Niagara NDP MPP Cindy Forster urges Cogeco CEO to Respect the Loyalty of Customers by Showing some Loyalty to Them

An Open Letter To Cogeco from Niagara, Ontario Area MPP Cindy Forster

Posted March 14^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper – This March 14th, Welland (Niagara Centre) Riding MPP Cindy Forster, a member of the Ontario New Democratics (NDP), sent the following open letter to Louis Audit, President and CEO, of the cable corporation Cogeco.

Niagara area MPP Cindy Forster

The letter discusses a Welland Cogeco’s attempt to call Cogeco’s Customer get some understanding around concerns over a new billing system the cable corporation has imposed – one that could punish customers financially – and getting nothing but a brush off.

Now here is Cindy Forster’s open letter to Cogeco. Feel free to share your thoughts at the bottom of this post –

To Mr. Louis Audet, President and CEO from Cindy Forster, MPP

Dear Mr. Audet:

I am sending this letter on behalf of a 71 year old Welland senior who has had two heart surgeries and dealing with prostate cancer and now fighting a revised billing system that he says is discriminatory against seniors and anyone else on fixed income and cheques that arrive at the end of the month. Continue reading →

Ontario Releases First Climate Change Action Plan Progress Report

A News Release from the Ontario Government

Posted March 14^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Premier Kathleen Wynne, along with Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Chris Ballard, today shared the first progress report on Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP). The action plan is a five-year strategy that is making life more affordable for people across Ontario, giving businesses more choice in reducing pollution and making Ontario a leader in the global fight against climate change.

Ontario Minister of Environment and Climate Change Chris Ballard

The Premier visited the Fazio family in Toronto to hear about how they are lowering their energy bills and making their home more energy efficient. Continue reading →

Brock  launching initiatives to educate students on the importance of civil respect, including distributing “good neighbour kits” to students, for this St. Patrick’s Day

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

Posted March 14th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Brock University officials and student leaders are working with local mayors, residents and Niagara Regional Police in reminding students to be responsible neighbours this weekend when participating in St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Brock is launching numerous initiatives to educate students on the importance of civil respect, including distributing “good neighbour kits” to students, conducting neighbourhood visits to student houses, and mounting aggressive social media and poster campaigns focused on responsible partying, bylaw information, safe drinking and consent. Continue reading →

You are invited to attend – Friday,  March 23 2018

An Invite from Niagara representatives of Ontario’s Green Party

Posted March 13, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Mike Meets Niagara 2018 – An Evening with Mike Schreiner & Niagara Green Candidates – Friday, March 23, 2018 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, is coming to Niagara on March 23rd!

Joined by Karen Fraser (Niagara Falls Candidate) Colin Ryrie (St Catharines Candidate) and the Niagara West Candidate (To Be Announced March 22), Mike will host a “Fireside Chat” about local issues, provincial politics and everything green! Continue reading →

“Helping Indigenous people get the skills and training they need to find good jobs will grow the economy, strengthen the middle class and help those working hard to join it,” – Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

News from the Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management Board and Niagara College

Posted March 14^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

– The Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management Board (NPAAMB) is pleased to announce the federal government funding of the “JOURNEY TO SUCCESS” program for urban Indigenous youth in southern Ontario. NPAAMB will design, deliver and evaluate the impact of a culturally relevant and demand driven essential skills training program over 48 months.

The federal government is contributing $2,966,400 over 48 months to help improve the quality of essential skills training in hospitality, tourism and healthcare for urban Indigenous youth (ages 18-30) in southern Ontario. Continue reading →

Government Affordability Package Takes Aim at Rising Cost of Living in a Changing Economy

A News Release from the  Office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted March 13th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario is taking steps to help families afford the costs of caring for children and seniors, highlighting a package of measures that are easing the financial pressures people are facing in today’s rapidly changing economy.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

The Premier was at the EarlyON child and family centre at St. Paul Catholic School recently to talk with families about the way uncertainty in the economy is impacting their ability to care for their loved ones and keep up with the bills, and hear how the package of supports the government has announced is helping. Recent changes the government has made to make life more affordable for families at every stage include:

The introduction of OHIP+ to make prescription medications free for everyone under the age of 25, which has already provided over one million people with 2.3 million free prescriptions. Continue reading →

‘The Fort Erie lakefront has been sold to private buyers for a century. To continue this sell out is shameful!’

A Commentary by Fort Erie, Ontario resident Linda McKellar

Posted March 13^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Last year, the Town of Fort Erie accepted the Comprehensive Waterfront Strategy Plan done by consultants acting for the town and paid for with our taxes.

One of many members of the wildlife community that people cross paths with during hikes through Fort Erie’s Waverly Beach area

The two priority properties identified for public securement in the Strategy Plan were Waverly Beach and Bay Beach – the ONLY two places where public access is more than just a road allowance between miles of private property.

The Fort Erie lakefront has been sold to private buyers for a century. To continue this sell out is shameful! It is very unfortunate that the Town of Fort Erie did not acquire this land. Parklands actually increase property values.

Locals and visitors have family, friends and memories of the Waverly Beach area, some pay taxes to the town and all come to this lovely, serene place to walk their dogs, relax, be in nature and talk to friends and strangers. Continue reading →

A Commentary by John Bacher, Sierra Club of Ontario

Posted March 13^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Fort Erie, Ontario – At the March 5, 2018, meeting of Fort Erie Town Council, there was a serious discussion about the possible authorization of tree cutting in connection with the Harbourtown Village development adjacent to Waverly Beach.

A peak at some of the tree cover at Fort Erie/Niagara’s Waverly Beach area.

The essence of the discussion revolved around a suggestion that the cutting of trees on 12.8 hectares of land could begin the day after theTown of Fort Erie council meeting that is expected to approve this development on March 19, 2018.  Continue reading →

$107,900 OTF Grow Grant Has Given Students In Niagara Career Planning Tools

“This grant enabled us to work collaboratively with the District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic District School Board on a shared goal that will impact Niagara’s economic prosperity long into the future.” – Mishka Balsom, CEO, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

A News Release from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted March 13^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario –  On Tuesday March 13, 2018, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) welcomed MPP Jim Bradley and Sue Erskine, an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer, to its office to celebrate the Job Route project.

