Author Archives: dougdraper

A Statement from U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted April 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York – “As I have stated in the past, the fight in Syria is not a fight for freedom and democracy; it is a fight for raw power and control between a murderous dictator and violent extremists.”

“Reports of the use of sarin to brutalize the Syrian people by their government is barbaric and inhumane and rightly calls out for condemnation on the world stage.”

“While this targeted strike on the airfield which purportedly administered the chemical attack may be considered proportional, my previous stance on America’s role in Syria has not changed. I oppose wholesale American intervention in Syria, and the Congress must debate an authorization of the use of military force.”

“It should be noted that the Trump administration’s about-face on Syrian intervention demonstrates how ill-advised its policy of halting entry of helpless refugees from this war-torn country is.”

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 Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 9^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The First World War memorial in Welland, Ontario’s Chippawa Park. File photo by Doug Draper

When I was a young boy growing up in the late 1950s and early 60s in the Niagara, Ontario community of Welland, I would do what other boys sometimes did back in those days – we would grab our toy guns and play war games in nearby Chippawa Park, in the shadow of one of the region’s most moving memorials to those who fought for Canada during the First World War.

None of us probably knew it at the time – certainly I didn’t – but among the names on that memorial, so rightfully designated by the province as a site of historical significance, were those of two brothers from Welland, who fought in the fields of Vimy in France, 100 years ago this April. Continue reading →

“Many of the soldiers wearing the Canadian uniform that day were immigrants to this country. People of many languages and backgrounds, representing every region in Canada.”

From the Office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Posted April 9^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

This April 9^th, Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau issued the following statement for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge:

Canadians in the First World War trenches of Vimy Ridge – more than 10,000 were wiped out and wounded in the battle fought 100 years ago this April 2017

“One hundred years ago, on a gentle slope in France, the four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought for the first time as one. They were ordinary – yet extraordinary – men, from all corners of the country: Francophone, Anglophone, new Canadians, Indigenous Peoples.

“On Easter Monday, April 1917, battling through snow, sleet, and constant machine gun fire, they broke through an impregnable fortress and achieved a historic victory. They succeeded where other armies had failed – but at a great cost. Nearly 3,600 Canadians lost their lives. Over 7,000 more were wounded. The Battle of Vimy Ridge remains one of the bloodiest battles in Canada’s history. Continue reading →

Niagara regional councilor for St. Catharines, Brian Heit

“In summary, … the councillor did not contravene the Code as alleged in the Complaint. The Complaint is lacking in merit. There is no contravention of any of the provisions of the Code, including the provisions relating to “Release of Confidential Information Prohibited”, “Respect, Truth, Honesty and Integrity” or “Pursuit of Excellence” … In view of the findings that no Code provisions have been contravened, there is no sanction or penalty recommended.” – Niagara Region’s Integrity Commission, John Mascarin on a complaint filed last November 14^th against St. Catharines regional councillor       Brian Heit

Niagara regional councillor for St. Catharines, Kelly Edgar

“In summary, there is no evidence to indicate that the councillor breached the Code with respect to the provisions related to Release of Confidential Information Prohibited, Respect, Truth, Honesty and Integrity and the Pursuit of Excellence as alleged in the Complaint. The provisions of the Code have not been found to have been contravened by the councillor. The Complaint is dismissed. …. In view of the findings that no Code provisions have been contravened, there is no sanction or penalty recommended.” – Niagara Region’s Integrity Commission, John Mascarin on a complaint filed last November 20^th, 2016 against St. Catharines regional councillor Kelly Edgar

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 7^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Documents dating back to this past February, outlining a review of allegations filed by an individual or group identified only as “a complainant” against St. Catharines regional councillors Brian Heit and Kelly Edgar, have recently found their way to Niagara Region’s website.

The two documents, prepared by Niagara Region’s Integrity Commission, John Mascarin, end with Mascarin concluding that complaints made against the councilors, allgeging  that they had broken the Region’s ‘Code of Conduct’ rules, “have no merit” and are therefore “dismissed.” Continue reading →

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on U.S. strikes in Syria

Posted April 7th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on U.S. strikes in Syria:

One of score of victims of chemical gas attacks in Syria

“Canada fully supports the United States’ limited and focused action to degrade the Assad regime’s ability to launch chemical weapons attacks against innocent civilians, including many children.”

“President Assad’s use of chemical weapons and the crimes the Syrian regime has committed against its own people cannot be ignored. These gruesome attacks cannot be permitted to continue with impunity.”

Missle fired at Syrian air base this April 6th from U.S. destroyer

“This week’s attack in southern Idlib and the suffering of Syrians is a war crime and is unacceptable. Canada condemns all uses of chemical weapons.”

“Canada will continue to support diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in Syria.”

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

From the Office of Niagara Falls Riding MPP Wayne Gates

Posted April 06, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park – Wayne Gates, MPP for Niagara Falls, continued to press the Liberal government this April 6th to provide a comprehensive dementia strategy for the province of Ontario.

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates. File photo

“I would like to talk about an issue that is deeply affecting my riding, and that’s the need for a dementia strategy that the province has promised,” stated Gates.  “In Niagara, 9,460 people have been identified as living with dementia; in Ontario, over 200,000 people. I wrote to the Minister of Finance about this issue of funding, but this issue is very important and I wanted to raise it in this House.”

“Without proper funding for dementia services and front-line care, a strategy means nothing. It’s heartbreaking when you go to a care facility and you see people who need these services, and they are alone and they can’t get them.” Continue reading →

Buy Local, Boost the Economy and Enjoy the Good Things Grown in Ontario

A News Release from the Ontario Government

Posted April 6th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

For 40 years, Foodland Ontario has been making it easier for families and consumers to identify and enjoy Ontario’s locally-grown and harvested foods. By buying local, you are helping boost the economy, create good jobs and strengthen Ontario’s agri-food sector.

Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, was at Longo’s grocery store today to mark Foodland Ontario’s 40th anniversary and encourage customers to explore Ontario’s 200 diverse, locally-grown foods.

Foodland Ontario helps connect Ontarians to local food while offering a range of nutritious recipes that make it easier to cook delicious meals using local ingredients. Over the years, Foodland Ontario has also partnered with thousands of Ontario producers, processors and retailers across the province to help consumers better identify Ontario foods in the marketplace. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from Niagara Action for Animals

Posted April 5th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Dear Friends of Animals – Babes the cat (formally named Toothpick) was adopted through NAfA approximately four years ago. You might remember this special kitty and her miraculous recovery that was featured in the local news.

Babes is looking for a loving home.

Babes was found near death in a completely emaciated state. The vets believed she had suffered an injury to her leg and being unable to walk she took shelter under a BBQ eating whatever she could find to survive.

Despite her critically thin and anemic condition the vet opted to perform emergency surgery as she exhibited signs of an intestinal obstruction. In surgery, the vet discovered that her stomach was heavily impacted with wood chips, wax paper and BBQ charcoal; things only a truly starving cat would eat. Continue reading →

A Column by John Bacher

Posted April 5th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Waverly Forest, Niagara Falls, Ontario – Photo courtesy of Nate Torenvliet

Following failed attempts to trigger urban sprawl through a court appeal and numerous amendments to Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment Plan, some of Niagara’s politicians have taken a new course.

This comes in the form of a request this past March from the Niagara’s regional council to the Ontario government to amend its Growth Plan as part of the ongoing Coordinated Review of four provincial land use plans.

The proposed changes to the Growth Plan would permit what are in effect urban boundary changes through the creation of “Special Policy Areas”. Continue reading →

“Young people in this province are struggling with exorbitant hydro rates, rising rents, and unstable work, all while the province’s top executives receive millions in compensation.”

A Message from the Ontario New Democratic Party

Posted April 5^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park – Catherine Fife, the Ontario NDP’s  employment critic, blasted Premier Kathleen Wynne this April 5^th for her callous decision to allow multi-million dollar salaries for some of the province’s executives, when a new report shows that earnings have gone down for young people in Ontario who are facing the second worst economy in the country. 

  “The CEO of OPG earned more than $2 million in total compensation last year – not the $1.2-million that was stated in the Sunshine List,” Fife said.  “This government allowed the CEO to walk away with over $2 million in salary, bonuses, pension money, and $40,000 of ‘other pay’.

 “$40,000 a year is what many young people in this province hope to earn.” Continue reading →

–         Saturday, April 8th, 10 a.m. –

News from the City of St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted April 5^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Canda’s Vimy Ridge Monument on the former World War 1 killing grounds of France.

Niagara, Ontario – Join veterans and members from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 as they recognize the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge during a wreath-laying ceremony at City Hall on Saturday, April 8.

April 9 marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a key battle during the First World War considered to be a Canadian triumph for the allies. Everyone is welcome to attend the service at the front lawn of City Hall. Veterans will lay wreaths at the Honour Rolls, the Watson Memorial and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 Cenotaph, and the Last Post will sound. The wreath laying begins at 10:15 a.m. Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 4th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Yet another municipal council in the region is urging the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to accept an offer from the Ontario Auditor General’s Office to do an independent probe of its financial operations.

Thorold Regional Councillor Henry D’Angela once again joins members of council in his own municipality on a call-out for an independent audit of the NPCA

This April 4th, Thorold’s city council joined St. Catharines’ council and others in pressing the NPCA’s board of directors to accept an offer made by Ontario Auditor General Bonnie  Lysyk this past January to perform the full and independent audit so many Niagara and Hamilton area citizens and municipal councillors have been wanting now for months.

The offer by Lysik is “a fabulous opportunity” to have a “third party audit” done on the NPCA, Thorold regional councillor Henry D’Angela said during a presentation he made to Thorold city councillors at their weekly council meeting this April 4th. It is an offer for an audit that will not pose a cost to Niagara area ratepayers directly through their property taxes, he added, and “it will go a long way to re-establishing confidence” in the Conservation Authority. Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 4^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – It was “a slander and attack” on the Town of Pelham’s “credibility” by some Niagara regional councillors, said Pelham council member Gary Accursi who tabled a toughly worded motion this past Monday, April 3rd in defence of how well he believes Pelham’s council and staff manage the town’s finances.

Pelham town councilor tables motions, leading counter-attack against Port Colborne regional councilor David Barrick’s charges that Pelham has mismanaged its financial operations.

“Let’s call a spade a spade,” added Accursi of a lengthy and of a motion David Barrick, a Port Colborne regional councillor who is also chair of the Region’s budget and corporate services committees and senior manager at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), aimed at Pelham – charging that the town’s finances are in such bad shape, they could cause Niagara’s regional government to end up with a negative credit rating that ultimately hurts every taxpayer in the region.

Barrick’s motion, seconded by Niagara Falls regional councillor Bob Gale at a March 30^th meeting of the Region’s council and verbally supported by Grimsby regional councillor Tony Quirk (a member of the NPCA’s board of directors), meeting, had at least something to do with earlier motions passed by Pelham’s council, calling (as a number of other local municipalities have) for an independent audit and full investigation of the NPCA’s financial operations, and for a change in the way NPCA board members (11 of which now sit on Niagara regional council) are appointed, Accursi charged. Continue reading →

Niagara MPP Cindy Forster’s Bill Includes Card Check Certification And First Contract Arbitration

News from Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster and Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted April 4^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen`s Park– This April 4^th, Welland Riding MPP and Ontario NDP Labour Critic Cindy Forster, will table legislation that would give Ontario workers access to better jobs, better wages and the ability to secure benefits.

Forster’s bill, Fairness in First Contracts and the Right to Representation Act 2017, would make it easier for workers to achieve union representation in a workplace, and to quickly and fairly attain a first contract.

