpayers of Niagara, are the ones who end up paying the tab.

And for what? Continue reading →

A Message from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network’s Election Task Force Group

Posted September 21^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Municipal and regional elections are being held on October 22nd.

The NPRN (Niagara Poverty Reduction Network) Elections Task Group has prepared the following local election strategy:

1. Encourage informed voting and identify key issues that impact people experiencing poverty.

How you can help:

• Print and circulate this attached flyer. Attached is a ½ page flyer that can be printed, cut and distributed to clients, left in wait rooms, office Share social media posts from the NPRN Facebook and Twitter accounts.
  You can follow these accounts here: NRPN Facebook ,  NPRN Twitter

Continue reading →

A Message from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted September 20th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

If you have been paying any attention to what has been going on at Niagara regional council and some of our local councils in this region of the province over the past four years, or reading some of the news and commentary on this site or our daily newspapers, you must know by now that we have a hell of a deplorable mess on our hands in the governance department.

To be fair, we have some very good people sitting on our regional and local councils who have tried – often with the odds stacked against them – to fight the good fight on behalf of their communities, and they deserve to be re-elected.

And that we need these good people and the experience they have back to work with new people coming in. Continue reading →

Thursday, September 20^th, 2018 at Queen’s Landing Hotel in NOTL – Tickets Only $275

Can You Afford A Ticket For This?  And Where Do The Proceeds From The Ticket Sales Go?

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted September 20^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

It’s not too late to ante up and make your charitable donation to conservation projects in Niagara by buying a $275 ticket to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation’s 2018 Water and Environmental Leadership Award Gala this Thursday, September 20^th at the oh-so-swanky Queen’s Landing Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Or if you have a group of people you want to go to this gala event with, you can fork out $2,500 for a table for 10. Or how about half a table for a grand total of $1,350.

Can you afford a ticket for this? Continue reading →

“A millionaire premier may be happy with fewer elected representatives but it’s very hard to see how it could mean more power for citizens or better representation of their interests and concerns.”

A Message from CATCH – the public watchdog group Citizens at City Hall – in Hamilton, Ontario

Posted September 19th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Hamilton, Ontario – The 14-year experience of CATCH has found municipal councillors to be mainly decent over-worked individuals making hundreds of important decisions about people’s lives. They pay attention and respond to public concerns raised between elections. Those democratic features don’t seem to be valued in the current controversy swirling around Queen’s Park.

The visible issue is the Conservative government’s attempt to reduce Toronto city councillors from 47 to 25. That includes overriding a court ruling that blocked the reduction move for violating the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The persistence of their actions indicates the Conservative conviction that many people aren’t concerned about having fewer elected municipal councillors or about the right to be effectively represented. If a basis for that view wasn’t there, the governing party would be unlikely to go to such extreme lengths to pursue its objective. Continue reading →

A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted September 19^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large – This news release follows in the wake of recent concerns raised by Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch and others that increasing numbers of individuals who need Niagara specialized Transit for medical reasons are finding it hard to to book the service due to funding shortfalls at the regional government level.)

Niagara residents have accessible transit travel options on both Niagara Region Transit and Niagara Specialized Transit.

Niagara Region Transit provides conventional transit service for those individuals seeking to travel between Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland with feeder services to Fort Erie, Port Colborne and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Niagara Specialized Transit is designed for those individuals who are looking for transportation from one municipality to another municipality and require enhanced accessibility accommodations above what is provided on conventional transit services. A rider may be accompanied by a companion, support person or personal care attendant and /or service animal on both Niagara Region Transit and Niagara Specialized Transit. Continue reading →

And Apparently All Ontarians Have Doug Ford and his “Government for the People” to thank

A News Release from the Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted September 19^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Fill up at the tanks!

Hey Friends! Give the man a thumbs up

Gas prices dropped by 5 cents today due, in large part, to Premier Doug Ford and the Government for the People’s cancellation of the cap-and-trade carbon tax.

Meanwhile, on the opposition benches, the NDP caucus want hard-working Ontario families to pay more every single time they fill up at the pumps.

• The NDP continue to actively promote and support Kathleen Wynne’s cap-and-trade carbon tax.
• Joel Harden, the NDP MPP for Ottawa Centre, openly campaigned on a $150/tonne carbon tax – which would be the highest carbon tax in the entire world. If implemented, it would increase gas prices by 35 cents per litre.
• The NDP’s Finance Critic Sandy Shaw has called the PC plan to lower gas prices “reckless.”

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

‘Any lout can throw their weight around. Reasoned, consultative governance takes more than you seem to be displaying at this stage of your leadership.’

