Author Archives: dougdraper

A News Release from the Ontario New Democratic Party

Posted May 5th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario – Wages are down and Ontario had 13,800 fewer full-time jobs in April compared to just one month earlier, according to the newest labour force survey data from Statistics Canada.

With about 12,000 less secure, part-time jobs created, the numbers paint a picture of Ontario being driven into a lower-wage economy at the same time as the cost of living is skyrocketing.

 “The cost of living – from hydro to housing and child care – is way up, but the number of good, stable jobs are down,” said the NDP’s critic for employment, Catherine Fife. “For young people trying to break into their career, the search is getting harder and harder. As a result, too many young people are struggling to move out on their own. Couples are even putting off starting their family. People are really reaching their tipping point with Premier Kathleen Wynne continuing to do damage.” Continue reading →

A News Release from the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party

Posted May 5^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario – This morning, Statistics Canada released the monthly Labour Force Survey which contained Ontario’s job numbers for April. PC Economic Development, Employment and Growth Critic Monte McNaughton issued comments about the numbers.

 “Last month, Ontario lost 13,800 full-time jobs while adding just 12,300 part-time jobs. At the same time, the public sector continues to grow, this month adding 11,400 jobs while our vital private sector took another big hit, losing 25,500 good, well-paying jobs,” said McNaughton. “April also saw Ontario’s important manufacturing sector suffer further losses, dropping 4,100 key manufacturing jobs.” Continue reading →

Posted May 4th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

When the rain comes with flood warnings – again and again and again

Joint Statement on Heavy Rainfall, Potential for Flooding

From Bill Mauro, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Marie-France Lalonde, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services

“As communities across the province prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flooding over the next 24 hours, with some reports of flooding having started already, our government is working hard to prepare for any situation, and standing by ready to help. Continue reading →

(An NAL note – The following commentary was submitted to Niagara At Large in the wake of recent news that the Ontario government’s recent budget may contain funding for moving forward with plans to build a new, so-called ‘South Niagara’ hospital in the  southwest end of Niagara Falls – a location many south Niagara residents say is not accessible as it should be for south end residents, and certainly not as accessible as the existing Welland Hospital which they are determined to see kept open as a full-service hospital.)

A Commentary by Fiona McMurran

Posted May 4th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

How much longer are we going to be played for fools, people?

The Welland Hospital site in Welland, Ontario is the largest remaining hospital facility of its kind still operating in south Niagara. How long will that last? File photo by Doug Draper

The future of hospital services in south and east Niagara was an election issue last time we went to the polls provincially, and it looks like the same scenario for 2018. Why are we no further ahead?

The Niagara Health System’s HIP (Hospital Improvement Plan) was published in 2008. Many of us here in the REAL south Niagara have been fighting to keep hospital services in our municipalities.

Kevin Smith, sent in as NHS Superintendent, far from addressing our concerns, presented a report calling for far more drastic cuts, including the closure of the Welland General. That was in 2012. Continue reading →

“Flowers are better than bullets.” – Allison Krause, one of the students who was shot dead during anti-war protests at             Kent Statue U. on May 4th, 1970.

Posted May 4th, 2017 on Niagara At Large by NAL publisher Doug Draper

“Tin soldiers and Nixon coming, We’re finally on our own. This summer I hear the drumming, Four dead in Ohio,” from the song ‘Ohio, written by Neil Young and performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The song was banned on many stations across the United States in the spring and summer of 1970.

Memorial for students shot at Kent State University, May 4th, 2017 near the spot on campus where the students fell. File photo taken by Doug Draper during a 30th anniversary gathering at the university.

Watch ‘Soundracks – Songs that made History; Kent State and Vietnam’ on CNN this Thursday, May 4th at 10 p.m.

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

A Column by Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West-Glanbrook Riding

Posted May 4th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

In March, I attended hearings for Bill 84, the Medical Assistance in Dying legislation put forward by the provincial Liberals.

Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff

I listened to doctors, nurses, ethicists, religious leaders and human rights advocates who had travelled from across Ontario to bring forward their concerns about this law. After the federal Liberal government legalized physician assisted suicide last year, they wanted to ensure there was adequate consultation in the provincial implementation.

Faced with the situation of legal physician assisted suicide, health professionals need clear and explicit conscience protection so that they will not be forced to take part and contradict their deeply held personal convictions. Continue reading →

Watch the Video of Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster making her May 3rd Statement in the Ontario Legislature then contact your Niagara area mayor and regional councillors and urge them to stop  the bullying at the municipal government level NOW!

Posted by Doug Draper on Niagara At Large, May 3^rd, 2017

Click on the following to watch Welland Riding MPP deliver her statement in the Ontario legislature this May 3^rd about the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority – a publicly paid for body with a board of directors dominated by Niagara area mayors and regional councillors – and the move by that body to censure a highly respected veteran elected representative in Niagara, Lincoln regional councillor Bill Hodgson.  –

As posted in an earlier Niagara At Large piece on this site, here again, is a full transcript of Forster’s May 3^rd statement –

Ms. Cindy Forster: Today (Wednesday, May 3rd) I rise in support of Bill Hodgson, a member of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority board who is being censured by the board because he dared to express legitimate and valid concerns about a questionable RFP they recently issued.

Our community has raised serious concerns about the board’s lack of operational accountability and financial transparency. The Auditor General intervened, offering an impartial audit, one the board declined.

Perhaps fearful of what the AG may uncover, the board issued its own RFP, except it reported back to the very people it was supposed to be auditing.

The public called foul, we wrote letters; Councillor Hodgson did what was right: He questioned it. The NPCA retracted the RFP and decided to go back to the AG.

It’s clear that the NPCA board chair, Sandy Annunziata, in an attempt to cover up his and some of his board members’ own actions, will stop at no end to silence anyone who seemed to disagree.

The majority of elected municipal officials and our communities are fed up. It’s time for the government to appoint a supervisor to oversee the NPCA.

Today I stand alongside local Councillor Hodgson to send a strong message to the NPCA board chair, Sandy Annunziata, and his cohorts: We will not tolerate bullying and we will always stand up for transparency and accountability.”

For names and contact information for the mayor and directly regional councillors representing your municipality on Niagara’s regional council, click on – https://niagararegion.ca/government/council/profiles/default.aspx .

