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Posted January 31st on Niagara At Large

Niagara At Large is posting the following information prepared by the Islamic Society of St. Catharines, Niagara about a vigil for the victims of the Quebec shootings, scheduled for this Tuesday, January 31st, in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario at the corner of Geneva Street and Welland Avenue.

For more information from the Islamic Society of St. Catharines, Niagara, click on – http://www.isscniagara.org/ .

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

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

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 .

Jeff Burch, executive director of the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre and chair of the Niagara Refugee Assistance Committee

A Call-Out to All of Us from Niagara’s Multicultural Leadership for “Understanding and Compassion in the Face of the Cruel and Unfair Actions of the U.S. Government and Those Who Hate.”

An Open Letter to the Citizens of Niagara from Jeff Burch, Executive Director of the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre and Chair of the Niagara Refugee Assistance Committee

Posted January 30th, 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

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted January 30th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

A great photo of Barack Obama, published last year in Rolling Stone magazine, taken while he was still U.S. president and up in the Arctic, talking about the need to take urgent action on climate change

On the very last page of the latest (February 2017) issue of Rolling Stone magazine, there is a black and white photo of now former U.S. President Barack Obama with his back turned, with the following quote from him above that photo.

The quote – an excerpt from is parting message to the American people –  reads as follows; “Show up. Dive in. Stay at it. … I will be right there with you as a citizen, for all of my remaining days.”

It’s a heartfelt message from this first ever (and hopefully not last) Afro-American president and many surely took it to mean that one day – but not too soon, given the grace usually granted to a new president to chart his own way without digs from the last person who held the office – he would speak out, if and when he felt he had to on matters of serious concern. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from Former Canadian NDP leader Ed Broadbent

Posted January 30th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ed Broadbent

The past two days have been chilling.

This  Sunday, January 29th, 2017,  the horrific effects of hate rocked the whole country with the terrorist attack on the mosque in Sainte-Foy.

Our hearts this morning are with the Muslim community in Quebec and across Canada. As the investigation into this horror continues, it is more important than ever for each and every one of us to stand up against hate.

Sunday’s (January 29th) attack came a day after Donald Trump’s disgusting and terrifying Muslim ban took effect in the United States. Continue reading →

Posted January 30th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement this January 29th  after hearing of the fatal shooting at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec located in the Ste-Foy neighbourhood of the city of Québec:

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

It was with tremendous shock, sadness and anger that I heard of this evening’s tragic and fatal shooting at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec located in the Ste-Foy neighbourhood of the city of Québec.

“We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a centre of worship and refuge.

“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of all those who have died, and we wish a speedy recovery to those who have been injured. Continue reading →

Canada’s Prime Minister Should Also Consider Following  Mexican President’s Lead & Cancelling Plans To Meet With Trump

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted January 29^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

In the wake of America’s new president, Donald Trump, signing an executive order this past January 27^th, closing America’s borders to refugees and others from Syria and other Muslim-populated countries, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to Twitter, as Trump is want to do, to send out a very un-Trump-like message of his own.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greets Syrian refugees arriving at Toronto airport last year.

“To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of our faith. Diversity is our strength,” stated Trudeau in a January 28^th tweet. “Welcome to Canada.”

I can’t help but think there is a little bit of father Pierre’s penchant in that tweet for letting the big man in the White House now we aren’t just going to role over every time he barks. But it might be a good idea if the son followed up the tweet with a statesman-like address in the Canadian people and the world that, in spite of the kind of racist bile spewing from the mouths of some, like federal Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch, Canada is not going to follow Trump and his shock troops to the darkest reaches of human nature. Continue reading →

A Statement from Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Laura Albanese

Posted January 29, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Earlier this Sunday,  January 29th,  I spoke to the federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, and reiterated Ontario’s open door stance with respect to receiving immigrants and refugees from all countries, irrespective of race, ethnicity or faith.

Ontario’s economic and social strength is built on our traditions of openness and
diversity. Since December 2015, Ontario has received approximately 20,000 refugees, including over 16,000 refugees fleeing the Syrian crisis and the remainder coming from other countries across the globe. Continue reading →

Supporting More Travel Options, Improving Local Transit for Commuters and Families

News from the Government of Ontario

Posted January 27th, 2017 on Niagara At LargeJ

Ontario is boosting support for nearly 100 cities and towns across the province, providing them with reliable, long-term funding to improve and expand their local transit systems and offer more travel options for commuters and families.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Premier Kathleen Wynne and Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca were at York Region Transit’s Richmond Hill facility today to announce the new investment.

The province has heard directly from people who are frustrated by their daily commute and from municipalities that are struggling to meet their transit needs. In response to these concerns, starting in 2019, Ontario will be increasing funding for local transit through an enhancement to the existing gas tax program, doubling the municipal share from two cents per litre to four cents by 2021. There will be no increase in the tax that people in Ontario pay on gasoline as a result of the enhancement to the program. Continue reading →

Statement from Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted January 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath issued the following statement.

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

“The needs of Toronto, and municipalities across the province, have been ignored for too long by Premier Wynne and her Liberal government.  New Democrats are proud to support  citizens groups and municipal leaders who have called on the Province to contribute its fair share when it comes to funding transit and transportation,  affordable housing for vulnerable Ontarians, and affordable and accessible childcare for working families.

While municipalities will no doubt find good use for additional gas tax revenue, they cannot wait until 2021 for support. Continue reading →

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted January 27, 2016 on Niagara At Large

While so many of us are wondering what happened to winter this January, some may also recall the day winter swept eastward across Lake Erie, bombarding large swaths of Niagara and Western New York with an epic fury that claimed lives and had millions of people on lock down for the better part of a week.

This ambulance and the cars around them were not going anywhere – a typical scene on the highways and streets of Niagara and Western New York during the storm

It began on January 28th, 1977, on a Friday morning after many had already left home for school and work. Then sometime around 9 a.m., television and radio stations began broadcasting alerts fast and furious. There was a ferocious winter storm coming our way and everyone ought to go home or to anywhere where there is food and a warm place to ride the storm out – and do it as soon as possible.

