Niagara At Large

Dr. Barbara Yaffe

“Unfortunately our situation is dire and the numbers I am about to report will reflect that. … Today we are reporting the highest number of cases we have ever seen in a single day at 4,736.”   – Dr Barbara Yaffe, Ontario Associate Chief Medical Health Officer 

A Brief One from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted April 15^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – With a bunch of anti-mask lunatics in Niagara planning another big rally in Niagara Falls, Ontario this coming Saturday, April 17^th – a follow-up to one held in St. Catharines a week ago – the daily cases of COVID-19 in Ontario have hit record highs again with 4,736 cases in one 24 hour period.

That doesn’t much bother a whole bunch of people in Niagara though, who believe that wearing a mask and being shut out of a friggin bar or restaurant or whatever else for a while is an assault on their constitutional rights.

I will have more to say on this in a commentary this Friday, October 16^th.

For now, let me leave you with a Youtube of the press briefing some of Ontario’s top health officers delivered this April 15^th. It ought to be sobering to some of us, at least.

To watch it, please click on the screen below –

Now is anyone in authority, our municipal or provincial leaders, or our Niagara Regional Police, going to do something about these nuts who gather together by the hundreds or thousands – wearing no mask while the rest of us are observing stay-at-home rules – at thhese so-called ‘anti-lockdown’ rallies?

I thought there were penalties for this kind of reckless, dangerous behaviour. Or is that not so in Niagara.

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

“We’ve seen over 119,000 vaccinations given out in Niagara.  That’s over 22 percent of the population, a percentage that is above the provincial average.”                                                               – Ford Government and Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff

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

Posted April 15^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, member of Ontario’s Ford Government 

TORONTO, Ontario – MPP Oosterhoff issued the following Member’s Statement in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, today, with an update on the province’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Niagara.

“I rise today to acknowledge and thank the hardworking members of Niagara Public Health, as well as Niagara Health, for the incredible work they have been doing to ensure that residents in Niagara are able to access COVID-19 vaccines.  From Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health, to Lynn Guerriero, President of Niagara Health, we’ve seen the incredible commitment of health care workers across Niagara.

We’ve seen over 119,000 vaccinations given out in Niagara.  That’s over 22 percent of the population, a percentage that is above the provincial average.  It’s so important that we continue to encourage people to be able to go out, get their vaccines at many of the locations that are across Niagara. Continue reading →

‘Ontario Government needs to stop Big Insurance from profiteering off the pandemic’

“Will this government step in to do something meaningful to protect our hard-hit sectors affected by insurance profiteering.”    – St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

A News Release from the Constituency Office of St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

Posted April 15^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

QUEEN’S PARK, Ontario —St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens brought the issue of commercial insurance gouging of small businesses to the Ontario legislature Thursday calling on the Ford government to immediately take meaningful action to fix insurance companies profiteering off COVID-19, particularly the insurance hikes on the hardest hit sectors like hospitality and restaurants, including the ones in Niagara.

“Question to the Premier.  The St. Catharines City Council just passed a motion about commercial insurance gouging – they want action.  In October you acted surprised at commercial insurance gouging increases that you described as “astronomical”, and “wait for the next budget!”  It was more of the same – tough talk that stops after you leave the podium.  What’s the cost of no action? Continue reading →

NDP MPP Wayne Gates made a statement Thursday calling on the Ford government to immediately address the problems with their vaccination rollout

“Time and time again, this government’s failure to get Niagara the vaccines it needs is making this pandemic worse.”                      – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

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

Posted April 15^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

NDP’s Gates: Niagara postal codes need the vaccines urgently

QUEEN’S PARK, Ontario — Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates made a statement in the Ontario legislature Thursday calling on the Ford government to immediately address the problems with their vaccination rollout, particularly the delays faced by postal code hotspots, including Niagara.

“On April 6, the government released a list of postal codes across Ontario which were deemed hot spots. These hot spots were designated based on transmission records, hospitalization. These postal codes had seen so much death and suffering on account of this virus,” said Gates in the Ontario legislature. Continue reading →

“The investigation into the protest remains active and on-going, with charges pending..”                                                                                   – a statement from the Niagara Regional Police this week on the anti-mask, anti-lockdown rally in St. Catharines, Niagara this past April 10^th, 2021 

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher           Doug Draper

Posted April 14^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

COVID-19 to Planet Earth – “I AM NOT A HOAX. Want to play a stupid political game of chicken with me? Good Luck.”

Let me begin with one stark fact.

This past Sunday, April 11^th, Ontario recorded, in just one 24-hour period this past weekend, 4,456 new cases of the COVID-19.

That case count was a record breaking. It was the highest number of one-day cases that we know about across Ontario since this killer virus began sweeping through our part of the world more than 12 months ago.

Four-thousand, four hundred and 56 new cases in one 24-hour cycle running through Saturday, April 10th, to Sunday, April 11^th!

That is a raw number that comes from Ontario’s medical science community. It is not ‘political.’ It is not some fabrication of some ‘left-wing extremists’ or ‘the deep state’.

It is not “a hoax.”

Continue reading →

Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins

“Over a year ago, the United States and Canada announced that all non-essential travel between our two countries would be restricted to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Exceptions were made in limited cases and the people of Western New York and Southern Ontario accepted these as necessary measures to take in the face of the worst public health crisis of the past century. During this time, many of my constituents sacrificed – wondering when they’d be able to see their families and loved ones again, manage their properties, and tend to some of their business interests in Canada. Their livelihoods and personal lives have been deeply affected.”                                                                                                      – Buffalo, New York area Democratic Party Congressman Brian Higgins

A News Release from the Office of Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted April 14^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

The Peace Bridge between Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York, and other Canada-U.S. border crossings have been closed to all but “essential” traffic since March of last year.

With One Week to go before Deadline, Congressman Higgins Presses for Immediate Release of a Plan to Reopen the U.S. – Canada Border Higgins Says Status Quo With No Strategy is No Longer An Option

Northern Border Caucus Co-chair and Western New York Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to immediately advance concrete proposals for reopening the border between the United States and Canada.

The latest push comes just one week before the existing order banning non-essential travel between the two countries is set to expire on April 21, 2021. Continue reading →

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

“It is particularly distressing to have a member of Regional Council (in the name of West Lincoln Mayor David Bylsma)openly flout the law, thereby setting a poor and unfortunate example for those we represent.”                                    – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

A Statement from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley regarding recent COVID-19 protests in St. Catharines

Posted April 12^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

NIAGARA REGION, Ontario – While I fully support the right to freedom of expression and peaceful lawful assembly, residents are reminded that we continue to be under provincial stay-at-home orders.

