Category Archives: Uncategorized

Province maintaining tuition fee freeze to keep costs down for students and parents

“Instead of burdening hard-working families with higher tuition, we’re making historic investments to stabilize colleges and universities. We’re taking action to make fees more transparent.” – Jill Dunlop, Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities

News from the Government of Ontario

Posted February 26th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – While any financial “relief” to colleges and universities and the students enrolled in them is welcome news, this is barely places a dent in the tens-of-billions of dollars that successive provincial and federal governments cut from post-secondary education going back to the 1980s.

These cuts to post-secondary education were made to pay for the tax cuts governments promised to voters to buy their support. One of the groups that benefited the most from these tax cuts were members of the Baby Boomer Generation who were alo fortunate enough to benefit from far lower tuition fees compared to generations that followed.

Since provincial and federal governments began defunding colleges and universities, tuition fees have skyrocketed and so has student debt. Students have also been forced to pay outrageously higher prices text books and a battery of user fees for student services that were once free – all so that Baby Boomers got get their tax cuts.

From the crippling cost of post-secondary education to the cost of housing and a climate crisis that is making life ever harder, we Baby Boomers have a good deal to answer for. – Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Now here is the News Release from the Ontario Government- 

Jill Dunlop, Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities

TORONTO, Ontario – Today (this February 26^th, 2024) , the Ontario government introduced a suite of measures to stabilize the province’s colleges and universities, including nearly $1.3 billion in new funding, while maintaining the tuition fee freeze to keep costs down for Ontario students and parents.

The province is also introducing legislation that would, if passed, support student mental health, safe and inclusive campuses and allow for increased transparency of fees.

This suite of measures also includes initiatives that will help connect students to rewarding careers to help build Ontario’s skilled workforce. Continue reading →

A Message from the Niagara Movement for Justice in Palestine Israel

Posted February 26^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

THOROLD, ONTARIO – On Sunday, February 25, the Niagara Movement for Justice in Palestine Israel (NMJPI) called on Niagara Regional Council to recognize the trauma it caused its residents by blocking them from advocating in support a ceasefire in Palestine.

NMJPI issued a statement marking one month since Niagara Regional Council (on January 25th, 2024) blocked eighteen delegates and pulled the ceasefire motion of (St. Catharines Regional) Councillor Haley Bateman from its agenda.

The maneuver to remove (the moton) was by St. Catharines Mayor (and Regional Councillor) Mat Siscoe and seconded by St. Catharines (Regional) Councillor Laura Ip, who chairs the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and who also immediately “called the question” killing any debate on removing the ceasefire motion. Continue reading →

“This is all too similar to the Greenbelt scandal: the government is legislating against the public good in the services of a few private interests, namely Enbridge and housing developers.”

Statement by Keith Brooks, Programs Director, Environmental Defence Canada

Posted February 23, 2024 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large –

Ontario Premier and Doug Ford and his Conservatives have left us lagging behind other regions of the world on turning to cleaner sources of energy while they continue to push the the burning of climate-ravaging oil and gas

Of course Doug Ford and his belch-out-the-carbon, climate-denying Tories are going to side with a big fossil fuel corporation over the voices of countless thousands of individuals and groups across the province.

No doubt Ford and company are counting on enough Ontario residents being sucked in by the bumper sticker slogan he is using – ‘Keeping Energy Costs Down’ – to overall a recent ruling by the independent Ontario Energy Board to end subsidies to a carbon-polluting corporation like Enbridge. Let’s hope the residents of Ontario aren’t sucked in and that they realize how costly the continued pouring of carbon emissions into our atmosphere is for present and future generations alike. Continue reading →

Highway 413 will run through thousands of acres of the Greenbelt, prime farmland, wetlands and watersheds – home to dozens of endangered and threatened species. It will cost taxpayers an estimated $10 billion

A Call-Out from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted February 22^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

After a year of walk backs and flip-flops and legal embarrassments, you’d think Doug Ford might have learned something.

But no.

On the first day back at Queen’s Park after the winter break, the Ford government introduced the Get It Done Act – and just like the Greenbelt, the MZOs and the public sector wage cap, they’re getting it done wrong. Continue reading →

“These proposed changes (to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act)will further demolish the act and create more loopholes for developers to easily harm species at risk and their habitats.”                           – Rebecca Kolarich, Biodiversity and Nature Manager at Environmental Defence.

Some Urgent News from the public advocacy groups Environmental Defence, Ontario Nature, David Suzuki Foundation and Wilderness Committee

Posted February 22^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario  – This week, 68 organizations across Ontario expressed their strong opposition to a proposal from Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to amend regulations under the provincial Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA).

MECP claims that these changes will improve implementation of the legislation, however, this is only true if you think better implementation of species protection legislation involves making it weaker. The proposed changes will speed up development approvals and reduce costs for developers engaging in harmful activities that impact Ontario’s most vulnerable plant and animal species. Continue reading →

“A few for-profit corporations are being enriched by the Ford government’s privatization scheme while our public hospitals and patients pay the price. It is beyond time that there is a rigorous investigation into who is benefitting From These Policy Choices And What Their Connections Are To This Government..”   – Natalie Mehra, Executive Director, Ontario Health Coalition

A News Release from the Ontario Health Coalition, a not-for-profit group dedicated to supporting public health care services in Ontario

Posted February 22^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – A new report, *Robbing from the public to build the private: The Ford government’s hospital privatization scheme <https://www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca/index.php/release-report-robbing-the-public-to-build-the-private-the-ford-governments-hospital-privatization-scheme/>* reveals that local hospitals in every region of Ontario have operating rooms sitting idle the majority of the time.

The public has funded local hospitals for more than 70 years to build operating room capacity that is unused while the Ford government is shunting unprecedented public money to private for-profit clinics and hospitals to build new operating rooms, the Coalition reports. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from 50by30 Niagara and the Biodiversity and Climate Action Committee, citizens groups advocating for a reduction in carbon-polluting gases

Posted February 21, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Earlier this week a councillor in Hamilton presented a motion to Hamilton City Council endorsing the recent Ontario Energy Board to end a subsidy for Enbridge Gas, and asking the provincial government to support that decision (and not reverse it, as they’ve said they’ll do). Hamilton City Council passed the motion unanimously and will be sending a letter to the premier shortly.

The Ontario Energy Good believes that Enbridge has no business case for such a request, as it assumes that all homes will remain connected to the gas-grid for 40 years, an assumption that goes against Canada’s climate commitments and targets. Continue reading →

Never Mind Banning Road Tolls. Provide More Funding For Public Transit

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper, followed by a News Release from Ontario’s Ford Government

Posted February 15^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Here goes Ontario’s Premier again – clearly a guy with his head stuck in the 1950s – making decisions that pave the way for more car, more roads and more developing sprawling into the countryside at whatever cost to everyone and everything else.

Acting like a Santa Clause showing up a couple of months too late for Christmas, Premier Doug Ford began the morning of February 15^th with a big smile as he announced that his government is moving to ban road tolls and freeze driver’s licence fees.

