Category Archives: Learn How To Join Niagara At Large On Twitter And Facebook By Clicking Here

A Message from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted October 23rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

This is the real Dave Augustyn from Pelham

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

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

• Doug Draper

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 23rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

Abysmal?

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

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

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

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

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 23^rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

We Are Now Finally On The Verge Of Finding Out

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted October 22^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

A Statement from Natalie Mehra, Ontario Health Coalition

Posted October 22nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

Posted October 22nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

From Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted October 21st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

“Throw them all out and elect new people.”

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

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

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

Almost makes sense. But not quite.

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

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

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

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher           Doug Draper

Posted October 19^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Okay, Niagara Falls.

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

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

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

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

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

Posted October 19^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A News Release from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted October 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

News form Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted October 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

A News Release from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted October 18^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

And the cuts just keep on coming

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

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

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

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher           Doug Draper

Posted October 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

News from the Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted October 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

Former Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown

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

A News Release from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted October 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted October 17th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted October 17th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

A News Release from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted October 16th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

Backroom deal keeping slots out of Fort Erie Race Track sells Niagara community and its people short – Wayne Gates

A Statement from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gate

Posted October 15th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario MPP Wayne Gates in provincial legislature. File photo

(A Note to NAL readers – The following statement  from Niagara Falls’ MPP is a response to an announcement Ontario’s Ford government outlined in a media release this October 12^th. You can  read that media release by going  Niagara At Large’s online site or by clicking on –

Fort Erie, Ontario —Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates released the following statement regarding Doug Ford’s decision not to reinstate the slot at the racetrack program at the Fort Erie Race Track:

“This backroom deal trading dollars for slots tramples the efforts of Fort Erie families and horse people throughout the region to secure a future for the Fort Erie Race Track. Continue reading →

“Government for the People” reaches deals with Ontario race tracks

Fort Erie and Dresden race tracks elected to receive additional financial support for horse racing operations, but declined to accept slots at those facilities.

News from the Ontario Government of Doug Ford

Posted October 15th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Toronto — The Government for the People has kept a commitment to bolster support for Ontario’s horse racing industry.

This repairs the damage done by the previous Liberal government when it cancelled the slots at racetracks program.

Agreements in principle have now been reached to keep slots operating at Kawartha Downs and Ajax Downs, and to provide additional funding to continue horse racing in Fort Erie and Dresden.

“This is another promise made, promise kept,” said Finance Minister Vic Fedeli.

“We worked with our partners in the horse racing industry, and have agreed on packages which include funding and/or slots at racetracks. These packages are designed to directly support the horse racing industry and rural communities.”

Ajax Downs will continue to have slots which will provide additional financial support to continue quarter-horse racing in Durham Region. 

Fort Erie and Dresden race tracks elected to receive additional financial support for horse racing operations, but declined to accept slots at those facilities.

Discussions are ongoing with other racetracks in Ontario.

Quick Facts

• In May 2018, a new long-term funding agreement for the horse-racing sector was signed between the industry and OLG. The agreement includes funding for racetracks operations and purse support for horse people up to $105M per year for 19 years.
• The signatories of the long-term funding agreement (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), Ontario Racing, Woodbine Entertainment Group and Ontario Racing Management Inc.) executed the agreement May 7, 2018. The agreement will come into effect on April 1, 2019.

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

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

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

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

This coming Monday, October 22nd, vote for positive change for our Niagara region. Nothing less than        our future is at stake!

A Brief Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher, followed by a video message from the region-wide citizens group, ‘A Better Niagara’.

Posted August 14th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

It is time to vote out this guy – current Niagara Region chair Al Caslin – and his fellow travellers and enablers on the council

Given the costly, hellish nightmare that Niagara Regional Chair Al Caslin and his cabal  of bullies and enablers have turned our Region’s council and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority – a key regional partner in protecting and preserving what is left of our precious natural heritage in our region – in to over the past four years, the coming  October 22nd municipal elections are the most important ones in decades for our region’s future.

In these October 22nd municipal elections, it is absolutely imperative in these municipal elections that we, the people who live, work and pay taxes in Niagara, fire Caslin, who is running in St. Catharines, and members of his cabal running in other municipalities across the region, and replace them with people of integrity, who will put our interests as people and a community of communities first.

There is no other option if we want a Niagara Region that is working for a healthier, more prosperous future us and that we can be proud of again.