A Commentary by Gary Screaton Page, a Fort Erie resident and recent recipient of Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship

Posted September 19^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Trump Tot, aka Trumpette, aka Doug Ford is not about governing for the people but rather about governing BY Doug Ford.

He is so Trump-like.

Consider how he dismisses protesters as “professionals”.

Label a group or person and that takes care of them. Give them a dismissive name and diminish their humanity.

We do that with enemies. The behaviour is typical of childish, schoolyard bullies. Continue reading →

On Municipal Election Day – This October 22nd – Hire Those Politicians Who Will, Fire Those Who Won’t

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted September 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

I heard a brief dispatch on CBC this Tuesday (September 18th) morning about a new report from the Insurance Bureau of Canada – the national association for the country’s insurance industry – about the surging costs of severe weather flooding and the urgent need to conserve what are left of our natural wetlands as one important way of protecting people’s properties from the destruction caused by floods.

Hearing that report drew my mind to the ongoing battle by environmental groups and by citizens in Niagara to save the sprawling, 482-acre Thundering Waters Forest and its more than 200 acres of wetlands in Niagara Falls, Ontario from a, more of half of which is wetlands, in Niagara Falls from an urban development plan backed by Chinese investors and supported by too many politicians on the local and regional council.

A peak at the wetlands inside the Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls, Ontario

This development plan for what is referred to these days a “Riverfront community” began making headlines more than two years ago when, of all agencies, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) was playing with the idea of trying something called “biodiversity offsetting” there – an idea that involves artificially constructing wetlands somewhere else to replace whatever real or natural wetlands may be drained over mowed over to make way for this development. Continue reading →

Some News from Niagara Action For Animals in Niagara, Ontario

Posted September 18^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Dear friends of animals

Rob Laidlaw has spent more than 30 years working to protect animals.  He is the founder of Zoocheck and regularly speaks to groups of all ages about animal issues and how individuals can empower themselves to effect change.

He has kindly donated copies of his book ‘Cat Champions’ which has won several honours and awards – it’s a great book for young readers, but contains information that adults will find interesting too. Continue reading →

Two Sessions – Wednesday, September 26th and Thursday, September 27th, 2018

An Invite to All from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted September 17th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – As stewards of the rich environmental and cultural heritage along the Niagara River corridor, Niagara Parks is pleased to host two upcoming Public Information Centres, on September 26 and 27. These two sessions will provide information on Niagara Parks’ environmental stewardship role and present several key projects currently underway.

Niagara Parks’ new 10-year Strategic Plan places a renewed focus on environmental sustainability and we have established goals for restoring native species and culling invasive species, while enhancing the many formalized viewing areas, parkettes, picnic areas, and other shoreline sites for the benefit of wildlife and the public. Continue reading →

Respondents live in the eight Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin) and the Canadian province of Ontario.

Lakes Seen as Valuable for Recreation, Drinking Water and Essential to Region’s Economy

By Sally Cole-Misch, Canada/U.S. International Joint Commission

Posted September 16th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Eighty eight percent of respondents to a new poll believe protecting the Great Lakes is important. And 55 percent are willing to pay more for consumer products as a result of increased regulations or enforcement to ensure the lakes are restored and protected. The numbers come from a second large survey by the IJC’s Great Lakes Water Quality Board.

The survey was completed in January 2018 and is summarized in a poll report released in mid-July. Continue reading →

PM Says Not A Single Word Here About The Trampling Of Our Rights And Freedoms In Ontario

“On this day, I hope all Canadians … give heart to their democracy, to treasure it, and to revere it.’ We have an opportunity to strengthen our democracy every day.” – Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau

Protests in Ontario this September over Ford government over-riding Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms

(A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – These are good words, Mr. Prime Minister, but if you are a citizen in Ontario, and you stand up for democracy in the provincial legislature, you may be escorted out of this “peoples’ house” in handcuffs!)

What Follows Is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement on International Day of Democracy.

Posted September 15th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

September 15, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today (September 15th) issued the following statement on the International Day of Democracy:

“On International Day of Democracy, I am reminded of the words of former Member of Parliament Arnold Chan. He was a close friend and colleague and, above all, a devoted public servant. While Arnold passed away exactly a year ago yesterday, his wisdom lives on and continues to hold lessons for us all – perhaps now more than ever.

Here is what standing up for democracy in Ontario’s Queen’s Park legislature could get you. What if she was your grandmother or mother or sister? Oh Canada. ….

“Arnold believed deeply in our democracy, and never lost sight of the individual, every day actions that make us who we are as a country. He reminded us how small acts of civility are foundational to democracy, as essential as casting a ballot. Continue reading →