Author Archives: dougdraper

It’s Looking Like Nothing Will Be Done About the Massive Arsenal of  Weapons that Plays Such a Big Hand these  Tragedies, So Look Forward to the Next One.

A  News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted November 6^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

“Happiness is a warm gun, bang, bang, shoot, shoot.” – lyrics by former Beatle John Lennon, who was murdered outside his New York City home by a deranged man with a gun in December of 1980.

So here we are again.

Rick Perry, then Governor of Texas, doing a Wild West shootin’ thing as he bills himself as a “second amendment candidate’ while running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2011-12. He is now serving as Trump’s Secretary of Energy

It was just a little over a month  ago (this past October 1^st) in Las Vegas, that a home-grown citizen of the United States bullet drilled 58 people to death and wounded more than five hundred others in what is on record, for the moment, as the worst mass shooting in America – and now this past Sunday, November 6^th, we have what CNN headlined in the hours after it happened and witnesses said they could still smell the scent on spilled blood in the air, as America’s “worst mass shooting in a place of worship.”

The total death count as of this posting of 26 men, women and children – the youngest victim was one and a half years old – in a Baptist Church in small-town Texas, all at the hands of a 26-year-old, American-born, ex-U.S. Air Force service man who, despite what authorities have already revealed, had a shopping list of behaviour problems that, among other things, got him dishonourably discharged from a Navy desperate for recruits, still managed to get his hands on assault-style weapons and enough ammunition mow down an army. Continue reading →

Province Focused on Supporting Job Creation and Helping People Get Ahead

“Ontario is supporting a positive environment where employers are creating good jobs and the province’s talented workforce is supplying them.” – Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Growth

Ontario’s Unemployment Rate for October 2017 was 5.9 Per Cent – .4 Per Cent Below The National Average. The Unemployement Rate for St. Catharines-Niagara During The Same Period Was 8.1. Per Cent – Almost 3 Per Cent Above The National Average

A News Release from Ontario’s Liberal Government

Posted November 3^rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Employment in Ontario increased by 5,200 jobs in October, the fourth straight month of job gains.

Employment in Ontario is up by 149,200 jobs, year over year. The province’s unemployment rate has been below the national average for 31 consecutive months.

According to the 2017-18 First Quarter Finances, Ontario is on track to balance the budget this year while making investments in the programs and services people and their families rely on most. Continue reading →

A News Commentary posted November 3^rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

“It is irrefutable that overcrowded emergency departments lead to higher rates of patient mortality,” reads an excerpt from a news release circulated this November 1st by the citizens-based health care advocacy group called the Ontario Health Coalition and posted this November 2nd on Niagara At Large. “Yet the majority of Ontario’s hospitals are routinely running at more than 85 percent capacity almost all the time and many are running at 100 – 120 percent or even higher.”

This is a news release that was responded to with  commentary sent Niagara At Large’s way from Linda McKellar – a Niagara, Ontario resident and retired nurse who  has also been a vocal advocate for quality, public health care services in Niagara – and as much as it is already featured below the Ontario Health Coalition post on our site, Niagara At Large believes it has things to say that are important enough to post it again here.

Lines of hospital patients crowding the halls

The over-riding point in McKellar’s commentary is that the overcrowding problem in  hospitals here in Niagara and across Ontario is hardly new.

It is a problem that has been there and has been building to crisis proportions – all the while waiting for some government in the province to exercise the will and effort to fix – for far too long now.

Here now is the Commentary by Linda McKellar –

This is not a new situation. I have been retired for almost eight years and it went on for at least a decade prior to that.

There is no privacy… so cool trying to move your bowels on a bedpan in a hallway. Not really too pleasant for your neighbours either, especially when they are already sick. Continue reading →

Congressman Brian Higgins Lays Out Impact on Western New York

Posted November 3^rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York – (Democratic Party) Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), Vice Ranking Member on the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee tasked with tax policy oversight, responded to the release of the Republican Tax Reform Plan with remarks on the House Floor:

“The Tax Policy Center, the Wharton School and virtually every rational economist have reviewed the House Republican tax cut plan and the results are clear: no new good economic growth, big debt and deficit, and big tax cuts for corporations and very rich Americans. 

“Three million wealthy Americans will get a tax cut next year of $220,000.  Two-hundred and fifty million not rich Americans will get a tax cut of $221. 

“If you make $730,000 your income next year, your income will increase by 8 ½%.  If you make $150,000, it will increase by 1%. Continue reading →

Province’s Minister of Children and Youth Services Rolls Out a New Digital Platform for Young People to Participate in Government Decision-Making

“YouthVoiceON delivers on our commitment to listen to youth voices and mobilize their energy and interest in influencing policy decisions that affect them. I encourage youth to start using the tool today and participate in a vital conversation that will help shape public policy and improve their futures.” – Michael Coteau,  Ontario Minister of Children and Youth Services

A Call-Out to Ontario’s Young People from the Province’s Ministry of Children and Youth Services

Ontario Minister Michael Coteau recently meeting with young people at the launch of the new digital platform for youth to engage in public decision-making. Photo courtesy of Ontario Government

Posted November 3^rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ontario is giving young people across the province more opportunity to voice the issues that matter the most to them.

Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services, and Deb Matthews, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Digital Government, were at the WE Global Learning Centre in Toronto today to launch YouthVoiceON, a new online platform that will make it easier for youth in Ontario, ages 14 to 29, to talk directly with government about policy development. Continue reading →

Featuring a Screening of the Documentary film ‘Positive Women; Exposing Injustice’ and Guest Speaker Cecile Kazatchkine, Canadian HIV/Aids Legal Network

An Invite to All from the Niagara District Council of Women and Positive Living Niagara

Posted November 3^rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space below the Bernie quote.

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 binational 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

“It is irrefutable that overcrowded emergency departments lead to higher rates of patient mortality. Yet the majority of Ontario’s hospitals are routinely running at more than 85 percent capacity almost all the time and many are running at 100 – 120 percent or even higher.”