Niagara, Ontario area MPP Cindy Forster, second from left, at jobs press conference twith young Ontario workers Erin Warman, Suleman Basharat, and Samia Hashi

Forster’s approach has the support of workers like Erin Warman, Suleman Basharat, and Samia Hashi, all young workers who shared their experiences of difficulties accessing union representation and reaching a first contract. They shared personal accounts of how these measures would significantly improve the quality of work for hard working Ontarians.

 “The nature of work is changing at a significant pace and people – including so many young people and racialized women – are finding their work less and less stable,” said Forster. Continue reading →

The people of Canada are leading the world in their response to the refugee crisis. I am honoured by Parliament’s invitation and look forward to visiting this great nation of heroes.”                      — Malala Yousafzai

News from the Office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Posted April 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s  Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced this April 3rd that Malala Yousafzai will visit Canada on April 12, 2017, to address Parliament and to officially receive the honorary Canadian citizenship bestowed upon her in 2014.

At 15 years old, Ms. Yousafzai was the target of Taliban assassins after she became an outspoken advocate for the right of girls to learn and to attend school. She has since become an international spokesperson for girls’ education and the rights of women and girls. In recognition of this work, she was named a co-recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. Continue reading →

“Ending the hunt helps to give snapping turtles a fighting chance and frees us up to focus attention on dealing with other threats such as wetland loss and road kills.” – Ontario Nature conservation and education director Anne Bell.

A Message from Ontario Nature, an advocacy organization for nature in Ontario

Posted April 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Toronto –  Ontario’s decision to end hunting of snapping turtles is a welcome move, according to the David Suzuki Foundation, Canadian Herpetological Society and Ontario Nature.

SnappingTurtle,Photo courtesy of Scott Gillingwater, Ontario Nature

Ontario lists the snapping turtle as a species of “special concern,” which means that although it is not yet endangered or threatened, a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats could endanger or threaten it. Continue reading →

An Invite from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted April 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Making money is good, but making money while remaining socially responsible is even better.

The topic of corporate social responsibility will be the focus of this year’s Business Matters panel discussion, being held Tuesday, April 4 at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

Making Business Matter is the third in a series of panel talks organized by Brock University’s Goodman School of Business. Previous Business Matters discussions have focused on the music industry and innovation in business. Continue reading →

Breaking News on Niagara At Large

Posted April 1st, 2017

During their ongoing  probe for links between members of Donald Trump’s campaign and presidential team and Russians, FBI director James Comey and his bureau investigators made a startling discovery.

One of Trump’s former campaign managers and his right-hand man in the White House, Steven Bannon, is really Roie O’Donnell. The discover ends months of the comedian’s friends wondering why they haven’t seen her making her usual round of visit to Yuk Yuk clubs in the Manhattan area.

Sources say the real Steve Bannon, fearful that the feds are closing in on the Russian scandal and may soon serve arrest warrants, is now be hiding out in the same Moscow apartment where U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden has been living in exile

The matter has been turned over to the Senates Intelligence and Ethics Committees for a full hearing.

Enjoy your first day of April and the weekend. And Happy April Fools, Doug Draper, NAL publisher.

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

And we in Niagara, Ontario certainly deserve better than what we have now!

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 31st, 2017 on Niagara at Large

Niagara, Ontario – Never doubt it when someone wisely says that we get the government we deserve and that election make a difference.

If you don’t believe it, just look at what is happening in the United States right now. But you don’t even have to look that big or that far.

Look at what we’ve got at Niagara’s regional government level where – I will say it now, and you will find me saying it again and again if you continue visiting Niagara At Large for an alternatives news and commentary voice in the weeks a months ahead – we only have about a dozen elected people on the current regional council that deserve re-election.

Niagara, Ontario’s regional council in session, with the Region’ chair, Al Calin, at top left. File photo by Doug Draper

The rest have got to go! Continue reading →

Who to blame for all of that ‘Fake News’

A Brief One on Niagara At Large

Posted March 31t, 2017NIAGARA 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 from the Office of Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted March 31t, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park ,Ontario  – The number of well-heeled people being highly paid by Hydro One is a mystery – a black hole in Friday’s sunshine list, according the NDP.

“How many names, and how much money would be added to this sunshine list if Premier Wynne didn’t give her partially-privatized company permission to hide that information?” asked NDP MPP Peter Tabuns, the NDP’s energy critic.

“How many names? How much money?” Continue reading →

Is Niagara Regional Government’s intervention needed to     Make Pelham Great Again?

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 31st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Thank God we have David Barrick on Niagara’s regional council. What a profile in courage! What a crusader for Niagara’s taxpayer!

Port Colborne regional council and Niagara corporate services committee Chair David Barrick sees possible financial trouble in Pelham town.

The Port Colborne regional councillor took time out from representing his own municipality on the Region’s council and from his full-time job as director of corporate services at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to drill down in to the Town of Pelham’s financial books and what he claims he found is not a pretty picture.

To wade through all of the ‘Whereas’s’ in a motion Barrick tabled at the regional council meeting this past Thursday (March 30th night) – a motion that, at the bottom of it, calls on Pelham’s mayor and council to pull of their fiscal socks, exercise more public disclosure when it comes to their financial statements and restore public trust in the way they operate their affairs, and that seemed to take Barrick longer to read than the time it takes to hard boil a dozen eggs – one would conclude that Pelham’s budget is about to explode in ways that triggers an economic earthquake across the entire region. Continue reading →

 New laws would increase organ donations and would protect workers’ rights

News from the Ontario New Democratic Party

Posted March 30^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The late Niagara, Ontario poltical maverick Peter Kormos, former Welland Riding MPP, Welland city councilor and Niagara regional councilor.

QUEEN’S PARK – This March 30th,  NDP MPP France Gélinas re-introduced two private member’s bills in honour of her former colleague, Peter Kormos, to mark the fourth anniversary of his death.