In that spirit, please click on the following video message from the dedicated citizens working for more public engagement in these crucial elections, ‘ A Better Niagara’ –

Of the members of the cabal that are running in these municipal elections, the ones who definitely need to be voted out or fired include Al Caslin and Bruce Timms in St. Catharines, Brian Baty in Pelham, Mayor Frank Campion and Paul Grenier in Welland, Sandy Annunziata in Fort Erie, Lord Mayor Patrick Darte in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Mayor Doug Joyner in West Lincoln, Tony Quirk in Grimsby, and Mayor Jim Diodatti , along with  Bob Gale and Selina Volpatti in Niagara Falls.

There are some very good candidates running against each and every one of the above and Niagara At Large will be posting information about them in the days ahead.

It is time to get more people with integrity in this building. These municipal elections are our best chance to do it.

There are also some very good incumbents who sit on the current Niagara regional council who are running for re-election – individuals who have had the courage to stand up (not just sit there or not show up for key meetings) and speak out for something better than the train wreck the council unfortunately turned in to.

Key incumbents Niagara At Large urges you to support in these elections include Brian Heit and Kelly Edgar in St. Catharines, George Marshall in Welland, Dave Augustyn who is running for a regional council seat in Pelham, Barbara Butters who has sat on the local council in Port Colborne and is running for a regonal council seat this time, and Henry D’Angela who is running for mayor this time in Thorold, and Tim Whelan, who has sat on Thorold’s council and is now running for a regional council seat.

Don’t make the mistake of throwing out good councillors with the bad! We need the experience of these good people, and so will those who will be serving on regional council for the first time!

Please spend the week days left before the coming Monday, October 22nd vote getting to know as much as you can about the candidates running for regional and local municipal council, and the school boards in your community, and do everything you can to show your support for candidates that promise to do our communities the most good.

(If we missed any key candidates in the lists above please let us know in a comment below and we will be sure to make up for any omission that makes sense to us – give a candidate’s past record – the next time.)

And please continue to visit  Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more on all of this in the days ahead.

For more  on the October 22nd municipal elections from A Better Niagara, visit the citizen organizaiton’s website by clicking on https://www.abetterniagara.com/ .

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

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

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

Our Natural Heritage is being Ill-Served by those now running this Broken Conservation Authority

A News Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted October 12^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Canadian environmentalist  John Jackson

“You have all of these special ecosystems in Niagara,” said veteran Canadian environmentalist John Jackson during his talk on the Great Lakes, hosted in St. Catharines this October by the Niagara District Council of Women. “You have so many special places here in this region. … It is so important to protect them.”

Jackson knows what he is talking about  when it comes to those  special places because the Waterloo area activist has spent a good deal of his adult life in Niagara, helping local citizen groups battle one proposal or another that posed risks to healthy communities and the environment.

Eighteen of those years – in the 1980s and 90s – were spent helping Niagara citizens successfully defeat a plan by a now-defunct Ontario crown corporation to build and operate a giant toxic waste disposal facility in West Lincoln when, Jackson said, some of those citizens would take him on tours of woodlands, marshlands and other natural places he came to treasure.

A look at the wetlands in Thundering Waters Forest

It is too bad that the people of our region no longer has a Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) that shows the same passion and dedication for protecting and preserving what are left of these special places as citizen activists like John Jackson have. Continue reading →

Glyphosate, an active ingredient in Roundup, targets undesired weeds—as well as honeybees

News from the National Magazine for the Sierra Club, one of North America’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental groups

Article by Austin Price, Sierra Club

Posted October 12^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The most widely sprayed herbicide in the world kills honeybees, according to a new report.

SIERRA Monsanto Honeybees WB

Glyphosate, an herbicide and active ingredient in Monsanto’s (now Bayer’s) Roundup weed killer, targets enzymes long assumed to be found only in plants.

The product is advertised as being innocuous to wildlife. But some bacteria also use this enzyme, including a microbiome found in the intestines of most bees. When pollinators come in contact with glyphosate, the chemical reduces this gut bacteria, leaving bees vulnerable to pathogens and premature death. Continue reading →

Employees, students and research add up to Brock’s significant impact on region

News from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted October 12th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Nearly half a billion dollars. Even on the conservative end of the measurement scale, that’s the economic impact Brock University has on the Niagara region each year.

Brock University President Gervan Fearon addresses the crowd Wednesday, Oct. 10 as the Niagara Community Observatory presented a policy brief examining Brock’s economic impact on Niagara and beyond.