Not everyone took the alerts as seriously as they should have. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from the Council of Canadians

Posted January 26th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Earlier this January, the Ontario government announced it would raise the fees that bottled water companies like Nestlé must pay to pump out millions of litres of groundwater every day. The new fee? One-fortieth of a penny per bottle. That is less than one cent per case!

Do you think the Ontario government is serious about protecting threatened aquifers? Neither do I.

We must keep the pressure on the Ontario government and show that we will not let it practically give water away – even in times of drought – to corporations like Nestlé that turn around and sell it for billions in profits. You can add your voice by sending a message to the Wynne government before January 31, the deadline for public comments. Continue reading →

“Words Matter, President Trump.” – from the Science and Security Board for the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists

Board Marks 70th Anniversary of Iconic Clock By Expressing Concern About “Unsettling” and “Ill-Considered” Statements of President Trump on Nuclear Weapons and Climate Change; Developments in North Korea, Russia, India and Pakistan Also Highlighted.

News from the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, non-profit organization representing scientists around the world

Posted January 26th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Washington, D.C. –It is now two and a half minutes to midnight.

How much closer to midnight do we want to get?

 For the first time in the 70-year history of the Doomsday Clock, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ Science and Security Board has moved the hands of the iconic clock 30 seconds closer to midnight. In another first, the Board has decided to act, in part, based on the words of a single person:  Donald Trump, the new President of the United States. 

The decision to move the hands of the Doomsday Clock is made by the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists in consultation with the Bulletin’s Board of Sponsors, which includes 15 Nobel Laureates.  The Science and Security Board’s full statement about the Clock is available online. Continue reading →

News from Brock University and the Niagara Community Observatory

Posted January 26th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Post-secondary schools like Niagara College and Brock University, an image from which is shown here, draw young people to Niagara. But what more can be done to keep them in the region after they graduate?

Contrary to popular belief, the population of 20-somethings in Niagara is increasing, so efforts to attract and keep young people in the region need to be extended to more age groups, new Brock University-led research shows.

Youth attraction initiatives in communities tend to focus on those in the 20-29 age bracket. However, the Niagara population of people in their 20s has actually grown over the past 15 years, says the latest Niagara Community Observatory brief, titled Growing Niagara: A closer look at Niagara’s aging population. Continue reading →

News from the Constituency Office of Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

Posted January 26th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – This office has received calls regarding door to door sales reps for a water treatment company now in the Welland area. One 89 year old resident has ended up with equipment she never wanted and its now being removed at no cost after this office called the company in question.

Know your rights when you sign a contract at your door. Learn about avoiding common door-to-door scams for water treatment systems, gas and electricity marketers and water softeners. Continue reading →

A Brief One by Doug Draper

Posted January 26th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

In case you have not yet seen this one – it has gone viral around the world – here is a great message from the Netherlands to Trump (sorry,  but I have one helluva hard time punching in the word “President” in front of his name.

While so many people around the world, and in his own country, are having a hard time coming to terms with this presidency, a Netherlands TV network has put together a broadcast piece that speaks for itself.

Click on it here and watch –

Now what do you think. Share your views below.

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

“Actions speak louder than words Mr. Annunziata, and it’s unfortunate that you perceive mine to be divisive when one of your first public statements in this new capacity is a letter designed to undermine the very legitimate concerns that I’ve brought forward on behalf of Niagara’s residents.” – Welland MPP Cindy Forster

From the Niagara, Ontario constituency office of Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

To Mr. SandyAnnunziata, NPCA Chair:

Ontario MPP for the Niagara riding of Welland, Cindy Forster, who has recently called for a full investigation and audit of the NPCA’s operations

I’m writing to firstly congratulate you on your new position as Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and secondly, to thank you for sharing your lengthy perspective on recent developments with the NPCA in the region. Despite the confrontational nature of your press document, I’ll do my best to address some of your key concerns. 

I appreciate your relaying a verbose understanding of the term advocacy.  Given the many definitions you provide, it’s unfortunate that you overlook my responsibility as an elected Member of Provincial Parliament to ensure the voices in my community are heard. This responsibility includes working with countless individuals, advocates, community groups, municipalities, and fellow MPP’s across partisan lines to ensure advocacy translates into effective political action. Continue reading →

“This is ‘good news’, says Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Trump’s plans to forge ahead with the Keystone XL pipeline. “I’ve been on the record for many years supporting it because it leads to economic growth and good jobs for Alberta.” 

A Call-Out to Us All from Canada’s Green Party

Posted January 25th, 017 on Niagara At Large

Friend –

Trump isn’t wasting any time. The new US President has approved the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.

Remember Keystone XL? It’s the pipeline Justin Trudeau wants to build, and will move bitumen and toxic solvents from Alberta to refineries in the US. President Obama had rejected it, but now, thanks to Trump, it’s back from the dead. And Justin Trudeau’s Cabinet has reaffirmed their support for the project, right on the heels of approving the Kinder Morgan and Line 3 pipelines. Continue reading →

Welland MPP Cindy Forster and her “Supervisor” – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath – Served with ‘Letter of Warning’

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted January 24th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Well, the proverbial cat is out of the bag now.

St. Catharines regional councilor Brian Heit, now facing a lawsuit related to NPCA issues

Niagara At Large learned weeks ago from sources  that Brian Heit and Kelly Edgar – two regional councillors representing the Niagara municipality of St. Catharines – were being served with a lawsuit by a person named Bill Montgomery, who runs a Niagara-on-the-Lake marketing business.

But the information NAL received about the legal action was a bit sketchy at the time and, when contacted by this journalist, Heit and Edgar both said they had received legal advice not to make any comments for the record.

Not wanting to post anything that might do unwarranted damage to two public figures I have long had a good deal of respect for around their record of public service, I decided to temporarily set the matter aside while awaiting further information.

St. Catharines regional councilor Kelly Edgar, also now faces a lawsuit related to NPCA issues

I did so knowing that the day might come when members of the mainstream media caught wind of the legal action and published a story. And this Tuesday, January 24th, that happened with a front-page story in a St. Catharines area newspaper, The Standard, featuring a headline that reads – ‘NPC lawsuits piling up’ which, if you haven’t already, you can read by clicking on a link below.