From left, Ontario Trillium Foundation volunteer Sue Eskrine, Greater Niagara Chamber CEO Mishka Balsom, and St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

Thanks to a $107,900 OTF Grow grant awarded two years ago, Job Route has been educating Grade 10 students about future job opportunities in Niagara through a course of sector-specific videos.

 “This investment by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to assist young people in our area in gaining knowledge about job opportunities in Niagara will be of great benefit to them as they plan their future,” said Jim Bradley, MPP St. Catharines. Continue reading →

News from Town of Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted March 13th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Pelham in Niagara, Ontario – Thanks to a $1 million contribution from Meridian Credit Union, Pelham’s new and beautiful Community Centre will be named the “Meridian Community Centre.”

Last Thursday, March 8th, significant donors and Council gathered to make this announcement and to celebrate Meridian’s commitment to our community.

Celebrating Meridian Announcement for Town of Pelham’s new community centre, March 8th, 2018. Photo courtesy of Town of Pelham

Even though they have grown to the largest credit union in the Province and the fourth largest in Canada, Meridian remains committed to its founding vision of helping the communities in which they operate. Continue reading →

Smith Appointed President & Chief Executive Officer Of University Health Network

A News Release from the Univesity Health Network in Toronto

Posted  March 13th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Dr. Kevin Smith took over a Niagara Health System seven years ago that was in turmoil and bereft of public trust after years of controversy over restructuring hospital services across the region.

Toronto, Ontario  — Mr. Brian Porter, Chair of the Board of Trustees of University Health Network (UHN) announced  ths March 12th  that Kevin Smith DPhil. is UHN’s incoming President & CEO.

Dr. Smith is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph’s Health System in Hamilton and Chief Executive Officer of Niagara Health System.  He joins UHN on May 22, 2018.

“Everyone on UHN’s Board of Trustees is delighted that Dr. Smith will be joining UHN as its next President and CEO,” said Mr. Porter.   Continue reading →

A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted March 13th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region headquarters. File photo

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region’s unemployment rate in February dropped to its lowest level in nearly two decades, newly released figures show.

The latest Labour Force Survey released by Statistics Canada over the weekend showed unemployment in the St. Catharines-Niagara census area at 5.2 per cent, compared to 5.9 per cent in January.

This is the lowest the unemployment rate has been since April 2000, and placed Niagara not only above Ontario (5.5 per cent) and Canada (5.8 per cent), but also saw the region outperform comparator communities such as Hamilton, Waterloo, Toronto, Guelph, London, Barrie, and Kingston. Continue reading →

The economic impact of these investments is far-reaching with winter lay-up and vessel repairs taking place in areas such       Port Colborne and Hamilton

News from the Chamber of Marine Commerce, an association that representing  more than 130 marine industry stakeholders and other  marine service providers in Canada and the United States

Posted March 13th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Welland Canal in Niagara, Ontario in operation.

Canadian  ship owners and The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation have spent an estimated $114 million on repair and infrastructure projects this winter, boosting the economic fortunes of communities throughout the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence and east coast.

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) allocated $35 million for infrastructure maintenance over the winter of 2017-2018. The work includes major upgrades to electrical systems and lock-related machinery and gates, in advance of the Seaway navigation season opening on March 29. Continue reading →

Damn Right He Could!

“To the people of Ontario I say that relief is on its way, and to Kathleen Wynne I say your days as premier are numbered.” – Toronto businessman and politician Doug Ford, upon learning late this past Saturday, March 10th that he had won his bid to lead the Ontario PC Party in to this spring’s provincial elections.

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 11th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Is it possible that we could wake up this coming June 8th to the news that Doug Ford, the Toronto area businessman and politician, and brother of Toronto’s late captain-of-chaos mayor, had done such a successful job of selling Ontario voters on his ‘Ford Nation’ brand of alt-right, slash-and-burn populism that he was now on his way to forming the next provincial government?

If you are out there, laughing at the mere idea of a Ford government in Ontario, if you are waving your hands and saying; ‘Come on Mr. Draper. That will never happen,’ then I’ve got two words for you – Donald Trump. Continue reading →

 A Grassroots Citizens’ Coalition – ‘A Better Niagara’ – Is Hosting Three More Candidate Training Sessions in the Region for this October’s Municipal Elections

Attend These Free Sessions In Grimsby/Lincoln area, Fort Erie & Port Colborne Later This March

A Call-Out to All Concerned Citizens from the non-partisan citizens’ coalition, A Better Niagara, Grimsby 40 and Community Voices of Fort Erie

Posted March 9th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

This coming October’s municipal elections are our chance to draw the curtains on this circus.

(An Introductory Message from Niagara At Large reporter & publisher Doug Draper – We are posting the information below for the second time in a week because the positive change in the makeup of individuals sitting on our local and regional councils that this dedicated group of citizens in our region – working under the banner, A Better Niagara –  is now campaigning for is important to the future of all of us who make Niagara our workplace and our home.

One wonders who this sign, recently posted inside the Niagara regional council chambers, is meant for – the public or the more errant members of the regional council?

So I urge everyone out there – ALL OF US – to move beyond just getting upset and angry over what we read and hear, almost daily now, about the bad conduct and the bad decisions that too many of our local and regional councillors have been force feeding us over the past three years because we don’t have to take it.

I urge you to  get involved with this citizens group in working for positive change and a better future for ourselves and for our friends and relatives and neighbours in this coming October’s municipal elections.

These coming municipal elections are possibly the most important ones that have been held in Niagara in decades, given what is at stake.

These elections present us with nothing less than our  big chance to remind our municipal politicians who they are supposed to be working for and to make things right for the future of this region and for all of us who live and work in it.

Don’t let this chance to make a difference slip by.