 “Peter made an enormous contribution to public life as the MPP for Welland for 23 years – both because he was a tremendous advocate for his constituents and because of the skill he displayed in respectfully using the parliamentary process to enhance debate and improve legislation,” said Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt. 

 “To me, Peter was a friend who provided sound advice, and I am proud to bring forward these two pieces of legislation that I believe are good for the people of Ontario, and that honour Peter’s memory,” she noted. Continue reading →

“The Games will not only significantly benefit restaurants, hotels and other businesses in my riding, they’ll also allow people in Ontario to cheer on our amateur athletes on our home turf and showcase the province to visitors from across the country.”  — Jim Bradley, MPP St. Catharines

News from the Ontario government,  Niagara’s regional government and Brock University

Posted March 30th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Ontario is pleased to announce that the Canada Games Council has selected Niagara Region to host the 2021 Canada Summer Games.

In August 2021, Niagara Region will welcome approximately 4,600 athletes from across Canada to compete in 17 sports over the course of two weeks.

The province is supporting Niagara Region to help plan and deliver the Games through the Games Ontario program. Continue reading →

 News from the Ontario Government

Posted March 30th, 2017  on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario   – Anchor Shoring & Caissons Ltd., a  company that designs and installs soil retention systems and caisson foundations, pleaded guilty and has been fined $50,000 after two workers were injured when a reinforcing cage collapsed with the workers in it.  

The company had been retained to undertake construction of a foundation for a new hydro tower at 88 Niagara Boulevard in Fort Erie and on November 13, 2015, two workers were working inside a cylindrical cage made of reinforcement bars (rebars). Earlier, workers had used a crane to remove the cage from a flatbed truck. Continue reading →

 A Call-Out for Public Accontability from the Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Posted March 29th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is calling on the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) to accept the Auditor General’s offer to conduct a free and comprehensive audit on the organization instead of paying up to $150,000 to a private firm for an “operational review.”

Niagara citizens demonstrate outside an NPCA board of directors meeting this March 29thy. Photo by Doug Draper

“Last month, the NPCA laid off a highly skilled worker, supposedly due to fiscal constraints,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “Why is the NPCA spending $150,000 on consultants when they can get a full audit from the Auditor General’s team of experts for free?” Continue reading →

 News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted March 29th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Brock University Student Life and Community Experience marketing assistant Nicole Henderson (pictured immediately below) takes her turn at the Charity Car Smash held in front of Schmon Tower at Brock on Wednesday, March 29.

Proceeds from the fundraising event support MADD Canada. Continue reading →

MPPs urge NPCA to withdraw itsr controversial bid to seek an auditor

An Open Letter, dated March 27^th, 2017,  from St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley, Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates and Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MPP Paul Miller

Posted March 28^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Here is the letter in full –

On behalf of the communities we represent in the Region, we urge the NPCA to withdraw the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued at last week’s board meeting and instead reconsider the Ontario Auditor General’s offer to conduct a financial audit of the board, a course of action that we believe would go a long way in restoring our respective communities’ faith in their local public conservation authority.

As you know, the Auditor General is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly who is responsible for ensuring that public dollars are used appropriately by the province’s ministries and agencies. Continue reading →

By Doug Draper

Posted March 28th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Ed Smith – a Niagara, Ontario community activist who faces a defamation suit from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and its former CAO Carmen D’Angelo in the wake of questions and concerns he raised about their management practices – has fired back with a lawsuit of his own.

Niagara, Ontario resident and community activist Ed Smith. File photo by Doug Draper

According to documents obtained by Niagara At Large and filed on behalf of Smith,  a 54-year-old retired Canadian Armed Forces officer,  in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Welland, Smith is suing the NPCA, as a body, and its former board of directors chair Bruce Timms, a St. Catharines regional councillor and one of 10 municipal politicians in Niagara sitting on the board, for a total of $60,000.

The penalty being sought by Smith’s lawyers include $50,000 from both the NPCA and Timms for alleged “defamation and/or malicious falsehoods,” and $10,000 for alleged “aggravated and/or punitive damages” – all focusing on what was headlined: “A Special statement from NPCA Chair Bruce Timms,” which was posted on the NPCA’s website this past January and published as a paid ad in a weekly newspaper, Niagara This Week, circulated to homes and businesses throughout the Niagara region.

Niagara At Large obtained the court documents outlining Smith’s lawsuit against the parties late last Friday, March 24th, and made calls that late Friday to both the NPCA and Timms, seeking comment. Continue reading →

Many asked; “What took so long?” and “What’s going to change?” – Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

A Column by Town of Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted March 28th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Before I write about the long road toward inter-municipal transit in Niagara, I have a question for you…

Photo courtesy of Niagara.s regonal government.

How excited would you get when friends who own a house and have been living together for five-and-a-half years announce engagement and complete wedding three-months-hence? Are you delighted for the couple, but wonder “what took you so long?” and “what’s going to change in your relationship?” Continue reading →

“My ministry has confirmed the presence of Provincially Significant Wetlands on the Thundering Waters property (and) we have also acknowledged the potential presence of species at risk which could require authorizations under the province’s Endangered Species Act, 2007.” – Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 28th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry responds to Niagara Falls Nature Club’s concerns over proposed urban development in Thundering Waters Forest

Niagara, Ontario – Concerned about the fate of the Thundering Waters Forest given plans by a China-based developer to construct residential and commercial buildings on a portion of the roughly 500-acre site, the Niagara Falls Nature Club’s conservation director, Joyce Sankey wrote a letter to the province’s Premier, Kathleen Wynne, this past February, urging her not to see policies that would protect its wetlands, forests and grasslands weakened in any way.

“The Niagara area has lost 90 per cent of its pre-settlement wetlands making it vital to preserve what remains,” said Sankey in the Nature Club’s February 16th letter to the premier, a copy of which was shared with Niagara At Large. “Recently, the MNRF (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) mapped additional wetlands in the Thundering Waters area. This is a beautiful natural complex with forested swamps, old growth trees and a meadow area which, with so much diversity, provides habitat for a wide range of species.” Continue reading →

News from the Niagara Centre Constituency Office of Vance Badawey

Posted March 28th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, will be holding a Smart Cities Consultation in partnership with the Department of Geography and Tourism at Brock University, to discuss how to help municipalities in Niagara become smart cities. This event is open to the public.