News about Ontario’s hospitals from Natalie Mehra and the Ontario Health Coalition

Posted November 2^nd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – A memo obtained by the NDP, released in the media late this October, reveals that more than 4,300 patients stayed on stretchers in hospital corridors and the like for significant lengths of time, often waiting 40 – 70 hours for a bed, as the Brampton Civic hospital grappled with “Code Gridlock” for 65 days this year. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Ontario hospitals in every medium-to-large sized town in Ontario report that they are full, often running at dangerous levels of overcrowding amounting to 100 percent capacity (every single bed full at all times) or even higher.

Lines of hospital patients crowding the halls

There is an almost-total consensus among governments and health policy leaders internationally that levels of crowding exceeding 85 percent capacity lead to bottlenecks and blocked emergency departments, take ambulances off the road in offload delays, increase incidence of hospital-acquired infections, increase violence, and lead to inadequate care. Continue reading →

Requirements were approved after fatal 2009 jet crash outside of Buffalo, New York

A News Release from the Buffalo, New York office of U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted November 2^nd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – If you wonder if this news about the U.S. Trump administration’s efforts to weaken requirements for commercial air pilot training – requirements that were approved after a commercial jet crashed in the Erie County, New York Town of Clarence , killing 50 people, just a few minutes before it was scheduled to land at the Buffalo Airport in the winter of 2009, just ask yourself how many of you or your loved ones on both sides of the U.S./Canada board use American airlines?

The broken and mangled remains of Flight 3407 in Clarence, New York, a few minutes flight away from the Buffalo Airport where it would have landed, in the winter of 2009

Now ask yourselves if you believe that for the safety of all who fly, the proper training of pilots should take priority over higher profit margins for commercial airline corporation owners and their shareholders?

The Trump administration is actually now moving to weaken pilot training requirements that are so obviously necessary in light of the gross flight crew errors that resulted in that terrible Clarence, New York jet crash going on nine years ago.

Now wonder Trump and his billionaire cronies prefer to fly on their own privately owned jets..

A memorial near the place where the commercial jet crashed, killing all 50 people aboard

Now here is Buffalo area Congressman Brian Higgins’ news release on this issue.)

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) took to the Floor of the House of Representatives to object to ongoing efforts to undermine flight safety provisions achieved through the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010.  The fate of the rules are being debated within the context of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization, set to expire in March 2018. Continue reading →

“The larger issues not discussed concern the tax masquerade system that aids the already wealthy created by the Liberals and Conservatives over many years.”

A Commentary by veteran Canadian journalist Nick Fillmore

Posted November 2nd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The so-called “Morneau Scandal” has been a farce in many ways, with mainstream media failing to recognize the real scandal plaguing the government’s financial control system.

First, the tempest in a teapot. While he wasn’t legally required to do so, Finance Minister Bill Morneau made the mistake of not putting his financial holdings, which may run to $40-million, into a blind trust.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau speaks to members of the media as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on at a press conference on tax reforms in Stouffville, Ont., on Monday, October 16, 2017.

The office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner  didn’t object to the fact that Morneau didn’t put his fortune in a blind trust.

Nevertheless, the jackals saw an opportunity to embarrass and possibly bring down the Trudeau government’s Number 2 man. Continue reading →

Hopefully, this is good news for Ontario’s college students and those teachers, precariously employed and poorly paid through contract that can be cancelled any time and without notice – Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

A Brief Statement from the Ontario Labour Ministry, issued over the noon hour on Wednesday, November 1^st

Posted November 1^st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The Ministry of Labour mediator has called the parties in the ongoing college teacher’s labour dispute back to the bargaining table. The parties will be returning to the table November 2, 2017.

NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space below.

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

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

The Cyberbully In The White House Takes To Twitter And Offers Something Else

A Statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on terrorist attack in New York City, followed by a Footnote on Trump’s deplorable response to this from NAL reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted November 1st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s  Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement  this Tuesday, October 31st, regarding the terrorist attack earlier that day in New York City:

Mangled bicycles on a trail in New York City where an attacker in a truck mowed people down, killing at least eight.

“I am deeply grieved to hear of today’s terrorist attack in New York City. Canadians join me in offering our sincere condolences to those mourning the loss of family members and friends. We also send our wishes for a full recovery to those who were injured.

“New York is known for its resilience and strength, and we know that New Yorkers will stand together as they always have in the face of difficult situations.

“Tonight, we offer our prayers and thoughts to our neighbours in the United States. We are with you, as always, as friends and allies.”

A Footnote from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper –

As someone with a number of dear friends in the New York City area, I echo Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s words, and regardless of what you think of the current Canadian Prime Minister, contrast his response to this tragedy with Trump’s.

Here is Trump wh, for days on end this past September, following the largest mass shooting in U.S. history, committed by a life=long American citizen in Las Vegas, said it was no time to talk about politics and policy around the easy access to hardware that can make a semi-automatic, assault style rifle operate like a rapid-firing, machine gun killing machine.

And why was that no time to talk politics and policy? Because Trump has his small hands stuck firmly up the sphincter of one of the most dangerous domestic terrorist groups in his country – a National Rifle Association (NRA) whose main mission it is to traffic in weapons of mass destruction. That’s why

Yet, within 18 hours of this latest tragedy in New York, Trump sent out no fewer than three tweets to the basket of deplorables that make up his base, blaming Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader in the Senate from New York, for allegedly approving a visa program some years back that Trump claims makes it easier for individuals like the one arrested for the New York attack in to the country.

Trump holds up an assault style weapon to gin up the deplorables in his base

In Las Vegas this past September, 58 were murdered and more than five hundred were wounded by military calibre weapons operated by an American-born killer, and to this day, Trump has said nothing about policies that make it easy for people to purchase killing machines like this, and he hasn’t even gone so far as to say no to a bill, tabled by Republican congressional reps and sponsored by the NRA, to legalize the sale of silencers for these weapons.

In New York City, this October 31st, eight were killed and 12 others were injured, reportedly by a 29-year-old man born in the Middle East and radicalized over the internet, and Trump could hardly wait to tweet out messages blaming one of his Democratic critics and immigration policies he claims are conveyer belt for letting Islamic terrorists in to the country.

During a news conference convened hours after the New York attack, the state’s Governor Andrew Cuomo said, in so many words, that at a time like this people across the country and at all levels of government have to come together and support each other, not become divided, because if that happens, the terrorists win.