Exercise your rights as a citizen in a democracy that so many of our forefathers and mothers sacrificed for.

Get engaged – NOW!)

So here is some important news from the citizens working for       A Better Niagara –

Candidate training sessions planned in three more communities

Niagara, Ontario – Across Niagara it’s clear — people want to see some new faces around the regional and local council tables following the upcoming October 22nd municipal elections.

Debbie Zimmerman, a former Niagara regional chair and municipal councilor, speaking to area citizens in St. Catharines this past January at a Better Niagara session on getting engaged in the coming October 2018 municipal elections. Photo courtesy of Emily Beth.

“While each Niagara community has had its own unique, concerning issues over the past term, the commonality is a demand for better governance,” said Sean Polden, executive director, A Better Niagara, a grassroots-citizens’ coalition formed to increase civic engagement. “People have had enough of controversies and infighting. They want to see regional and local governments listening to, and working for, the people.” Continue reading →

Province Has Added 113,700 Jobs Since This Time Last Year

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted March 9th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Employment in Ontario increased by 15,700 jobs in February and the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.5 per cent.

According to the recently released 2017-18 Third Quarter Finances, the government is projecting to deliver on its commitment to balance the budget this year while making investments in the programs and services people and families rely on most.

Ontario’s economy has shown steady growth. In fact, since 2014 Ontario’s economy has grown more than Canada’s and all of the other G7 countries, but the government knows that more must be done to ensure that the benefits of a growing economy are shared fairly across the province. Continue reading →

“With the greatest single investment ever made to protect Canada’s land, freshwater and oceans, the federal government is walking the talk.”

Now, the Government Of Ontario Needs To Step Up To The Plate

A News Release from the Toronto-based citizens group Ontario Nature

Posted March 9th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario – A partnership of Indigenous and environmental groups commended the Canadian government for tabling (this past 27th) the best federal budget for biodiversity conservation in decades.

The budget creates hope that Canada will meet its commitment to protect at least 17 percent of lands and inland waters by 2020. Continue reading →

Who Was Ultimately Responsible for Cutting this Guy the Cheques?

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

Posted March 8th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Like all of his fellow members of Niagara regional council – save for the chair who serves full-time – Andy Petrowski receives an annual base income for the part-time position of between $32,000 and $33,000.

A campaign billboard sign in 2014 for St. Catharines regional councilor Andy Petrowski plays the incumbent candidate up as Niagara Region’s “one watchdog … working for you.” File photo by Doug Draper

But somehow the St. Catharines regional councillor – who has openly identified himself as a “watchdog” for Niagara’s taxpayers during his almost two terms on the council – managed to rack up a total of $112,866 in 2017 when all of the mileage, conference fees and other expenses were included with his remuneration.

The additional $72,000 and change, on top of his remuneration puts Petrowski at the top of the list for total expenses of all 31 members of council, including the regional chair, Al Caslin. It is quite a feat considering that he was off on leaves of absence from the council for almost three months last year – following controversies over his conduct as a councillor – and remains off now, until at least this May. Continue reading →

“With the tide of protectionism rising across the U.S., we have more work to do and will remain vigilant.” – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

A Statement from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted March 8th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement today on Canada’s exemption from the U.S.’s new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports:

“We learned today that Canada has been exempted from the U.S. government’s new steel and aluminum import tariffs — for now. While it is important to recognize that we are still facing challenges, I am pleased that we got the decision we fought for — the one that protects workers and businesses in Ontario’s steel and aluminum industry.”

Steel mills in nearby Hamilton, Ontario. Trump’s threat of a 25 per cent tariff on steel and a 10 per cent tariff on aluminum – including steel and aluminum from Canada – could deal a big blow to what’s left of those industries and the jobs they support in Canada. Trump has left the threats on the table, depending on how negotiations go on a hammering out a revised North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

“It speaks to the success of Ontario’s strategy of extensive outreach to U.S. leaders during this period of uncertainty. But it also underlines the threats we still face during this uncertain time and the need for my outreach and advocacy to continue.” Continue reading →

With FAA Authorization Set to Expire on March 31st, U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins Rejects Attempts to Change Improvements Made Following the Crash of Flight 3407

“There is no give-and-take on flight safety.  Any effort to give up the flight safety improvements … threatens the lives of passengers.”  – Buffalo, New York  Area Congressman Brian Higgins

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

Posted March 8th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York area Democratic Congressman Brian Higgins

(A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large – To the extent people on the Canadian side of the border, fly commercial jets in and out of the airport in Buffalo – and many Canadians do – any weaking of rules for pilot flight training in the United States, is very much a concern to Canadians too. So people in both countries have a stake in Congressman Higgins’ efforts to keep training requirements for commercial airline pilots strong!)

Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins (a Democrat) is pushing back on a position paper recently released by the Flight Safety Foundation which suggests reducing the flight time requirements for new airline pilots.  Continue reading →

Image of Heroic Icon for Human Rights Unveiled this March 8th on Ten Dollar Bill

News from the Bank of Canada

Posted March 8th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Viola Desmond was selected by the Minister of Finance to be featured on Canada’s next regularly circulating $10 bank note.

The selection was drawn from a short list of five iconic Canadians who, together, illustrate the diverse and important contributions women have made in shaping Canada’s history. Watch Viola’s Heritage Minute video, find out more about the selection process, and learn about other changes coming to your bank notes.

Viola Desmond remains an icon of the human rights and freedoms movement in Canada. A successful Nova Scotia businesswoman, she defiantly refused to leave a whites-only area of a movie theatre in 1946 and was subsequently jailed, convicted and fined. Her court case was one of the first known legal challenges against racial segregation brought forth by a Black woman in Canada. Continue reading →

‘Students will be set up outside Mackenzie Chown Complex A Block and will be accepting non-perishable food and cash donations from March 12 to 16. Online donations are also being accepted at 5days.ca/brock throughout March.’

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 8^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Breanne Van Den Breemen has felt the impact of homelessness.