 “Budget 2017 provides a great opportunity for Niagara municipalities to leverage the mechanism of Community Improvement Plans to promote and encourage economically, environmentally, and technologically sounds growth in a responsible and sustainable way. 

I am looking forward to speaking with students, stakeholders, and the residents of Niagara, hearing their thoughts on smart cities and the future of Niagara.”

Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament, Niagara Centre

• DATE:           Wednesday, March 29, 2017
• TIME:            Consultation Begins 2:00 p.m.
• PLACE:    Brock University, Pond Inlet, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1            

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 March 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Lincoln regional councillor Bill Hodgson said he was having a pretty enjoyable Sunday this past weekend until he went to his computer and opened up the following email the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s communications specialist Michael Reles sent him that March 26th day on behalf of the NPCA’s board chair Sandy Annunziata.

NPCA chair and Fort Erie regional councilor Sandy Annunziata at March 8th special meeting of board to address audit issue.

“Dear Member Hodgson,” began the email to Hodgson who sits on the NPCA’s board. “I  hope you are enjoying your weekend.”

“In response to your Regional Councillors report at the Monday, March 20, Town of Lincoln Council Meeting,” added Reles of a report on regional affairs that he shared with the town council he once sat on as the town’s mayor, “the Chair has asked me to contact you for your written submissions to support a claim you made.”

“Specifically, he (Annunziata) is requesting you address the claim that “They say they’re following the resolution, but, really, a grade 2 student would understand, you’re not following the resolution,” the email continued. “He is also requesting that this is done in advance of our Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday. Best Regards, … Michael Reles, Communications Specialist.” Continue reading →

Speak Up for the Great Lakes you Love

A Call-Out from the Canada-U.S. International Joint Commission

Posted March 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Residents of the Buffalo and Niagara region are invited to share their views about the Great Lakes at public meetings hosted by the Canada-U.S. International Joint Commission (IJC).

Lake Erie at bottom and Lake Ontario at top, with the Niagara River in right half of photo in between. Image shot from Earth’s orbit

On March 28th, 2017, a public roundtable on topics specific to Buffalo will be held from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the WNED/WBFO studios at 140 Lower Terrace in downtown Buffalo, NY.

A general public meeting will be held at the same location from 6 – 9 p.m. 

On Wednesday, March 29,  the public is invited to a roundtable discussion from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the St. Catharines Rowing Club at Alumni Hall on Henley Island Drive in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Canada and the United States released their progress report last fall on accomplishing the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement’s goals, and the International Joint Commission released their draft assessment report on January 18. Continue reading →

David Barrick To Introduce Motion To Regional Council Urging Pelham to Disclose its “2015 annual audited financial statement,” among other things

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Of all the motions listed on the agenda for Niagara Region’s upcoming Thursday, March 30th, the one I am positing here struck me the most.

The motion, according to the agenda, is being brought forward by David Barrick, a Niagara regional councillor for Port Colborne who is chair of the regional government’s Corporate Services Committee and who also holds a senior management position at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

Port Colborne regional council and Niagara corporate services committee Chair David Barrick.

The motion, posted in its entirety below, highlights what are characterized as a number of concerns around the financial health of the Town of Pelham that could, as the motion reads on, contribute to a potential for Niagara’s regional government “to receive a negative credit rating” which, as this reporter of municipal news understands, is not a good position for any government to be in.

Therefore, the motion – if approved by a majority of regional councillors at its March 30th meeting – would see the regional government asking the Town of Pelham to publicly disclose its 2015 annual audited financial statement along with the corresponding management letter with staff responses as well as the same documents for fiscal years 2016 and 2017.” Continue reading →

Brian Higgins Calls This Past Friday, March 24th’s Defeat a Victory for Hard-Working Americans but Says We Will Continue to Fight to Protect Affordable Care

From the Buffalo, New York Office of U,S, Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted March 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins of Buffalo/Western New York

Buffalo/Western New York – Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) released the following statement after learning that the American Health Care Act (Trumpcare) was pulled from consideration in the House of Representatives:

“Since the introduction of the Republican healthcare bill, less than three short weeks ago, people across our district and the country have expressed deep concern for the legislation which was better suited to protect wealthy insurance companies’ profit margins than hard-working Americans.  Continue reading →

A Statement from Mishka Balsom, CAO for the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Delivered to Niagara’s regional council this past Thursday, March 23rd, just before the council voted to move forward with more consolidated transit services for the Niagara region.

Posted March 24rth, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

While Niagara’s regional chair Al Caslin and other elected officials in the region were busy applauding themselves this March 23rd after finally voting to take another step toward the seamless, accessible and affordable transit system many people in this region have been longing and lobbying for for years, I could not help but think of so many people, living and in some cases now dead, and groups that have been pushing for transit systems like the ones that have been operating for years in other Ontario regions like Waterloo, Halton, and Peel.

I could not help but thing of the many articulate students from Brock University and Niagara College who have gone before regional councillors year after year, pressing for better transit services, and of other young people like Jennifer Sinclair and others from that great transit advocacy group ‘Meet on the Bus’. Continue reading →

 Niagara Region’s Council Approves Recommendations Towards Consolidated Transit Service

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted March 24th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

One of the Region’s inter-municipal transit buses makes a stop in Welland. File photo by Doug Draper

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region Council has signaled strong support (at a March 23rd special meeting of council) for the future of inter-municipal transit in Niagara by endorsing in principle the creation of a consolidated transit system along with the municipalities of Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland.