Tell them it is time to stop the bullying in regional government!

 For other recent Niagara At Large postings on this issue, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2017/05/03/niagara-mpp-cindy-forster-declares-support-in-ontario-legislature-for-embattled-lincoln-regional-councillor-bill-hodgson/ . 

And a May 2^nd News Commentary by  Niagara at Large publisher at – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2017/05/03/npca-board-takes-aim-at-one-of-its-own-members-lincoln-regional-councillor-bill-hodgson-with-move-to-censure-him/ .

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO COMMENT.

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.

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

“Today, I stand alongside local Councillor Hodgson to send a strong message to the NPCA (Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority) board chair, Sandy Annunziata, and his cohorts: We will not tolerate bullying and we will always stand up for transparency and accountability.”                                                         – Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

A Statement from Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster to the Legislative Assemply of Ontario

Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

Posted May 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ms. Cindy Forster: “Today (Wednesday, May 3rd) I rise in support of Bill Hodgson, a member of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority board who is being censured by the board because he dared to express legitimate and valid concerns about a questionable RFP they recently issued.

Our community has raised serious concerns about the board’s lack of operational accountability and financial transparency. The Auditor General intervened, offering an impartial audit, one the board declined.

Perhaps fearful of what the AG may uncover, the board issued its own RFP, except it reported back to the very people it was supposed to be auditing. Continue reading →

A Statement by  Bernie Sanders from his Facebook Page

Posted May 3rd,  2017 on Niagara At Large

Hundreds from Buffalo, New York area joined tens of thousands across North America this past April 29th in marches for action on climate change. Photo by Doug Draper

The fossil fuel industry, today, in many respects is like the tobacco industry of the 1950s. They lie, lie and lie – trying to deny or obfuscate the damage their product causes.

Unlike the tobacco industry, however, which kills people one at a time by selling a product which causes cancer, heart disease and a host of other ailments, the fossil fuel industry is threatening the lives of billions of people throughout the world – all at the same time.

Trump’s belief that climate change is a “hoax” is not just embarrassingly stupid, it is a threat to our entire planet.

Over the weekend, millions of people throughout the globe marched for sane environmental policies and for the need to transform our energy system away from fossil fuels to energy efficiency and sustainable energy.

The momentum is with us, not the fossil fuel industry. If we stand tall and keep fighting, we will win this struggle. Congratulations to all those who marched for the planet.

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

New OHIP+ Will Make Prescription Drugs Free For Everyone    24 and Under

A News Release from the Office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted May 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Premier Kathleen Wynne met with students at the University of Waterloo today to discuss how Ontario’s new OHIP+: Children and Youth Pharmacare Program will benefit them and their families.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. File photo

Last week, Ontario announced that as part of the 2017 Budget, it is moving to make prescription medications free for all children and youth 24 years of age and younger, regardless of family income. Coverage will be automatic, with no upfront costs.

Beginning January 1, 2018, the proposed program will improve access to prescription medications for more than four million children and young people, including students and young professionals who may not have access to comprehensive drug benefit plans as they pursue postsecondary education or begin their careers. Continue reading →

“The NPCA Board of Directors has a duty to demand from its members integrity and honesty at all times when conducting the important business of the Authority. We will continue to observe and uphold our legislative and fiduciary responsibility.” – NPCA board chair and Fort Erie regional councillor Sandy Annunziata in a May 1^st letter to Niagara regional chair Al Caslin, relaying board’s decision to censure Bill Hodgson.

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted May 2^nd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

I got the information I’m about to post earlier this May 2^nd and I have to admit, dear readers, I had to stop and take some deep breaths before I began writing this.

The doors that greeted Niagara area citizens when they first arrived at a meeting of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority this April 26th.

So let me start with a few words that may help put the crap that is coming down on Bill Hodgson in context.

Lincoln regional councillor and NPCA board member Bill Hodgson arriving at the April 26th board meeting – one that would not go well for him. Photo by Doug Draper

Along with 30 or so other citizens from across this Niagara region, I travelled to Ball’s Falls in Lincoln this past April 26^th for a monthly board meeting of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, only to find – for the second month in a row – the doors shut tight for a “closed session” of a board meeting the NPCA had listed on its website for a starting time of 9:30 a.m.

It is bad enough that we had to wait for more than an hour outside doors with broadsheets of paper taped over them so we couldn’t see in before we – the people who pay the taxes that fund this body – were finally let in. On other doors leading in to the building where the meeting was held, signs were taped up with the NPCA’s name and logo on them that read; “Aggressive or intimidating behaviour, harassment or course language will not be tolerated.” Continue reading →

“With anti-black police violence and Black Lives Matter in the news, … now was the time to revisit the events of May 4, 1992. – Simon Black, Assistant Professor in the Centre for Labour Studies at Brock University

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted May 2^nd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Feeling marginalized and targeted, a part of the population reaches its breaking point and takes to the streets in protest.

.

It sounds like something that could have taken place today, but Thursday, May 4 marks 25 years since the Yonge Street Riot took place in downtown Toronto. Continue reading →

 A Column y by Town of Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted May 1st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Town of Pelham in Niagara, Ontario – An odd thing happened at Regional Council last week. On a vote of 14 in favour and 11 against, Council nearly did not approve the agenda for our Thursday, April   28th  meeting.

What does that mean, and why?

The first order of business for any municipal council is to approve the agenda – that is agree on what to discuss and consider during the meeting. It’s usually approved without fanfare and the meeting begins.

But last week, after some other Councillors and I outlined our concern that the Chair neglected to include three Integrity Commissioner’s reports, 11 Councillors spontaneously voted against the incomplete agenda. Continue reading →

 “Getting access to life-saving medications isn’t going to get easier unless Ontario does something. … The NDP is ready to act on Pharmacare.”

A Statement from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted May 1st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park in Toronto, Ontario – The Wynne Liberal government refuses to commit to a universal Pharmacare program in Ontario – and NDP MPP Catherine Fife (Kitchener-Waterloo) asked the premier this past April 26th  why families like the Thurleys should have to stretch their finances to the breaking point to protect their health.

Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath, this April 24th, announces pharmacare plan for all in province

 “Families that are getting sick are being forced to make decisions that no Ontarian should have to make,” said Fife. “New Democrats have a bold plan to fix this for everyone – and it’s shameful that the Wynne Liberals and the Conservatives won’t get on board.”

Kitchener resident Peter Thurley had a series of surgeries that saved his life in 2015. But he’s now paying between $700 and $1,000 every month out of pocket for the medications he needs to continue his recovery. Peter cannot work while he’s recovering, and he’s run out of drug coverage. Continue reading →

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted May 1st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharings – Industrial agriculture might seem good on paper, but the trend of reducing biodiversity in the name of profits is harmful to communities.

Ripe tomatoes growing on the branches – cultivated in the garden

Liette Vasseur, a Brock University Professor of Biology, says many species of vegetable and fruit plants that have fed communities around the world for generations are being phased out to make room for large commercial crops such as coffee, tea, wheat and canola because of the strong international market demands. Continue reading →

Posted May 1st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce and the Buffalo-Niagara Partnership, Western New York’s regional Chamber of Commerce and private sector economic development organization, are pleased to announce a new strategic agreement that bridges their two organizations.

Under this agreement, members in one organization will be entitled to associate membership in the other. This agreement is designed to build cross-border business relationships and create new opportunities in our bi-national economy. Continue reading →

Also, would a code of conduct do the current administration of Niagara’s regional council any good?

More on this and other journeys in to the heart of darkness, to be posted here, in the days ahead on Niagara At Large

This Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board of directors meeting this past Earth Week, behind closed doors – AGAIN

Stay Tuned!

Enjoy the weekend and this Saturday, April 29th, 2017, March for the Earth’s Climate in you can – Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

For more on a March for Climate event that you can participate this Saturday, April 29th in Buffalo, New York, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2017/04/28/on-this-earth-week-a-message-from-the-mother-of-the-modern-day-environmental-movement/ .

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

–         Join the ‘People’s Climate March in Buffalo, New York, Saturday, April 29th, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.  – Details Lower Down

Posted by Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper, April 28^th, 2017

Rachel Carson – 1907 – 1964. Her courageous 1962 book Silent Spring became helped inspire the first Earth Day in 1970 and became a bible of the modern-day environmental movement. It should be mandatory reading in every school.

 Join the People’s Climate March Buffalo on Saturday, April 29th, 2017 starting at 1:30 p.m. at 1 Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo, New York near the City Hall and heading to CanalSide where it will wrap up at3:30 p.m.

by WNY Peace Center

WE RESIST! WE BUILD! WE RISE!

The new administration has attacked the hard-won freedoms and rights of the American people as well as the protections of our health and the health of our planet.

Continue reading →

Ontario is giving children and youth a better start in life by moving to make prescription medications free.

A News Release from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal Government

Posted  April 28th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Health Minister Eri Hoskinsis

“The Children and Youth Pharmacare program is the first universal drug program in Canada for youth 24 and under, providing access to prescription drugs to over four million young people.”   — Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

Premier Kathleen Wynne was joined this April 28th  by Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, at Jenner Jean-Marie Community Centre in Toronto to announce the new OHIP+: Children and Youth Pharmacare Program. Continue reading →

A News Story from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted April 28th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – A Brock University scientist says wine grapes are a “canary in the coal mine” for climate change’s impact on agriculture.

Pictured from left, CCOVI researcher and Brock professor Gary Pickering, has been working with research students Stephanie Small-Kelly and Margaret Thibodeau on projects that will help grape growers and wine makers overcome the challenges presented to the industry by climate change.

New data from NASA shows Earth has just experienced the second-hottest March in the 137 years records have been kept. As climate change slowly moves the temperature higher, the agriculture sector is keeping a close watch.

Gary Pickering says the vineyards sprawling across Niagara can serve as an early warning system for how increasing warmth is affecting agriculture. Wine grapes are good monitors of climate change impacts because of the “narrow geographic and climatic range required by most wine grape varieties,” Pickering says. Continue reading →

A Statement from the Ontario New Democratic Party

Posted April 28^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park –  For 14 years, the Liberals have had the power to make sure everyone in Ontario could afford their medicine, but instead, the Wynne government has only moved in the opposite direction – even trying to hike the price of medication for seniors last year.

 The NDP has made a commitment to create Ontario’s first universal Pharmacare program. In question period this past Tuesday, April 25th NDP Health critic France Gélinas asked Premier Kathleen Wynne why she refused to get on board with that plan.

 “Does the premier believe people in Ontario should have universal access to medication?” Gélinas asked.

One in four Ontarians doesn’t take their medication because of cost, and 2.2 million Ontarians have no prescription drug coverage at all. That number is expected to get worse as unstable and non-traditional work grows in Ontario.

‘’Our Pharmacare program would start by covering the 125 most common drugs – medications like asthma inhalers, birth control and blood pressure medication,’’ said Gélinas. The cost is estimated by the NDP and experts not to exceed $475 million – or one-third of one per cent of the provincial budget.

 “When I think of the people who leave their doctor’s office with a prescription that they’ll never be able to fill, it’s clear to me we can’t afford not to do this,” said Gélinas.

“When I think of the number of patients who end up in our already-overcrowded hospitals because they couldn’t afford to take their medication, I know we can’t afford to wait for a national Pharmacare plan. And when I think of the stress families face as costs pile up – costs like housing, hydro and medication –  while Premier Wynne watches; I know this should be a priority.

 “We need to deliver lower cost, less stress and better health to Ontario families. We need this Pharmacare plan, now.”

Audio:  https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/19807208/Q2_Gelinas_04-25-17.mp3

Video:  https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/19807208/Q2_Gelinas_04-25-17.mp4

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

Statement from Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown

Posted April 28th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The following is a statement from Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown on Budget 2017:

 “For 14 years this Liberal government has made life harder. This April 27th’s budget is more proof that Ontario families will continue to pay more and get less.

Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown

 “This is not a balanced budget. The government is hiding a more than $5 billion dollar operational deficit through cash grabs, unauthorized pension assets, and one-time and unusual revenue. The Wynne Liberals are cooking the books a year before the next election.