On the surface this may look like a great gift to everyone who owns and drives cars and trucks, if no all of us who are fortunate enough to live in Ontario, and Ford may very well be hoping that few, if any of us look below the surface of what he is paving the way for here. Continue reading →

Posted by Doug Draper on Niagara At Large, February 16^th, 2024

Alexie Nvalny, a brave Russian opponent of Putin’s brutal autocracy has died at age 47 in the harsh conditions of a penal colony he was condemned to for fighting for a life free of corruption and oppression for his fellow citizens.

Now all Putin has to hope for is that Donald Trump, his useful idiot in the United States, is once again elected President who is already signaling his desire to dismember the NATO alliance and gives him the green light to finish off Ukraine – a scenario that could trigger World War III.

How and when does all this madness stop?

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 Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

Please oppose the Government of Ontario’s relentless drive to prioritize profits over basic environmental protections.

A Call-Out from Ontario Nature, a citizens voice for protecting and preserving our natural heritage

Posted February 15^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The Government of Ontario is proposing changes to regulations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), 2007 to “streamline” its implementation and speed up development projects.

If approved, these changes will create new loopholes endangering species at risk and their habitats.

The proposed amendments are yet another example of the government’s relentless push to prioritize development over fundamental environmental protections. The amendments fly in the face of the legislated purpose of the ESA: “to protect species that are at risk and their habitats, and to promote the recovery of species that are at risk.” Continue reading →

An Invite from the Niagara District Council of Women

Posted February 15th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Featured speaker Kaite Burkholder Harris, the Executive Director of the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa

Niagara, Ontario – On Wednesday February 21st, the Niagara District Council of Women and the Niagara Community Legal Clinic are holding a very important  Zoom meeting on the Housing crisis here in Niagara and across the country.

The featured speaker Kaite Burkholder Harris, the Executive Director of the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, has a  deep understanding of the difficulties facing homeless individuals and families, and  is a key player in work to document the extent of the  housing crisis and bring community efforts together  to help promote policy changes at all levels of government. Continue reading →

“An immediate humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed. Hostages must be released. The need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza has never been greater.”

Posted February 15^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand this February 15th, 2024 issued the following statement on reports of Israel’s planned military operation in Rafah.

“We are gravely concerned by indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah. A military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic. About 1.5 million Palestinians are taking refuge in the area, including many of  our citizens and their families.

“With the humanitarian situation in Gaza already dire, the impacts on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating. We urge the Israeli government not to go down this path. There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go. Continue reading →

On this One, Our Regional Councillors Should  Get Right in the Face of Ontario’s Ford Government and say NO!

A News Commentary by Niagara At Larger reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted February 14th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Forget about all the years of rhetoric we’ve been hearing from our regional politicians about Niagara being a ‘great place to live, play and do business’.

Here is the type of military-style weapon Niagara’s police board is now moving to arm our police with.

Apparently we live in a war zone!

Why else would Niagara’s Regional Police be in the process of spending more than $1.9 million of our hard-earned tax dollars on arming our police with C8 semi-automatic, military-style rifles that are normally being used by the Canadian military and NATO forces in Europe? Continue reading →

Province Ensuring People Have a Say While Continuing Calls to Scrap the Federal Carbon Tax

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara West Ford Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted February 13th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff

BEAMSVILLE in Niagara, Ontario – The Ontario government is keeping costs down for people by introducing legislation that, if passed, would give Ontario voters a direct say over a new provincial carbon tax, cap-and-trade system, or other carbon pricing program.

This proposed legislation would protect people and businesses from the high costs of a provincial carbon tax by requiring the government to first obtain the consent of Ontario voters through a referendum before implementing a new provincial carbon pricing program.

“I hear often from local business owners, workers and families about how much the carbon tax is costing them when they fill up for gas or heat their homes,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“They are frustrated – and rightly so.  Only Doug Ford and the PC government are fighting to keep costs down for working families.” Continue reading →

“I encourage everyone to consider those individuals, non-profits and businesses who made a positive impact on life in Niagara over the past year and submit a nomination by March 4.”             – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted February 13^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Established in 2021, the Regional Chair’s Niagara Impact Awards recognize community members and organizations who have made significant efforts to help build a more resilient and welcoming region.

Residents are encouraged  visit niagararegion.ca to complete a nomination [https://niagararegion.ca/impact-awards/default.aspx?topic=1] for an individual, business or non-profit organization that has shown community spirit while demonstrating the value of volunteerism. Continue reading →

Empty Red Dresses Hung Throughout Brock University, Paired With A Day Of Learning On Campus, Will Honour Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls And Two-Spirit People This Week.

A News Release from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted February 13^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Organized By Brock’s Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, The Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis And Inuit Student Centre And Niagara College, The Initiative Will See Dresses Hung At The University’s Main Campus And Its Marilyn I. Walker School Of Fine And Performing Arts, As Well As At Niagara College, From Monday, Feb. 12 To Friday, Feb. 16. 

Continue reading →

A News Release from the Town of Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario

Posted February 13^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from NAL reporter/publisher Doug Draper– As a general rule this online news site does not post news releases on budgets for any one of Niagara’s 12 local municipalities because we simply don’t have the time or resources to report on the budgets of all 12 municipalities.

However, rules are made to be broken and in this case, the following news release on the 2024 budget approved this February by the council for the Town of Fort Erie does an excellent job of explaining the budget and detailing the reason for the costs resulting in what the town’s taxpayers will ultimately pay.

In summary, this news release by the Town of Fort Erie is a  true public service. It is great model for how municipalities can summarize  key budget details for their citizens in a clear and understandable way  so we are posting here.)

FORT ERIE, Niagara, Ontario  – Fort Erie Town Council approved the 2024 Budget in principle, with a 5.5 percent increase for the Town’s portion of the residential property tax. This increase translates to an additional $13.94 per month for the median household.

Fort Erie Town Hall in Niagara, Ontario

When the Niagara Region and the Boards of Education levies are included, the combined increase for residential taxpayers in Fort Erie is 5.16 percent.

Town expenditures relate directly to strategic priorities established by Council: 

Continue reading →

The World’s Migratory Species Of Animals Are In Decline, And The Global Extinction Risk Is Increasing

 “Today’s (February 12^th, 2024) report clearly shows us that unsustainable human activities are jeopardizing the future of migratory species” – Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme

The two greatest threats to … all migratory species were confirmed (in the report) as overexploitation – which includes unsustainable hunting, overfishing and the capture of non-target animals such as in fisheries – and habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation – from activities such as agriculture and the expansion of transport and energy infrastructure.