While she’s never been without a place to lay her head, the 19-year-old Hamilton native has a close relative who, despite the best efforts of family and local shelters, has experienced homelessness for many years.

“It’s difficult when we’re always wondering where he is and if he’s safe,” said the second-year Brock Bachelor of Arts student. “I wish I could have a greater understanding of who he is and what his life could be like if he had the proper support to have a home.”

The circumstances have had a profound impact on Van Den Breemen’s family and, as a result, she hopes to help raise awareness and support for local services that aid with homelessness in Niagara. Continue reading →

“We can take real action on pay equity, affordable not-for-profit child care, affordable housing, shelters, transitional housing and supports for women fleeing violence, and making work more stable and less precarious.”                                                                       – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Statement from NDP Leader Andrea Horwath on International Women’s Day 2018

Posted March 8th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

“On International Women’s Day, New Democrats join Ontarians to recognize the hurdles women have overcome, celebrate the women who have championed change, and renew our commitment to tearing down the barriers women and girls still face.

Over the last year, the #metoo and #timesup movements have shown that when women and allies stand together and confront entrenched systems of power and abuse, we can change things. Continue reading →

Province Funding New Program to Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Pollution

Harnessing the creativity, dedication and experience of local innovators and climate leaders … will help us move towards a strong, more prosperous low-carbon economy. “
— Chris Ballard, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

News from the Government of Ontario

Posted March 8th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

To help fight climate change, Ontario is encouraging businesses, utilities, non-profit organizations, registered charities, conservation authorities and Indigenous organizations to develop new and innovative solutions for reducing greenhouse gas pollution.

Chris Ballard, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, was joined today by Parminder Sandhu, Green Ontario Fund board chair and Interim CEO, to announce the launch of the GreenON Challenge.

This program will support the exploration and development of new projects to reduce pollution, advance the province’s low-carbon economy and meet Ontario’s greenhouse gas reduction targets. Continue reading →

Sponsored  by Niagara’s Preservation  of Agricultural Lands Society – Thursday, March 22nd at 7 P.M. in St. Catharines/Niagara – Mark It Down On Your Calendar!

An Invite to All from the Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 8th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society  (PALS) invites the public to hear an epic story of  farmland preservation in Pickering, from  Mary Delaney, Chair of the Land Over Landings Group in Pickering , at its 42nd Annual General Meeting on Thursday March 22nd ,7 p.m. Unitarian Congregation Hall 223 Church Street St. Catharines .

As Mary  notes , “Almost half a century ago the Federal Government expropriated 18,600 acres of prime farmland next to Toronto for an airport — an airport that was never built.” Continue reading →

“Trade wars do not have winners. The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce  strongly opposes these tariffs and hopes that U.S. legislators will act in the best interests of their economy and preserve jobs by abandoning this destructive course.”

A Statement from  the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, representing members of  the business community in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 7th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Trump brandishes threat of trade war with Canada and other nations

Niagara, Ontario  – U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a 10 percent import tariff on aluminum and a 25 percent tariff on steel was greeted with alarm on both sides of the border, including within his own party.

The President has vowed that no exceptions will be made for any country. Although he has often targeted China, even going to far as to label that country an “enemy” of the United States, Canada would be the most-affected. Canada is the largest source of imported steel for the United States, with almost 17 per cent of all U.S. steel originating here – 88 percent of Canada’s total steel exports, worth $5.53-billion.   Continue reading →

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

Posted March 7th, 2018 on Niagara At Large  

Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Queen’s Park, Toronto  – This March 6^th, Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara-West Glanbrook called on the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to assume responsibility for yet another crisis situation in his riding. 

Oosterhoff explained how he recently went on a ride-along with members of the Niagara Regional Police Service. After having received a Mental Health Apprehension call, the officers shared stories of the harm caused by the government’s failure to invest in preventative mental health issues. 

“Most calls these officers receive are to deal with people who are having a mental health crisis, people who could have been helped by earlier intervention,” declared Oosterhoff in the Legislature. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Town of Pelham in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 7th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Pelham, Ontario – For the fourth consecutive year, the Town of Pelham’s signature event, Summerfest, is one of FEO’s top-100 festivals and events.

Pelham’s Summerfest wins Ontario Award for one of province’s best annual festivals

At their gala on March 2, 2018, Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) awarded Pelham with another significant honour, recognizing the investment to go green at the Thursday Night Supper Market with the Best Greening Festival/Event. Continue reading →

A News Release from the City of St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 7th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Starting this past March 1st, (2018) the Province of Ontario is banning unsolicited, door-to-door sales of certain household appliances, including water filters, water heaters and other types of water treatment devices.

The new law states businesses are only able to sell certain household appliances and services in a resident’s home if the resident has contacted the business ahead of time and invited them for the purpose of entering into a contract. Continue reading →

“It’s time for women to earn the same as male counterparts, dollar-for-dollar, and take their rightful place in Ontario’s workplaces.”  – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

A Statement from Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted  March 7th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

– Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement  this pas Tuesday, March 6th  

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

“This Liberal government has had 15 years to tackle the gender pay gap in Ontario. If it were a priority for Kathleen Wynne and the Liberals, they would have already done it.

Sadly, they have not, and today’s (March 6th) announcement (of the Ontario Liberal government’s “Strategy for Women’s Economic Empowerment” legislation) does not improve the pay equity outlook for Ontario’s women. In fact, experts are saying Kathleen Wynne’s desperate attempt to win votes before the June provincial election is actually a step back for women in Ontario. Continue reading →

“Thanks to this first-of-its-kind strategy, we’re building a fairer, more dynamic, forward-thinking and prosperous Ontario — for everyone.” – Premier Kathleen Wynne

News from the Office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted March 7th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario First Province in Canada to Introduce Pay Transparency Legislation

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Ontario today (this past March 6th) becomes the first province to tackle pay transparency as part of a broad new strategy to advance women’s economic empowerment and build fairer, better workplaces.