 “The Liberals have no plan in this budget to get the debt under control. They’ve more than doubled the debt in just 14 years, and Ontario is worse off as a result. It’s eroding the services Ontario families depend on, and places a burden on future generations that they don’t deserve. Continue reading →

An Invite and a Call-Out to You for support from Niagara Action for Animals (NAFA)

Dear friends of Animals

St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario – We are holding a yard sale fundraiser this Saturday, April 29^th,  94 Welland Avenue, St. Catharines (NAfA house) open from about 8:30 til noon.  

We have a variety of items to sell, including but not limited to: books, Martha Stewart magazines, DVD’s, children’s toys, dishes, car polishers, knick-knacks, household goods, lamps, bedside cupboard, tools, basketball hoop, some clothes, purses, shredder, some ‘pet’ supplies, basketball hoop and a George Foreman grill! and more.  Come by and say hello and see what you can find. Continue reading →

A Statement from the Office of Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted April 27^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – Showing how out of touch she is with Ontario families, Kathleen Wynne’s budget fails to undo the damage she has done to affordability for people, or the services they count on.

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

“What’s clear from this budget is that Ontarians waiting for a $15 minimum wage will have to wait for a change in government,” said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. “The 85 per cent of Ontarians that want a public hydro system and reform that will get their bills down, and keep them down – they’ll have to wait for a change in government. And the vast majority of the 2.2 million Ontarians without a drug plan won’t get the help they need until after the election.”

The Wynne government’s 2017-18 budget, released Thursday, ignores Ontarians who have been feeling the squeeze caused by high prices for hydro, housing, medication and so much more. Continue reading →

“Finance Minister Charles Sousa committed funding for our health care future, specifically for a new south Niagara hospital.”

News from Niagara Health (former known as the amalgamated Niagara Health Service or NHS)

Posted April 27^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Our vision to build a healthier Niagara got a significant boost today with the provincial government’s announcement that it will be investing in healthcare in our region.

This billboard sign, on a green site in south Niagara Falls, has been up now for more than half a decade. File photo by Doug Draper

Finance Minister Charles Sousa committed funding for our redevelopment plans, specifically for a new south Niagara hospital. There are many other areas mentioned such as: primary care improvement and wait time reduction funding with further details to follow. Our redevelopment plans are before the Ministry for feedback and approval. Continue reading →

In a letter, Forster also seeks assurance no records will be destroyed prior to audit

“Given the existing climate and the interest of the Auditor General in providing public assurance to our communities, I trust that the board fully appreciates the importance of retaining any and all pre-existing documents.”                          – Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

A letter to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority from Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster, with a Brief Foreword from NAL publisher Doug Draper

Posted April 26th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Niagara, Ontario – At a meeting this April 26th of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board of directors, St. Catharines regional councillor and board member Bruce Timms (until this past January the board’s chair) tabled a motion that commits the NPCA to destroying none of its records until an audit is performed – possibly by Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk’s office – on its books.

A meeting of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board of directors, File photo by Doug Draper

Timms’motion was approved by the 15 member board – 11 of which are Niagara regional councillors and mayors of area municipalities – in the wake of concerns raised by numerous area residents, Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster and Ontario Public Service Employees Union president Smokey Thomson, whose union represents more than 20 NPCA employees, that managers at the Conservation Authority might destroy internal documents before a thorough audit is done of the body and before any and all court actions and wrongful dismissal complaints are dealt with. Continue reading →

“I have received several calls over the past few months from Cindy’s constituents who are growing tired of her obsession with the NPCA.” – from a recent email from St. Catharines regional councillor Andy Petrowski to Mike Haines, an executive assistant in Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster’s  constituency office.

A News Commentary by Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper

Posted April 25th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

We seem to have a growing trend of regional councillors in Niagara taking a keener and keener interest in the business of our local municipalities and members of provincial parliament in this Niagara region.

St. Catharines regional councillor Andy Petrowski has received word from Welland MPP Cindy Forster’s constituents upset over her NPCA “obsession.”

And isn’t that a good thing?

After all, what better person could we have scrutinizing the conduct of our local municipal councils and those we elect to represent us in the Ontario legislature than a member of Niagara regional council? Right?

Now here are just two of the more recent examples of what I am talking about here.

Late this past March, those of us who still dare to peak in on meetings of Niagara Region’s council were offered the spectacle of Port Colborne regional councillor David Barrick, who also serves as chair of the regional government’s budget and corporate services committees aside from his full-time administrative job at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, tabled a motion calling for a closer examination of the Town of Pelham’s financial well-being given that it might (according to wording in his motion) deal a serious blow to the credit rating for the entire region.

This reporter attended a town hall meeting arranged by Pelham’s municipal council this April 24th to address the concerns raised in Barrick’s motion, but so far – based on the questions and concerns addressed at that meeting, at least –Pelham’s finances don’t appear to have the makings of a budget bomb that could send shrapnel flying all over the peninsula. Not even close. Continue reading →

A Message from the Ontario Health Coalition, a not-for-profit, citizens advocacy group for better health care services in Ontario

Posted April 25^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – The Ontario Health Coalition welcomes the Ontario NDP’s announcement today of a proposed drug program to expand coverage to 2.2 million Ontarians.

Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath, this April 24th, announces pharmacare plan for all in province

Just as public health care, or “medicare”, covers hospitals and doctors, public pharmacare would be a public insurance program covering medicines.  It would improve the current patchwork of private insurance plans, the Ontario Drug Benefits program and the Trillium Drug Plan. Continue reading →

News from the Constituence Offce of Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Same Oosterhoff

Posted April 25th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West-Glanbrook riding MPP Sam Oosterhoff

In an open letter to Finance Minister Charles Sousa, Ontario PC MPP Sam Oosterhoff, representing the riding of Niagara West-Glanbrook, called on the government to finally stand-up for the Niagara Region in the provincial budget.

The Ontario PCs also echoed these calls in the legislature this April 24th at Queen’s Park. Audio and video of the question is below.