It comes in the form of Brock’s 19,000 students living in the region and spending their money here. It comes from hundreds of millions of dollars in capital and operational expenditures. And it comes from Brock’s 4,800 part- and full-time employees receiving more than $200 million in payroll each year. Continue reading →

“Niagara Region is taking immediate action to install signs at key locations around Niagara that will provide mental health crisis support information. In addition, the Niagara Regional Police Service will increase vigilance in downtown St. Catharines.”

A Joint Statement from Niagara Region and City of St. Catharines officials on meeting on suicide prevention and mental health

Posted October 11^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

This Thursday, October 11th , representatives from Niagara Region, Niagara Region Public Health, City of St. Catharines, Niagara Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) met to develop appropriate actions to respond to recent suicide-related deaths and the broader issue of suicide prevention in Niagara.

“Our organizations take the mental health and well-being of our residents and the ongoing need for effective suicide prevention very seriously.

Recent deaths in Niagara have further highlighted this important health challenge that we face across the region and Ontario. We share the community’s grief over these recent losses and a desire for action to address the mental health needs of our residents. Continue reading →

“Recent suicides in our city show the problem is not isolated to individuals but is widespread and will continue until we treat the underlying mental health issues.” – Mo Al Jumaily, running in the City of St. Catharines for a seat on Niagara Regional Council

News from the Campaign to Elect Mo Al Jumaily to Niagara Regional Council

Posted October 10^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines regional councillor candidate Mo Al Jumaily

St. Catharines, Ontario  – In the wake of this morning’s suicide, St. Catharines regional council candidate Mo Al Jumaily is calling for restoring the over $300 million per year of funding for mental health cut by the provincial Doug Ford government.

Mo said “I send my deepest condolences to the families affected. While we are still waiting for details on this morning’s tragedy, we know that crises related to mental health have been at an intense level in our community. Accessible mental health services are needed for preventing suicide, self-harm, and for treating opioid addiction. I will work with every Niagara MPP to ensure we get the funding we need in Niagara Region.” Continue reading →

“NRH is committed to continuing to provide affordable, accessible and quality housing for all Niagara residents.”   Henry D’Angela, Thorold regional councillor and Niagara Regional Housing board Chair

See Highlights below of NRH’s Second Quarterly Report for 2018

News from Niagara Regional Housing (NRH) in Niagara, Ontario

Posted October 10th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

NIAGARA REGION – The Niagara Regional Housing (NRH) Board of Directors approved the second Quarterly Report for April to June 2018.  This report provides updates on NRH programs and services.  

 “As the number of households waiting for affordable housing steadily increases, it’s important to note the many initiatives that NRH has undertaken that help to address this issue”, said NRH board Chair Henry D’Angela, “NRH is committed to continuing to provide affordable, accessible and quality housing for all Niagara residents.”  Continue reading →

With a new Discovery Grant from the federal government, Brock University bee expert Miriam Richards is hoping to do what no other researcher has ever done.

News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted October 9th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Scientists often study an animal’s ability to survive to maturity, find a mate and produce offspring — shedding light on traits that will be passed onto successive generations. That’s fairly straightforward with larger animals, but it gets complicated when the subject of study is a carpenter bee.

Biological Sciences graduate student Lyndon Duff (front) explains how he and his research team, led by Professor of Biology Miriam Richards, monitor bees’ mating activities during a tour on the day that funding results were announced by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Back row from left: St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle; Richards; Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey; and Tim Kenyon, Vice-President, Research.

Allowing that research to move forward is funding announced Tuesday, Oct. 9 by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Continue reading →

Are They Enjoying A Beer For A Buck Too? Chug-A-Lug Another Brewski on Premier Doug!

A Status Report from Ontario’s NDP and Official Opposition Party

Doug Ford’s first 100 days: by the numbers

“From forcing a sex-ed curriculum written more than 20 years ago back into the classroom, to meddling in the Toronto municipal elections that were already underway, to appointing rich and powerful supporters to patronage jobs that come with big pay cheques, Ford has shown that he’s driven by backroom deals, his need for revenge against old political enemies,  and doing favours for friends.”

Posted October 9^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario’s New Democatic Party P says Doug Ford’s first 100 days in office can only be measured by the people impacted by his choices. Continue reading →

A Brief Comment from Niagara, Ontario area Don Alexander

Posted October 9^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Trade agreement with Mexico, Canada and the United States is written with US first.