This follows recent unanimous approvals from St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland city councils to also approve in principle the consolidation of their transit services into one entity with Niagara Region. Continue reading →

“The current board of directors of the NPCA has lost the public’s confidence. … Their actions have demonstrated governance issues that speak to poor use of public funds, poor management of Niagara’s natural heritage and poor treatment of valued employees.” – from an open letter tabled this past Thursday, March 23rd by Albert Garofalo, a respected  naturalist and member of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s Community Liaison Advisory Committee.

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 24rth, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara resident and well-known naturalist Albert Garofalo.

Albert Garofalo – a Niagara resident and professional biologist representing environmental clubs and groups in the region on the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s Community Liaison Advisory Committee – tabled a toughly worded letter at the end of one of the committee’s meetings this March 23rd.

The letter, tabled by Garofalo as the committee’s chair, Sandy Annunciata, opened the floor to “other business,” calls on the councils of all municipalities within the Niagara watershed the NPCA has a mandate to care for, including Niagara’s 12 municipalities, the City of Hamilton and Haldimand County, to “withdraw their municipally appointed representatives to the Conservation Authority board and direct Premiere Kathleen Wynne to appoint a third party manager to immediately oversee day to day operations of the NPCA.” Continue reading →

A Statement from Ontario NDP Labour Critic and Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

Posted March 24rth, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Cindy Forster, Ontario NDP Labour Critic and MPP for Welland,  issued the following statement in response to the announcement made today by the Minister of Labour:

 “Ontarians deserve nothing less than a $15 minimum wage, because someone who goes to work 40 hours each week shouldn’t be struggling below the poverty line. Too many people are working two or more low wage, part-time jobs just to pay their hydro bills and to put food on the table.

Premier Wynne doesn’t get that families can’t survive on the current minimum wage. Unstable employment is having‎ a devastating impact on women, racialized people and immigrants. Now is the time for a ‎$15 minimum wage for Ontario.”

A liveable wage has been an ongoing push for Niagara area MPP Cindy Forster and Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath,, pictured here.

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

News from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted March 24th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The new federal budget could help more families if the parental leave program were expanded to benefit more lower-income households, says a Brock University researcher.

Lindsey McKay, adjunct professor and researcher in Brock University’s Department of Sociology

In the 2017 budget unveiled Wednesday (March 22nd), the government announced that working parents will now have the option of extending their paid parental leave to 18 months, from the present 12 months. But to do so they must live off less money – 33 per cent of their income rather than 55 per cent for a 12-month leave.

Lindsey McKay, an adjunct professor in Brock University’s Department of Sociology, says this is good news for parents with higher incomes, but doesn’t help parents with lower incomes. Continue reading →

News from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted March 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario A leading Canadian scientist has developed a synthetic compound that appears to be capable of killing cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

Brock University chemist Tomas Hudlicky has created and patented several variations of the compound pancratistatin, which has been tested on 20 different types of cancer cells by a research team at the University of Windsor. The team’s paper, “Cancer Cell Mitochondria Targeting by Pancratistatin Analogs is Dependent on Functional Complex II and III,” appeared in the February issue of Scientific Reports.

Brock University scientist Tomas Hudlicky. Photo courtesy of Brock University

Scientists have known for some time that pancratistatin (PST), a substance found in the spider lily, causes cancer cells to die. But the low rate of natural production (a kilogram of spider lily produces less than 2 mg of PST) is a major challenge to research and clinical advancement. Continue reading →

Government offers the rest of us ‘Stale Crumbs’

From Rick Smith, Executive Director, Broadbent Institute

March 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

I was on Parliament Hill this March 22nd while the Liberal government delivered its second federal budget.

The Trudeau government continues to leave the loopholes open for the richest of Canadians. Wonder how many of them contributed money to the federal Liberal’s last election campaign.

I’m sorry to report that the poorest and most vulnerable Canadians have been told to stand at the back of the line while the richest Canadians continue to unfairly benefit at the expense of the majority.

Budget 2017 explicitly recognizes income inequality as a concern but does virtually nothing to solve the problem. Rather than taking a bite out of the juicy tax loopholes that unfairly benefit the richest Canadians, the Trudeau government has offered up only a few stale crumbs. Continue reading →

 Wanted: More Walk, Less Talk In Today’s Federal Budget

“This budget goes after the small fish of tax breaks, but it does nothing to catch the big ones. ,,, It’s time to address the fact that stock traders and CEOs pay half the tax rate on stock options than janitors who sweep their floors pay on income tax,” – David Macdonald, Senior Economist, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

A Budget Analysis from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Posted March 23^rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Trudeau budget does nothing to stop country’s biggest tax avoiders from getting away.

Ottawa, Ontario—The federal government missed a key opportunity to walk the walk and tackle income inequality in today’s federal budget, says Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ Senior Economist David Macdonald.

“While there are some positive aspects to Budget 2017,” Macdonald says, “let’s not mistake this for the bold, visionary inequality reduction budget that Canadians were promised by this government.” Continue reading →

A Comment from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted March 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto – France Gélinas, NDP health critic, continued this past Wednesday, 2017 to press Premier Kathleen Wynne about her choice to allow the growth of private for-profit health clinics and services, while she continues deep cuts to public health care in the province.

 “People shouldn’t have to pay up, or wait longer for the health care they need. But that’s exactly what’s happening under this premier,” Gélinas said.  “Companies are charging people to jump to the front of the line.  They’re doing it unchecked, on the premier’s watch.” Continue reading →

Innovation investment is welcome, but Canada must do more to reduce cost of doing business

An Analysis on Canada’s New Budget from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted March 22nd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Greater Chamber of Commerce CEO Mishka Balsom

Niagara, Ontario – This Wednesday, March 22nd, the Government of Canada released its budget for 2017-2018. The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce was glad to be a part of the budgetary process and to provide our input through Niagara’s Liberal Members of Parliament, Vance Badawey and Chris Bittle.