A News Release from the United Nations

Posted February 12^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report was launched today by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity treaty, at the opening of a major UN wildlife conservation conference (CMS COP14). Continue reading →

“Many questions that Parliamentarians and Canadians are asking (about the ArriveCAN app) cannot be answered. The lack of information to support ArriveCAN spending and decisions has compromised accountability.”                                                                                – Canadian Auditor General Karen Hogan

A News Release on a Report from the Office of Canada’s Auditor General

Posted February 12^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper – 

The Peace Bridge Crossing between Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. file photo by Doug Draper

As a journalist who also happens to be a resident living near the Canada-U.S. border, I wonder how one remains composed after reading this scathing report on the costly mess that has become of the pandemic-related “ArriveCAN” requirements the Trudeau government forced on both Canadians and Americans wanting to cross the border until the final months of 2022.

This so-called ArriveCAN app with its online form to be filled out by cross-border travellers has proven to be far more costly than expected for Canadian taxpayers due to gross mismanagement by parties in and around the federal government.

According to numerous news accounts, ArriveCAN caused significant hardships for those doing business  in both countries and for the economies of border communities, and it created a good deal of hardship and heartaches for citizens wanting to visit close friends and relatives or check in on a property they owned on both sides of the border. Continue reading →

“(Premier Doug Ford’s) Bill 124 hurt our province. It forced health care and education workers out of the profession, cut people’s wages during an affordability crisis, and eroded the people’s trust in their government.”

A Statement from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party Leader Marit Stiles

Posted February 12^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition NDP, released the following statement in response to the Ontario Court of Appeal’s ruling:

“Today (Monday, February 12th) is a victory for workers across Ontario.

“This win belongs to the workers, unions, and advocates from across the province who stood firm against the Conservatives’ unconstitutional attack on their rights.

One of many Ontario workers’ rallies against Ford’s Bill 124 that have taken place across the province over the past two years. This one organized by the Ontario Nurses Association.

“Bill 124 hurt our province. It forced health care and education workers out of the profession, cut people’s wages during an affordability crisis, and eroded the people’s trust in their government. Continue reading →

“This tax freeze is welcome news to Niagara’s breweries, While index-linked tax increases normally add predictability, at a time of unstable and increased inflationary rates, the opposite is true.” – Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) CEO Mishka Balsom

A News Release from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted February 12^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – This past Friday, February 9, 2024, the Government of Ontario announced that it was stopping the estimated 4.6 per cent increase to the beer basic tax and LCBO mark-up rates scheduled for March 1, 2024.

Greater Niagara Chamber CEO welcomes boost for Niagara breweries

This increase would have resulted from indexed rates, which the government has consistently stopped over the last six years, resulting in approximately $200 million in relief.

The freeze will last until March 1, 2026.

Continue reading →

Sixty Years Ago – This February 9th,  2024 – a British group called The Beatles made their first North American appearance before a record-breaking television audience and made musical history

A Remembrance by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher and life-long Beatles fan Doug Draper

Posted February 9th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The first Beatles album released by Capitol Records Canada in early 1964

In the last weeks of January, 1964, the first song by a foursome from Liverpool, England – where the group had already created a frenzy in their homeland – reached Number One on the Billboard charts in North America and young people across Canada and the United States were getting hungry for more.

The song was ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ which had reached the top of top of the British charts a month  after it was recorded in October of 1963 and the group was The Beatles which imported “the mania” it had set off back home with its first North American TV appearance before what was then a record breaking audience of more than 70 million on (for anyone who remembers it) the very popular, star-making Ed Sullivan Show.

The first single by The Beatles to hit number one in North America

Indeed, for those who were old at the time and I was just 12 and just ripe for a musical revolution, it is hard to forget where we were and who was in the room with us when on February 9th, 1964, we watched Ed Sullivan (a guy you would never call hip) introduce The Beatles in a study packed with screaming teenagers.

I watched that that performance in the living room of my childhood home Welland, Ontario with my parents looking on, like so many other parents did, and shaking their heads at these four guys with what seem, at the time, long hair as they played music was a world away from ‘How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?’ and all of the swing bands and crooners they grew up with. Continue reading →

Province also unveils updated curriculum that prepares students for the jobs of the future

On 20 September 1985, Lincoln Alexander was sworn in as Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, the first member of a visible minority to serve as the Queen’s representative in Canada.

“As the granddaughter of the Honourable Lincoln Alexander, I am thrilled to see the Ontario curriculum incorporating the legacies, stories, and histories of Black Canadians. It is vital that students learn about the contributions and struggles of Black Canadians as they are a fundamental part of Canadian history, and I hope this leads to a more inclusive and inspiring education system for all.”                                    – Erika Alexander, Granddaughter of the Hon. Lincoln M. Alexander

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted February 8^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

As the province celebrates Black History Month, the Ontario government is introducing new mandatory learning in Grades 7, 8 and 10 history on the exceptional contributions and history of Black Canadians who helped build Canada.

For the first time, starting in September 2025, Grades 7, 8 and 10 history classes will include mandatory learning with an emphasis on elevating Black history as Canadian history, by highlighting the various Black communities that emerged, developed and contributed to the development of Canada, including pre- and post-Confederation.

Continue reading →

The event, which will cap off International Development Week, takes place Friday, Feb. 9 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Goodman Atrium. All are welcome to attend. Register on the Goodman website<https://brocku.ca/goodman/upcoming-events/> to save a seat.

A News Release from Brock University in St. Cathainres, Niagara

Posted February 7^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Top leaders from the World Bank and United Nations will headline a panel at Brock University Friday focused on the global journey towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Hosted by Brock’s Goodman School of Business, the event will feature Ferid Belhaj, Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at the World Bank, and Wafa Aboul Hosn, Chief of Economic Statistics at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Africa, who will be joined by Goodman Dean Barry Wright and Accounting and Governance Professor Samir Trabelsi.

The public panel, “Ground-level Delivery: Promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals for a Livable Planet,” is part of International Development Week 2024 and will examine the critical and evolving contributions of multi-lateral institutions, such as the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Continue reading →

“The (Doug Ford) Conservatives knew that our friends, parents, and grandparents in LTC were vulnerable, and they acted far too late, with too little urgency.”                 – Wayne Gates, Niagara Falls NDP MPP

A Statement from Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates, whose Riding also includes Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the Lake

Posted February 7^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates whose riding includes Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake has been after the Ford government to provide better quality care and more resources for staff in long-term-care homes for years.

NIAGARA FALLS , Ontario – MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls), Official Opposition critic for Long-Term Care (LTC) released the following statement in response to Ford’s Conservatives facing a lawsuit (https://globalnews.ca/news/10276302/court-allows-negligence-suit-against-ontario-ltc-minister-to-proceed/) for negligence in LTC during the COVID-19 pandemic:

“Conservative failures in Long Term Care led to thousands of preventable deaths during the pandemic. The Conservatives knew that our friends, parents, and grandparents in LTC were vulnerable, and they acted far too late, with too little urgency.

This February 6th, families of Ontario’s seniors took another big step forward in their fight for justice for their lost loved ones. The families of those we lost in LTC deserve answers and justice. Together we will create an Ontario where this never happens again.” Continue reading →

Province Investing $280,000 to Help Keep Local Communities Safe

“Abandoned oil and gas wells continue to pose a risk to the environment and our local communities.” – Rob Foster, Regional Councillor for Lincoln.