So what does the orange hair idiot dot but send out poisonous tweets that advance the cause of the terrorists. And the basket of deplorables he claims would support him if he shot someone on Fifth Avenue, just keep cheering him on.

Hopefully, a majority of Americans will unite in getting rid of this guy.

• Doug Draper

NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space below the Bernie quote.

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 binational 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

If the (Ontario Liberal government’s) legislation isn’t changed now before the law is passed, a loophole will exist that employers could exploit to continue to pay part-time, casual and temporary workers less—a move that disproportionately will impact women in this province.” – Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

A News Release from Ontario’s New Democratic Party and Welland Riding MPP and NDP Labour Critic Cindy Forster

Posted November 1^st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto —In question period on Tuesday, NDP Labour critic Cindy Forster called on the Wynne government to fix a Liberal loophole written into the Wynne Liberal Labour bill that allows employers to continue to pay part-time and temporary workers less than others doing the same work. The loophole was introduced as a Liberal amendment to Bill 148 after the first round of committee hearings on the legislation over the summer.

“Mary Gellatly, with the Parkdale Community Legal Services and the $15 and Fairness campaign, made clear yesterday in committee that the Wynne Liberals have diluted legislation intended to protect workers, stating that the Liberal amendment ‘directly undermines the intent of the equal pay provisions,’ ” said Forster. Continue reading →

 “Ontario’s fixation with obsolete nuclear energy is to say the least puzzling, but what is clear is that this fixation is going to cost us dearly.” … Sign the petition below.

A News Commentary by the Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Posted November 1^st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

In its just released Long Term Energy Plan, the Wynne government has doubled down on its plan to rebuild 10 aging nuclear reactors. The price tag for this dubious plan is a whopper — a 55% increase in residential electricity rates by 2032 (pg. 28).

This high-cost, high-risk plan flies in the face of worldwide trends, where many countries are moving away from nuclear energy and embracing ever lower-cost renewable sources instead.

The giant Pickering nuclear reactors along the northern shores of Lake Ontario

In fact, in 2016 worldwide wind power output grew by 16% and solar by 30%, while nuclear grew by just 1.4% (largely due to China). Continue reading →

“Some students are considering class action lawsuits to get their tuition back, and 120,000 students have signed a petition calling for a tuition refund for each day missed because of the strike.”

A News Release from the New Democratic Party of Ontario

Posted November 1st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto – NDP Education Critic Peggy Sattler says the Wynne Liberals are failing Ontario students affected by a province-wide labour dispute.

On Tuesday, Sattler demanded that the Wynne Liberals explain how students will be compensated for losses related to the strike. Settler also demanded to know why Wynne has been threatening back-to-work legislation, undermining the potential for a fair deal to be reached. Continue reading →

A Public Advisory from the City of St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario

Posted November 1st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Decew Falls, along the Niagara Escarpment, with old saw mill and Morningstar Mill above.

Niagara, Ontario  – Visitors to Decew Falls are advised to follow the instructions on newly posted signs and stay on the marked trails.

Decew Falls and the nearby Morningstar Mill heritage site are popular destinations for hiking. Newly posted signs in the area warn that the gorge embankment is dangerous. Hikers should not climb or hike down to Decew Falls and are advised by Acting Fire Chief Jeff McCormick to stay on the marked trails. 

“Decew Falls is one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors in St. Catharines,” said the acting fire chief. “We want visitors to enjoy Decew Falls safely by using the marked trails and respecting the rules on posted signs.” Continue reading →

The Spooks Have Become Far Too Real And Dangerous

A Comment on the State of Halloween 2017 by NAL publisher Doug Draper

Posted October 31, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Someone with a sick sense of Halloween humour carved this for the kids knocking at their door

Once upon a Halloween Time, back in the days when parents dressed their kids up as goblins and had little to fear about sending them out trick or treating at neighbourhood doors, there were spooks out there that turned out to be figments of our imagination or just one of our friends dressed up as Dracula or the Wicked Witch of the West.

They would say ‘Boo’, we would act scared and startled, and then we would end it altogether in laughter.

Not that there weren’t always some real spooks out there. Continue reading →

A Commentary by John Bacher

Posted October 31^st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Since 1993, one of the worst crime against our natural heritage in Niagara has been the various assaults on the Thundering Waters Forest.

Regionally rare butterfly Milkweed in Thundering Waters Forest. Photo by Adrin Willems

Thundering Waters is a refuge for a bewildering number of rare species, perhaps the last refuge in Canada for the Nine Lined Lady Beetle. Rare species such as the Black Gum, Acadian Flycatcher, four types of Endangered Bats, and the most recently discovered Dense Blazing Star find a refuge here.

In 1993, Thundering Waters was hit by a 35 acre clear cut.  It was hit by another a seven acre cut in 2014. and varied cuts for a golf course-residential development.

Protests since 2015,  however, have held the line at Oldfield Road.

Now a new assault is planned on the 483 acre refuge. This dagger in the heart is a 121 acre scheme called the Riverfront Community Private Official Plan Amendment. Continue reading →

‘From 1882-2012, the NWPA protected Canadians’ right to paddle our lakes, rivers, and streams and ensured that corporate interests would not be able to impede those rights… Join in being a voice for change. Your action makes a difference.’ – Green Party Leader Elizabeth May

A Message from  Green Party Leader Elizabeth May

Posted October 31^st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

How have they forgotten?

Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May

Destruction of the Navigable Waters Protection Act sparked #IdleNoMore.

Indigenous peoples across Canada set up drumming circles in malls and blocked roads to protest Harper’s 2012 omnibus bill. Omnibus bill C-45 removed 98% of Canada’s inland waterways from the Navigable Waters Protection Act, which Harper renamed the Navigation Protection Act. So he literally took “waters” out of the act.