 “My question is to the Minister of Finance. I wrote to the minister last week. Continue reading →

Ontario Basic Income Pilot to Launch in Thunder Bay, Hamilton and Lindsay

News from the Ontario Premier’s Office

Posted April 25th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Hamilton, Ontario – Ontario is launching a pilot project to assess whether a basic income can better support vulnerable workers, improve health and education outcomes for people on low incomes, and help ensure that everyone shares in Ontario’s economic growth.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Premier Kathleen Wynne announced details of the Ontario Basic Income Pilot (OBIP) project this April 24th at LiUNA Station in Hamilton. The three-year study will test how a basic income might expand opportunities and job prospects of those living on low incomes while providing greater security for them and their families. Continue reading →

‘Four presentations (at a St. Catharines, Ontario public meeting) discussed regional initiatives for sustainable agriculture and the Niagara River Area of Concern.’

By Sally Cole-Misch, International Joint Commission

Posted April 25th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

At five IJC public meetings on the Great Lakes held March 21-29 around the basin, standing-room-only crowds packed venues in Canada and the United States to learn from presentations about topics reflecting local issues as they relate to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem, and to share their own thoughts and concerns.

The IJC held the meetings to obtain comment on the governments’ progress report released last fall, its own draft assessment of progress report released in January, and other issues that Great Lakes residents wished to address.

All comments – from presenters and the public – will be reviewed as part of the public input into a final Triennial Assessment of Progress (TAP) report to be released later this year. Continue reading →

News from the Niagara Dental Health Coalition

Posted April 25^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – A survey recently conducted by the Niagara Dental Health Coalition has found that cost and lack of health insurance are the two biggest barriers facing many adults in Niagara who are seeking dental health care.

The survey received 1,334 responses from Niagara residents aged 18 and over from across all twelve municipalities. 

 “Local health and social service agencies have told us anecdotally that they frequently encounter people across Niagara who face challenges accessing dental care,” says Lori Kleinsmith, Chair of the Niagara Dental Health Coalition. “The survey findings quantify what we have been hearing and allow us to tell a more complete picture of the ways lack of dental care access is impacting the lives of numerous Niagara residents.”

Continue reading →

‘The Willow Community Support Services is a non profit dedicated to offer safe and friendly spaces for its members,      age 18 and over.’

Posted April 25th, 2017 on Niagara At Large 

By Julia Blushak

Niagara, Ontario – The Willow Community Support Services may be a new kid in town (specifically St. Catharines, Ontario) but the organization knows how to make a distinct difference in quick time. In just 2 years, Executive Director Shauna MacLeod’s plan to provide recreation and creative services to Niagara residents with mental health and addiction diagnoses has developed into a vibrant community service.

TWCSS has even attracted recognition and support from the well-established Workman Arts in Toronto, providing professional guidance and the opportunity for future funding. Continue reading →

Men, Women and Children march to the chant  of – ‘There is no Planet B’!

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 24th, 017 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York – With a mental Neanderthal in the White House – a U.S. president who insists “climate change is “a hoax” and is doing everything possible to shred 50 years of environmental protection legislation – more than 2,000 people from the Western New York and Niagara, Ontario areas joined millions across the continent this April 22^nd Earth Day in a “March for Science.”

Photo at March for Science on Earth Day in Buffalo, New York, April 22nd, 2017 – Photo taken by Doug Draper

March for Science, Buffalo, photo taken by Doug Draper

The Buffalo, New York march was well-attended and ended with a giant rally in the city’s Delaware Park. Those in attendance repeatedly were energized and repeatedly spoke of their determination to use every peaceful and law-abiding means possible to stop Donald Trump gutting environmental protection in ways that puts further at risk the future of the only planet we have to live on for present and future generations.

As they chanted over and over again on their way down the city’s Lincoln Parkway to Delaware Park, ‘There is no planet B!” Continue reading →

 Learn more at a Town Hall meeting in Pelham – This Monday, April 24th, 6:30 p.m., at the the Pelham Fire Hall Station 1 off Highway 20

A Column from Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted April 24th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Town of Pelham, in Niagara, Ontario – Two months ago, I wrote about how Council approved our 2017 Operating Budget. Since the Province issued the property tax rate for Educational purposes last week, I can now provide you with an update on the total 2017 residential property tax bill.

You will recall that the amount of property tax you pay to the Town of Pelham, to the Region, and to the Province (for Education) is not solely based on the Market Value Assessment of your property; we multiply your assessment by each of these three tax rates and add them up for your total bill. Continue reading →

Find out for yourself tonight – Monday, April 24th at 6:30 p.m. – at a Pelham Town Hall meeting

The event reminder posted April 24th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

For a related story click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2017/04/05/pelham-council-fires-back-at-niagara-regional-councillors-charges-of-fiscal-mismanagement-by-the-town/ .

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

A Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Yom HaShoah

Posted April 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Yom HaShoah:

“At sundown tonight, Jewish communities and others in Canada and around the world will unite to commemorate the lives of the six million Jews who were systematically murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust.

Last tracks to the infamous Auschwitz death camp from the Second World War in Poland

“Memorial candles will be lit to honour victims and survivors. The Mourner’s Kaddish will be repeated, reaffirming the commitment of the Jewish people to God in the face of tragedy.

“The atrocities carried out during the Holocaust have caused some people to ask whether it is possible to still have faith in humanity. Yom HaShoah teaches us that we must maintain that faith. To honour the victims of the Holocaust is to recognize their humanity, which no human act can erase. Continue reading →

A Brief one from Doug Draper

Posted April 21st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

It is hard for me to believe that the very first Earth Day was held 47 years ago this Saturday on April 22nd, 1970.

The date fell on a weekday then and I am the person in the photo below, wearing a gas mask and holding the sign that reads’ “If you aren’t part of the solution, you are part of the pollution.”

I was with a few of my high school classmates and our principal agreed to let us out to picket in front of a Union Carbide plant in our hometown of Welland, Ontario which was notorious for emitting clouds of filthy dust and gases into the atmosphere. You could often follow the trail of this pollution for as far as the eye could see across the horizon. Continue reading →

“On behalf of my constituents, I strongly urge you to … reconsider the Auditor General’s offer of a free, independent, third-party audit.”                                                                                   – Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West Glanbrook

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 21st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff

A fifth Ontario member of the legislature from the Niagara and Hamilton regions has now joined a majority of local municipal councillors and many of the regions’ residents in urging the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to accept an offer from Ontario’s Auditor General to perform a through audit on its books.