A News Release from the Consitituency Office of Niagara West Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted February 7^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

BEAMSVILLE – The Ontario government is investing $280,000 to help protect communities in the Regional Municipality of Niagara from the challenges associated with old and inactive oil and gas wells.  The funding will be used to purchase equipment to support emergency response and provide additional health and safety training to staff.

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West (second from right), joins Jim Bradley, Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, along with Rob Foster, Lincoln Regional Councillor (left), and Sandra Easton, Mayor of the Town of Lincoln, at a gas well pump jack in

“There are several old and inactive oil and gas wells across Niagara, especially in the Southern part of the Region,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“This funding will help protect our local environment, manage risks associated with abandoned wells and help keep communities safe.” Continue reading →

New homesharing option available to Brock students through SpacesShared

A News Release from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted February 7^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Brock University is introducing a new homesharing option for students through SpacesShared that encourages older adults in Niagara to open their homes to students.

Through a collaboration with SpacesShared<https://www.spacesshared.ca/home>, Brock University is introducing a new homesharing option for students that also aims to help address affordable housing challenges in Niagara.

Launching for Brock students on Monday, Feb. 5, the innovative online platform uses an advanced algorithm — paired with the expertise of SpacesShared’s team of professionals — to match students in need of housing with older adult hosts with space in their home to rent. Continue reading →

A Statement from Environmental Defence, a non-profit citizens organization dedicated to protecting and preserving our natural heritage for generations to come

Posted February 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Statement by Phil Pothen, Ontario Environment Program Manager for Environmental Defence , on reports of forthcoming Ford government legislation to reinstate forced boundary expansions and circumvent expropriation & land use rules

Toronto, Ontario – Environmental Defence is concerned by recent reports in the Narwhal that the Ontario (Doug Ford) government is contemplating a new bill that would throw gasoline on the government’s smoldering sprawl and real estate scandal.

Ironically referred to as the “Get It Done Act”, this rumoured new bill would actually make it more difficult for Ontario municipalities to fix the affordable housing shortage and GTA traffic gridlock. Continue reading →

“Experts have estimated that ArriveCAN could’ve been built in a weekend for $200,000. But instead, the Trudeau Government decided to waste $54 million in taxpayer dollars on this unnecessary and broken app.”

A Statement from Canada’s Conservative Party with a Foreword from Niagara At Large

Posted February 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – Many of you may share ill memories of the ArriveCAN app that Canada’s Trudeau government went on and on burdening cross-border travelers with in our country and the United States with as the hot times of the COVID pandemic cooled down.

Federal representatives in the U.S. and mayors on both sides of the border spent many months begging the Trudeau government to scrap this unnecessary border-crossing “requirement” until it finally did scrap a tool that did little or nothing to assist border officers with the information they needed to decide whether individuals should be allowed entries into one or the other country. .

In the meantime, a computer app Canadian taxpayers were told would be relatively inexpensive to develop and operate ballooned into the tens-of-millions of dollars and now it appears we have what is repeatedly being referred to in major newspapers and broadcast reports as a scandal on our hands. Continue reading →

“While They’re Standing In The Welfare Lines, Crying At The Doorsteps Of Those Armies of Salvation. Wasting Time In The Unemployment Lines, Sittin” Around Waitin’ For A Promotion … Don’t Ya Know, They’re Talking About A Revolution.”                     – Tracy Chapman

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

Posted February 5^th, 2024

Tracy Chapman and a song she wrote in the 1980s that is even more relevant today.

Being the music lover I am, I spent this past Sunday (February 4^th) evening watching this year’s Grammy Award Ceremonies.

There were more than a few golden moments, including Joni Mitchell, now 80 years old and hardly looking in the best of health, performing one of her most iconic songs, ‘Both Sides Now’, in a way that was so moving it drew many in an audience of pop celebrities less than half her age  to tears. Continue reading →

‘Specialty Crop Lands in Niagara are unique, irreplaceable and finite. … Yet they have been experiencing a steady loss due to urbanization over several decades, with not quite one third of the original 35,000 acres of tender fruit land and one half of its original 35,000 acre of Grape land remaining .’

A News Release from the Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society, a non-profit citizens group working since 1976 to protect Niagara fruit lands

Posted February 4th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society (PAL) has challenged the Honourable Paul Calandra, (Ontario’s) Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Honourable Lisa M Thompson,  (Ontario’s) Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, to act immediately to protect Niagara’s  very limited, at risk Greenbelt   grape and tender fruit lands, as promised by  Premier Ford last September in a Greenbelt  announcement in Niagara Falls. 

Specifically, on January 22, 2024, PALS  officially  requested that  the  Minister of Municipal  Affairs use his express powers under the Planning Act to advise the Ontario Land Tribunal that a matter of provincial interest is, or is likely to be,  affected in relation to an upcoming  hearing on the City of St. Catharines and Niagara Regional Council approvals of Official Plan Amendments to allow a major  expansion of  a non-agricultural use  on Specialty Crop Lands. Continue reading →

We Ask You – For the Sake of all of our Health Care Services – to Join Us Starting At 11:45 A.M. at the Corner of Dunn Street and Stanley Avenue in Niagara Falls, Ontario

A Call-Out from the Niagara Health Coalition, a member group of the Ontario Health Coalition, a citizens organization dedicated to saving quality public health care in the province

Posted February 2nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Hi Everyone. …

Bundle up warmly and let the PCs know that you care for our public health care system.

The Niagara Health Coalition and Fort Erie Healthcare SOS are participating in the Ontario Federation of Labour Rally Saturday, Feb 3 at noon in Niagara Falls.

Doug Ford’s Ontario PCs are holding policy convention at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. This is an excellent opportunity to drive home the message that we need 24/7 urgent care in Fort Erie and Port Colborne and 24/7 ambulatory services in Welland.

Our health system is in crisis.

Ford needs to fund our health system at the rate of inflation, stop the privatization of our hospital services and give our healthcare workers more than 1 percent increase.

Join us at the corner of Stanley Avenue and Dunn Street at 11:45 am.

Bring your signs and chants.The rally starts at noon.

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 Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

A Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper followed by a Statement from the Buffalo, N.Y area’s U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted February 2^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Foreword by Doug Draper –

This Friday, February 2^nd 2024 is or was (depending on when you read this) Buffalo, New York’s Brian Higgins last day as a U.S. Congressman and that is a loss for American and Canadian citizens on both sides of  the Niagara River.

One cannot blame Higgins, who served as a proud Democrat for 19 years, for joining others across his country for wanting to leave a Congress that radical MAGA Republicans and their dear leader, Donald Trump, has turned into an insane asylum. And why wouldn’t Higgins want to bust out of a mess like that when he was offered and has recently accepted an opportunity to serve as the chief executive officer of Buffalo’s iconic Shea’s Theatre.