West Lincoln Mayor and Niagara Regional Councillor David Bylsma led hundreds of maskless men, women and children in chanting – “No more lockdowns” at a rally in St. Catharines this past April 10th.

“As the third wave of this pandemic begins to severely tax our hospital system, it is more important than ever that we stay home when possible and keep one another safe.

“The demonstrations that took place over the weekend represent only a very small minority of our total population and seems to be driven by misinformation. The efforts and sacrifices that the vast majority of residents have been making for the last year continue to make a measurable difference and have not been in vain.

“Regarding Niagara Regional) Councillor (and West Lincoln Mayor) David Bylsma, I am deeply troubled and disappointed with his active participation in a public demonstration (in St. Catharines this past April 10th) that deliberately ignored the ongoing state of emergency that he himself declared as one of Niagara’s mayors.

“It is particularly distressing to have a member of Regional Council openly flout the law, thereby setting a poor and unfortunate example for those we represent.

Continue reading →

Ontario Moves Schools to Remote Learning Following Spring Break

Continued Rise in COVID-19 Cases Demands Shift to Protect Students and Staff and Slow Community Spread

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted April 12^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

School’s out. Here we go again

TORONTO, Ontario — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has made the difficult decision to move elementary and secondary schools to remote learning following the April break.

This move has been made in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants, and the massive spike in hospital admissions.

Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, and Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. Continue reading →

“No wonder citizens are skeptical about the Region’s plans to create Natural Heritage and Water Resource Systems. No wonder we look with a jaundiced eye at potential Climate Change policies.”

A Commentary by Liz Benneian, a resident of Niagara, Ontario and Executive Director and Manager, Environmental Education Ontariogreen

Posted April 12^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

The Region of Niagara is proposing an extension of Merritt Rd. where it currently dead ends between Rice Rd. (Regional Rd 54) and Cataract Rd.

That extension would run straight through Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW). Active transportation routes are also planned along the road substantially increasing the path of destruction.

Haven’t we learned anything about the need to protect our significant natural areas and the green infrastructure services they provide? In fact, the entire length of the existing portions of Merritt Road, have Significant wetlands on either side of them

 In some segments they are proposing widening the road to four lanes and for all segments they are proposing adding active transportation corridors.

Where roads lead development follows.

Continue reading →

St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik

“I am deeply troubled to see one of my colleagues from (Niagara Regional Council –  Mayor of West Lincoln Dave Bylsma – speak at the protest (this April 10^th)  in St. Catharines. The fact that he blatantly broke the provincial government’s Stay At Home Order is a serious breach of his elected position, and I trust that Niagara Regional Police and Public Health will act accordingly.” – St. Catharines, Ontario Mayor Walter Sendzik

A Statement from St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik on April 10^th anti-lockdown protest in his city

Posted April 10th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

West Lincoln Mayor David Bylsma. Between his ant-kmask antics over the past year and his divisive, ignorant comments about Black Lives Matter and members of the LGGTQ community, what kind of lunacy does this add up to? Let’s hope that the Niagara Regional Police slaps the highest fine possible on him for any violation of current Stay At Home rules. The people of West Lincoln should feel embarrassed to have this man for a role model. Are they?

Niagara, Ontario – The anti-lockdown protest that took place in St. Catharines today does not represent the spirit or character of the majority of people in our community who have been working hard to push back against COVID-19 for the last 13 months.

While I believe in free speech, we are under Stay-At-Home orders due to the severity of the third wave that has a dangerous grip on our community. The actions of those protesting today put our community at greater risk and further cause harm to our abilities to control the transmission of COVID-19.

With our hospitals postponing surgeries, the number of patients under the age of 60 at hospitals with COVID quickly climbing and the number of people in ICU needing critical care due to COVID, now is not the time to act in a reckless way that puts you, your family and others in the community at greater risk.

Today (this Saturday April 10^th), the Niagara Regional Police did their job in controlling the situation. There have been many comments about the lack of enforcement, but NRP officers were focused on crowd control and keeping the peace. I am confident that the NRP will be working with by-law enforcement to enforce regulations that were clearly broken today, in a timely manner. Continue reading →

“These are not just businesses, they are our friends, neighbours and family members who run them and who work at them. … Supporting local has never been more critical. Using small businesses for curbside pick ups and local deliveries could help keep these businesses alive.”

A Statement from Niagara’s Region Chair Jim Bradley and the Mayors of Niagara’s 12 Local Municipalities

Posted April 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

A Statement of support for Niagara’s small businesses from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley and Niagara mayors  –

This third wave and the  Province’s stay-at-home order is having a massive impact on residents and businesses. Our small business community has suffered the brunt, losing billions of dollars per month. It has challenged the survival of many long established businesses, with an alarming percentage having had to close their doors.

Though many have evolved their operations, the last surviving businesses are fighting to hang on.

We can no longer sustain this trajectory and we need to stand firmly by our small businesses in this time of crisis.

These are not just businesses, they are our friends, neighbours and family members who run them and who work at them. Continue reading →

Oosterhoff Points to Agreement Paid for by Taxpayers Rather than Through Private-Sector Employer-Employee Agreements

(A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper At Niagara At Large – The Issue Is;Why Won’t Employers Offer Their Employees Paid Sick Leave Rather Than Placing Employees in the Position of Coming To Work Sick So As Not To Lose Much-Needed Income.?)

A Statement from Niagara West MPP and Ontario Ford Conservative Government Representative Sam Oosterhoff

Posted April 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West MPP and Ontario Ford Government representative Sam Oosterhoff says you have paid sick days now.

“When championing the Safe Restart Agreement our government has been clear: the federal government would provide funding for paid sick days and the provinces would implement job leave protection. This is exactly what happened.

As the federal government has said, this agreement provides workers with paid sick leave, so they do not have to choose between going to work and putting food on the table.

“That is why the first piece of legislation we tabled during the pandemic – which passed with unanimous support from all parties- was an amendment to the Employment Standards Act to give workers unlimited job protection<https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/infectious-disease-emergency-leave>.