Niagara West-Glanbrook Riding MPP Sam Oosterhoof – a Progressive Conservative Party member of the Ontario legislature elected by Tory Party members in his riding last year to replace retired MPP and former provincial PC Party leader Tim Hudak – has joined St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley, Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates and Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MPP Paul Miller in calling on the NPCA to let the province’s Auditor General, Bonnie Lysyk, audit its operations. Continue reading →

We’ve got a Niagara Regional Councillor who’s a Champion for Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. …                                And let’s Thank God for that!

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 21^st, 2017 in Niagara At Large

There is a quote I read in a newspaper earlier April 21^st that left me so breathless I almost hate to share it with you. But I don’t like gasping for air alone, so I am going to anyway.

Port Colborne regional councilor and corporate services committee chair standing strong for Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. . File photo

It is quote published in the St. Catharines Standard that has Port Colborne regional councillor David Barrick responding to concerns some people have raised about his decision this past April 19^th, as the regional government’s corporate services committee chair, to unilaterally move forward with a request made by St. Catharines regional councillor Andy Petrowski at the end of the committee meeting.

What Petrowski requested was to hold any and all code of conduct complaints the Region’s integrity commissioner is now reviewing in abeyance while regional staff determine if the Region’s current Code of Conduct complies with Canada’s Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Asked about a concern raised by at least one other member of the regional council – Pelham Mayor Dave Agustyn – that Barrick gave his blessing to a request that (if approved by a majority of regional councillors at their next general council meeting this April 27^th, effectively freezes the integrity commissioner’s review of complaints against any councillors and others until a review of the Code now on the books is completely, Barrick reportedly had this to say – “Maybe some people don’t respect our Constitution and our Charter of Rights and Freedoms; I, for one, do.” Continue reading →

Niagara Regional Budget Chair slams Pelham’s fiscal status. Now Hear the Town’s side of the story

An Invite to members of the public from the Town of Pelham

Posted April 20th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword from NAL publisher Doug Draper –

This Town of Pelham meeting has been called by the  town’s mayor, Dave Augustyn, and his council, at least in part, to respond to a motion tabled at a Niagara regional council meeting late this March by Port Colborne regional councillor and budget chair David Barrick, raising alarm bells  about Pelham’s financial status and the negative impact Barrick claims it could have on residents and businesses across Niagara.

Niagara At Large urges you to attend this April 24^th meeting to get Pelham’s side of the story from its town councillors and senior staff. Do not let Barrick’s charges stand for themselves. Come to this meeting, get the town’s side of the story and judge for yourselves.)

Evening with the Experts

As part of the Town of Pelham’s commitment to providing residents updates and information on all matters relating to the Town, we invite you to ask your questions to our panel of experts as they pertain to the financing of the Pelham Community Centre. All are welcome to attend, however, our goal is to provide first opportunity to Town of Pelham residents to ask questions. Continue reading →

A Brief One for You

Doug Draper, publisher, NAL

Posted April 20th, 2o17 on Niagara At Large

If I had the time and resources I once did as a reporter, I would certainly be interested in doing a story on this.

Those of you who are interested in Second World War stories and the involvement of Canadians in that history, may want to attend the following event if you can.

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

An Invite and a Call-Out to You for support from Niagara Action for Animals (NAFA)

Posted April 19^h, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Dear friends of animals

Join us this coming weekend – April 22^nd and 23^rd – for our Spring Adoption Event and Bake Sale Fundraiser!! We will have lots of furry friends looking for their fur-ever homes, and of course some yummy vegan treats for sale.

 Come visit us Saturday April 22nd and Sunday April 23rd at Pet Valu on Fitch Street in Welland.

Anyone willing to help us out by donating freshly baked vegan goodies for our bake sale, please contact Jami at jamicoughler@gmail.com .

Niagara Action for Animals is a non-profit, all volunteer charity devoted to ending all forms of animal cruelty through education, direct action and legitimate protest.

For more information on NAFA and its ongoing work for the animal we human are fortunate enough to share this world with, click on – http://www.niagaraactionforanimals.org/ .

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

A Call-Out from the Niagara Health Coalition and its umbrella group, the Ontario Health Coalition

• This Event has now been rescheduled to a date at the end of this coming May , so scratch the April 24th date posted below. More on this later.

Posted April 20^th, 017 on Niagara At Large

The Welland Hospital site in Welland, Ontario is the largest remaining hospital facility of its kind still operating in south Niagara. How long will that last? File photo by Doug Draper

Welland, Ontario – This coming MONDAY, APRIL 24, join us by getting on the bus from Welland for the Save Our Hospitals! Niagara Day of Action at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto.

Bus departs 6:30am from Welland Market 70 Young Street (between Young and Division Streets) Day at Queen’s Park . Meet MPPs, Go to Question Period, Watch Legislature Debate the Issues, Join a Media event, Pressure the Ontario Legislature to Stop the Closure of the Niagara hospitals. Bus returns, arriving back in Welland 4:00pm. Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 19^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Barely more than a week after the Niagara regional government’s recently re-hired integrity commissioner attended a meeting to receive public input on what changes, if any, should be made to the Region’s Code of Conduct, a stack of conduct complaints the commissioner apparently already has sitting on his desk may be held in abeyance for who knows how long.

Port Colborne regional councilor and corporate services committee chair David Barrick. File photo

How has this happened?

The answer can be found at the end of this April 19^th’s meeting of Niagara Region’s corporate services committee when St. Catharines regional councillor Andy Petrowski received committee chair David Barrick’s to speak under a final section of the meeting titled “other business.”

After clicking on his microphone for all in the regional council chambers to hear, Petrowski, who has recently acknowledged that he is the target of at least a few code of conduct complaints he insists are unwarranted attacks on the rights every Canadian citizen has to free expression, asked if the complaints now under review could be held in abeyance until the Region’s CAO, Carmen D’Angelo, and legal counsel on staff have an opportunity to determine whether the Code in Conduct now in play follows or complies with Canada’s Charter of Rights and Constitution. Continue reading →

A Brief One from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper

Posted April 18^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario citizen activist Ed Smith

Ed Smith, a Niagara, Ontario community activist and retired Canadian Armed Force officer who is facing a lawsuit in his pursuit of answers to questions and concerns many area residents, municipal councillors and MPPs are raising about the way the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) does business with our tax money, is scheduled to be a quest on CKTB’s Tim Denis Show this Wednesday, April 19th for a segment to air sometime between 8:30 and 9 a.m.