Businesses in Niagara and throughout Canada have identified skills and training as one of their biggest challenges. $225 million will be invested over four years, beginning in 2018, for a new organization to support skills development. Continue reading →

Be Fire Safe this Earth Hour – 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Our Time   Saturday, March 25th

A Meesage from the City of St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted  March 22rd, 2017 on Niagara At large

Niagara, Ontario – Are you planning to celebrate Earth Hour Saturday night? Fire Chief Dave Wood urges everyone to keep fire safety in mind when the lights go out.

The City of St. Catharines will join communities around the world in shining a light on climate action Saturday, March 25.

The City is turning off non-essential lights at City Hall and some other City buildings from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to show its support for Earth Hour 2017. Continue reading →

Get On The Bus From Buffalo!

“Ninety seven miles of new pipeline tearing through our countryside and streams, toxic spewing compressor stations and a dehydration facility to send fracked gas to Canada simply do not fit the vision we want to see, with NY leading the way to a renewable energy future.”

A Call-Out from Members of the Sierra Club in Buffalo/Western New York

Posted March 22^rd on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York – Are you ready to rally with us? It’s time to take our message to Gov. Cuomo, the DEC and our state representatives.

We need to make sure they hear Western NY say No to the proposed Northern Access 2016 fracked gas pipeline.

We are calling for denial of the DEC 401 Air and Water Certifications. We have groups from Albany and NYC offering to join us but we need to show that Western NY is ready to protect our air, water and communities.

We need YOU! Continue reading →

News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted March 22^nd, March 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Research by Brock University Professor of Economics Diane Dupont has shown that reclaimed wastewater can be a reliable source for water that is more resilient to climate change fluctuations.

Tim Heinmiller and Diane Dupont are two researchers studying the future of Niagara’s water. Brock University. file photo

This alternative method for water supply is the theme of World Water Day on Wednesday, March 22 with UN-Water encouraging the population to reduce and reuse wastewater rather than leaving it untreated to pollute the environment and go to waste.

After the collection, treatment and disinfection, subsequent uses of wastewater include flushing toilets, agricultural irrigation and cooling of buildings. Continue reading →

A Stance Can Sometimes Leave You Out On Your Own On Regional Council

“Why lobby the Province to add benefits to new areas when it will cost an extra $1,121 per household per year for the next decade just to fix the Region’s existing infrastructure?” – Pelham Mayor and Niagara regional councilor Dave Augustyn

A Column from Town of Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted March 21st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – It doesn’t happen too often, but occasionally I am the only one to vote for or against something at Regional Council. A couple of weeks ago, for example, I was the only one who opposed promoting development outside existing urban boundaries.

Pelham Mayor David Augustyn

Pelham Town Council remains committed to development inside the existing urban boundaries so that we can protect the environment and agricultural lands outside those areas. We also do this to ensure that existing urban services (like water, sewer, and storm water infrastructure) get used to capacity – instead of continuously adding additional and costly services outside urban areas.

This commitment led Pelham Council to encourage greater protection for the Fonthill Kame. Similarly, we have refused to endorse additional lot creation in the Greenbelt. Further, we continue to protect rural “lots of record” and impose agricultural-only stipulations on remnant parcels so that houses cannot be built on new severed farm lots. Continue reading →

“If this sacred land is allowed to be developed, it cannot be duplicated in any other part of the world and the future generations will never get to experience what we have experienced in our lifetime.”

An Open Letter from the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force to Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau

Originally Dated March 8th and Posted on Niagara At Large, March 21st, 2017

Honourable Justin Trudeau
Office of Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, On. K1A 0A2

RE: Thundering Waters Forest (Niagara Falls, Ontario

Greetings Honourable Prime Minister Trudeau:

The Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force (HETF) sends you greetings and hopes this letter finds you and your family in good health and spirits and offer the long arm of peace. The Haudenosaunee consist of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora Nations.

The Haudenosaunee Nations have a unique spiritual, cultural, and historic relationship with the land, which is embodied in the Gayananshogowa, the Great Law of Peace. This relationship goes far beyond federal and provincial legal concepts of ownership. Continue reading →

The Following Call for Public Engagnement is from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network – Join Them for This in Niagara Falls, Ontario!

Posted March 21st, 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

Unveiling of Spectacular Vessel Mural Commemorates Canada 150 and Montreal 375

News from the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation

Posted March 21st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation marked the opening of its 59th navigation season this March 20th – the first day of spring- with a special tribute to marine shipping’s substantial contribution to Canada’s economic development and quality of life.

Welland Canal/Seaway open on first day of spring.

The CSL St-Laurent, the first ship to transit the St. Lambert lock in 2017, featured a monumental work of art work commissioned by Montreal-headquartered Canada Steamship Lines, a division of the CSL Group, as a tribute to Canada’s 150th anniversary and the 375th of the City of Montreal. Continue reading →

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 21th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The council representing the larges of Niagara’s 12 local municipalities – the City of St. Catharines – has unanimously approved a motion calling on the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to accept an offer it received as early as this past January from Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysk to perform a full and independent forensic audit on its operations.

Niagara area citizens have been demonstrating for a full and independent audit of the NPCA’s operations for more than half a year. File photo by Doug Draper

The motion, tabled by St. Catharines Councillor Carlos Garcia at this Monday, March 20th’s city council meeting, reads as follows; “Be it resolved, that Council urges the NPCA board to do everything required in order to ensure they accept the Auditor General’s offer to perform an independent, third party operational review/audit, as approved by the board on January 18, 2017, at no direct cost to property taxpayers in St. Catharines and the other NPCA-funding municipalities; and;”

“Therefore Be It Further Resolved,” continues Garcia’s motion, “that the NPCA, all Niagara Municipalities and MPPs, the City of Hamilton and Haldimand County, the Premier, the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Auditor General and the Ombudsman be notified. FORTHWITH.” Continue reading →

An Open Letter to St. Catharines Council from Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

Posted March 20th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Mayor Walter Sendzik and Members of City Council, City of St. Catharines, 50 Church Street. St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2

Dear Mayor Sendzik and Councillors:

MPP for the Niagara, Ontario riding of Welland, Cindy Forster continues to push for more public accountability from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Re: Motion 9.2  Provincial Auditor General’s Offer to NPCA – Third Party Audit

I’m writing in full support of motion 9.2 on today’s Council agenda, put forward by Councilllor Carolos Garcia, requesting that the NPCA Board reconsider the Ontario Auditor General’s proposal to conduct a financial audit of the NPCA. To help restore our community’s confidence of the NPCA board, I’m urging you to vote in favour of the motion as well.