Premier Kathleen Wynne unveiled Then Now Next: Ontario’s Strategy for Women’s Economic Empowerment, which includes the introduction of legislation to increase pay transparency by requiring certain employers to track and publish information about compensation in their organizations.

The multifaceted strategy will help remove long-standing barriers that have kept women from benefiting equally in Ontario’s rapidly changing economy. Continue reading →

 A Grassroots Citizens’ Coalition – ‘A Better Niagara’ – Is Hosting Three More Candidate Training Sessions in the Region for this October’s Municipal Elections

Attend These Free Sessions In Grimsby/Lincoln area, Fort Erie & Port Colborne Later This March

A Call-Out to All Concerned Citizens from the non-partisan citizens’ coalition, A Better Niagara, Grimsby 40 and Community Voices of Fort Erie

Posted March 6th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Candidate training sessions planned in three more communities

Niagara, Ontario – Across Niagara it’s clear — people want to see some new faces around the regional and local council tables following the upcoming October 22nd municipal elections.

Debbie Zimmerman, a former Niagara regional chair and municipal councilor, speaking to area citizens in St. Catharines this past January at a Better Niagara session on getting engaged in the coming October 2018 municipal elections. Photo courtesy of Emily Beth.

“While each Niagara community has had its own unique, concerning issues over the past term, the commonality is a demand for better governance,” said Sean Polden, executive director, A Better Niagara, a grassroots-citizens’ coalition formed to increase civic engagement. “People have had enough of controversies and infighting. They want to see regional and local governments listening to, and working for, the people.” Continue reading →

‘Drawing attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, along with highlighting the culture-shifting #MeToo movement, will be the focus of this year’s                      International Women’s Day events at Brock University.’

–         On Thursday, March 8th starting at 1 P.M.

An Invite To All from the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies at Brock University

Posted March 5th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Drawing attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, along with highlighting the culture-shifting #MeToo movement, will be the focus of this year’s International Women’s Day events at Brock University on Thursday, March 8. 

Starting at 1 p.m. in TH 244, a panel of faculty and student experts from the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film will present “Pressing for Progress: Women, Hollywood, and #MeToo.”

Faculty members Christie Milliken, Cristina Santos, Liz Clarke and fourth-year student Yasmin Evering-Kerr will touch on the ways #MeToo and #TimesUp have affected both Hollywood and the field of film studies in recent months. A moderated discussion will be followed by a question-and-answer period.  Continue reading →

 “The Alberta and federal governments talk about reducing (greenhouse gas) emissions but somehow believe expanding oilsands production and shipping dirty bitumen around the world to be burned are compatible with their climate plans.”

“Trudeau’s claim that reducing direct oilsands emissions is enough is also disingenuous. Canada isn’t on track to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement, and he ignores the fact that countries buying our bitumen will burn it, further fuelling global warming.”

By David Suzuki with contributions from Senior Editor Ian Hanington, from the David Suzuki Foundation website

Posted March 5th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Contrary to a common perception, ignoring climate change won’t make it disappear. Global research going back to 1824 in fields ranging through physics, oceanography, biology and geology have confirmed human activity — mainly burning fossil fuels, raising livestock and destroying carbon sinks like forests and wetlands — is increasing greenhouse gas emissions and causing global temperatures to rise rapidly, putting humanity at risk.

A tar sands facility working full tilt near Fort McMurray, Alberta, where those devastating wildfires more than a year ago have already been forgotten by climate change deniers here

Every legitimate scientific academy and institution and every government, except the current U.S. administration, agrees. Continue reading →

 A Comment from Linda McKellar, a Niagara, Ontario resident and retired triage nurse in Niagara

Posted March 4th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

A generic view of a hospital hallway in Ontario overcrowded with patients waiting for a room

(The following is an excerpt from a comment Niagara At Large received from retired triage nurse Linda McKellar in response to a news release NAL posted this March 2nd from the Constituency Office of Welland (Niagara Centre) Riding MPP Cindy Forster about an 87-year-old woman in the region who waited nine hourse in overcrowded conditions at a hospital in Welland, after suffering a heart attack, before there was a stretcher or bed available for her to lay down.)

NINE HOURS!!!! …

Treatment of a coronary at the earliest possible moment is vital….time is muscle, in this case heart muscle. The woman’s age also should not be a factor. A human is a human and deserves treatment and comfort whether 20 or 90. … Continue reading →

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted March 2^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

When you’ve got Russia’s strongman, Vladimir Putin, bragging that he now has a new generation of nuclear missiles that can penetrate all defense systems and turn American cities into craters, and you are once again confronted with  intelligence reports that Russia is hacking American elections, what do you do if you are supposed to be “the leader of the free world.”

Actor/comedian Alec Baldwin shows off the Russian translation of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” hat.

Well, if you are Donald Trump, you get up at six o’clock in the morning and fire off a nasty tweet about actor/comedian Alec Baldwin and the way he portrays you on Saturday Night Live, of course!

No wonder, as Trump put it a few weeks back when he blew aside charges from his own Department of Justice that Russian nationals are interfering in U.S. elections, “they are laughing their asses off in Moscow.” Continue reading →

 International Women’s Day Luncheon will be held on Thursday March 8 at Club Italia in Niagara Falls, Ontario

An Invite from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted March 2^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – On March 8th, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) and its Women in Niagara Council (WIN) will celebrate International Women’s Day at Club Italia in Niagara Falls.

The Greater Niagara Chamber’s keynote speaker Betsy Meyers with someone who probably recognize

International Women’s Day is the date on which the world not only celebrates the achievements of women, but focuses on breaking down the barriers faced by women in business, in politics, and in leadership.

The GNCC and WIN are proud to welcome keynote speaker Betsy Myers to Niagara for this event. Ms. Myers was the Chief Operating Officer of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and the founding director of the Center for Women and Business at Bentley University. Continue reading →

Province Boosting Competitiveness of Wine Sector

“Our support for these major local employers will help bring even more highly-skilled jobs to the region and strengthen Ontario’s economy.” — Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines

News from the Constituency Office of  St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

Posted March 2^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

Ontario is partnering with Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Limited and Andrew Peller Limited to help the companies create 45 new jobs and retain 133 existing positions in Niagara region.

Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. is one of the largest wine producers in the province. The brands include top-selling VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) Ontario wines such as Lakeview Cellars, 20 Bees and Dan Aykroyd Wines.

With support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the company is investing in a 43,300 square feet facility expansion.

The expansion will accommodate new fermenters, humidity and temperature-controlled storage and bottling areas, and the company is also investing in state-of-the-art wine canning equipment. Continue reading →

“We know that this legislation is going to be challenging for housing providers. They will have to balance the rights of tenants who use cannabis with the rights of those who don’t – and maintain their responsibilities as landlords.”                                      – Thorold regional councillor and Niagara Regional Housing Board Chair Henry D’Angela

News from Niagara Regional Housing in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 2nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Thorold regional councillor and Niagara Henry D’Angela

Niagara Regional Housing (NRH) helped Niagara’s social housing providers get ahead of federal cannabis legalization at their Housing Provider Forum last week. 

More than 130 people attended to learn what to expect and what is still unknown about the federal Cannabis Act, which was approved last year. 

Guest speaker Kelly Kendrick from Ohsto-Seri and Ganawageh Urban Homes Inc. began the forum with questions about the cannabis legislation that are already confronting housing providers.  Continue reading →

“The last Conservative government fired 6000 nurses and closed 28 hospitals. The Liberals have shortchanged hospitals in every budget for 15 years. … We have to stop choosing between bad and worse when it comes to health care.” – Niagara, Ontario area MPP Cindy Forster

News from the Constituency Office of Welland (Niagara Centre Riding) MPP Cindy Forster

Posted March 2nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

An outrageously long wait for a suffering 87-year old in an overcrowded Welland, Niagara hospital

Niagara, Ontario – Donna Thompson, an 87-year-old Welland woman, suffered a heart attack and was rushed to Welland hospital Tuesday (February 27th), where she waited for nine hours in a wheelchair in a crowded hallway, thanks to hospital overcrowding.

Welland MPP Cindy Forster questioned Kathleen Wynne and the Liberals this March 1st at Queen’s Park about the ongoing crowding crisis and the government’s inaction.

Simmonds’ wait in the emergency department hallway – sitting upright in a wheelchair despite the heart attack and arthritis in her back – was because the hospital was so overcrowded that there were no stretchers available for her to lay down. Continue reading →

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines regional councillor Brian Heit tabled the NPCA motion.

A motion, tabled by St. Catharines regional councillor Brian Heit and backed by fellow St. Catharines regional councillor Kelly Edgars, to get to the bottom of how much more than two dozen staff buyouts over the past four years at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority has cost municipal taxpayers passed a the Region’s council this March 1^st.

A few regional councillors, including Grimsby representative Tony Quirk, who also sit on the board of the NPCA, questioned some of the wording in the motion and attempted to pass it off as “a political cheap shot,” aimed at Conservation Authority they claim has become a convenient straw dog for some.

Another St. Catharines regional councillor, Kelly Edgar, seconded the motion and joined Heit in standing up to attacks against it.

In reality, a number of municipal councils, including the council for the City of Hamilton, and several local councils in Niagara have passed motions over the passed year and a half, calling for a full audit of the NPCA’s operations. Among the items of concern members of these councils have raised is what appears to be an extraordinary number of departures of staff for reasons that know the individuals and have respected their work performance.

For your information, the Brian Heit/Edgar Kelly motion that passed this March 1^st reads as follows –

Whereas a significant number of Niagara Residents and Local Area Municipal Councils have come forward and expressed concerns over the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s finances, operations, and business dealings;

Whereas a significant number of Niagara Residents continue to come forward and express concerns over the excessive retirement packages for former employees of the Region and our ABC’s; 

Whereas the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority developed a Strategic Plan in 2014 to guide the organization in the future;

Whereas the 2014-2017 Strategic plan states the importance of Transparent Governance and Enhanced Accountability;

Whereas the Strategic Plan looked at a number of internal processes and staff changes to meet customer needs and deliver regulatory services;

Whereas in the past 4 years the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s restructuring has resulted in dozens of staff being fired, retiring, quitting, contracts not being extended, & or otherwise released;

Whereas a number of these employees have received retirement packages, severance packages, as well as damages at great public expense;

Whereas the Niagara Region contributes over 82% of the Municipal Levy to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority;

Whereas the majority of the NPCA Board members are also members of Regional Government;

Whereas the NPCA chair has stated his commitment to openness, accountability and transparency.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That Niagara Region REQUEST the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority submit the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 costs associated with severance including but not limited to severances, wages paid, wages paid in lieu of notice, retirement packages, arbitration, personnel court cases, bonuses, and damages to Regional Council by June 6th, 2018.

Stay Tuned to Niagara At Large for more on this and related issues involving the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority later.

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

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

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

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

How Many Times Do They Have To Tell You That!

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

Posted March 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Fort Erie regional councilor Sandy Annunziata is the current chair of the NPCA’s board of directors

“We’ve made a commitment to being the most transparent Conservation Authority in the province, and it’s something we’re working towards every day.”- from a recently released statement by Sandy Annunziata , a Fort Erie regional councillor and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board chair,  on behalf of the NPCA’s board of directors.

“The unsigned document in question (meaning a document circulated in 2016 by Niagara citizen Ed Smith, listing several questions and concerns about the way the NPCA carries out business with our tax dollars) calls for accountability and transparency at the NPCA. The NPCA is leading the province in this area. …We have instituted best practices which value a significant amount of public consultation accompanied by pragmatic customer service.” – from a November, 2017 statement by St. Catharines regional councillor Bruce Timms, a member of NPCA’s board of directors and then-chair of the board.

Yah, right.

Citizensfrom across the region drove to Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority board of directors meetings at the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation a number of times in 2017 to be greeted by signs like this on the doors to the board meetings. Sometimes citizens would have to wait for an hour or two before the meeting was finally open to the public.