But his service as a U.S. Congressman will be a loss people on both sides of the Niagara River just the same because, so unlike our feckless federal representatives, both Liberal and Conservative, on the Ontario side, he could often be counted on to speak out publicly on cross-border issues that concerned us all. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted January 31^st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Do you have to update your health card? Get a new driver’s license? Or apply for a marriage license?

Well ready up your wallet because Walmart and Staples would like to sell you as much as they can while you’re at it.

The Ford government’s recent decision to move ServiceOntario locations into Walmart and Staples will open up opportunities for US-owned mega corps to monetize every Ontarian accessing critical government services. Continue reading →

Award-Winning Heritage Preservationist and Community Activist Pamela Minns Passes Away At Age 94

A Tribute to Pamela Minns from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 31^st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

One of the last times I saw Pamela Minns in the flesh was two summers ago when she was kind enough to invite me to a gathering of a book club she was a member of.

Pamela Minns addresses a large gathering of friends and supporters at her 90th Birthday celebration in December, 2019. Photo courtesy of Helen Michlik

The book the club had gathered under a gazebo to discuss on that warm, sunny day was one that Pamela had fallen in love with and that she knew I had often used as a reference – what I sometimes called my bible -going back to my years The St. Catharines Standard where my work as an environmental reporter often intersected with writing stories about the good, bad and ugly of urban planning across our Niagara region.

The book was called ‘The Geography of Nowhere – The Rise and Fall of America’s Man-Made Landscape’by U.S. journalist James Howard Kunstler and at age 92, there was Pamela at the book club gathering, with the same sparkle in her eyes and speaking with the same keen mind and passion for preserving what’s left of the best in our communities that I remember when I first met her more than 30 years ago.

It is with a great deal of sadness that I learned of the passing of Pamela Minns earlier this January, 2024 at the age of 94. Continue reading →

A Statement from Ontario Green Parky Leader Mike Schreiner

Posted January 30th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner

GUELPH, Ontario  — Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to news that the Ford government will proceed with the refurbishment of four reactors at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

“Ford’s Pickering plan will drive up electricity costs.

Greens understand that nuclear power from the Bruce and Darlington nuclear stations will be part of Ontario’s electricity mix for decades. Continue reading →

We must have full cost transparency for this mega project at Pickering Nuclear Plant, not backroom deals benefitting powerful interests

A News  Release from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a not-for-profit citizens advocacy group

Posted January 30th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

In yet another backroom deal bonanza, the Ford government has signed off on a plan to rebuild four 40-year-old nuclear reactors at North America’s third-oldest nuclear plant – the  Pickering Nuclear Station [https://www.cleanairalliance.org/search/?_sf_s=pickering] in the eastern GTA.

The government is offering no information on how much this dubious plan will cost in total, but lots of happy talk about its ability to get these ancient (and outdated) reactors rebuilt on schedule. Continue reading →

Pickering would supply reliable, low-cost and emissions-free power for an additional 30 years

A News Release from the Ford Government of Ontario

Posted January 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Old Pickering Nuclear Reactors along northern shores of Lake Ontario

PICKERING , Ontario – The Ontario government is supporting Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to proceed with the next steps toward refurbishing Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s “B” units (units 5-8).

Once refurbished, Pickering would produce a total of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, equivalent to powering two million homes, helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and fuelling the province’s economic growth. Continue reading →

‘Mayors of the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, Township of West Lincoln and the Chair of Niagara Region have submitted a request to Hamilton Health Sciences to change the name of the new hospital to West Niagara Memorial Hospital’

A News Release from the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation and Hamilton Health Sciences

Posted January 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH), a Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) hospital, is being rebuilt to accommodate the growing health care  needs of west Niagara’s communities.

Public support of the new hospital has been overwhelmingly positive, as local residents acknowledge this important endeavour and have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the redevelopment project.

The Mayors of the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, Township of West Lincoln and the Chair of Niagara Region have submitted a request to Hamilton Health Sciences to change the name of the new hospital to West Niagara Memorial Hospital. Continue reading →

Sprawl is the leading cause of farm, forest and wetland loss in Ontario.

A Message from Sherry Wu, Green Party of Ontario

Posted January 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

There’s no doubt about it: Doug Ford’s supercharged sprawl agenda is an environmental wrecking ball.

Sprawl is the leading cause of farm, forest and wetland loss in Ontario. It makes us more vulnerable to climate impacts and food insecurity, and doubles down on climate pollution.

Ontario Greens know that sprawl isn’t a housing solution. 

Luckily, there are plenty of common-sense solutions to build the homes we need in the communities we already know and love WITHOUT paving over protected land. Continue reading →

“Given spiraling climate change impacts and accelerating rates of biodiversity loss, the need to expand and strengthen protected areas in Ontario has never been more urgent.”

By Katie Krelove and Corina Brdar for Ontario Nature, a non-profit group advocating for the protection and preservation of Ontario’s natural heritage

Posted January 30th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

As the Government of Ontario seeks input on its next budget, will it consider a golden egg from the federal government?

A year has passed since COP15 – the United Nations biodiversity conference in Montreal where 196 countries signed onto a global agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

As the Government of Canada develops its national biodiversity strategy<https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/biodiversity/national-biodiversity-strategy/milestone-document.html> and related legislation<https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2023/12/government-of-canada-takes-action-to-restore-and-protect-nature-with-commitment-to-introduce-a-nature-accountability-bill-in-2024.html>, it’s identifying supporting provincial partners that are willing to play along. Continue reading →

Listen to a Sunday, January 28^th CKTB Radio Interview with St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman by Clicking on a Link at the End of this Commentary

A Commentary by Niagara At Large journalist/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 28th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Regional Coucnillor Haley Bateman

Niagara, Ontario – In my 45 years as a journalist in Niagara, starting with my close to two decades at The Standards before moving on to Niagara This Week, The Thorold News and now Niagara At Large, I have viewed few meetings of Niagara’s regional council that I have found more disappointing and disturbing than the one that took place this past Thursday, January 25^th.

I would have to go back more than six years ago, to the dark times when then-Niagara Regional Chair Al Caslin and what was rightfully called his cabal of councillors and some of the Region’s senior staff. to dredge up examples of meetings that were as bad or worse than this January 25^th meeting was.

It was a meeting where St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman wanted to table a motion asking her fellow councillors to recognize, in so many ways, the ongoing slaughter of mostly Palestinian civilians (a disproportionate number of the more than 24,000 killed to date women and children) in the Gaza strip – just as the current Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley released a statement and ordered that the Region’s headquarters be lit up in blue and white following the brutal butchering by Hamas terrorists of some 1,200 Israeli citizens last October. Continue reading →

By Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 28^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman’s motion in support of a ceasefire i in the Srael-Hamas war and more Canadian refuge for Palestinians fleeing from the Gaza Strip was quickly dispatched with by the majority of her fellow regional councillors

A motion drafted by St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman, asking her colleagues on Niagara Region’s council to support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War and to call upon Canada’s federal government to allow more entry of Palestinians fleeing harm’s way in the Gaza Strip, received a quick burial at the Region’s January 25^th council meeting.