“This legislation ensures those who stay home to self-isolate or care for loved ones will not be fired. It will remain in place as long as necessary and includes protection for those who are caring for children, when schools or daycares are closed due to COVID-19. Continue reading →

Some Niagara Residents Feel Forced – During a ‘Stay-At-Home’ Order, For God’s Sake – to Leave the Region to Get Their First Shot

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted April 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, getting his first shot of vaccine (this one the rather worrisome AstraZeneca, at a pharmacy store in Etobicoke, Ontario this April 9th. Wonder if he will have to wait three or four months to get the second dose?

Niagara, Ontario – To say that the roll-out for COVID-19 vaccinations is messy in Niagara is, I can assure you, a polite way of putting it.

I have heard it described in words that are far worse and not ready for prime time or we want to go around keeping discourse relatively civil on this online news and commentary site.

Let me begin by saying that Niagara At Large, like other media, has been receiving news releases from the Ontario government and Niagara health care bodies for a couple of weeks now, informing that COVID-19 vaccination centres are opening at various locations across our region.

Yet, I have heard from many fellow Niagara residents that they have had a hell of a time getting appointments at these vaccination because, even when they can get through with a phone call or the online site they are attempting to register is operative, the centres are completely booked. Continue reading →

“On a day with 4,227 new cases of COVID-19, I’m once again pleading with Doug Ford to do the right thing and give all workers paid sick leave.”

A Statement on the ongoing COVID-19 disaster in Ontario from the Province’s Liberal Party

Posted April 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO – Steven Del Duca, Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, issued the following statement:

“With surgeries being backlogged to make room for the wave of people with COVID-19, it’s clear Ontario has failed to prevent a catastrophe in ICUs.

The modelling provided to Doug Ford last month predicted this crisis, but he waited for the situation to become out of control before acting. Minister Jones confirmed as much in an interview yesterday.

Ontario Liberals have been calling for paid sick leave for months, but Doug Ford continues to ignore our calls. His negligence is to blame for the crisis in ICUs, and he continues to ignore basic measures that would save lives. Continue reading →

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. … The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”                                              – from a statement from Buckingham Palace in London, this April 9^th, 2021

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted April 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

For as long as most of us can remember, he has already been a few steps behind her, dressed in his regal best.

Philip and Elizabeth, shortly after their marriage in 1947.

Prince Philip, husband and, by so many accounts, a pillar of strength to Elizabeth, the reigning Queen of England, died this April 9^th, 2021 at age 99.

Through literally dozens of Prime Minister in Canada, and his own country and at least a dozen U.S. Presidents, he was there, from the Queen’s coronation in 1952 and on, through so much history that has shaped the world that challenges us today.

Whether you are a supporter of monarchy or not (and I am not), but you have to pay at least a little respect for that – including Prince Philips life-long interest in promoting the conservation of our world’s natural environment.

Rather were other aspects of his life – warts and all – but this veteran environment writer will pay tribute to him for his many years as a voice for conservation.

For more on Prince Philip and his role as a ‘first man’ to the Queen, click on the screen immediately below –

Let me leave you with a few words of wisdom about protecting the natural places on our precious planet, Doug Draper, NAL –

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

“We cannot move forward only projecting dosages available, we need more dosages sent to Niagara immediately to make appointments available for those you have prioritized.”

An Open Letter to Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott from Niagara NDP MPPs Jennie Stevens and Wayne Gates

Posted April 8^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Dear Minister Elliott,

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates and St. Cathariines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

We are writing to you today (this April 8^th, 2021) to request immediate action to address the vaccine rollout issues in Niagara that are causing great frustration to the residents we represent.

 As you know, the Province for the second week in a row expanded vaccines to a younger age cohort to book appointments. Unfortunately, local public health units like Niagara’s were not given the adequate notice to get appointments into the provincial booking system.

This created a situation where our local PH units did not have time to upload new dates into the system. As such, your government announced that 60+ residents could book – yet residents who followed your instructions were immediately told there were no spaces available. Continue reading →

“Sudden restrictions pose significant costs to businesses and should be avoided wherever possible, especially when public health officials have been warning that such measures will be necessary for weeks.”

A News Release from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC)

Posted April 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Public health officials have indicated that it is necessary to strengthen the restrictions placed upon the province of Ontario in order to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC)  believes that expert advice should be heeded to safeguard public health and avoid the consequences of an out-of-control pandemic, which will not only result in loss of life, but a far deeper economic recession.

Timing of announcements

The GNCC notes that, once again, these measures are being imposed with virtually no notice, with imposition following announcement by a matter of hours. Continue reading →

Here is Urging You to Participate in a Webinar – This Thursday, April 8^th at 7 P.M. – To Have Your Say in the Future of Niagara’s Natural Heritage and Water Resources Systems

A Call-Out from The Biodiversity and Climate Change Committee of Niagara, a coalition of citizens across our Niagara region.

Posted April 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

The greedy creeps in the development induistry are targetting this wonderful place –
Waverly Woods in Fort Erie/Niagara – for pavement too. When will it end? When there is nothing left?

Well, how many thanks does this organization of citizens across our Niagara, Ontario region – – I think quite a few – for caring so much about saving what we have left here of our precious natural heritage, and for keeping our politicians’ feet to the fire around saving those resources too.

So please take seriously and get enaged in the information directly below. Our future depends on it. Do not let the predatory development industry in this Niagara region gut our future  –

For more on this and the great work this coalition of Niagara residents is doing, email bcacniagara@gmail.com 

About The Biodversity and Climate Change Committee of Niagara – he Biodiversity and Climate Action Committee (BCAC) advocates for proven municipal best practices and policies that protect and enhance local biodiversity and combat climate change.

For more on the Committee, click on –https://www.facebook.com/Biodiversity-and-Climate-Action-Committee-Niagara-114688909983836/?pageid=114688909983836&ftentidentifier=263067141812678&padding=0 .

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

Ford Is Mostly About Shelling Out Our Tax dollars to  His Party’s Supporters and Private Sector, Big Business Pals  , and Good Luck to the Rest of Us

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted April 6^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is blowing this war against COVID-19

After more than a year of going through hell with Covid-19 in Ontario, at least one thing should be clear.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his Conservative government have never really cared all that much about anyone in this province as much as they care about wealthy business people, and their party’s donors and bedrock supporters.