No longer are federal permits required before development can destroy inland waters – rivers, streams, and lakes. Harper did so to speed the way for dams and pipelines. Continue reading →

“The system needs to work better and be fairer to the growing number of people who are put on contract, who are working part-time or who are among the nearly 30 percent of workers earning less than $15 an hour. Ontario can and must do better.” – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

A Statement from the Office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted October 31st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement this past October 30th after meeting with workers to discuss the government’s Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act:

“This morning (Monday, October 30th) I had the opportunity to hear directly from workers about the changes we’re making with the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act. As the bill returns to committee today, it was important to me to hear the voices of some of the millions of people who will be impacted by these changes. What I heard was similar to what I’ve been hearing from people in every corner of the province — it is time for action. Continue reading →

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati is “a champion for Niagara and Niagara Falls,” said Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins of the mayor’s continued lobbying for the new hospital

By Doug Draper

Posted October 30^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – They began by calling it a “win-win” for all of Niagara.

In front of a gathering this October 30^th of Niagara’s municipal leaaders, Ontario Heaalth Minister Eric Hoskins announced that the province’s Liberal government has approved plans to build a second new hospital in the Niagara region within a matter of 15 years – this one being built to serve municipalities in the southern half of the region.

Ontario Health Minister Eri Hoskins announces province’s approval of  proposed Niagara South hospital

The hospital will be built in the south end of Niagara Falls at the intersection of Lyons Creek and Montrose Roads just of the QEW highway.

“It will be a state of the art hospital” offering a “wide range of services for populations in Niagara’s southern tier, said Hoskins, adding that the province is also committed to keeping the Welland Hospital open with “24/7 emergency services and more.”

“Everybody knows how important the Welland Hospital is to the Welland community,” said Hoskins, while not offering any further detail in his comments on what services at the Welland Hospital beyond the emergency department will be saved.

Hoskins then introduced Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati as “a champion for all of Niagara and Niagara Falls” who relentlessly lobbied for the new hospital in his municipality’s south end. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Ontario New Democratic Party

Posted  October 30^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Cindy Forster in Ontario Legislature. File Photo

Queen’s Park, Ontario  – NDP Labour, Fairness and Work critic Cindy Forster says after ignoring urgent workplace and labour issues for 14 years, the Wynne Liberal’s proposed labour reforms are a half-hearted pre-election gambit.

“Liberals have had 14 years to make changes to improve the lives of workers in this province, and yet now, in the final days of this government, it’s clear what this Liberal government is willing to do does not go far enough,” said Forster during question period this morning. Continue reading →

Bernie Sanders is working to lower out-of-control pharmaceutical drug costs in the United States.                          Why isn’t Canada working  to do that too?

News from Ed Broadbent and the Broadbent Institute in Toronto, Ontario

Posted October 28^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Senator Bernie Sanders, the high-profile former Democratic presidential candidate, is visiting Toronto this weekend to see what his country can learn from Canada’s public healthcare system.

But while Canadians are proud of our public healthcare system, there is one area where Canadians can learn something from Sanders: pharmacare. Continue reading →

A News Brief from Doug Draper

Posted October 28^th, Ontario on Niagara At Large

Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has sent out a media advisory that the province’s Health Minister, Dr. Eric Hoskins, will be in Niagara this coming Monday, October 30^th to make an announcement.

Ontario Health Minister Eri Hoskins to make announcement at proposed Niagara South hospital site in Niagara Falls this October 30th

The health minister, according to the October 27^th media release, will be making the announcement in the southwest corner of Niagara Falls at the corner of Lyons Creek and Montrose Roads, just off QEW  – and guess what that is the site of.

That’s right.

Some of you may already know that is the place where, for the better part of five years, south Niagara municipalities, including Niagara Falls, Welland, Fort Erie, Port Colborne and Wainfleet, agreed through negotiations  with Niagara Health (formerly the Niagara Health System) responsible for operating the regions hospital services, agreed to build a new hospital for south Niagara. Continue reading →

I” noticed your recent RSVP to our event. … Please note that this event is invite-only and is being held for staff, family, and friends of the NPCA.” – the kiss-off message Niagara At Large got back from the NPCA to our request to attend the party

Does Anyone Out There Know How Much We Paid For This Bash?

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

Posted October 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Well, it was their party and I hope they got whatever lift out of it that they were looking for, because it probably isn’t going to last.

Here is the poster image that came with the invitation to NPCA’s love-in party

This past Wednesday, October 25^th, while Well and Riding MPP Cindy Forster and an all-party Public Accounts Committee of  the Ontario legislature finished up calling on the province’s Auditor General to do a full audit on the Niagara Peninsula conservation Authority’s operations, the board members and administrators at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority were getting ready to host what they called an “I LOVE NPCA KICKOFF PARTY” at the Ball’s Falls Conservation Area in an idyllic spot above the Niagara Escarpment in the municipality of Lincoln.

That’s right – not an ‘I love conservation party’ or an ‘I love Niagara’s natural heritage or the region’s watersheds party’, but an ‘I love the NPCA party’ because, after all, with all of the controversy swirling around the way the NPCA’s current rostrum of managers do business these days, it’s little wonder the NPCA honchoes are looking for a little more lovin’. Continue reading →

NPCA Announces that 2 Staff Members Are Returning & Unveils Huge Initiatives

A News Release from  the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Posted October 26^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

NPCA chair and Fort Erie regional councilor Sandy Annunziata

Niagara, Ontario. – At a celebration held today . (October 25, 2017 at the Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) was pleased to learn that the Auditor General has agreed to audit the NPCA. Chair Sandy Annunziata shared the following statement:

“With today’s announcement, we are grateful for the news that the Boards request to invite the Auditor General to conduct a value for money Audit of the NPCA has been approved. It as our hope that all CA’s in the Province will follow the lead of the NPCA and invite the Auditor General of Ontario into their organizations.

We will be reaching out to the AG and setting up meetings with our Audit Committee in order to start the process. We look forward to providing all resources and information to the Auditor General’s team. Continue reading →

 Read A The Transcript Below of Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster’s Call for a full audit of the NPCA

A Dispatch from Doug Draper,  reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted October 26th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

In an interview with Niagara At Large this October 24th, Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster said she is “very hopeful” that Ontario’s Auditor General Bonnie Lsysk will follow through on a request, approved unanimously, by the provincial legislature’s all-party Standing Committee on Public Accounts to do a full audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations.

The ball appears to be in Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk’s court now on doing a full, independent audit on the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations.