Only minutes into the January 25^th meeting, Bateman’s fellow St. Catharines Regional Councillor and Mayor of St. Catharines Mat Siscoe immedialy declared that what Bateman’s motion was asking for falls outside any business the Regional Council should be dealing with and that it might also cause more divisiveness in the Niagara community over the whole Israel-Hamas affair.

Siscoe put a motion of his own on the table that Bateman’s not be considered which was seconded by another St. Catharines Regional Councillor Laura Ip. Continue reading →

St. Catharines Regional Councillor Plans to Table Motion at this Thursday’s, January 25^th Meeting of Regional Council

A News Analysis by Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted January 22nd 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman plans to table Hamas-Israeli War ceasefire motion

Niagara, Ontario – It’s a gutsy motion and one that may very well trigger some lively, if not heated debate when members of Niagara Region’s Council meet in full session this coming Thursday.

The motion, to be tabled at the January 25th meeting by St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman, asks the Council to echo calls that have been made by a growing number of governments around the world for an “immediate ceasefire” in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war so that adequate humanitarian assistance can be delivered to civilians suffering from the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

If approved in full, the motion (a copy of which is included below) would also see the Region calling on the Government of Canada to “remove the cap on the number of Palestinians who can seek refuge with their Canadian extended family members from the violence in the Gaza Strip” and take further steps to make it possible  for Palestinians now living in Canada to welcome into their homes family members now living in harm’s way. Continue reading →

‘The Ford government has already green-lit the felling of 850 mature trees on the (Ontario Place) west island. … In the process, they’ll destroy the habitats of many endangered and threatened species.’

A Call-Out from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted January 23^rd 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Place in Toronto, Ontario has, for decades, been a popular place for people and wildlife. The province’s Ford government is determined to change that.

As (Ontario’s Green Party) writes this, tall black fencing dominates the view of Ontario Place’s West Island (along the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto) – blocking visitor entry as the land is cleared for the construction of the massive Therme mega spa.

The Ford government has already green-lit the felling of 850 mature trees on the island, and soon site servicing crews will begin flattening the ground to prepare for construction.

In the process, they’ll destroy the habitats of many endangered and threatened species that live on the West Island and in the waters around it. Continue reading →

Movie Giant Norman Jewison Makes  His Final Take this January, 20th  2024 at Age 97

A Few Brief Words from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large reporter/publisher amd a long-time fan of Norman Jewison

Posted January 23rd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Norman Jewison, flimmaker extraordinaire

He was a movie maker after this movie lover’s heart.  So I can’t let this moment go by  without  posting a few words of tribute  a few words for him.

Norman Jewison, born in Toronto, Ontario, was a filmmaker who was not afraid to take on hot-button issues like racial hatred and injustice. as he did in ‘A Soldier’s Story’, a 1980s movie spotlighting racial segregation in the U.S. Army, 1999’s ‘Hurricane’, the true story about boxing champ Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter who wrongly spent almost 20 years of his life in jail for a murder he didn’t commit, and my perhaps favourite of all his films, ‘In the Heat of the Night’, starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger in a drama set in racially charged Mississippi in the 1960s. Continue reading →

“It is so desperately important that we save the natural world.”

A Foreword and a few words of tribe for Jane Goodall from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 22, 2024 on Niagara At Large

When it comes to friends of the earth, few, in this veteran environment writer’s view, have been truer in her almost 90 years and counting than Jane Goodall.

Jane Goodall engaged in conservation with one of her friends in the forest.

Goodall, who earned world-wide recognition as one of the world’s foremost experts on chimpanzee before and how it relates to humans and other living beings in the world around us, continues to speak out passionately for all of us to do what we can to fight climate change and protect the life-sustaining resources of our plant for present and future generations.

This past January 21^st, 2024, Jane Goodall was interviewed by CNN television host and political commentator Fareed Zakaria. It was an interview I believe  everyone should see and that should be mandatory viewing in our schools and in every town and city council and provincial/state and federal legislature  on this  continent.

If you missed it, I am including a link for the interview that  you can click on a few paragraphs down. Continue reading →

“(Newly-surfaced) e-mail shows that the Premier’s office was far more involved in the Greenbelt land removals than Mr. Ford claimed.”                                                – Marit Stiles, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition Party

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted January 22^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

(A brief  introductory  note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper  – The news release posted here outlines some of the latest revelations swirling around alleged efforts by Ontario’s Ford government and its friends in the development industry to collude in carving up and forever destroying some of the province’s most precious food-growing lands in a protected Greenbelt wrapping around Lake Ontario from Niagara to rural areas north of the lake   for urban sprawl. The affair was first outlined in a detailed Ontario Auditor General’s report and is now the subject of an ongoing Ontario Provincial Police investigation.)

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP has revealed new evidence showing further involvement from the Premier’s Office in the Greenbelt scandal.

Emails obtained in response to a Freedom of Information request suggest a timeline that is inconsistent with the testimonies provided by Ryan Amato and Patrick Sackville (senior Doug Ford government staff members) under oath, and that the Premier’s office knew about the land swaps much earlier than they claimed.

Official Opposition NDP Leader Marit Stiles is calling for the Premier to start being transparent with Ontarians about what really happened. Continue reading →

“(Doug Ford’s) Ontario government, through its laws, policies and actions, is actually contributing to climate change. … The kids aren’t alright. The government is putting their future in jeopardy. And we’re going to court to help support their fight.”     – Environmental Defence Canada, a citizens group dedicated to fighting for a cleaner, healthier planet

A News Release from Environmental Defence

Posted January 20^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The young people championing this important case. Photo by Tilly Nelson,

This (past) week, (we have been) at the Court of Appeals for Ontario in support of seven youth who are suing the Ontario government over its weak climate target and plan.

The youth are being represented by lawyers from EcoJustice and Stockwoods. Environmental Defence and West Coast Environmental Law, represented by West Coast lawyers Anna Johnson and Andrew Gage, are one of 11 groups of intervenors. 

What’s the case about?

When the current Ontario government came to power in 2018, one of the first things they did was introduce a bill that canceled the cap and trade program and weakened Ontario’s climate target, which had been enshrined in law. This move set back climate ambition in Ontario, and Canada, significantly. 

Continue reading →

Former Ontario Liberal Governments  played a significant role in breaking the system

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted January 19^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontarians deserve healthcare that’s there when they need it. Access shouldn’t depend on how much money one has in the bank. That’s why Tommy Douglas’ NDP created the framework for public universal healthcare – publicly funded and publicly delivered.

But how did we go from having a healthcare system envied around the world to the crisis we are in right now?

Well, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane:

* 1996: Conservative Premier Mike Harris, infamous for his austerity measures, opened competitive bidding for home care, which allowed for-profit companies to take over home care delivery. Today, we have a home care system that is beyond broken. Continue reading →

“As an Indigenous student, I feel a sense of community seeing everyone coming out and supporting us,” he said. “Events like this have helped me to become more comfortable in my own identity.”                                                                                                         – James Gowland, a member of the Indigenous community and a fourth-year Medical Sciences student at Brock University

A News Release from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted January 19^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The thunder of drums roaring through the air was a welcoming call inviting people from all nations to gather together at Brock University Friday, Jan. 19.