It is why, during the past terrible 12 months of this pandemic, Ford and his Tories have used this pandemic as a shield to continue gutting programs for protecting natural features of our environment that experts around the world say are an important buffer for protecting us against rogue viruses like COVID-19/

It is why, during province-wide lockdowns, he has continued to allow gargantuan corporate chains like Walmart to remain open while closing the doors on small, independent, family-owned businesses – including to the point of giving a pass to his Tory minion in Niagara – Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff – for so arrogantly flouting mask rules at a popular family restaurant in Niagara Falls last year. Continue reading →

Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission to Host Virtual Archaeology Speaker Series

*   Three-part speaker series will explore Niagara’s incredible history revealed through local archaeological findings

*   Virtual events will be held in April, May and June, with full details and tickets available at niagaraparks.com/archaeology

An Invite from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commision

Posted April 6^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Archeologists search for artifacts of Niagara, Ontario’s rich historry underground, along the Niagara River corridor. Photos courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission

Niagara Falls, Ontario  – Niagara Parks will host a three-part virtual speaker series, Beneath the Surface: History through Archaeology, that will dig into Niagara’s history and trace some of its most fascinating stories revealed through archaeological findings.

The online events will be held on the third Wednesday of the month in April, May and June. Continue reading →

Help Save Natural Gems in our Niagara Region like Waverly Woods in Fort Erie, Niagara

A Message from Macie Jacklin and the citizens group Community Voices of Ford Erie

Posted April 5^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

One of the many creatures, great and small, who call Waverly Woods in Fort Erie – still a target for predatory developers – their home.

Fort Erie, Ontario – Many of you have noticed the amount of Niagara’s natural areas being lost to development. As someone who has signed this petition to Save Waverly Woods you know that this an issue on the minds of many people.

One of the best ways to protect our forests and wetlands for future generations is to preserve them, buffer them and link them together into a Natural Heritage System. The Region is planning to create such a system as part of their Official Plan Review.

There are various options available some of which favour development. Niagara Regional Council will soon make a critical decision on these various options that will impact this area forever. Will it be enough to protect what’s necessary? What else can we do? Continue reading →

‘Lois Gibbs to lead her Niagara Falls, New York community in a three-year struggle to protect their families from the hazardous waste buried in their backyards.’

An Invite from the Center For Health, Environment & Justice in the U.S.A. to Engage in this Online Session

Posted April 5^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

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

The heroic Lois Gibbs, in early years, fighting the battle to save her family and so many others from the perils of Love Canal in Niagara Falls, New York

When I began my professional reporting career at The St. Catharines Standard in 1979, one of the most dangerous environmental issues that was threatening our Greater Niagara Region at the time was the Love Canal toxic waste dump that was poisoning a neighbourhood in Niagara Falls, New York, and leaking its way to the Niagara River.

This environmental disaster, more than any other at the time, awakened citizens and governments on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border to the health threat industrial pollution posed to our Great Lakes – a source of drinking water for tens-of-millions of people in both coountries, and a habitat for a rich host of wildlife. Continue reading →

Fifty-Three Years After Martin Luther King’s Assassination

The late American civil rights leader Martin Luther King

Some Brief Commentary  from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted April 5^th, 2021

Fifty-three years ago today, peace-loving people around the world were reeling from news, the day before, of the assassination of Martin Luther King – identified by so many as “the keeper of the dream” –  by a lone white man in Memphis, Tennessee.

The night before he was gunned down, he delivered a now iconic speech that ended with the following line.

Follow the case today of George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the wrongful, aggressive arrest, just a few days ago, of a 17-year-old Black person by police in Toronto, Ontario and you wonder how much closer to a promised land of humanity and loved toward all since Martin Luther King delivered those immortal words.

To read a CBC report on the wrongful arrest of an innocent Black teen in Toronto, click on – https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/black-teenager-racially-profiled-family-says-seeking-answers-1.5975551 .

Read the disturbing CBC report, linked here above, then lets have more wingnut ramblings from West Lincoln Mayor Dave Bylsma, ranting about “identity politics” and insulting the essence of what “All Lives Matter” by morphing it in to the thinly-veiled bigoted trope “all lives matter.”

For more on Mayor Bylsma’s mind-blowing lack of wisdom, click on the following link – https://www.iheartradio.ca/610cktb/news/what-are-they-still-fighting-for-1.12662432 .

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

An Easter Day Message from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted Aril 4^th, 2021

Here is wishing you a very nice and  peaceful and safe Easter as we continue to work together to come out of this COVID-19 nightmare.

With more potentially infectious and dangerous variants of this awful virus floating around, let us also hope – please, please, please – that we all heed the call from the best infectious disease experts on our continent, and not gather with people outside of our home bubbles on this Easter weekend.

And please, cast aside the Trump-like libertarian lunacy of some in our Niagara region and elsewhere to cast away masks, social distancing and other measures that have proved, around the world, to crush the curve on this virus and keep us safe. Continue reading →

“I have certain rules I live by. My first rule: I don’t believe anything the government tells me. … Nothing!”                                 – the late American satirist George Carlin

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

Posted April 2^nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West MPP Sam oosterhoff, left, and his dear leader, Ontario Premier Doug Ford

This past March 29^th, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, his young minion, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, and other Conservative Party hacks staged a photo opportunity in front of the Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario for reason – I am sure – most people don’t give a damn about any more.

While they were doing this, it was already obvious that thanks, in part, to the poor leadership of Ford, Oosterhoff and company, Ontario was in a Third Wave of the COVID-19 virus, that is spinning out of control, with variants of the virus landing more people in critical hospital care than at any other time since the winter of 2020, when this plague first hit here. Continue reading →

“Essential workers in grocery stores and childcare facilities continue to have the most in person interactions at work, and they should be vaccinated both for their own safety, and for the safety of those they interact with on the job.”

A News Release from the Liberal Party of Ontario

Posted April 1^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca

TORONTO – Steven Del Duca, Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, issued the following statement:

“Doug Ford’s response to COVID-19 has consistently been too little, too late. His half-hearted half-measures have cost lives and livelihoods.

While today’s (April 1^st) measures are needed, they don’t go far enough. Ontario Liberals would go even further – Ontario families deserve a government willing to take decisive action to save lives and livelihoods.

First, Ontario Liberals are calling on Doug Ford to update his vaccine rollout to prioritize frontline workers. Continue reading →

A Brief Report from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted April 1^st, 2021

This is no April Fools joke folks.

According to CBC reports broadcast earlier this morning of April 1^st, the broadcast network has confirmed that Ontario Premier Doug Ford will be holding a briefing at 1:30 p.m. today to announce that his Conservative government is ordering a province-wide shutdown, effective this Saturday.