The decision by the committee, made up of five Liberals, two Progressive Conservations and one NDP member, to support Forster’s motion for Lysyk to move forward with what would be the thorough, independent audit many citizens and local municipal councils across Niagara and Hamilton have wanted for several months now is in the hands of the Auditor General’s Office  now, Forster said, and she is optimist the Office will act favourably.

“My hope for the audit by the Auditor General  is to actually restore openness, fairness and accountability in the operations of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority for the people that pay the freight.” Continue reading →

Some Good News from Nora Reid, Chair of Welland’s Central Station Education Initiative

Posted October 26^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – With a cheer and a toast, the Central Station Education Initiative thanked Welland city councillors for their support.

Welland’s Central Fire Hall, circa 1920, Welland, in the region of Niagara, Ontario.

Last Tuesday, City Council at its regular meeting agreed to lease the Welland Central Fire Station to CSEI for five years at $1 a year.

The not-for-profit volunteer group will oversee the 1920 heritage building and praised councillors for seeing the value in protecting this downtown Welland asset. Continue reading →

Western New York area Congressman Brian Higgins Says, “As We Tear Down the Parkway, We Build Up This Great City”

News from the Buffalo, New York office of U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted October 26th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) welcomed the public meeting to detail final design and removal of the Robert Moses Parkway North in the City of Niagara Falls. 

A stretch of the Robert Moses Parkway (renamed ‘Niagara Scenic Parkway’, along Niagara River upstream from the Falls. The Robert Moses continues along the lower Niagara River through Lewiston to Youngstown at mouth of river.

Higgins said, “For too long there has been a disconnect between arguably the most magnificent waterfront in the world and the City that gets its name from this natural wonder.  Millions of people visit Niagara Falls each year but the people who live here and operate businesses here aren’t enjoying the full benefit of the City’s status as a premiere destination.” 

“Removal of the Robert Moses Parkway represents a giant step in righting a historic injustice and reconnecting the community with its waterfront.  As we tear down the Parkway, we build up this great city.” Continue reading →

A Brief One from Doug Draper, publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted October 25^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

An all-party committee of the Ontario legislature has passed a motion, tabled by Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster, to conduct a full financial audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations.

Citizens, local municipal councals across Niagara and Hamilton and area members of provincial parliament, including Forster, St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley and Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff have joined a push for a full, independent audit of the NPCA for more than a year now – a push that has been met, for the most part, with a good deal of resistence and political game-playing on the part of senior managers and board members at the NPCA, and a majority on Niagara’s regional council.

The call for an afull audit has been driven by growing questions and concerns in recent years over the NPCA’s hiring and firing practices, its land-transaction practices, its tendering of contracts and other matters involving the spending of millions of municipal and provincial taxdollars.

The motion tabled by Cindy Forster, which was passed by the all-party committee earlier this Wednesday, Ocober 25^th, reads as follows –

“I move that pursuant to section 17 of the auditor general act, that the standing committee on public accounts request that the auditor general conduct a full financial audit of the Niagara peninsula conservation authority”

Stay Tune to more on Niagara At Large on this development in the ongoing NPCA saga.

NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space below the Bernie quote.

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 binational 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 Least Sarah Palin May Have Been Good for a Few Laughs

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 24, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Back around last April Fools’ Day, stories began circulating that Donald Trump might pick America’s oh-so-loopy Tea Party princess, Sarah Palin as his recently installed autocracy’s ambassador to Canada.

I remember fellow Canadians expressing horror over the thought that  the former Alaska governor and vice-presidential candidate would be given anything to do with a country she didn’t even know was America’s largest partner while she was running for an office that would have her sitting a heartbeat away from the presidency – until, of course, these Canadians decided this must be an April Fools’ joke.

Yet having Palin seated on the throne in U.S. Embassy headquarters in Ottawa might at least offer a little SNL-like humour as we watch her finally discover that there is something called the North American Free Trade Agreement her country signed a few decades ago with Canada and Mexico just before her boss in the White House rips it up, which Trump probably will unless terms are agreed to that could possibly ravage dairy farmers, auto workers and people working in  other key sectors of Canada’s economy. Continue reading →

“We need the government to lead us into a sustainable future that protects all lakes and rivers and people’s right to navigate them.” – David Suzuki,  scientist, environmentalist and long-time host of CBC TV’s Nature of Things

News from Council of Canadians water campaigner Emma Lui

Posted October 24rth, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario – Leading environmental organizations, Indigenous nations and prominent people in Canada are calling on Prime Minister Trudeau and the federal government to restore protection for 99% of all lakes and rivers in Canada.

Five years ago this October, the former government removed protections from all but 97 lakes, 62 rivers and three oceans under the Navigable Waters Protection Act, now named the Navigation Protection Act (NPA). Continue reading →

Hike For The Trees To Protect Old Growth Forest

An Invite to You from the Sierra Club of Canada, Niagara Wetlands Theater, Food Not Bombs

Posted October 24th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara conservationist John Bacher in on of region’s forested areas in Niagara Escarpment corridor with fellow conservationist. Photo courtesy of Thaia Jones

Niagara, Ontario – Recently the Ontario government extended the Greenbelt to protect the valley of the Twelve Mile Creek and lands adjacent to Lake Gibson.  This will protect critical wildlife habitat for magnificent species such as the Great Blue Heron and safeguard’s Niagara’s drinking water.

Not yet protected by the Greenbelt however, is a 16 acre stretch of predominately old Growth Forest on Lockhart Drive in St. Catharines, immediately below the Niagara Escarpment. It is home to giant old growth hickory, oak and walnut trees, and has vernal pools, which provide breeding habitat to frogs and the Blue-Spotted Salamander.

Come out on Saturday, October 28^th at 2pm to celebrate and strengthen Ontario’s Greenbelt. There will be exciting activities such as hiking, tree measuring, and eating a cake prepared for the occasion. Activities are will start at the Brock University Research and Innovation Center, 130 Lockhart Drive.

Event sponsored by Sierra Club of Canada, Niagara Wetlands Theater, Food Not Bombs

Join the tour. Photo courtesy of Thaia Jones

NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space below the Bernie quote.