I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve heard Annunziata, Timms and others from the ranks of the NPCA’s board and management  boasting about what a province-wide champion this body is when it comes to being open and accountable to the public. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Posted March 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Lincoln, Ontario – At (this February 28th’s) Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Full Authority Meeting, the Board of Directors voted to return more than $1.2 million to Niagara taxpayers. The NPCA set aside additional funds over three years while the Mining and Lands Commissioner ruled on an appeal by the City of Hamilton regarding the apportionment of NPCA’s levy.

NPCA board of directors in session. File image

On December 21, 2017, the Mining and Lands Commissioner ruled that the use of the apportionment formula provided to Conservation Authorities by the province is appropriate in the absence of an agreement.  Continue reading →

“You thought it was over but it’s just like before
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?” –lyrics from Bruce Cockburn’s song, Indian Wars

“She was wrapped in bedding and discarded in a river. We promise to raise the truth of how this world did her wrong.” – one of the recent statements from Tina Fontaine’s grieving friends and family

A Call-Out to All of Us in the Region to Join this Show of Solidary at the Table Rock in Niagara Falls from members of the Indigenous community and Niagara’s Anti-Racism Coalition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Members of the Indigenous community of Niagara invite all residents of region to join  them in remembering Tina Fontaine and her story at noon on March 4, 2018.

Tina left this world in August 2014. She was 15 years of age. She was loved by family and friends. Her Facebook page still shows how much time she spent with beloved cousins, siblings, friends, and how so many in her family cheered her on as she grew. Continue reading →

A New West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Niagara, Ontario is Long Overdue

 News from the Constituency Office of Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff

 Posted February 28th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park – Today Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara-West Glanbrook offered to brief the new Minister of Health and Long-Term Care on the redevelopment of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby so that she could take action now.

A rendering for a new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital that many residents in the West Lincoln, Grimsby and Lincoln area have been wanting provincial approval for a long time.

 “My constituents have been fighting for the redevelopment of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital for far too long, going so far as to raise 14 million dollars towards this redevelopment,” declared Oosterhoff in the Legislature.

“In 2004, this Liberal government called the project ‘a priority’.”  Continue reading →

“Brock is the community’s university. We must make sure our neighbours feel welcome when they come to campus.” – Brock President Gervan Fearon

A News Release from Brock with a few introductory comments from Niagara At Large publisher and reporter Doug Draper

Posted February 28th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

When I was a student at Brock University in the 1970s, you could park your carin the campus lots any day, week or month of the year for free.

That’s right! Parking for all was absolutely free for the first couple of decades after  Brock first opened its doors at the top of the Niagara Escarpment in St. Catharines/Niagara in the mid to late 1960s.

Like other university and college campuses across the province and country for decades now, parking has been a kick in the pocketbook for faculty, students and visitors from the community alike. File photo by Doug Draper

But like many other university and college campuses across the country, that hasn’t been the case for a long, long time as these post-secondary institutions saw reductions in funding from the federal and provincial governments, and felt forced to find other ways of getting money to cover their costs. Continue reading →

A Message from Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey on the new Federal Budget

Posted February 28th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre MP and federal Vance Badawey

Ottawa, Ontario – Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, is proud of Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s Budget 2018, a spending plan that will develop a $150 billion boost to economic productivity by 2026 by bringing more women into the workforce, with money for new parental support, gender equality, and pay equity.

Entitled Equality + Growth, A Strong Middle Class, the third budget of the Justin Trudeau mandate, today’s spending plan is about fairness, a long-term plan to impact our changing demographic, and “the single largest investment into research and development in our history,” Badawey said. Continue reading →

The $870,000 Paid Out To Niagara’s Police Chief Is Just The Tip Of The Iceberg!

How Costly Have The Pay Outs Been At the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority?

A News Commentary by Ed Smith

Posted February 12th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

With Some Introductory Words from NAL publisher Doug Draper –

With a motion going to Niagara regional council this coming Thursday, March 1st – asking the council to support a request to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to disclose how much of our tax money it spent firing, retiring or otherwise showing the door to more than two dozen staff members over the past four years – Niagara At Large has decided to repost the following commentary from Niagara area community activist Ed Smith earlier this February.

Ed Smith’s commentary speaks to why the motion being tabled at the March 1^st meeting by St. Catharines regional councillor Brian Heit must be approved by a majority of councillors in the name of openness and accountability when it comes to the use of our municipal tax money.

Please read Ed’s commentary, then make sure you contact your mayor and directly elected regional councillor in Niagara as soon as possible and urge them to vote in favour of Councillor Heit’s motion for public disclosure. – Doug Draper Continue reading →

“The budget (contains) a general lack of new supports or incentives for businesses. With the United States embarking on a large-scale reform of regulations and substantial tax cuts, Canada’s position as a competitive business destination is being eroded.”

“$50-million to support local journalism is welcome. The GNCC understands the role of local journalism not just in supporting businesses, but in supporting democracy through ensuring accountability and informing the electorate.”

An Analysis of the Budget Highlights from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted February 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Greater Niagara Chamber CEO Mishka Balsom

Niagara, Ontario  – The 2018 federal budget was one that aimed to grow the economy through strengthening the role of women and promoting science and innovation, with few sweeping changes and a general “steady-as-she-goes” tone. As such, it was also relatively surprise-free, with no current economic crises to address and no impending elections.

However, the GNCC was hoping for a number of other measures which were not seen in this budget. When the economy is growing strongly, and unemployment is low, governments are generally expected to pay down the debt and run a balanced budget, or better yet, a surplus. With this budget, the government is continuing to build up debt and run a deficit during an economic uptick. Canada’s federal public debt is still moderate when compared internationally, however –

The budget also relies on optimistic economic predictions, particularly around unemployment levels remaining at historic lows for an extended period. This leaves the government little room to respond to a potential economic downturn. Continue reading →

Horwath says Ontario will go first with pharmacare plan she revealed last spring

From the Office of Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted February 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Queen’s Park, Toronto – Following the release of the federal budget this Tuesday, February 27th, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement:

“Tuesday’s federal budget showed Ontarians that to have universal pharmacare as soon as possible, we need to launch the Ontario NDP’s plan – not wait for Ottawa.