The Standard story reports that Montgomery has launched a slander and defamation lawuit, not only against Heit and Edgar, but against Ed Smith, a St. Catharines resident and retired Canadian Forces officer who is already facing a $200,000 defamation lawsuit filed against him by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and its former CAO (now CAO for Niagara’s regional government) Carmen D’Angelo. Continue reading →

 An Invite from Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, Federal MP for Niagara Centre, and Niagara College

Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster “stated that she has “heard from board members who say, ‘We’ve gone in a new direction to balance conservation with the economy.'”

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s new Chair, Fort Erie regional councilor Sandy Annunziata

“I believe it is irresponsible for a member of the provincial legislature to marginalize the voices of other stakeholders. There are carpenters and trades people employed in the home building industry, skilled workers in manufacturing whose plant can’t expand, and farmers looking to maximize yields through expanding their land use.”

“MPP Forster is choosing to ignore their concerns and appears to listen only to those with an apparent singular agenda. In effect, she seems to be pandering to one special interest group, and only one. The NPCA will not do that.” – from a statement bye NPCA’s new Chair, Sandy Annunziata

A Statement fromSandy Annunziata, Fort Erie regional councillor and new chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Released by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and posted by Niagara At Large this January 23^rd, 2017

Welland, Ontario  – I will always appreciate the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussion with our partners. Continue reading →

“Opponents suggest that the change will create … more full-time politicians (who would want “full-time wages”), attract partisans, and make local government less accountable and more out-of-touch from average citizens.” – from a commentary by Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

A Commentary by Dave Augustyn, Mayor of the Town of Pelham in Niagara, Ontario

Posted January 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Do you think we should elect more full-time politicians in Niagara?

Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Should it be harder for people to represent the views of their neighbours? Or, should anyone be able to serve part-time on local Council and offer their experiences from a job or other activities?

People are asking these thoughtful questions about the “dual duty, ward Councillor” proposal for the City of St. Catharines and Niagara Regional Councils.

Currently, St. Catharines elects 12 part-time (Part T)ime City Councillors (two in each of six wards), and six part-time Regional Councillors (“at-large” across the City). City residents also elect a full-time (Full Time) Mayor who serves on both Councils. That’s 19 people (12 Part Time + 6 Part Time  +1 Full Time = 18 Part Time & 1 Full Time) representing citizens on the two Councils. Continue reading →

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

Posted January 23rd, 2017

I refuse to listen to (Trump’s inaugural ceremonies) tripe.

Imagine how many great novels, documentaries and movies I can digest in four years! Thanks Donnie Boy.

Some of the estimated 3,000 people in Buffalo, New York who joined hundreds of people in Niagara, Ontario and some three million around the world in supporting a massive Women’s March on Washington, D.D.’s in the wake of Trump’s inauguration. Photo by Doug Draper

No man (nation) is an island. Although I’m against pipelines and fossil fuels, I wonder what Trump would do if Canada decided to build the pipeline through British Columbia and sell all of the bitumen to China, thus leaving the U.S. without access. Invade? Build a wall?

America can just tear more of its own land apart fracking for gas and digging for more coal. It can continue to destroying the lives of miners from black lung and mine collapses, rather than offer them job training in green alternatives.

Talk about regression. Continue reading →

NAFTA ‘has hurt people in all three countries (Canada, Mexico and the United States,” says Council of Canadians chairperson Maude Barlow. “We need a better deal, not a worse one.”

A Media Advisory from the Ottawa-based citizens group, Council of Canadians

Trump and other U.S. presidential candidates were greeted with many signs like this last year on the campaign trail.

President Trump is expected to sign an executive order today this January 23rd) to launch the renegotiation of NAFTA, having already signed one to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. As an organization formed in response to the first free trade agreement with the U.S., the Council of Canadians is available for comment.

“NAFTA has needed renegotiation since before it was signed. It has hurt people in all three countries, and has resulted in larger inequality and corporate rights. Chapter 11 is a symbol of that,” says Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians. “But negotiating behind closed doors is not going to solve the problem. It will not give us a deal that puts the interests of people and communities before corporations. We need a better deal, not a worse one.” Continue reading →

News from Niagara, Ontario’s regional government

Posted January 23^rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region – Niagara Region Transit service has been extended. At its meeting on Jan. 19, 2017 Niagara Regional Council approved a motion to extend the Niagara Region Transit pilot program until the work of the Inter-municipal Transit Working Group and decisions on the consolidation of transit services in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland are complete. Continue reading →

An Invite to All from the Sierra Club in Western New York

Posted January 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At LargeNIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space below the Brnie 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 Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted January 23^rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Parks Police Chief Carl Scott retiring

Niagara Falls, Ontario – Having provided 40-years of dedicated and distinguished policing and community service to both The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) and the residents of Niagara Region, Niagara Parks Police Chief, Carl Scott announced his retirement from the Niagara Parks Police Service, effective May 31, 2017.

“We would like to thank Chief Scott for his proven leadership, years of service and commitment to both the Commission and the Niagara Parks Police Service”, stated Niagara Parks Chair, Janice Thomson. “Chief Scott’s passion and commitment to the Niagara Parks Police Service and all that it represents will be missed. We wish Chief Scott and his family all the best.” Continue reading →

“Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our product, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs.” – from U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s Inaugural Address

Posted January 21st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

For some it is a dark, divisive very disturbing address to his country and to the rest of the world.

To others, it was cause for celebratory cheers and for hope that those  who have seen their American dream dissolve for decades as factories and other businesses closed in their communities and re-opened beyond their country’s borders.

For Canada, almost right out of the gate of the Trump presidency, expect Trump to approve constructoon of the XL Keystone pipeline from Alberta’s tar sands to oil refineries in the southern United States, a .total reworking or dismantling of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the possibility that American-based auto and other industries will bring some or all of their manufacturing operatiions back home, and one less partner country in the battle to curb climate changing gases to the earth’s atmosphere.

Here is the complete transcript of Trump’s inaugural address, then tell us what you think –

“Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans and people of the world, thank you. Continue reading →

A Brief One by NAL publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 20th, 2010 on Niagara At Large

For those of us who follow world affairs, it is almost impossible not be mindful of what is going on south of the Canada/U.S. border this January 20th.