That means that for the third time since this God-awful pandemic swept over us a year ago this past March, we will be down to virtually nothing open except the bare essentials – grocery stores, pharmacies, pet stores, gas stations and just about nothing else.

No hair saloons, no indoor restaurant dining, no indoor gyms, etc., etc., etc.. Continue reading →

The NPCA begins process to develop 2021-2031 Strategic Plan

A Call-Out to All of Us from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 31^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) invites members of the community in Niagara, Haldimand, and Hamilton to get involved in the exciting process of shaping the next 10 years of conservation in the Niagara Peninsula watershed.

This new strategic planning process begins with a fresh approach toward a shared vision. A representative team of staff from various departments are leading the process under the direction of a Strategic Planning Committee of the NPCA Board and advice of NPCA’s Public Advisory Committee, to work towards a common inspirational vision that will further the conservation, restoration, and management of the watershed.

“Collaboration between people, communities, and organizations within the Niagara Peninsula watershed is vital to shaping the future of the landscape,” says NPCA Chief Administrative Officer, Chandra Sharma. Continue reading →

“Parents (of children with autism in Ontario) are forced to remortgage their homes, go further into debt, work multiple jobs and travel for hours to make sure their kid gets the therapies they need.”                                                                                                                 – Teresa Armstrong, Official Opposition NDP critic for Children and Youth

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 31st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Teresa Armstrong, Official Opposition NDP critic for Children and Youth services, urged the Ford government Wednesday to stop leaving thousands of children with autism languishing on the waitlist, and provide the support they desperately need.

Ahead of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, MPP Armstrong was joined by parents of children with autism Wednesday morning to share their experiences, and the impact of the Ford government’s continued underfunding and lack of support for children with autism

“Tens of thousands of kids in Ontario have repeatedly been let down by successive governments in this province. And I refuse to stand idly by while that continues to happen,” said Armstrong. “Doug Ford has betrayed a whole generation of kids with autism, who are suffering without the services they need, leaving their families in despair with no hope for the future.” Continue reading →

News from Niagara Region Public Health in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 31^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

As COVID-19 vaccination clinics through April 10 have filled up, new clinic dates have now gone live in the provincial booking system for Niagara Region Public Health clinics.

Niagara residents who are turning 70 or older in 2021 (born in 1951 or earlier) and wish to make an appointment – or an individual trusted to make an appointment on their behalf – can book an appointment either online at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine <http://www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine>or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Information Line number at 1-888-999-6488.

New clinic dates now available through the portal include –

Continue reading →

Niagara NDP MPPs Wayne Gates and Jennie Stevens questioned Ford this March 30^th, 2021 on the persistent issues Niagara’s seniors are facing 

“Yesterday (this past March 29^th) the premier (Doug Ford) stood in Niagara and said anyone over 70 could simply call and get a vaccination appointment. Well if we spoke to residents he would know that all day they were struggling all day to get appointments.”          – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates.

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 30^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates and St. Cathariines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

QUEENS PARK — Niagara NDP MPPs Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) and Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines) questioned Doug Ford Tuesday on the persistent issues Niagara’s seniors are facing as they try to use the provincial booking portal to get the vaccines they need to protect themselves and others.

“As you were taking a victory lap inside one of Niagara’s vaccination clinics, my office was busy answering dozens of questions as to why there were not enough appointments available for seniors over 70 and why the province’s program had glitched, again,” said Stevens to Ford during question period Tuesday at the Ontario legislature. Continue reading →

March 24^th Budget Denies Students The Support They Desperately Need During The Pandemic

“Over $1 billion in student financial aid (OSAP) has been cut over two years by the Ford government.” – Sébastien Lalonde, Chairperson, Canadian Federation of Students – Ontario

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 30^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Laura Mae Lindo, Official Opposition NDP critic for Colleges and Universities, said Tuesday that Doug Ford’s latest budget put Ontario’s colleges and universities — and students — on even shakier ground.

Universities alone said they needed $500 million in that budget, and the NDP also called for help for students in the form of a pause on OSAP payments or interest accumulation. Instead, schools got just one fifth, about $100 million, and only in the form of a one-time payment — while students got next-to-no help at all.

“Between the impact of the pandemic and chronic underfunding for decades under Liberal and Conservative governments, universities and colleges have seen their funds plummet and their costs rise. Jobs, courses and programs are at risk.

Despite their calls for help, Ford’s latest budget provides no respite for the sector. He made a deep, $750 million cut in 2019, and now he’s only throwing them crumbs,” said Lindo. “Students and their schools need a lifeline so they can get back on a solid footing.” Continue reading →

Over the past 12 months since the pandemic swept over Ontario, makeshift memorials like this have become an all-too-common site in front of long-term-care homes in the province.

“Thousands of people died alone and in pain, without their loved ones to comfort them. … Let’s mourn together, and remember those precious loved ones lost. Then let’s send help and change to long-term care to give survivors a better life now, and ensure these atrocities never happen again.”                       – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 29^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK — Doug Ford’s Conservatives rejected a motion from Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath Monday calling for March 30 to be declared an annual, provincial day of mourning for the victims of COVID-19 in long-term care.

Another hearse pulls out of the parking lot at the ill-fated Pinecrest long-term care home in Bobcaygeon, Ontario early last year. This home had one of the worst outbreaks in the early months of the pandemic. At this site, close to half the residents died in those first months of the COVID-19 plague.

“It’s shameful that Doug Ford’s Conservatives said no to taking time as a province to mourn with families and remember the people we lost to COVID-19 in long-term care homes,” said Horwath. Continue reading →

Liberal’s Action Plan for Schools represents the first instalment of the greatest investment in our schools in more than a generation

A News Release from the Liberal Party of Ontario

Posted March 29^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO, Ontario – Doug Ford’s latest budget abandons Ontario’s students, foreshadowing a brutal cut to education.

Ontario Liberal Party Leader Steven Del Duca pledged that his first act if elected Premier will be to kill Doug Ford’s sprawl-spreading Highway 413, and instead use the monies that would pay for it to invest $8 billion in new money over 5 years to build and repair publicly-funded schools in every corner of the province, including in Niagara.