USMCA. Try pronouncing that!.  No useful acronym here.

Let’s put Canada First, Mexico in the middle and the US last!  Now we have a pronounceable and really useful acronym: CAMUS.

Useful?  Yes. It triggers us to think of French author Albert Camus.  Some of his writings—two in particular– describe the US president’s role: “Stupidity has a knack of getting its way.”  (The Plague,  part-one 1947) Continue reading →

Do Enough Of Us Really Care Enough To Act Before It Is Too Late? Is It Too Late Already?

“The report finds that limiting global warming … would require “rapid and far-reaching” transitions in land, energy, industry, buildings, transport, and cities.”

News from the United Nation’s report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Posted October 9^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society, the IPCC said in a new assessment.

With clear benefits to people and natural ecosystems, limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared to 2°C could go hand in hand with ensuring a more sustainable and equitable society, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said this past Monday, October 8th.

The Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C was approved by the IPCC on Saturday in Incheon, Republic of Korea. It will be a key scientific input into the Katowice Climate Change Conference in Poland in December, when governments review the Paris Agreement to tackle climate change. 

“With more than 6,000 scientific references cited and the dedicated contribution of thousands of expert and government reviewers worldwide, this important report testifies to the breadth and policy relevance of the IPCC,” said Hoesung Lee, Chair of the IPCC.  Continue reading →

A Call-Out from the Niagara-based animal advocacy group, Niagara Action For Animals

Posted October 9th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Dear Friends Of Animals –

Another deer hunt planned for Short Hills Provincial Park in Niagara, Ontario. File photo

The Ministry of Natural Resources & Forests is currently in the final planning stages for this year’s Deer Herd Reduction in Short Hills Park; the dates are as follows: Sunday Nov. 11th, Monday Nov. 12th. Sunday Nov. 25th, Monday Nov. 26th. Tues. Dec. 4th, Wed. Dec. 5th.

Last year the MNRF “assisted” and “hosted” what turned out to be a full blown trophy hunt in the park referred to as “The Big Buck Contest” by the hunters. Attached are posts made by hunters during the hunt last November. Continue reading →

Saturday, October 20, 2018 At the Hotel Dieu Shaver Health & Rehabilitation Centre, St. Catharines

Admission Is Free To Attend The Community Event At The Hotel Dieu Shaver Health And Rehabilitation Centre, 541 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines

Posted October 9th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario –  Attendees can learn, connect, and interact with healthcare experts on the Speaker Sessions schedule confirmed for the Niagara Health Expo. The line-up of speakers at the event on October 20 from 10am to 2pm includes highly credentialed doctors, healthcare practitioners, and a fitness expert.

BREAST CANCER PREVENTION: 10 AM
Lisa Syed, Clinical Thermographic Technician,Thermography Rochester Continue reading →

News from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted October 9th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

Reegan McCullough, Chief Executive Officer of The Niagara Parks Commission

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

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

A  Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 7^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 6^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

Niagara Region’s current Chair, Al Caslin

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

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

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

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

Posted October 5^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted October 5th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

Posted October 4^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

News from the Ontaro Government of Premier Doug Ford

Posted October 4th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted October 2^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

Canadian environmentalist and former Great Lakes United leader John Jackson

Protecting the Great Lakes with John Jackson 

An Invite to All from the Niagara District Council of Women

Posted October 2^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

News from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted October 2^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

Are Senior Levels of Government Doing Enough to Address It?

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

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

Posted October 2nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Statement from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted October 1st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Statement from Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford

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

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

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

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

Interim Ontario Liberal Leader John Fraser

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

News from the Liberal Party of Ontario

Posted October 1st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from NAL publisher Doug Draper –

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

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

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

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

News from the Office of Canada’s Prime Minister

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

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

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

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

Augustyn Lauds Ontario Auditor General for Extensive NPCA Report and Recommendations

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

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

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

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

Could More Spending Cuts Be Next?

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

An Analysis from the Ontario Health Coalition

Posted October 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

Posted September 28^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

Posted September 28^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

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

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

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

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

News from the Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted September 28th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

Posted September 28^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

A Statement from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network

Posted September 27th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

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

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

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

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

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

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted September 29^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

The wetlands of Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls, Ontario

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

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

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

Posted September 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

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

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

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

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

Posted September 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

News from the Office of Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk

Posted September 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted September 27th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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