I told myself an earlier on that I was going to turn off the TV and play my Bruce Springsteen albums as loud as possible through this U.S. presidential inaugural day. But like a kid who just can’t seem to keep away from playing in the mud with a new pair of shoes on, there I was listening to an inaugural speech that sounded like not much more than a slightly toned down version of one of Trump’s campaign rally rants, then watching the Obamas climb aboard a helicopter and make one more circle over the White House before the chopper crossed the Potomac and disappeared away.

As for Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau? Continue reading →

‘Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.’

Posted by Doug Draper, January 19^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

American actor Alec Baldwin, who plays Trump on Saturday Night Live, wears a had reading; ‘Make America Great Again’ in Russian.

“I’m sentimental, if you know what I mean, I love the country but I can’t stand the scene,  And I’m neither left or right, I’m just staying home tonight, Getting lost in that hopeless little screen, But I’m stubborn as those garbage bags, As time cannot decay I’m junk but I’m still holding up this little wild bouquet Democracy is coming to the USA To the USA”

• Lyrics from Leonard Cohen’s song ‘Democracy

“It’s coming to America first, The cradle of the best and of the worst, It’s here they got the range, And the machinery for change, And it’s here they got the spiritual thirst, It’s here the family’s broken,  And it’s here the lonely say, That the heart has got to open In a fundamental way,  Democracy is coming to the USA”

Lyrics from Leonard Cohen’s song ‘Democracy

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 One from NAL publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 19th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

This January 18th, CBC posted a story on questions and concerns now dogging the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and how it is conducting business with millions of dollars annually of our tax money.

Here is the headline and first few paragraphs of the CBC story, followed  by a link you can click on to read the whole story. Stay tune for more on this issue from Niagara At Large, CBC and other news and commentary sources –

Niagara residents demonstrate in front of Balls Falls’ Centre where Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board met this January 18th. Photo courtesy of Mike Haines

Niagara conservation authority used public money to hire lobbyists — to promote development

A retired Royal Canadian Air Force officer who is facing a $200,000 lawsuit for defamation by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority brought a battalion of supporters to the group’s annual general meeting Wednesday. Continue reading →

Posted by NAL publisher Doug Draper on Niagara At Large, January 19th, 2017

Niagara citizen Ed Smith delivers his message to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board of directors

This January 18th, 2017, Niagara citizen Ed Smith, who has been slapped with a $200,000 lawsuit by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and its former CAO Carmen D’Angelo, stood before the NPCA’s board and delivered the following address to them – one that we, as citizens in a democracy, all need to read.

By the way, the NPCA board approved a motion to have an audit done on its operations. Niagara At Large will post a news commentary on that development and what further needs to be done to reclaim this Conservation Authority for the people of this region this coming January 20th. Stay tuned.

Now here are Ed Smith’s words to this board –

“Ladies and gentlemen: 

Public trust.

Whatever trust the public places in its officials must be respected. Under the right circumstances the loss of public trust can mean the loss of the right to govern, in a healthy democracy public trust is foundational. Continue reading →

“All of us should refuse to witness Donald Trump’s oath of office  and instead observe a minute of silence out of concern for the future of American democracy.”  ‘- former U.S. Labour Secretary Robert Reich

A Brief Message from the Facebook pages of Robert Reich, a university professor, author and former Secretary of Labour in the White House administration of President Bill Clinton

Posted January 17^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword Note from NAL publisher Doug Draper –

Donald Trump and the Clintons have wined and dined before. “throw her in jail’ or not, they swim in the same elite circles.

This was Robert Reich’s Facebook response to the recent news that Bill and Hillary Clinton, who were called liars, crooks and almost everything else short of child molesters  by Donald Trump during last year’s U.S. presidential campaign, are planning to attend the inauguration and swearing in ceremonies for Donald Trump this comping January, 2017.

In a few words, I think it expresses some of the views of many of the Americans I know – more than a few of who are feeling sick to their stomachs right now – and many others around the world to Trump’s coming presidency.

From Robert Reich –

“By attending Trump’s inauguration, they (the Clintons) are’ normalizing it – as if Trump were just another president and this were just another inauguration. He’s not. It’s not. Continue reading →

“We are tremendously excited to have been approached with this opportunity. The GNCC’s mission is to help Niagara’s businesses succeed, and we are glad to help Niagara’s Chinese business community.” — Mishka Balsom, President & CEO, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

News form the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted January 18th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – This January 2017, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) hosted the first meeting of the newly-formed Niagara Chinese Business Council (NCBC).

GNCC Board of Directors with GNCC CEO Mishka Balsom (front, at far left), NCBC Chair Chris Zhu (front, second from left), GNCC Chair Ian Kowalchuk (front, second from right) and NCBC Vice-Chair Tony Zhang (front, far right). Photo courtesy of Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

The GNCC was approached by a group of Chinese businesspeople in Niagara who sought to form a new business organization for Niagara’s Chinese business community. Continue reading →

Posted January 18th, 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

“I am requesting a copy of documentation between NPCA and OMB that approves any salary, expenses, or allowances or contracts to any board members since 2014. Was Carmen D’Angelo while a board member, given a paid contract for strategic planning work?” – an excerpt from a letter MPP Cindy Forster sent to the NPCA this January 16th requesting answers. 

“I am told the labour relationship with the employer is deplorable, grievances unresolved with everyone one them going to arbitration, a very costly process to the taxpayers that could be used for conservation.” – another excerpt from a letter MPP Cindy Forster sent to the NPCA this January 16th requesting answers.

“How much money has it cost the NPCA and its foundation and the taxpayers between 2013-2016 for the restructuring that has taken place in terms of severances and any legal actions arising out of wrongful dismissal claims?” – yet another excerpt from a letter MPP Cindy Forster sent to the NPCA this January 16th requesting answers.

READ THE FULL TEXT OF CINDY FORSTER’S LETTER BELOW

Posted by Doug Draper, publisher of your online news site Niagara At Large

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

January 17th, 2017

In November of last year Cindy Forster, an Ontario Member of Parliament for the Niagara riding of Welland, followed up Niagara area citizen Ed Smith in a call for a forensic audit and full investigation of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations.