Smith has described the defamation suit, filed against him earlier this year by the NPCA and its former CAO (now the CAO for Niagara’s regional government) Carmen D’Angelo, an assault against him and to all citizens who dare to exercise their democratic right to question the way government does business.

He vows to win the case against him and has more recently filed a counter suit against the NPCA and its former board chair, St. Catharines regional councillor Bruce Timms, for allegedly damaging his character.

You can find CKTB’s Tim Denis Show on the AM band of your radio at 610 on your dial.

Niagara At Large plans to have a link to pod cast of the radio segment featuring Ed Smith posted later in the day.

If you wish to contribute to a legal defense fund for Ed Smith and want some more information on it, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2017/03/17/a-tremendous-show-of-support-at-legal-defence-fundraiser-for-niagara-citizen-ed-smith/ .

Catch more on the NPCA and other issues and events of interest and concern to residents in our greater Niagara region, spanning both sides of the Niagara River, on Niagara At Large in the days and weeks ahead. Become part of our online community of people seeking an alternative voice for news.

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

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 18th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

“Niagara, for me, it’s like a paradise, and I would like to make it better,” Benny Marotta, a person described as a “GTA (short for ‘Greater Toronto Area’) developer” by the Toronto Star in a story featured on the front page of that newspaper this April 17th.

Benny Marotta, as at least some of you may know, is not the only person staking claim to a desire to make Niagara better.

So is Niagara’s regional chair Al Caslin.

A four-page ad, wrapped around the front of every edition of Niagara This Week (published as ‘The Crier” in Niagara-on-the-Lake, “The Leader” in Port Colborne and by various other names in other parts of the Niagara region, features the blown-up headline; “Regional Chair Alan Caslin Delivers,” and goes on to showcase some of the ways Caslin and the regional council are “fostering an environment of economic prosperity.”

As Caslin would say to gin up the audience during his ‘State of the Region’ address this past March; ‘Now there is something to cheer about!”

Another person seemingly working to make Niagara better is Port Colborne regional councillor and the regional council’s budget chair David Barrick by calling out what he recently characterized as serious financial mismanagement by one of Niagara’s 12 local municipalities – the Town of Pelham – that could, according to Barrick,

Also working hard to secure a place in the ‘make Niagara better’ department is Fort Erie regional councillor Sandy Annunziata who sits on the board of directors of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and who this past January followed up his new post as the NPCA board’s chair with a statement that while he’s at the helm, the Conservation Authority will “strive to achieve balance by listening to all voices,” including “carpenters and trades people employed in the home building industry, skilled workers in manufacturing whose plant can’t expand, and farmers looking to maximize yields through expanding their land use.” Continue reading →

Has Ontario’s Premier Ever Read The Document?

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Posted April 17th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms –

 “For the past 35 years, the Charter has helped build a country where people from all over the world can come together as equals and create opportunities for one another.

The late Prime Minster Pierre Trudeau – father of now PM Justin Trudeau and Queen Elizabeth II, sign Canada’s Charter 35 years ago this April

“The Charter protects the rights and freedoms that are essential to our identity as Canadians. It allows us to express ourselves as individuals and to celebrate our differences, while bringing us closer as a country.

“This year, we also mark the 35th anniversary of Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which recognizes and affirms Aboriginal and treaty rights. There is no relationship more important to our government than the one with Indigenous Peoples. We are committed to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-to-Crown, and government-to-government relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. Continue reading →

 Beach cleanup season begins around the Great Lakes; Volunteers removed over 40,000 lbs of trash in 2016

A Call-Out from the U.S.-based Alliance for the Great Lakes

Posted April 17th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Working together as communities to keep our Great Lakes beaches clean.

As spring finally begins to appear around the Great Lakes, volunteers are heading out to beaches for a spring cleaning. The Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Adopt-a-Beach program mobilizes thousands of volunteers who give back to their local beaches each year. April, especially Earth Day, marks the unofficial beginning of the beach season around the Great Lakes as many groups hold their first Adopt-a-Beach events of the year. Continue reading →

Join a Public Meeting – this Tuesday, April 18 – on Plans for Metro Rail Extension to Amherst

Posted April 17th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, NY – On Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., Citizens for Regional Transit (CRT) hosts a public meeting featuring speakers from the NFTA (Rachel Maloney Joyner), the Town of Tonawanda (Supervisor Joseph Emminger), and the Town of Amherst (Eric W. (Rick) Gillert) to address plans for Metro Rail to extend to Amherst.

Light rail gliding through heart of downtown Buffalo, New York

Free and Open to All Tuesday, April 18, 2017 5:30 p.m. to         7:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m

When will it be done? Where will it go? How much will it cost? How will it be funded? What are the benefits to the surrounding communities, including Buffalo? These and other questions will be addressed by a panel, followed by questions from the audience.   Continue reading →

It might have something to do with ‘Authenticity’ and staying true to ideas that resonate with everyday people

“No poll conducted changed Bernie’s position on anything. Bernie Sanders is a true champion of the people.”

By Scott Galindez, Reader Supported News

Posted April 14th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

He is a self-described Democratic Socialist who is 75 years old.

He is not supposed to be the most popular politician in America, but he is.

He is not just loved by his natural base, the old left. He is the most popular politician with young people.

Bernie Sanders on the campaign trail in the spring of 2016

Establishment Democrats dismissed him as too radical. They ignored the voters and the polls that showed he was more popular than Hillary Clinton and would have beaten Donald Trump by more than she was expected to. Continue reading →

Join in the Earth Day activities this coming Saturday, April 22nd

An Invite from the City of St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario

Posted April 14^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario  – Celebrate Earth Day in St. Catharines with a number of activities focused on conservation and the environment.