Head Dancer Kendra Jessie Rosychuk (BSM ’21) invited attendees to the floor during a Pow Wow hosted by Brock’s Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre on Friday, Jan. 19. Photo courtesy of Brock U.

Hundreds of people packed into Ian Beddis Gymnasium to take part in a Pow Wow hosted by Brock’s Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, and the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement. Continue reading →

“The (Doug Ford) Conservatives put municipalities in a frenzy across the province through flip-flopping policy changes that did not reflect people’s housing needs or regions’ growth strategies simply so that a select few land speculators could get richer.”        – Jeff Burch, NDP MPP for Niagara Centre and critic for Municipal Affairs

A News Release from Ontario’s Official Opposition New Democratic Party

Posted January 17^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP Housing critic Jessica Bell (University – Rosedale) and critic for Municipal Affairs Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) are calling on Ford’s Conservatives to stop wasting time with their corrupt and failing policies and get to work on solutions following reports (https://globalnews.ca/news/10230448/ford-government-housing-targets-2023/) of housing starts doing down—not up—in 2023.

“Ford and his Conservative government have wasted a year pursuing corrupt backroom deals to cynically exploit the housing crisis for their own political gain,” said Bell. “Now, we see that while the government was busy being in damage control, they failed to meet their own housing targets and deliver any real solutions for Ontarians amidst a growing housing crisis.” Continue reading →

In Letter to Ontario Energy Minister, Niagara Citizens take Ford Government To Task For Continued Focus on Servicing Homes Across Province With Carbon-Polluting Gas

“Transitioning away from gas would make the cost of homebuilding less expensive for developers and would make the cost of owning a home more affordable for citizens — a win-win that your ministry and your government should support. … Ontarians are worried about the environment and the affordability of housing. They want to see Ontario as a leader of a clean, green transition.”                                                                        – from a letter the Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara sent to Ontario Energy Minister Todd Smith on behalf of more than 100 individual citizens and citizen groups across the region.

A January 12th Letter to Ontario Energy Minister Todd Smith from the Biodiversity and Climate Action Collective Niagara

Posted January 19th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Re. Legislation affecting the Ontario Energy Board Decisions on Enbridge’s Rate Application Dear Minister Smith:

In over-ruling a recent Ontario Energy Board decision welcomed by many citizen groups across Niagara and the rest of the province , the Ford government shows that it continues to favour tmore burning of climate-ravaging fossil fuels over greener, renewable  energy alternatives.

Given your government’s focus on providing good housing options for Ontarians, the groups and individual members of Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara were deeply concerned to read that you plan to introduce legislation to reverse a recent Ontario Energy Board (OEB) decision.

That decision, taken by the OEB in December, was that they would not approve Enbridge’s recent ‘rate application’ because the utility’s long-term plan unreasonably assumed that every new housing development will include gas servicing, and furthermore that homebuyers will remain on gas for 40 years, despite an energy transition toward electrification.

The OEB stated that they: “are not satisfied that Enbridge Gas’s proposal will not lead to an overbuilt, underutilized gas system in the face of the energy transition.”

Continue reading →

“The Ford government quickly moved – just days before Christmas –  to protect its fossil fuel industry friends by stating that it will pass legislation to reverse the (Ontario Energy Board’s) decision (to stop subsidizing Enbridge fossil fuels services to new residential development) –  an extraordinary step without precedent in Ontario.”

Ford’s Conservative government “still has its head buried in the sand when it comes to climate change,

A News Commentary from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a not-for-profit citizens group dedicated to fighting for a greener future

Posted January 18^th, 2-24 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier delivers gifts like Santa Clause to his corporate pals. But when it comes to the rest of us, and the climate emergency we face, we can go to hell.

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has seen the future and that future does not include subsidizing the expansion of fossil gas service to new residential developments.

The OEB ended that subsidy, finding that this would lower energy bills for new homebuyers and for existing gas customers.

But for a (Doug Ford) provincial government that still has its head buried in the sand when it comes to climate change, the OEB’s decision to end generous subsidies that generate big profits for Enbridge Gas was not acceptable.

Continue reading →

“The Marotta family’s generous gift is transformational for Niagara Health, and the naming of the St. Catharines hospital is a fitting recognition of their dedication to the community.”            – Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niagara Health

A News Release from Niagara Health, managing the amalgated system of hospital services across Niagara, Ontario

Posted January 18^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario – The Niagara Health Foundation and Niagara Health proudly announce a monumental step forward in healthcare as the Marotta family has pledged to make a transformational contribution to the St. Catharines hospital of $15 million.

In the picture right to left is: Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli, Mayor Mat Siscoe, Angela Marotta at a celebration gathering for the renaming of the St. Catharines hospital site. Photo courtesy of Niagara Health

The Marotta family’s generous donation will significantly impact the future of care at the St. Catharines hospital, fostering innovation, enhancing services and vitally-needed equipment upgrades that will benefit our community for generations to come.

In recognition of the gift, the St. Catharines hospital will be named the Marotta Family Hospital. After touring the St. Catharines hospital, Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli were moved to contribute to the improvements and expansion of the healthcare services that are being offered within the hospital. Continue reading →

Expansion projects by three companies will create 46 new, good-paying jobs

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted January 17th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

SMITHVILLE/Niagara — The Ontario government is supporting $65 million in investments by three companies to boost local manufacturing and create 46 new, good-paying jobs in the Niagara Region. As part of these investments, the province is providing the companies with $6.7 million in support through the Regional Development Program (RDP).

Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

“The Niagara Region is home to a robust manufacturing community, and thanks to their continued growth and investment, we can be confident that our targeted approach to fostering stability and growth across our economy is working,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Our government is proud to support local businesses as they expand and create new jobs in communities across the province.”

Niagara Region recipients include:

Continue reading →

A Statement from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

Posted January 17^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley,

Regional Chair Jim Bradley offered the following statement following news of the federal government’s investment of $25.7 million from the Housing Accelerator Fund in St. Catharines:

“I am pleased to see the federal government’s investment of over $25 million into the City of St. Catharines to fast track the construction of new homes.

“Over the next 10 years, more than 12,000 homes will be built in part due to this generous funding, representing a significant impact on our goal to ensure there is more attainable and affordable housing. Continue reading →

“As one of the great humanitarians of the 20th century, Mr. Wallenberg’s story is a powerful reminder that we must stand up against antisemitism, hatred, and racism. In light of … the appalling rise in antisemitic incidents in our communities, this reminder is more crucial than ever. The federal government will continue to combat antisemitism, as well as the denial and distortion of the Holocaust.”                                                                           – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

A Statement Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Raoul Wallenberg Day

Posted January 17^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s  Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement on Raoul Wallenberg Day:

“Today (this January 17^th, 2024), we pay tribute to Raoul Wallenberg, a remarkable humanitarian who rescued thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust.