Forster also met with members of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authorities board and management in November to discuss concerns raised by her constituents and other citizens, including municipal councillors, across the Niagara and Hamilton region about how the NPCA is using millions of dollars of our municipal tax dollars each year. Continue reading →

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted January 16^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

“There is little hope for us until we become tough-minded enough to break loose from the shackles of prejudice, half-truths, and downright ignorance.” – The late American civil rights leader Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King

“They can kill the dreamer, but they can’t kill the dream,” sang American blues artist Ruthie Foster in a song she performed during a concert last year in Niagara, Ontario.

The dreamer, of course, was Martin Luther King, the  charismatic civil rights leader, who was gunned down in 1968, but whose dream tens-of-millions of Americans have continued to commemorate each on Martin Luther King Day, being observed this Monday, January 16th by our neighbours in Erie and Niagara Counties, New York and in numerous other regions across the U.S.A.

They killed the dreamer, alright. Continue reading →

News from the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation

Posted January 16^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

A wheel house view of a ship making its way through the Welland Canal in Niagara, Ontario . Photo courtesy of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

(A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – Just interesting to note in the news below that following the 2016 navigation season – the length of which has more than a little to do with the amount of ice receding or building upin the Great Lake and rheir connecting channels (including the Welland Canal) in the spring, fall and winter – the other two record seasons occurred in 2008 and 2013.

Is there a pattern here? Could this be telling us something? No. Climate change is a hoax, isn’t it? Maybe if Trump follows through on his promises to tear up all the climate change accords and burn more coal and oil, we’ll have navigation seasons in the Great Lakes that last all year, just so long as the water levels don’t go too low.)

Cornwall, Ontario – After opening the 2016 season on March 21, the St. Lawrence Seaway closed on December 31, enjoying a navigation season of 286 days. This performance ties the record first established in 2008 and matched in 2013 for the longest navigation season. Continue reading →

A Message to You from the Niagara Dental Health Coalition

Posted January 16th, 2017 on Niagara At Large 

Niagara, Ontario – The Niagara Dental Health Coalition has launched a survey to find out more about problems or barriers accessing dental care that are faced by Niagara region adults and seniors. 

The short survey can be completed on-line at http://niagaradentalhealthcoalition.weebly.com/ and is open until March 10, 2017.

 “Between two to three million people in Ontario do not visit a dentist each year,” says Lori Kleinsmith, Chair of the Niagara Dental Health Coalition. “There are many factors at play and we want to learn more about how these impact areas such as employability, health, and social interactions in Niagara.” Continue reading →

“Are we going to see the bill for this lawsuit? … The message that seems to be out there is “don’t ask” or you’ll be sued.”

An Open Letter from Niagara citizen Marilyn Bell for Niagara At Large to post and for all of us to give the words she shares in it some serious consideration.

Posted January 15^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Some of our elected officials don’t want to “waste” taxpayers’ money on a forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority but are willing to spend taxpayers’ money on suing a private citizen named Ed Smith for asking questions. 

A private citizen who, by the way, spent twenty-five years of his life in our Canadian Air Force.  He served us then and is serving us now by wanting to find out facts.  Are we going to see the bill for this lawsuit?

A 2016 meeting of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority board. The board recently launched a lawuist against Niagara citizen Ed Smith who has been calling for a forensic audit of the NPCA’s operations. File photo by Doug Draper

  The message that seems to be out there is “don’t ask” or you’ll be sued. Continue reading →

–         This Coming Tuesday, January 17^th at 7 p.m. at the St. Catharines Public Library in the City’s Downtown

An Invite To All of You from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted January 15^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large 

St. Catharines/Niagara – With President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fast approaching, Brock University political scientists will be coming together to discuss what a Trump presidency will look like and how it might impact Canadians.

Brock’s public panel discussion to focus on impact of a Trump presidency on Canada and the world

 The Department of Political Science is hosting a public panel discussion at St. Catharines Public Library Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m.. to discuss the chaos that has followed the election in November and explore what to look out for as Trump transitions into office. Continue reading →

By Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted January 13^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara At Large attended a meeting this January 13th, 2017 between Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, MPP Cindy Forster and Mat Botden, , president of the Welland Curling Club in Niagara, Ontario, where the crippling hikes in electricity costs for that not profit-organization and for virtually everyone else in the province were discussed.

At the end of that meeting, Horwath told reporters that if her party is elected to government in 2018, she will make getting hydro costs under control and affordable for residents and businesses across Ontario a number one priority.

Here is the media release that came out of that meeting

News from the Offices of Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

As Hydro Bills Continue To Climb, Welland Community Groups Are Suffering

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Welland, Ontario  – Today Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath was joined by MPP Cindy Forster (Welland), as they visited the Welland Curling Club to discuss the impact of skyrocketing hydro rates on the club’s finances and future viability.

“Hydro rates are out of control in this province because of bad decisions made by the Liberal government to privatize more and more of our electricity system,” said Horwath. “Instead of looking after her friends on Bay Street, the Premier should take real steps to help businesses here on King Street, households across Welland, and families throughout the Niagara Region by making hydro affordable.” Continue reading →

Niagara At Large Doesn’t Do ‘Grip And Grin Photo Opportunities – Especially Where There Is “No Media Interview Availability – When There Are Serious Issues In This Region We Need You And Your Government  To Be Addressed

A Commentary by Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 12th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Just an hour or so before nightfall this January 12th, what newsrooms are left across the greater Niagara region where emailed the following advisory from communication officers for Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Brock University in St. Catharines, Niagara –   

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

“Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne will visit Brock University Friday, Jan. 13,” the advisory said. “The Premier’s visit and tour will begin at 9:15 a.m. at Inniskillin Hall, home to Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute.

“Media interested in attending the tour are asked to arrive no later than 9:15 a.m. A photo opportunity will take place at 10 a.m. on the third floor of the Brock University Students’ Union building.

There will be no media interview availability.”