“Doug Ford has got it all wrong – he’s foreshadowing cuts to our publicly funded education, while Ontario Liberals are focused on the millions of families whose children deserve the best schools possible,” said Del Duca. Continue reading →

“If we learned anything over the last year, it’s that kids need to be in school for their mental and emotional health. Their best education comes in the classroom, face-to-face with teachers and education workers”                                                                                   – Ontario NDP Education Critic Marit Stiles

A Statement from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 28^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Is online schooling what we want more of for Ontario’s young people? Apparently, the Ford government thinks so.

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Education critic Marit Stiles issued the following statement in response to revelations that the Doug Ford government is considering making expanded online learning a permanent fixture in Ontario:

“If we learned anything over the last year, it’s that kids need to be in school for their mental and emotional health. Their best education comes in the classroom, face-to-face with teachers and education workers. Continue reading →

Supreme Court of Canada Rules Trudeau Government Carbon Pricing Law Constitutional:

Intervenors For Rights Of Women And Girls Welcome The Court’s March 25^th Decision

A News Release from the Canada-based National Association of Women and the Law, and Friends of the Earth

Posted March 27^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario –– The Supreme of Canada’s judgment declaring the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act constitutional is a victory for women and girls.

Saskatchewan, Ontario and Alberta went to court over the Act arguing that it was unconstitutional because Ottawa was stepping into provincial jurisdiction.

The National Association of Women and the Law and Friends of the Earth Canada intervened in the case to encourage the court to uphold the Act. because climate change negatively impacts women’s equality rights and the Act is central to Canada’s efforts to reduce its GHG emissions. Continue reading →

“Our team of staff members are the most important resource we have in providing the exceptional, compassionate care that our animals rely on. Paying them a fair wage solidifies our commitment to our dedicated staff and the animals alike.”             – Kevin Strooband, Executive Director, Lincoln County Humane Society in Niagara, Ontario

News from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 27^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Lincoln County Humane Society executive director  Kevin Strooband

Niagara, Ontario – The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Lincoln County Humane Society <https://lchs.ca/> (LCHS) has become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level. LCHS is the first Humane Society in Ontario to become a certified living employer.

The Lincoln County Humane Society is a charitable not-for-profit organization based in St. Catharines that is dedicated to the humane treatment of all animals; to alleviate their suffering and neglect, support the human-animal bond and foster an environment in which people respect all living creatures. They provide safe refuge and compassionate care for animals. They currently employ 11 full time and 13 part time staff.

“Our team of staff members are the most important resource we have in providing the exceptional, compassionate care that our animals rely on”, said Kevin Strooband, Executive Director of LCHS. “Paying them a fair wage solidifies our commitment to our dedicated staff and the animals alike.” Continue reading →

News from Niagara, Ontario’s Regional Government

Posted March 26^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario –In recognition of the continued importance of following public health measures to control the spread of COVID-19, on March 25, Regional Council voted to extend Niagara’s temporary face-covering by-law, which was set to expire on April 1, 2021.

The by-law requires masks in all enclosed public spaces in Niagara, and aligns with orders issued by the province under the Reopening Ontario Act. The by-law will automatically expire when those Provincial requirements are no longer in effect. Continue reading →

“This (March 25^th,  2021) ruling by Canada’s top court affirms that Doug Ford’s political game-playing to justify his anti-environment crusading doesn’t hold up.”                                                        – Ontario NDP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

A News Release from Ontario’s Official Opposition Party Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted March 25^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP MPP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

QUEEN’S PARK — NDP Leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement on this March 25^th,s 2021 Supreme Court of Canada ruling, which strikes down the Doug Ford Conservatives’ legal challenge against the federal carbon price:

“Doug Ford has been waging a war on climate action, wasting Ontario’s money to fight his basic obligation to try to leave our children and grandchildren with a livable world. Continue reading →

But Expresses Concern Over Growing Provincial Debt

A News Release from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC)

Posted March 25^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

GNCC CEO Mishka Balsom.

Niagara, Ontario  – This March 24th, Minister (Peter) Bethlenfalvy delivered the Government of Ontario’s 2021 Budget. As widely expected, it contained significant investment in healthcare and funded the fight against the pandemic through testing and vaccination.

The budget also saw significant investment in the future of Ontario’s businesses. Those businesses have struggled under the pandemic and its fallout for over a year, with almost half indicating they cannot take on any additional debts, and a similar proportion reporting uncertainty as to whether they will even still be in business by the fall.

A second round of funding for the Ontario Small Business Grant will be welcomed by Ontario’s small enterprises. Continue reading →

“Governments around the world are making plans for a green recovery from COVID-19 and putting climate change at the centre of their efforts to create jobs. Ontario’s budget barely references climate change.”                                                                     – a statement from the Canada-based public advocacy group, Environmental Defence

A Statement from Keith Brooks, Programs Director, Environmental Defence, on the 2021 Ontario Budget

Posted March 25^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario  – We are disappointed with this budget. We were hopeful that the Ontario government would take this opportunity to revisit and reset its hostile approach to the environment. Sadly, that’s not the case.

The near-term focus on COVID-19 and the additional assistance for families, citizens, and small businesses will be appreciated.

However, governments around the world are making plans for a green recovery from COVID-19 and putting climate change at the centre of their efforts to create jobs. Continue reading →

2021 Budget Brings Province’s COVID-19 Response to $51 Billion

A News Release from the Ontario Government

Posted March 24^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO — Today (this March 24^th, 2021), Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board Peter Bethlenfalvy released Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy. The 2021 Budget is the next phase of Ontario’s response to COVID-19 and is the second Budget the government has delivered during the pandemic.

“You can’t have a healthy economy without healthy people,” said Minister Bethlenfalvy. “For the past year, we have been focused on protecting people from COVID-19. Many challenges lie ahead. But with vaccines being distributed in every corner of the province, hope is on the horizon. We are ready to finish the job we started one year ago.” Continue reading →

The Ontario Ford government’s Niagara West MPP and anti-abortion crusader Sam Oosterhoff

“I don’t think anyone is surprised to know that I am pro-life. I have always been very clear where I stand when it comes to protecting the right to life.”                                                                              – Niagara West Ford MPP Sam Oosterfhoff in a statement he made to CBC earlier this March before speaking at an anti-abortion event by at least one group that has compared abortion to the holocaust

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted March 24th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Excuse me Mr. Oosterhoff. I get it that you are an ardent anti-abortion activist.

However, as a news reporter who has long had a problem with anti-abortion people attempting to pass themselves off as “pro-life,” I must say this. I’m totally surprised; in fact I am having an almost impossible time believing that you are “pro-life.”