“Working as a Swedish diplomat in Nazi-occupied Hungary, Mr. Wallenberg issued thousands of ‘protective passports’ to Jews, providing them diplomatic immunity and saving them from persecution. Under dangerous circumstances, he established a network of hospitals, orphanages, soup kitchens, and safe houses.

As a result, tens of thousands of Jews escaped certain death. And his dedication didn’t stop there: he helped diplomats from other neutral powers – such as Switzerland and the Vatican – to do the same, protecting even more lives. Continue reading →

Parents in Niagara Region May Lose Child Care Spaces If Conservatives Refuse To Act

“The lack of child care spaces due to staffing concerns is a problem right across Ontario and that includes the Niagara region” – Wayne Gates, NDP MPP for Niagara Falls Riding

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

Posted January 16th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates on his feet in the Ontario legislature. file photo

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario – NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls riding) is sounding the alarm about the availability of child care spaces in Niagara region, after hearing from concerned parents who may be facing a permanent reduction in before-and-after-school child care at a Boys and Girls Club in Niagara.

“The lack of child care spaces due to staffing concerns is a problem right across Ontario and that includes the Niagara region,” said Gates.

“My office worked with the Boys and Girls Club at Riverview Public School to find a temporary solution to ensure they can continue to operate, but this a bigger structural problem.” Continue reading →

Half of Canadians Surveyed say United States may be on its way to becoming an authoritarian state

The Survey results also show “a significant number (29%) aren’t convinced (a Biden or Trump victory in this year’s U.S. presidential election) would matter either way for Canada.”

A Survey of Canadians’ views from the Angus-Reid Institute, Canada’s Non-Profit Foundation Committed to Independent Research

Posted January 16^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The 2024 American Presidential election looks starkly familiar to the 2020 edition, as it is expected that Joe Biden and Donald Trump will represent the Democratic and Republican Parties respectively.

For Canadians, a repeat outcome from 2020 would be welcome, while a Trump victory has many predicting dire consequences for both sides of the 49th parallel.

New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds two-thirds of Canadians concerned American democracy will not be able to survive another four years of Trump at the helm. Continue reading →

(Let’s) demand that the Ford government show us a real plan to take action on climate in 2024

A Message from Ontario’s Green Party

Posted January 16^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Dense clouds of smoke from a record number of wildfires this past 2023 assaulted the respiratory systems of people and destroyed huge areas  of habitat for wildlife  across Canada and much of the U.S.

Ontario, Canada – 2023 was the hottest year on record – ever. Record-setting forest fires raged across North America, droughts beached fishing boats in the Amazon, and hurricanes, cyclones and tornadoes grew larger and more frequent. 

Now, climate scientists are warning that we’re on the brink of surpassing our 1.5C warming target within the decade.

The science has never been clearer: we need to reduce our emissions NOW by moving to renewable energy as fast as possible. But as per usual, Doug Ford is asleep at the wheel.

Continue reading →

Nearly $2.3 Million Boost in Funding to Expand Pediatric Services

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara West Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted December 16th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff

ST. CATHARINES, Niagara  – Ontario is investing nearly $2.3 million to increase access to pediatric services for children and youth in Niagara so they have the care they need, when they need it, right in their own community.

This is part of the government’s investment of an additional $330 million each year in pediatric health services at hospitals and community-based health care facilities across the province.

The nearly $2.3 million in additional funding includes $1.79 million in provincial support for the Niagara Children’s Centre and $500,000 for Niagara Health.

The funding will be used to:

  *   Increase access to children’s rehabilitation services, including speech-language pathology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy at the Niagara Children’s Centre, Continue reading →

“This case feels more important than ever as we come out of the hottest year on record, and it could not be more critical that the Ontario Government acts accordingly.”                                          – – – Madison Dyck, Thunder Bay, Ontario and one of the young people involved in the court case

“There is urgency with this historic youth-led climate case going to court for climate action and for future generations. This case holds precedence and change towards a caring future.”                                 – Beze Gray, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Ontario, another one of the young people involved in the court case 

A News Release from Ecojustice, an environmental law charity pursuing cases for a livable planet

Posted January 15th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Footnote from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – I hope as many as possible will read the following news release, follow this case and do everything they can to support this group of young people. Congratulations to them, to Ecojustice and to other supports for continuing to pursue this case against Ontario’s Ford government.

And shame on all those Ontario voters – most of them older people, including members of the ‘Baby Boomer Generation’ that has had a record of releantless, piggish consumption that has made a mess of our Earth – for twice electing into power a Ford government that has demonstrated over and over again its disdain for environmental protection.

By voting for Ford and his party of climate laggards, these aging Boomers and too many  other members of the over-50 crowd  have helped place a livable future for  our children and grandchildren in peril.

Now here is the January 15th, 2024 news release from Ecojustice – 

Toronto, Ontario —Seven young people at the helm of Mathur et. al., a historic youth-led climate case, (were) back in court(this January 15th)  in what will be a crucial moment in the fight against the climate emergency in Canada.

The young people championing this important case. Photographer Tilly Nelson, set design Kendra Martyn & Kira Evenson

The group is at the Court of Appeal for Ontario, continuing their legal challenge of the Ontario government’s decision to significantly weaken the province’s 2030 climate target. 

Sophia, Zoe, Shaelyn, Alex, Shelby, Madi, and Beze, backed by lawyers from Ecojustice and Stockwoods LLP, are fighting to protect their generation and future generations from government caused climate harms.  

The case faced a setback in April 2023 when it was dismissed by the Ontario Superior Court, however the decision included several positive findings. Continue reading →

New investigations team will strengthen oversight and resident safety

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted January 15th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO — The Ontario government has created a new Investigations Unit to ensure every long-term care resident lives with dignity and experiences the quality of care they deserve.

Supported by an investment of $72.3 million, the new 10-person unit will be an effective deterrent and tool when escalated enforcement is needed to improve compliance and ensure resident safety.

The new unit is now active and will investigate allegations such as: failing to protect a resident from abuse or neglect, repeated and ongoing non-compliance, failing to comply with ministry inspector’s orders, suppressing and/or falsifying mandatory reports, and negligence of corporate directors. Continue reading →

“I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into the hell of thermonuclear destruction. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.”                    – Martin Luther King, in an acceptance speech he delivered after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 

The late civil rights icon Martin Luther King

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper on Martin Luther King Day in America

Posted January 15th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

This Monday, January 15^th, 2024 is Martin Luther King Day in the United States, a day set aside to remember and celebrate the efforts of this heroic civil rights leader to crusade for human equality and peace around the world.

Had he not been assassinated in the spring of 1968 at age 39, Martin Luther King could conceivably still be alive today. And one can only image what he would think of the rise of white supremacy, racial and religious hatred, anti-democratic rule, and continued threat of war and murderous wars now occurring in regions of the world like the Middle East and Ukraine. Continue reading →