Pitch-In Day

Help make St. Catharines a more beautiful place by taking part in the Pitch-In Day Clean City Clean Up Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

This year’s designated sites include: QEW off ramp at Lake Street (meet at the Best Western Plus parking lot at 2 North Service Rd., no children under 12 years old); Malcolmson Eco-Park (325 Lakeshore Rd.); Pic Leeson Park (meet at main entrance off of Bloomfield Street); Participark Trail (meet at trail parking lot on Old Glendale Road near Pelham Road and Glendale Avenue). Continue reading →

A Call-Out from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Posted April 13th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The former Ontario Power Generation coal-fired plant along the shores of Lake Erie in Nanticoke, was once the target of air pollution complaints from the New York State government.

(A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – As an environment writer, I have followed the work of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance for years and have no problem running this piece which includes an appeal for financial donations to continue their efforts to protect air quality and promote greener alternatives to carbon and nuclear-based sources of energy – even more so since this citizens organization often finds itself fighting interests with countless millions of lobby dollars at their disposal.

Whether you can or wish to give a financial donation is entirely your call, and if you can’t give money but want to help anyway, you can certainly do that by following the group’s efforts and supporting them from time to time, with calls to your provincial and federal members of parliament, or your congress and senate members across the border.)

Now here is the Ontario Clean Air Allaiance’s message –

Smell that?

Saturday marks the 3^rd anniversary of a coal-free Ontario. Take a deep breath and enjoy. Continue reading →

Supporting Clean Tech and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

“Global competitions such as this one play a key role in developing clean technologies that will help Ontario businesses and industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Working together to develop innovative solutions will help us fight climate change while preparing industries to thrive in a competitive, low-carbon economy.”
— Glen R. Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted April 13th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ontario is challenging local and international companies to develop the next generation of transformative clean technologies to help fight climate change.

The Solutions 2030 Challenge encourages companies to develop breakthrough technologies that will help Ontario’s industrial plants reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, meet the targets set in Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan, and increase innovation and entrepreneurship in the province. Continue reading →

 An Invite to All from the Niagara Parks Commission

Posted April 13^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks

Niagara Falls, Ontario  – Make a visit to Niagara Parks part of your Easter long weekend plans and check out the fantastic lineup of springtime activities and events from April 14 through to April 17. Continue reading →

A Heads Up from the City of St. Catharines

Posted April 13th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Forward to this release from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – Please give the following a read and consider that if this is going on in St. Catharines, it may also be going on in other municipalities across Niagara.

Over my years as an environment reporter, I was all too frequently contacted by people who felt they were being pressed by questionable parties to purchase home water treatment systems.

Some of these sales people  could be quite convincing in their delivery of sales pitches layered over with fear-mongering and falsehoods about the quality of our tap water

So please be weary and as Mark Twain, would say, have your B.S. detector working.)

Now here is the City of St. Catharines advisory –

St. Catharines/Niagara, Ontario – Residents should be on alert for door-to-door salespeople claiming to be authorized by the City to install water filters. Continue reading →

“Our government understands how important it is to conserve and restore our natural ecosystems and biodiversity.”                     – Ontario’s Kathryn McGarry, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

Province Investing in 105 Projects to Help At-Risk Plants and Animals

A News Release from the Ontario Government of Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted April 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Sandy Annunziata, a Niagara regional councillor for Fort Erie and now chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, with Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry in this file photo. The NPCA has approached the Ontario government to try a scheme called “biodiversity offsetting” to replace wetlands by growing new ones to make way for urban development in areas where wetlands exist.

Ontario is protecting species at risk and promoting their recovery by investing to create and rehabilitate habitats, conduct research on recovery efforts and threats and educate youth about at-risk plants and animals in their area.

Now in its eleventh year, the Species at Risk Stewardship Program helps find solutions to problems such as reversing the decline of pollinators in Ontario, preventing the spread of White Nose Syndrome among bat populations and determining what kind of artificial habitats can be installed to host barn swallow. Continue reading →

Jeffs one of 11 Niagara regional councilllors sitting on  board of Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

From the Office of Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown

Posted April 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The following is a statement from Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown on the nomination of April Jeffs as the Ontario PC candidate for Niagara Centre:

 “I congratulate April on her nomination as the Ontario PC candidate for Niagara Centre.

Wainfleet Mayor April Jeffs to run as Tory candidate in Niagara Centre Riding in 2018 Ontario election. The seat is currently held by NDP Cindy Forster

  “April brings a breadth of experience to our Ontario PC team. She is a two-term Mayor and Regional Councillor for the Township of Wainfleet, and a small business owner of 16 years. April knows firsthand the challenges the Liberal government’s policies have had on rural Ontario and her constituents. 

 “A lifelong resident of Niagara Region, April is passionate about her community and is active in organizations such as the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and the Niagara Children’s Centre. I am confident that April will be a strong voice for the residents of Niagara Centre at Queen’s Park.

 “After 14 years in power, life is harder with the Liberals. Ontario families are working hard, paying more, and getting less. Ontario deserves better.  

 “In Niagara Centre and across the province, the Ontario PC Party will continue to work hard for a better future. I look forward to working with April as part of our Ontario PC team as we share our positive message of change.”

In October 2016, April Jeffs was one of 10 Niagara regional councillors on the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board to vote ‘Yes’ for hiring former NPCA CAO Carmen D’Angelo as Niagara Region’s CAO. The only regional councillor sitting on the NPCA board who did not vote in favour of D’Angelo’s hiring was Linclon’s Bil Hodgson.

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

By Linda McKellar

Posted April 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper– The recent horrendous lethal gas attack on men, women and children in Syria and Trump’s reflexive response to it with missile strikes has raised concerns among people of all walks of life, on both sides of the Canada/U.S. border, over what is going on and where this is taking the world next.

The horror of Syrian chemical gas attacks

I am posting the following commentary because it embodies much of what I heard in recent days from people on both sides of the Niagara/Buffalo border, and from people from coast to coast who called CBC Radio’s open-line program, ‘Cross Country Check-up’ this past April 9th with their views on the humanitarian disaster now engulfing Syria and related areas of the world, and because I hope this commentary contributes to and stimulates further public dialogue on an issue that, if not handled properly, could trigger war on a more global scale.

– Now here is Linda McKellar’s commentary.)

The key phrase in the statement Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued following this past April 6th American missle strikes against a Syrian airfield, is “Canada will continue to support diplomatic efforts”.

We should BUT, while that sounds wonderful in an ideal world, the problem is that despots don’t use diplomacy. Continue reading →