Anti-abortion activists, as the late American satirist George Carlin famously said, are people who “will do anything to protect a fetus up to birth. But once you’re born, you are on your own.”

Some of the more extreme members of the anti-abortion movement have even shot up hospitals, Planned Parenthood clinics and doctors who perform abortions, God bless them.

To channel George Carlin one more time; “They will do anything to save a fetus. But if it is a doctor, they just might have to kill it.”

Continue reading →

A Ramsar designation for the Niagara River – if approved – “signals to the rest of the world that we have this natural heritage here where we live and that we believe it is important that it be recognized.”                                                                                  – Fort Erie Mayor and Niagara Regional Councillor Wayne Redekop

At a recent Niagara regional committee meeting, Niagara-on-the-Lake Regional Councillor Gary Zalepa was only one to vote no to a Ramsar designation.

“Good for you if this is something that makes you feel good but I am not going to support this.”                                                                    – Niagara-on-the-Lake Regional Councillor Gary Zalepa at a March 10^th, 2021 meeting of the Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee, shortly before every elected member of the committee except him voted in favour of a Ramsar designation.

Niagara, Ontario’s Regional Council Will Vote Yes or No at its 6:30 P.M. Council Meeting this Thursday, March 25th, on a Ramsar Designation for the Niagara River. (To watch Regional Council meetings at home, try clicking on https://www.youtube.com/embed/MUlhI9Y_0Nw?rel=0&autoplay=1 and follow the prompts)

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

Posted March 23rd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Can we finally do this?

Can we at long last come together as a community of communities in Niagara, Ontario and celebrate a natural treasure we should feel blessed to host – the Niagara River – and pay some homage to all of the vision and courage that generations of Niagara residents have dedicated to protecting and preserving this great river for generations to come?

Can communities on the Niagara, Ontario side of this beautiful river at long last do what our American neighbours did in 2019?

In early October of that year, they came together as local, state and federal governments, and as ordinary citizens from Buffalo, all the way downstream to Youngstown, New York, to celebrate the designation of their side of the Niagara River as a “wetland of international importance “under the umbrella of a Ramsar Convention, signed by Canada and at least another 169 nations around the world in 1971 with the blessing of the United Nations.

An event held near Niagara Falls, New York in October, 2019 to celebrate the designation of the American side of the Niagara River as an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention. Seen here are some of the volunteer members of the Ramsar team from both sides of the border. 
Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

And there is so much to celebrate given how much healthier the Niagara River is today, and the dire straits and the communities along its shores suffered in decades gone.

Rewind back to the 1960s, for a moment, and there were all of the reports of the Niagara River being so swamped with industrial chemicals that a captain of one of the Maid of the Mist boats, piloting tourists below the falls, said the air around the boat often smelled like “airplane glue” Continue reading →

“An (internationally recognized) Ramsar designation is exciting and something to be proud of; we are lucky to live near and share an ecological setting like the Niagara River Corridor worthy of such an honor.”                                                                       – New York State Senator Sean Ryan

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

Posted March 22nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

In an open letter to Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley, a New York State senator has expressed his hope that the people of Niagara, Ontario will finally join their American neighbours in celebrating the designation of the Niagara River as “a wetland of international importance.”

The letter from New York Senator Sean Ryan is dated March 10th and has been included in Niagara Regional Council’s agenda package before members o fhe council meet this coming Thursday, March 25th to vote on a motion for such a designation under a framework 170 nations around the world, including Canada, signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971.

Since the signing of what has become known as the “Ramsar Convention,” more than 2,300 waterbodies around the world have been designated as “wetlands of international importance,” including the United States side of the Niagara River where representatives from federal, state and municipal governments gathered with citizen groups on the American side of the in October of 2019 to celebrate the designation. Continue reading →

‘A vaccination passport should be a necessity to travel to ANY other country (including to Canada or the United States) or attend certain mass gatherings. No passport, no entry.’

A Commentary by Linda McKellar, a retired nurse living in the Niagara Town of Fort Erie, Ontario

Posted March 22^nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

I’m in no rush (to cross the Canada/U.S. border).

The stats say eight per cent are vaccinated in Canada vs 23 per cent  in the United States.

That is FAR from the preferred minimum herd immunity required of @70% and there are lots of morons refusing the vaccine.

Why do they think they no longer get polio or smallpox? Fairy dust?

Thank you U.S. President Biden for the AstraZeneca. Sadly it is not currently recommended for those over 65, but better safe than sorry. Continue reading →

Province’s NDP Environment critic demands Ford government block the sale of Ontario’s water rights to American private equity investors

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 22^nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

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

Nothing surprising here.

If Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his Conservative government have their way, ever more of the water we are drinking will be treated, tested and sold by private corporations.

If anything is crystal clear about Ontario’s Ford government by now it is this. If there is a false choice Premier Doug Ford can manufacture between protecting our environment and shoveling more dollars into the pockets of his private-sector donor supporters and friends, he will pave over a wetland to please his private sector buddies every time.

And when I say no surprising here, this is one of the reasons why.

It must be remember that one of Ford’s friends and mentors – former Tory Premier Mike Harris, who is in line to be awarded an Order of Ontario of Ontario citizenship award for God knows what reasons – moved to sell off some of our water from the Great Lakes to private concerns more than two decades ago.

Many environmental groups protested at the time but Harris and company, including one of his Tory ministers, then Niagara MPP Tim Hudak, could care less, and they simply wrote people off who are about the environment as “special interests” and went ahead and did it anyway. Continue reading →

Buffalo, New York area Congressman Says Vaccine Progress &amp; Collaboration Should Allow for US-Canada Border to Fully Reopen this Summer

This March 21st Marks One-Year Anniversary of Northern Border Shutdown

Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins

“Vaccine manufacturing and distribution in the US is way ahead of schedule making it possible to help Canada without compromising distribution in the US. Now is the time to move aggressively in a bilateral way on a plan to reopen the border.”  – Buffalo, New York area Congressman and Co-Chair of the Northern Border Caucus, Brian Higgins

A News Release from the Office of U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted March 20th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York – U.S. Democratic Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is continuing to push for a full reopening of the border between the U.S. and Canada by July and encouraging a partial reopening, including additional exemptions to allow families to reunite, much sooner. March 21, 2021 marks the one-year anniversary of the northern border closing to non-essential travel.

Could we get back to anything like this – a line-up of cars on the U.S. side of the Peace Bridge border crossing – this summer?