Despite the NPCA’s motion agreeing to a fiscal financial audit in January, I was surprised to see the spirit of that motion completely transformed during last week’s board meeting. After reviewing the NPCA’s Request for Proposal (RFP) details, it became very clear that the NPCA’s tender lacks the transparency and accountability that our communities and municipalities have spent months calling for. Continue reading →

Please Do Your Part and Urge ALL St. Catharines City Councillors to Support It!

A Commentary and a Call-Out from Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted March 20th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

At this Monday’s (March 20th) St. Catharines city council meeting, Councillor Carlos Garcia is tabling a motion, urging support for the Ontario Auditor General’s recent offer to do a full, independent audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. Do what you can in the hours ahead, to contact St. Catharines’ mayor and councilors to express your support for Councllor Garcia’s motion. A link to the contact information and the names for St. Catharines council is available near the bottom of this commentary.

Niagara, Ontario – Aside from any dim light that comes on in Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Kathryn McGarry’s office that finally sees her doing the right thing, a motion being tabled for approval at this Monday (March 20th)  night’s St. Catharines council meeting by City Councillor Carlos Garcia may be the last chance of getting a thorough forensic/value-for dollars audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations without having ANY NPCA fingerprints on how that audit is scoped, performed and made available to the public.

Garcia’s motion, if it is approved this March 20th by St. Catharines council and subsequently by other councils across the Niagara and Hamilton regions, may be the very last chance to count on a truly independent audit to answer a growing book of questions and concerns about how the NPCA spends millions of dollars of our tax money, before other options are pursued – like using the powers available under Ontario legislation to dissolve the entire board and upper management of the NPCA , and start all over with a new group of people guiding the work of this important conservation and environmental protection body. Continue reading →

“Clearly, these advertisements serve no purpose other than to promote Kathleen Wynne’s re-election.” – Ontario PC House Leader Jim Wilson

From the Office of Ontario Progressive Conservative Party leader Patrick Brown

Posted March 20th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto – This March 20th, 2017, Ontario PC House Leader Jim Wilson charged that Kathleen Wynne’s taxpayer-funded hydro ads are in contempt of parliament.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne earlier this March, pitching her plan to slash hydro bills

The self-congratulatory ads, which the auditor general has said are out of line, are running before legislation has been introduced, an alleged breach of parliamentary rules. MPP Wilson informed the Speaker today that he will rise on a point of privilege arguing a case of contempt by the Ministry of Energy.

“What we’ve got here is a clear case of electioneering from the Wynne Liberals using taxpayer dollars,” said Wilson.   Continue reading →

Special to Niagara At Large from Karl Dockstader

Posted on NAL this March 20^th, 2017

Tuesday, March 21st, 2017, is the United Nations annually designated day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. For Indigenous people, visible minorities, and other people who happen to be the wrong kind of person this day cannot come soon enough.

The Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre isn’t waiting for racism to end and neither are the community partners who have been working with the Native Centre to promote The FRIEND Project throughout the past month.

The FRIEND Project display

This project is telling the stories of the real Indigenous people of Niagara. These stories of success in education, culture, law, employment, the environment and other areas have been part of a movement to remind Niagarans that Indigenous people are an important part of our normal everyday life. Continue reading →

“Not one dime has come off people’s sky-rocketing hydro bills … Yet, (Premier Wynne) is spending more of people’s hard-earned dollars on ads claiming the problem is solved.”

News from the Office of Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted March 20, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto – The NDP is filing requests under Freedom of Information laws to find out just how much public money Premier Kathleen Wynne is spending on advertisements in defense of sky-high hydro bills and the multi-billion-dollar borrowing scheme she still hasn’t released.

 “Not one dime has come off people’s sky-rocketing hydro bills and Wynne hasn’t tabled legislation, or even a credible plan to save us money. Yet, she’s spending more of people’s hard-earned dollars on ads claiming the problem is solved,” said Peter Tabuns, Ontario NDP Energy Critic. Continue reading →

“It’s a shame the NPCA Chair, Sandy Annunziata, could not be there to address the citizens of Niagara that he labels a “special interest group”.- Ed Smith, who is facing a lawsuit slapped on him by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and its former CAO and current CAO for Niagara’s regional government, Carmen D’Angelo

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 17^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

While Niagara At Large was down with technical problems over the past several days, I received a good number of emails and phone calls from people who told me they could not go to the Ed Smith Legal Defence Fundraiser this past Sunday, March 12^th due to other commitments, but were anxious to know how it went and if they could still make a contribution to it.

Ed Smith speaking at a recent meeting of fellow Niagara citizens on NPCA concerns. File photo by Doug Draper

The answer to the first question is that the fundraiser was, by virtually all accounts, an overwhelming success.

The main banquet room of the Celtic Club in St. Catharines was filled to capacity with people from all walks of life, including municipal and provincial government representatives who, to their credit, have braved barbs from some of their political colleagues for backing Ed Smith and others in their pursuit of accountability from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority for how its boss hogs are spending millions of dollars of our tax money.

The total donations for the fundraiser soared well above a $5,000 goal and “far exceeded our expectations,” said one the event’s organizers, Peter Gill. Continue reading →

From the Office of Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown

Posted March 17th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(You can Click on the image of following letter from Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown for purposes of enlarging it. NAL hopes that you can then read the letter’s contents, as this is how we received it from the PC leader’s office.)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