Thanks for the photo opportunity Madam Premier, but no thanks! Continue reading →

A Call-Out from the Liberty Union Progressives of Buffalo/Western New York

Posted January 12^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Friend, 

U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren – two leaders in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party – vow to fight Trump on health care and a host of other frongs

As you may know, Republicans in Congress have made dismantling our healthcare system a top priority for 2017.

They’ve promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) on day one. They’ve been chomping at the bit to privatize Medicare for years. And now that they have control of the House, the Senate, and the presidency, their dream of a profits-over-people healthcare system for all has never been closer to reality. Continue reading →

By Doug Draper

Posted January 12, 2017 on Niagara At Large

It has been a threat that the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority has held over the head of St. Catharines/Niagara resident Ed Smith since last fall.

Ed Smith – a community activist and resident of Niagara, Ontario – has been slapped with a $200,000 lawsuit by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and its former CAO (now Niagara Region’s CAO) Carmen D’Angelo.

Now the NPCA and its former CAO and recently hired CAO for Niagara’s regional government, Carmen D’Angelo,. have followed trough on their threat to sue Smith – a retired Canadian Armed Forces officer and a community leader in calling for a full forensic audit and investigation of the NPCA’s operations – with a defamation suit totallying $200,000.

The move by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and its former CAO is virtually unprecedented in Niagara. It represents the first time in this region of Ontario and Canada that a body funded with public taxdollars, is suing a private citizen who has been pressing it for more accountability and transparency when it comes to growing citizen concerns that have been raised about its hiring and firing practices, its land dealings, how and who it awards contacts to, and other matters.

In a statement circulated to the media at large this January 12^th, Smith has this to –

“I was served notice by NPCA legal counsel on November 14^th 2016.  The letter of notice included a list of demands for my compliance; failure to comply could result in further legal action. Continue reading →

“Democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity — the idea that for all our outward differences, we are all in this together; that we rise or fall as one.”   – from Barack Obama’s Farewell Address as U.S. President

By Doug Draper

Watching Barack Obama say his official goodbyes to supporters following his farewell address as U.S. president this January 10^th, I thought of those epic scenes in the movie ‘Gone With The Wind’ where the northern troops during the American Civil War were closing in on the southern city of Atlanta.

Barack Obama delivers his farewell address as U.S. president

As the invading troops reached the outskirts of the city, their southern counterparts make their retreat and Rhett Butler tells Scarlet O’Hara that they better follow because with the exit of the troops goes any last semblance of civility in the city.

Sure enough there began the smashing of windows with vandals, looters and horse thieves spilling into Atlanta’s streets.

Barack Obama’s 2008 promise of progressive change may not have produced the results many the results many hoped they would. It didn’t help that his Republican opponents made a pact from the start to block his every bid for reform and that he suddenly found himself leading a country experiencing the worst economic crash since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Continue reading →

In 15 years teaching American politics, Brock Political Science Prof. Paul Hamilton has never seen anything like it.

A News Release from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted January 11th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Trump performed as same old Trump at January 11th press conference – his first full press conference in six months. Photo for this Brock U. media release inserted by NAL.

St. Catharines/Niagara – “I’m surprised by how little he has changed from the primaries,” the associate professor in the Department of Political Science said of President-elect Donald Trump. “He doesn’t seem to have absorbed much of the sort of manners of the office.

“You would think meeting Obama, touring the Whitehouse, nominating people for Cabinet, that all of those things would have sobered his mind, but it doesn’t appear it has.” Continue reading →

By Doug Draper

Posted January 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Zoocheck Canada – a nation-wide citizens advocacy group for animals in captivity – says it is “pleased” to see the Ontario Society for Preventing Cruelty to Animals (OCSCA) lay another round of charges against the giant Marineland park in Niagara Falls, Ontario for animal abuse.

Bears looking up at park visitors at Marineland. None of the recent OSPCA charges involve bears, although animal activists have raised concerns over the years about the condition of bears at the park. Marineland has always insisted it take good care of all the park’s animals. File photo courtesy of Zoocheck Canada.

However, Zoocheck representatives, who have been monitoring and raising concerns about the condition of whales, dolphins and other animals at Marineland for more than two decades now, said in a statement released this January 10th that they hope the OSPCA continues its investigation and take further a ”appropriate actions” against the park.

“We are pleased the OSPCA has acted by laying several charges against Marineland,” said Zoocheck in the statement. “However, we believe there are additional violations of the standards, regarding the bears and marine mammals that warrant attention.  We sincerely hope the OSPCA’s ongoing investigation will look closely at the management of those animals and that appropriate actions will be taken.” Continue reading →

Stéphane Dion is Out. Chrystia Freeland. Considered Best Pick for Foreign Affairs Ministry & Dealing With The Incoming       U.S. Trump Administration

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on changes to the Ministry

Posted January 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Chrystia Freeland moves from International Trade to key Foreign Affairs cabinet post. Considered best to deal with incoming Trump administration

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on changes to the Ministry: (For more information on the MPs chosen for new cabinet portfolios, click on their names where they are highlighted in blud in this post.)

Chrystia Freeland, currently Minister of International Trade, becomes Minister of Foreign Affairs, and retains the Canada-U.S. relations file, including trade relations.

Maryam Monsef, currently Minister of Democratic Institutions, becomes Minister of Status of Women.

Patricia A. Hajdu, currently Minister of Status of Women, becomes Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.

François-Philippe Champagne, currently Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, becomes Minister of International Trade.

Karina Gould, currently Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, becomes Minister of Democratic Institutions.

Ahmed D. Hussen becomes Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. Continue reading →

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted January 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

“Here, there’s no music here
I’m lost in streams of sound
Here, am I nowhere now?
No plan

Wherever I may go
Just where
Just there
I am”

–      From a newly released song called ‘No Plan’, one of the last songs David Bowie ever recorded.

David Bowie died a year ago this January 10th, 2017, leaving the rest of us to contend with 12 months of loss, chaos and creepy clowns

Wow. Has a whole year gone by already since David Bowie made his final exit?

It was one year ago this January 10th that Bowie died – just two days f his 69th birthday and the release of Blackstar, his last complete studio album that Rolling Stone magazine recently ranked as one of the top albums of 2016.