Higgins, who serves as Co-Chair of the Northern Border Caucus, said, “A great deal of positive developments have occurred over the last several months. The U.S. and Canada are collaborating in a meaningful way again.

Vaccine manufacturing and distribution in the US is way ahead of schedule making it possible to help Canada without compromising distribution in the US. Now is the time to move aggressively in a bilateral way on a plan to reopen the border. It can be done with appropriate safety measures. Let’s get the border open.” Continue reading →

Let’s All Work Together – with masks, social-distancing and vaccines – to Collectively Celebrate a Healthier, Happier Summer of 2021

A Brief Comment by Doug Draper

Posted on this first day of spring, Saturday March 20^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

“Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter,” read one of the first lyrics in the late Beatles’ George Harrison’s song ‘Here Comes The Sun’, and it is hard to imagine a longer, lonelier winter than the one we’ve just been through with COVID-19.

There is hope for better days for all of us though.

This March 20^th, 2021 marks the first day of spring and in our region of the world, the sun is out, the temperatures are rising, and I saw a pair of robins in my backyard – the same pair, I think, that have been coming back to our backyard for at least the last two or three years.

I wish us all better times that will only come if we continue to remain vigilant in observing all of the recommended health measures that need to be followed to finally beat this killer virus.

In the meantime, I leave you with a Youtube version of George Harrison’s great song, ‘Here Comes The Sun’, recorded by American solo artist Brian Fennell, who records under the name SYML, which reportedly means “simple” in Welsh.

To watch the video for this great song of spring, click on the screen immediately below –

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

“This budget can give people hope. … It has the chance to tell people in Niagara that there is a light at the end of this tunnel and that we’re going to invest in your healthcare, in your jobs and in keeping our seniors safe.”                                                           – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Niagara Falls, Ontario NDP MPP Wayne Gates

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario  — MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) laid out what he called ‘urgent priorities’ for the Niagara Region that must be included in Ford’s upcoming budget.

“Now, more than ever before, we need a budget that prioritizes healthcare in Niagara, getting people back to work safely and fixing the nightmare that we know our long-term system has become for our seniors,” said Gates.

“Our hospitals were overcrowded before this pandemic began, now we see why that cannot be standard operation. We’re ready for the New Niagara Falls Hospital, so this budget needs to get shovels in the ground. The budget needs to get that hospital built and move to ensure that we’re quickly clearing out the backlog of surgeries, cancer screenings and MRI screenings – that can be done easily if it’s prioritized.”

Gates also discussed the urgent need to get people back to work.

“People have been out of work for almost a year now, we need the supports to get them back to work safely, especially at our casinos. I’ve talked to the workers, they want to work, I’ve talked to the management and they have a safety plan – now we need the Province to prioritize those discussions,” said Gates.

A poster produced by the citizens group Ontario Families for Public Education in response to one of the Ford government’s earlier budget, almost always cutting funding for frontline public services, and giving our money to their well-healed private sector supporters.

Gates said he’s also raised the issue of small businesses directly with the Premier, “I’ve tried to show him where these supports are falling short and where more investment is needed so our small businesses not only don’t go bankrupt, but don’t have to go into debt either.”

“This budget can give people hope, and tell them we will be there for them until this pandemic ends. It has the chance to tell people in Niagara that there is a light at the end of this tunnel and that we’re going to invest in your healthcare, in your jobs and in keeping our seniors safe. If this budget does not get our hospital built, save local businesses, get people back to work and pass the legislation we’ve tabled to protect seniors then it is a missed opportunity,” said Gates.

Gates has also put forward a number of bills he is hoping will become reality. Two of the bills legislate safety protocols for injured workers and would give frontline workers WSIB coverage if they contracted COVID on the job.

Gates has also tabled a tourism tax credit that he believes will supercharge the domestic tourism industry once the pandemic ends, an industry that provides tens of thousands of jobs across Niagara. The Official Opposition has also legislation before the House that would mandate four hours of hands on care for seniors in long-term care and give LTC staff permanent raises.

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

Citizen Members on Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Among Those with Targets on their Backs

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board of directors in session during one of its 2020 meetings shortly before the COVID-19 lockdown. File photo by Doug Draper

News from Citizens at City Hall, a Hamilton, Ontario-based citizens watchdog group

Posted March 19^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Nearly all volunteer citizen representatives are being forced off the boards of Conservation Authorities across Ontario as further impacts of last December’s provincial legislation take effect.

The Ford government now has proclaimed the governance section of Bill 229 that amended the Conservation Authorities Act and which now requires that a minimum percentage of members of Conservation Authority (CA) boards have to be mayors or councillors.

Many current boards include significant numbers of volunteer citizen members who fully share in the decision-making of the CAs. But the new provincial rules say as of 2023 municipalities must select elected politicians for at least 70 percent of their allotted seats. One of the effects will be fewer persons of colour on these boards. Continue reading →

It’s time for Steven Del Duca to become a climate leader

A News Release from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Posted March 18^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Steven Del Duca and the Ontario Liberal Party are asking for ideas on how to improve life in Ontario. As part of their efforts to develop a compelling platform for the next election they are calling on the people of Ontario to weigh in on what their priorities should be.

A look at some of the statements on the party’s consultation website makes it clear that the Liberals need to hear from you, especially on two subjects: Continue reading →

Self-Proclaimed “Right to Life” Niagara West MPP Same Oosterhoff, serving as  Parliamentary Assistant to Ford Government Minister of Education – still plans to headline controversial anti-abortion event

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 17^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford allowing Sam Oosterhoff’s anti-abortion event to go ahead

Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education still plans to headline controversial event

Ford government Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff featured on poster for anit-abortion even by organizers comparing abortion to Holocaust

QUEEN’S PARK, Ontario — Premier Doug Ford was slated to talk to MPP Sam Oosterhoff two days ago about his plan to headline Wednesday (March 17ths’) night’s hateful anti-choice event where the hosts have compared abortion to the Holocaust.

Since Oosterhoff is still scheduled to lead that event, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is asking: is Oosterhoff fired, or is Doug Ford condoning his anti-choice crusading?

“It’s clear that Doug Ford has given his MPP the green light to attend an event that compares every woman’s right to choose to the horrors of the Holocaust. Doug Ford promised to take action, but instead of firing him from his Parliamentary Assistant role immediately, Doug seems to have given his approval,” said Horwath. Continue reading →