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 binational 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

Commentary from Ynonne Siew Chung Ho and John Bacher, Sierra Club Ontario

Posted October 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

“Conservation Authorities since 1946 have played a major role in protecting Ontario’s landscape from deforestation and consequently, rescuing the province from the blights of desertification and flooding…

Since changes in 1996 which made municipal councils responsible for the appointment of conservation authority boards, they have been weakened to the threats caused by urban sprawl over critical wildlife habitat.”

A look inside Thundering Waters Forest and its provincially significant wetlands in Niagara Falls, Ontario – now a target for urban development

The struggle to rescue two of Ontario’s great wetlands shows the need to restore provincial oversight over our conservation authority boards.

This removal previously ensured by the appointment of the chair and four other members to conservation authority boards was one of the worst excesses of the “common sense” revolution of Premier Mike Harris. Continue reading →

Open Letter from NDP MPPs Peggy Sattler and Cindy Forster to Premier Kathleen Wynne on college labour dispute

Posted October 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

College faculty across Ontario on strike. More than half a million students out of class.

Queen’s Park, Ontario — This past Friday, October 20th,   ND P critic for Advanced Education and Skills Development Peggy Sattler and NDP Labour critic Cindy Forster released the following open letter to Premier Katheen Wynne regarding the labour dispute at colleges throughout Ontari

To Premier Kathleen Wynne, Legislative Building, Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario

Dear Premier:

College faculty and over 500,000 Ontario students are disappointed by your inaction as we approach the second week of the labour dispute at colleges throughout the province. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from the Rochester People’s Climate Coalition, ACE NY, New Yorkers for Clean Power, Mothers Out Front, Frack Action, Alliance for a Green Economy and The Harley School, sponsors of the New York Climate Solutions Summit 

Posted October 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

You don’t want to miss this.

A Climate March this past spring in Buffalo, New York. File photo by Doug Draper

We are pleased to announce and support the NY Climate Solutions Summit on Saturday, October 28th in Rochester, NY!

The NY Climate Solutions Summit invites both new and experienced clean energy and climate organizers from across the state to gather and learn about case studies, experiences, projects, resources, and skills that will help their communities implement climate change solutions.

Presenters will share case studies on solar, wind, geothermal heating and cooling, energy efficiency, transportation, environmental justice, and land use, in addition to workshops on movement building and technical skills. More details on the full program can be found here.

Former Sierra Club President Aaron Mair and Acclaimed Author and Ecologist Sandra Steingraber will be our Keynote Speakers Continue reading →

“It’s time for our government to get real about cutting electricity costs. It’s time to make a deal with Quebec, which has guaranteed power available year-round at an incredibly attractive price.” – Ontario Clean Air Alliance

A Call-Out from Angela Bischoff, Outreach Director for the Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Posted October 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

How to actually cut electricity costs

Ontario’s Auditor General is slamming the Wynne government for its use of creative accounting to hide the real cost of bloated nuclear projects.

Instead of using accounting tricks, the government could actually cut costs by simply taking Quebec up on its offer to supply the province with low-cost wawouter power.

If Ontario signed on to the deal offered by Quebec this summer and scaled back the already over budget Darlington rebuild project, it would save Ontario ratepayers more than $12 billion over the next 20 years. And we could save even more if we made a deal with Quebec to supply enough power to replace Darlington entirely. Continue reading →

“We had heard from our membership that the initial plan would have greatly hurt business growth and prosperity, especially for our small businesses. … We are glad that the government acknowledged our voice and that it is flexible enough to revise policy in accordance with new information.” – Mishka Balsom, President & CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

A Commentary from the Greater Niagara and Canadian Chambers of Commerce

Posted October 23^rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce CEO Mishka Balsom

Niagara, Ontario — The GNCC and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcome the government’s plans to revise its proposed tax reforms and to reduce the small business tax rate as a result of the comments and concerns expressed through the national #ProtectGrowth campaign and in consultations.

“We are pleased to see that the Government of Canada has responded positively to the outpouring of feedback from the business community,” said Mishka Balsom, President & CEO of the GNCC. “We had heard from our membership that the initial plan would have greatly hurt business growth and prosperity, especially for our small businesses. Together with Chambers of Commerce across the country, our voice was loud and strong. We are glad that the government acknowledged our voice and that it is flexible enough to revise policy in accordance with new information.” Continue reading →

Let’s Have The Fate of Regional Government in Niagara put to a ballot in the 2018 Municipal Elections

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

Posted October 30^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Let me ask you something.

How many of you – and I’m  putting this to all of you who are living and doing business  in one of the 12 local municipalities across Niagara, Ontario right now –would like to get rid of Niagara’s regional council?

How many out there would join in possibly the largest street party this region has ever seen if that happened?

The current edition of Niagara regional council with some senior regional staff in the mix here, holding signs urging us to ‘stop bullying’.

If somehow a question could be put on next year’s municipal election ballots, asking if you would be in favour of completely scrapping the regional level of government in Niagara and keeping the 12 local councils and run Niagara-wide services like policing, waste management, water and wastewater treatment, roads, transit, public health, long-term care and affordable housing – all as public utilities with the mayors or an alternate from  each of the 12 councils sitting on public utility boards – would you support that? Continue reading →

 A Brief Commentary by  Niagara West-Glanbrook Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted October 20^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Queen’s Park, Toronto  – Explosive new documents in the civil lawsuit against the Government revealed that the Liberals deliberately planned for the “collapse” of the horse-racing industry, which they knew would lead to “23,000 job losses and 27,000 dead horses.”

 Reports also indicate that breeders were forced to sell off horses to livestock exchanges.

“The horse-racing industry has had a long and important history in Niagara and across the province and deserves to be treated with respect,” stated Oosterhoff. Horses have been racing at Fort Erie since 1897. The celebrated Fort Erie race track is one of the biggest employers in southern Niagara.  Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Jacob Falardeau, a Welland, Ontario native, college student and member of the Council of Canadians, a nation-wide citizens advocacy group

Posted October 19^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

We are living in a golden age of post-secondary education; this September marked the first time in history the poorest youth in our society finally have access to post-secondary education thanks to a revamped OSAP that includes “free” tuition.