In its year-end review of the top albums of 2016, Rolling Stone ranked Bowie’s album right up near the top with the following note   “There’s never been a musical farewell like Blackstar – the Cracked Actor saved his braves and boldest performance for the final curtain. Bowie showed up on his 69th birthday to drop a surprise masterpiece, let an astonished world puzzle over the music for a couple of days and then slipped off into the sky.” Continue reading →

A Call-out from the Canadian Environmental Law Association

Posted January 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large – In September, 2016, the Liberal government of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne – without any public consultation or warning – slammed the brakes on approving any more renewable energy projects in the province, effectively leaving  any leadership role Ontario may play  in the green energy field to other jurisdictions like New York State, California, countries in Europe and even China.

In the following Call-Out, the longstanding Toronto-based pubic interest group,the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), is urging you to click on the link to its petition, urging the Ontario government to add real substance to its pledge to tackle climate change by getting back in a green energy field where advanced regions of the world are bound to grow and prosper sustainably in this 21st Century.)

From CELA –

Speak out for a clean, green energy future! CELA is working with other organizations including the David Suzuki Foundation, Environmental Defence, Greenpeace and many others, to show that there’s broad public support for shifting Ontario to 100 per cent renewable energy. Continue reading →

News from the Ontario Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals

With a Foreword from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper and Marineland’s written response to the charges

Posted January 9^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The OSPCA – an arm of the Ontario government – has slapped another six charges of animal cruelty against Marineland, less than two months after laying five charges of animal abuse against the same amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, posted on NAL on November 27^th, 2016.

One of many animal activist protests held outside of Marineland’s front gates in recent years. File photo by Doug Draper

The latest charges, following an investigation of Marineland’s operations that the OSPCA describes as “extensive,” involve the treatment of Elk and deer in the park.

In a statement Marineland shared with Niagara At Large shortly after the OSPCA announced the new round of charges at a news conference, it said; “Once again the OSPCA has opted to publicly announce charges and this time even undertook a press conference with the Deputy Chief Inspector of the OSPCA Jennifer Bluhm answering questions for the media.” Continue reading →

She’s An “Over-Rated Actress” and “Hillary Flunky.” – so says the next President of the United States, Donald J. Trump

A Brief Commentary from Doug Draper

Posted this January 9^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The multiple Oscar-winning movie actress Meryl Streep used her acceptance speech at the Golden Globe Awards this January 8^th , where she received this year’s Cecil B. DeMille to dress down Donald Trump for mocking a disabled reporter last year during one of his rallies – and she did it without actually mentioning the Donald’s name.

Donald Trump, at a rally in South Carolina last year, making mocking movements of New York Times reporter Serve F. Kovaleski, who suffers from a congenital joint condition.

I’ll admit that I am among those who has felt a bit of Meryl Street overload in recent years, given her almost constant presence on movie screens and receiving trophies at award shows. However, I think she deserves Five Stars for using most of her six minute acceptance speech at the Golden Globe ceremonies this January 8^th to slam Trump for the ill-mannered, narcissistic lunatic that he is, even as he is now less than two weeks away from taking over the Oval Office and being a heartbeat away from the nuclear button. Continue reading →

“Why you would allow Indian Point (Nuclear Station) to continue to operate defies common sense, planning and basic sanity.” – New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo

“Contrast that to the reaction of the (Ontario) Wynne Government to Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) plan to seek a 10-year license extension for the Pickering Nuclear Station.” –          Ontario Clean Air Alliance

News from Angela Bischoff, Outreach Director for the Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Posted January 9^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

New York State has reached a deal to shut down the 40-year-old Indian Point Nuclear Station, located less than 30 miles north of New York City, on the basis that it is too close to a large urban area.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo starts closing curtains on nuclear energy. Will Ontario ever do the same?

To New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, closing the aging plant was the only reasonable option, despite the request by Indian Point’s owner for a 20-year license extension: “Why you would allow Indian Point to continue to operate defies common sense, planning and basic sanity.” The state government has so little faith in the wisdom of continuing to operate Indian Point that it has also demanded additional safety inspections and more independent review of plant operations.

Contrast that to the reaction of the Wynne Government to Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) plan to seek a 10-year license extension for the Pickering Nuclear Station. Pickering is actually older than Indian Point. And there are twice as many people living within 30 km of Pickering than live within the same distance from Indian Point (2.2 million versus 1.1 million). Continue reading →

A Call-Out from Former U.S. Presidential Candidate and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders

Posted January 9th, 2017on Niagara At Large

Tell Congress: Protect And Expand The Health Care Needs Of Working Families, Do Not Cut Them

(Niagara At Large is pleased to post this urgent “Call to Action” to our American neighbours from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders to stop Trump and his Republican congressional supporters from gutting the country’s health care system and leaving millions of Americans without affordable access to the health care they need.

If you can get the CNN cable network on whatever you watch network news on, this Monday, January 9th at 9 p.m., CNN is airing a special Town Hall meeting with Bernie Sanders.)

In less than one week, the new Republican Congress will begin their efforts to dismantle America’s health care system. Continue reading →

“In a free and democratic system, every citizen must be guaranteed the right to freedom of expression about issues relating to government as an absolute privilege, without threat of a civil action for defamation being initiated against them by that government.” – From a 2014 ruling by Ontario Court Mr. Justice Kenneth E. Pedlar, in favour of a citizen sued by the Township of Montague, Ontario for circulating a letter critical of the Township emergency response operations.

A Commentary by Doug Draper, publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted January 6^th, 2017

I began here with a quote from an Ontario court judge who dismissed a defamation suit a municipality filed against Donald Page – a Montague township resident who was exercising his right as a citizen to raise questions and concerns about that municipality – for a reason that every one of us who believes in the democratic right of citizens to speak out and to hold our government to account should take to heart.

Ed Smith, speaking at a news conference in November 2016, after he was threatened by NPCA with a lawsuit. File photo by Doug Draper

I began with this honourable judge’s quote because the legal harassment that was unleashed on Donald Page – quite wrongfully as the judge so eloquently pointed out – could be unleashed on any citizen who exercises their right to hold our government to account.