At least, that’s what the provincial government would have you believe.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne recently applauds her government’s efforts to offer ‘free tuition’ to large numbers of province’s college and university students

As a matter of fact, the so-called “free tuition” is anything but. The revamped OSAP program has many flaws that are seldom mentioned by the government. Continue reading →

Environmental Restoration Efforts Continue on American side of Niagara River

News from Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and the Office of Brian Higgins, U.S. Congressman for Buffalo area.

Posted October 19th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York – Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, Congressman Brian Higgins and state and federal partners provided an up close look this past Monday, October 16th on the quickly progressing habitat restoration at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Ohio Street Boat Launch.

Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins (right) speaks this past October 16th, as Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper reps and other partners look on as ongoing efforts to restore habtitat on American side of Niagara River watershed are outlined.

Through the investment of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding, this popular park is being enhanced to include improved wildlife habitat and public access to the Buffalo River along the Ohio Street Corridor.

“Remediation of the Buffalo River has been active for nearly a decade, however we are finally at the stage of this effort where the restoration work is becoming more visible”, said Jill Jedlicka, executive director of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper. Continue reading →

Join the Broadbent Institute – October 29th, 2017 – as the U.S. Senator former. presidential candidate e shares his views on ‘Medicare for All’

News from the  Broadbent Institute

Posted October 19^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Last month (this past September 2017) Bernie Sanders was all over the news when he unveiled his “Medicare for All” bill.

We’re pleased to announce that he will be bringing his vision for healthcare to Toronto. Continue reading →

Here’s hoping that the biggest winner of the NPCA games is the environment

A Commentary by Carolyn Ioannoni, a member of Niagara Falls, Ontario’s city council

Posted October 18th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

This past Monday, October 16th, I attended a St. Catharines city council meeting.

Niagara Falls city councillor Carolynn Ioannoni

Council meetings around the Niagara Region have begun to feel like episodes of Survivor. They are being viewed, not for what they are positively accomplishing for the communities they serve, but to see who, in a manner of speaking, will be kicked off the island.

I must say in all honesty, I rather enjoyed being on the viewing side of the audience for a change. The view was so much clearer as a spectator as opposed to a player in the blood bath game of politics that has become the norm in Niagara.

The topic of the evening that brought out environmental activists and union protestors alike was a motion tabled by St. Catharines Councillor Bruce Williamson that would call on the Premier of Ontario to “immediately appoint a supervisor to take over the operations of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority”. Continue reading →

‘All nations need to stand up to Trump and his minions and go forth together without him. Trump needs to be made an international pariah.’

A Commentary by Linda McKellar, a Niagara resident and frequent contributor of commentary to Niagara At Large

Posted October 18^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Dump Trump!

Canada has great relationships with MANY more countries than the United States does so no big effort should be required to form new alliances with China, India, the EU, Japan and dozens of countries – all of whom would be more fair and are becoming much more progressive in technology and environmental concerns.

It’s as if we are addicted to the U.S.  as our only source of economic stability. No addiction is a good addiction. It must end. Continue reading →

News from the Office of Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted October 18^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Fort Erie/Niagara – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath was in Fort Erie this past Tuesday, October 17th to watch the final race of the season at the Fort Erie Racetrack; and to join Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop, track officials and Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates to discuss the long-term financial security of the horseracing industry in the Niagara region.

“The track is vital to Fort Erie’s economy,” said Horwath.  “We need to make sure that there are enough race days to keep the industry healthy. The Wynne Liberals allowed problematic new stabling policies to hurt Fort Erie – and it’s incumbent on them to fix that before this track is devastated, jobs are lost and the local economy suffers.” Continue reading →

Up to $5 Million Available to Bring Ideas to Life

An Invitation for Public Input from the Ontario Government

Posted October 18th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ontario launched Budget Talks today, an online consultation that allows the public to help shape policies and programs that will be part of Ontario’s future.

“Ideas brought to life through Budget Talks have shaped policies that are delivering results for people in communities across the province.” – Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa

The government will provide up to $5 million to fund up to five proposals identified and voted on by the public as part of the 2018 Budget. 

Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, and Yvan Baker, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, made the announcement today in Toronto.

This is the fourth year in a row the government has engaged the public in the development of the Ontario budget through Budget Talks, and the second year that funding will be allocated directly to citizen-led proposals. Continue reading →

St. Catharines ranks Number 16 out of 25 on list in Canada Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) report

“Women in St. Catharines are more likely than men to have completed high school, college or university.’ – from CCPA report

“St. Catharines ranks near the bottom of the list when it comes to women’s access to leadership positions.” – from CCPA report

News  from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Posted October 17^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario —A new study released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) uncovers the best and worst cities to be a woman in Canada. Victoria ranks highest, while big gaps in income and employment leave Windsor in last place for the second year in a row.

The report, by CCPA Senior Researcher Kate McInturff, gives an annual snapshot of the gaps between men’s and women’s access to economic and personal security, education, health, and positions of leadership in Canada’s largest 25 metropolitan areas. It captures inequalities that can be attributed, at least in part, to discrimination based on gender. Continue reading →

‘Even though we are facing climate calamity, environmental and conservation groups don’t put themselves on the line.            They’re too Canadian-polite.’

A Commentary by veteran Canadian journalist Nick Fillmore

Posted October 6^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Introduction:
This article is for the many thousands of individual Canadians who give $-millions each year to environmental and conservation groups.

When it comes to fighting climate change*, you’re not getting your money’s worth. I’ve monitored the environmental movement for five years and draw the conclusion that the biggest and wealthiest groups are seriously letting down the Canadian public with weak and disjointed campaigns.

One of many climate marches held across Canada in recent years

Unfortunately, groups are never held accountable by institutional donors or media. It’s now up to concerned Canadians to see if you can influence them to do a better job.

See the bottom of this article to find out how you can help.

Note: * I’ve decided that the term “climate change” no longer describes the devastation the earth is experiencing. From now on I will use the term “ecological collapse.” Continue reading →

“This is wonderful news for Niagara, a region with over 12,000 small businesses which employee thousands of local, hard-working, employees.”                                                                                – Niagara Centre Riding MP Vance Badawey

News from the Niagara Centre Constituency Office of Liberal MP Vance Badawey

Posted  October 17^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Government Responds to Tax Fairness Consultations

Niagara Centre (Ontario) MP Vance Badawey

Niagara Centre, Ontario – This October 16th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minsister, Bill Morneau, announced upcoming changes to the small business tax rate.  Already the lowest small business tax rate in the G7, the Government of Canada will be lowering the small business tax rate to 9 per cent from its current rate of 11 per cent. The small business tax rate applies to the first $500,000 of active business income.     