In fact, this form of legal harassment or thuggery – what has come to be known in the legal game as a “slap suit” designed to make an example of any citizens who dares to raise questions and concerns so that the rest of us know to go home and keep our mouths shut – has been threatened against a Niagara, Ontario  citizen named Ed Smith – a St. Catharines resident 25-year, retired career officer in the Canadian Armed Forces – for raising questions and concerns about hiring and firing practices, about the awarding of contacts, about land deals and a host of other matters involving the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority – a government body run by a board and managers that growing numbers of citizens across Niagara and Hamilton have lost trust in. Continue reading →

Trailblazing Women: Western New York Connections

Posted January 6^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York – The Buffalo History Museum will host the lecture, “Shirley Chisholm: Unbought and Unbossed.”

This program is in collaboration with a coalition of WNY women’s organizations  and  community  partners including, the Buffalo Presidential Center, AAUW—Buffalo Branch, The Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, Friends of Women’s Rights National Historic Park, Buffalo/Niagara Chapter, Zonta Club of Buffalo, League of Women Voters Buffalo/Niagara, WomenElect, Daemen College Women’s Studies Program, and the  Niagara Falls National Heritage Area

Altogether, they will host a lecture presented by Eva M. Doyle about Shirley Chisholm – an inspirational African-American woman in history who generated significant change for all women across the nation. Continue reading →

Find Out How You Can Lend A Voice Of Support Below

A Call-Out from Pamela Minns and Thorold Heritage LACAC

Posted January 6h, 2017 on Niagara At Large

NOTICE

You ,may be aware that a Private Member’s Bill was introduced in Parliament to create tax credits for rehabilitation of historic places;  it was tabled in the House by Peter van Loan (Conservative critic for Canadian Heritage and National Historic Sites) and received its first reading December 1st, 2016.

The Port Mansion, the way it looked a decade ago, before it was torn down in what was designated as a “heritage district” in Port Dalhousie/St. Catharines, to make way for a proposed high-rise condo complex. File photo by Doug Draper

The bill is designed to limit the demolition of our heritage buildings and encourage the rehabilitation of properties in the Canadian Register of Historic Places.  This enactment amends the Income Tax Act to establish a tax credit for expenses related to the rehabilitation of a historic property.  It also establishes a tax deduction for the capital cost of property used in the course of such a rehabilitation. Continue reading →

A Invite to Residents from the City of St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted January 6th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario  – St. Catharines residents can have their say about the 2017 operating budget during an upcoming telephone town hall and two open houses.

St. Catharines City Hall

St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik, Coun. Mat Siscoe, chair of the Budget Standing Committee, and City staff will answer questions about the 2017 operating budget during a telephone town hall Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The telephone town hall will operate similar to a radio call-in show, except instead of individuals calling in 30,000 residents will be called at home and asked to participate. Residents will be randomly chosen to participate, but those residents who want to ensure their participation can register in advance at http://www.stcatharines.ca/budgettalk or by calling 905.688.5600. Continue reading →

They’ve Already Made More In Four Days Than The Average Canadian Worker Will Make All Year!

News from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Posted January 5^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – Canada’s 100 highest paid CEOs have set a new record: their total compensation in 2015 hit a new high at $9.5 million, on average, according to a new Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) report.

The report shows Canada’s 100 highest paid CEOs on the TSX index now make 193 times more than someone earning an average wage.

“Although public outrage over exorbitantly high CEO pay continues unabated, especially since the Great Recession of 2008-09, CEO pay in Canada takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” says economist Hugh Mackenzie.

“In 2015, CEO pay set a new record, with only one factor threatening new heights: an unpredictable global economy.” Continue reading →

An Invite from Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, Federal MP for Niagara Centre, and Niagara College

Posted January 5^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

In keeping with the Canadian government’s continued efforts to consult with the public on its plans to address climate change, Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey and Niagara College are hosting a public forum on “action planning” at Niagara College’s Welland Campus on Thursday, January 26^th, 2017 from 5 to 8 p.m.

An earlier session, hosted by Badawey and the College at its Niagara-on-the-Lake campus this past November 9^th, a number of areas or themes were identified, including transit, food systems, land use (i.e. brownfield development and urban intensification) natural heritage protection and enhancement, water resource management, energy production and management, and others. Continue reading →

“Sadly, too many of us have been so far removed from our sources of food we cannot think of ever not having access to the bounties that are found in our local grocery stores.”

By Gary Screaton Page

Posted January 5th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

There are four necessities of life, without which we cannot long endure on this planet: air, water, food, and shelter.

Canada in general and Ontario in particular, seem bent on polluting the first two. They also allow the destruction of those areas in which we can — presently at least — grow our food, freeing us from dependence upon imports from unreliable source countries.

Finally, governments fail by allowing moneyed investors to price our shelter options out of the reach of far too many Canadians. Continue reading →

U.S. Senator and Former Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders Joins New York State Governor in Announcing Proposal for Tuition-Free College and University

News from the Office of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo

Posted December 5th, 2017 on Niagara At large

Bernie Sanders joins New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo in announcing plan for tuition-free college and university

(A Brief Foreword Note from NAL publisher Doug Draper – We are posting this ground-breaking proposal by New York’s governor because if it is approved his state’s legislature, it one day be as good for students in Ontario and other jurisdictions across North America, as it would be for those seeking a college or university education in New York State.

After all, New York State, like California, is one of those regions on the continent that is enough of an economic powerhouse that if it does something, it can pave the way for other regions – provinces in Canada, as well as other U.S. states – to follow suit.

Indeed, the Ontario government and some post-secondary schools in the province, including Brock University, have recently outlined plans to go tuition-free for students from families in lower income brackets, and a link to a Brock news report on such a plan is included below. Continue reading →

An Invite to All from the Niagara District Council of Women

Posted January 5th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines/Niagara, Ontario – In anticipation of a land-mark decision by Canada’s federal government decision on , if or how, it will keep its promise that 2019 will   see the end of “ first-past-the post” election system, on Wednesday January 11^th, the Niagara District Council of Women is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday January 11^th at 7:30 p.m. on  electoral reform.

The public meeting – free of charge and open to all – will feature guest speakers  Brock Political Science Professor David Siegel and community activist, and “proportional representation” advocate, Linda Babb. Continue reading →