The Government continues to work on building the economy by helping families and businesses prosper. Continue reading →

City Councillors decide at October 16th meeting to wait for staff report on issue

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 16, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – City councillors in St. Catharines have deferred a motion calling on the Ontario government to appoint a special supervisor to take over the management of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

One of many public demonstrations fueled by concerns and questions over the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority does business with millions of our municipal tax dollars – this one last year in front of the NPCA offices in Welland.

The motion, introduced at the council’s October 16^th meeting by veteran city councillor Bruce Williamson, charges that a special supervisor is needed because, among other things, the current NPCA managers and board members “continue to demonstrate an inability to operate an effective Conservation Authority that respects its mandate and operates in a transparent and accountable way.”

Williamson’s motion went on to talk about the recent laying off of front-line staff needed to perform its role as a protector and preserver of environmental lands. Continue reading →

A Commentary by Doug Draper followed by Statements from Niagara College and Union representing College Faculty

Posted October 16, 2017 on Niagara At Large

When Ontario’s colleges or universities are shut down due to a strike, it is almost always the students, stuck in the middle, who pay the highest cost, regardless of what side, faculty or administration, is right or wrong.

As of this Monday, October 16^th and for who knows how long, more than 10,000 students at Niagara College in Niagara, Ontario, along with about half a million college students across the province, are now out of class thanks to a strike called by the union representing faculty following a breakdown in negotiations with Ontario’s college administrators.

From some of the reports I have read in newspapers and heard on radio this October 16^th, at least some students support their teachers on this strike call and some – possibly the same students expressing that support – are also insisting that at least some of their tuition be paid back for any lost academic time the strike causes. Continue reading →

Concerns Arise Over Ontario Tory Leader’s New Proposals To Roll Back The Clock On Environmental Protection

From the Office of Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted October 16th,  2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto  – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is demanding to know when Kathleen Wynne learned about the unending series of toxic chemical leaks in Sarnia’s Chemical Valley, and why she and the Liberals took no action when a plume of toxic benzene was released into a residential neighborhood.

Demonstrators take a toxic tour through Sarnia, Ontario’s ‘Chemical Valley’

“The premier must explain why the people of Sarnia were not warned by the Ministry of the Environment about a cancer-causing chemical wafting toward their front doors and why they didn’t send an investigator in after the spill to figure out what went wrong,” Horwath said Monday during the legislature’s question period. Continue reading →

Motion – to be tabled at Monday, October 16th council meeting – calls on Premier to “immediately appoint a supervisor to take over the operations of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority”

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 14th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Veteran St. Catharines city councilor Bruce Williamson will table motion calling on Ontario Premier to appoint special supervisor to take over management of NPCA

Niagara, Ontario – St. Catharines’ city council could be the first local in Niagara to call on Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and her government to use whatever powers it has to appoint a special supervisor to come in and sweep out the senior managers and board of directors at a Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority man across the region feel has gone rogue.

If the motion – to be introduced for a vote this coming Monday, October 16^th by veteran St. Catharines councillor Bruce Williamson – is passed, the city’s council would join a growing number of private citizens across the region, provincial representatives like Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster and the Ontario Public Services Employees Union (OPSEU), a union representing some of the NPCA’s front-line employees, in calling on the Ontario government for a complete change of management at the Conservation Authority. Continue reading →

The Next Municipal Elections are now only One Year Away and      the NPCA 10 Have Got to Go

At Long Last, It’s Time For We the People to Vote Out this Wrecking Crew!

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

Posted October 14t^h, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Who are the NPCA 10?

They are the 10 municipally elected politicians appointed by a Niagara regional council chaired by Al Caslin to sit on the 15-member Board of Directors of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA).

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board of directors in session at one of their monthly meetings earlier this year.

And according to the NPCA’s recently anointed CAO Mark Brickell and Sandy Annunziata, one of the NPCA 10 and a Fort Erie regional councillor who serves as the Board’s chair, at news conference they participated in this October 4^th, the NPCA is doing a great job. Continue reading →

Province’s NDP Leader Andrea Horwath  calling for standalone Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions

Posted October 13^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

St. Catharines/Niagara —This October 13th, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath met with the Pathstone Mental Health team at the Branscombe Mental Health Centre in St. Catharines, and renewed her commitment fix Ontario’s fractured mental health system after hearing about alarmingly long wait times for children in need of mental health care.

“The administrators and staff I met with today see too many people requiring urgent mental health services left languishing on waiting lists,” said Horwath. “Niagara families feel abandoned by a government that forces their kids to wait nearly a year for the services they need to thrive. And Pathstone staff are run off their feet as they cope with a Liberal government that hasn’t increased their base funding in a decade, even as needs continue to rise.”  Continue reading →

Free and Open to All Wednesday, October 18, 2017 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.   United Way of Buffalo & Erie County 742 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

A Call-Out from Citizens for Regional Transit in Buffalo, New York

Posted October 14th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Metro rail transit cars gliding through downtown Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York  –  On Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., Citizens for Regional Transit (CRT) hosts a quarterly meeting featuring speakers from the NFTA, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and Lyft to discuss the future of transportation in our community and the role that ridesharing could play in supplementing public transit.

When ridesharing became legal in Upstate New York this past summer, many Western New Yorkers were relieved to finally have access to the popular transportation option available in cities across the U.S. Continue reading →

A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted October 14^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

​Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region is holding a series of Open Houses to give residents the opportunity to review and ask questions about land use plans (Secondary Plans) that will guide development for the areas surrounding Niagara’s four proposed GO Train station sites.

The draft Secondary Plans were developed with resident input and provide a planning framework to guide future transit-oriented development and redevelopment in and around GO Station areas. The plans provide policy direction on land use, scale of development, and improvements to infrastructure required to accommodate future growth within the station areas. Continue reading →