Tuesday’s budget included not one dollar for the implementation of pharmacare. Yet another study is not the news families wanted to hear. Continue reading →

But Federal Budget 2018 keeps Canadians waiting for the big investments required to build an inclusive economy

A News Release from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Posted February 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario —Today’s (February 27^th) federal budget takes positive steps forward on gender equality and science funding, but the bold policy moves that will make a real difference for Canadians—child care, pharmacare, health care or closure of tax loopholes—will have to wait for another day, say experts from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

“Budget 2018 isn’t constrained by a lack of need or by a weak economy, it is rather constrained by a lack of ambition likely tied to being too far from the next election,” says CCPA Senior Economist David Macdonald. Continue reading →

 A Call-Out to Job Seekers from the Niagara Parks Commission

Posted February 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario  – The Niagara Parks Commission, one of the region’s largest employers with over 1,700 full-time and seasonal employees, will host its annual Job Fair on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Niagara Parks’ Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex.

The Job Fair allows Niagara Parks to showcase the seasonal job opportunities that exist within the Commission each year, while providing individuals with an opportunity to connect directly with various departmental hiring managers. Representatives from Niagara Parks’ Human Resources Department will also be on-hand to help answer any questions. Continue reading →

‘Sio You Don’t Want Nuclear Waste In Your Water?’

Posted February 27th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Sierra Club Invites You  to A Public Meeting this Thursday, March 1st at 7 p.m. in Buffalo, New York

This  public meeting is taking place at the Burchfield Penny Art Center on 1300 Elmwood Avenue across the road from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and near Delaware Park in Buffalo, New York.

NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this

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

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

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

A News Release from Constituency Office of Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted February 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Queen’s Park, Toronto  – As Long-Term Care workers from across the province came to Queen’s Park to voice their frustrations, MPP Sam Oosterhoff welcomed Minister of Health and LongTerm Care Helena Jaczek to her new portfolio with the hard reality of Long-Term Care shortages in Niagara.  

“According to Region of Niagara numbers, from now until 2031, seniors 65 years and older will account for 60 per cent of our population growth” said Oosterhoff. “Right now, the average wait time for a bed in the Niagara Peninsula is close to four years. This is almost twice the provincial wait time of two years.” Continue reading →

Regional Councillor’s Upcoming Motion Calls for Full Disclosure of Costs of Staff Buyouts at Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Call On Your Niagara Region Representatives A.S.A.P. To Support This Motion for Public Disclosure

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

Posted February 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – At least one Niagara regional councillor is determined to get full disclosure on how much of tax money was used by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to deliver buyouts possibly more than two dozen NPCA employees that have been  retired, fired or otherwise sent packing over the past four or more years.

St. Catharines regional councillor Brian Heit wants answers on how much NPCA staff buyouts have cost Niagara’s taxpayers.

Brian Heit, a regional councillor from St. Catharines, will be tabling a motion at this coming Thursday, March 1st meeting of the council calling for such a disclosure.

The motion, as worded, calls on the Conservation Authority to “submit the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 costs associated with severance including but not limited to severances, wages paid, wages paid in lieu of notice, retirement packages, arbitration, personnel court cases, bonuses, and damages to Regional Council by June 6th, 2018.”

In an interview with Niagara At Large this February 26th, Heit said he feels that his motion makes a perfectly appropriately request of another one of the agencies, boards or commissions Niagara’s regional government is a significant funder of, especially given the recent disclosure of the $870,000 retirement package the Niagara Police Services Board agreed to pay out last year to the Region’s now former police chief Jeff McGuire. Continue reading →

New Technology Allows for Equipment, Not Staff to Shift from Buffalo to Fort Erie

Plan Cuts Wait Times, Enhances Security, Cuts Air Pollution

A News Release from the Buffalo, New York office of U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted February 26^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (PBA) are jointly pursuing new technologies, which will allow for the long-stalled redevelopment of the U.S. Peace Bridge plaza to advance.

U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins speaking at Peace Bridge Plaza in Buffalo, New York.

  In light of this, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today called on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) [hyperlink to letter] to put the planning and development of the new U.S. plaza on the “front burner,” with attention from top staff who are empowered to make decisions and resolve issues as the project goes through the legally-required environmental review process and lease negotiations. Continue reading →

Progressive tax code, smart investments will lift close to a million out of poverty and curb inequality: think tank

A News Release from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Posted February 25th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario  — The 2018 Alternative Federal Budget (AFB), released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), delivers a roadmap to where the country could be on the eve of the next federal election, if the government moves forward with bold action to deliver a progressive economic plan that leaves no one behind.

Move to close the tax dodge loopholes for those who can and should pay their fair share.

If implemented, the 2018 Alternative Federal Budget will reduce income inequality, lift close to a million people out of poverty, close unfair and expensive tax loopholes, and create 600,000 jobs while locking in the unemployment rate in the five per cent range.

“While the economy enjoyed a surprise jolt in 2017, that strong performance is not expected to last, and poverty and inequality remain at stubborn levels,” says David Macdonald, CCPA Senior Economist. Continue reading →

The Province of Ontario is working to improve access to mental health and addiction services that will help an additional 165 people each year in the Niagara region.

“This additional funding for mental health and addiction services will make an important difference in the lives of many Niagara families, providing the best possible care close to home.”                        — Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines

St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

News from the Constituency Office of St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

Posted  February 26th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Four organizations in the Niagara Region are receiving funding over the next three years to improve access to mental health and addiction services. The organizations are located in St. Catharines, Welland and Grimsby.

• Arid Group Homes provides addictions support for individuals recovering from substance use disorder. Arid Group Homes is receiving funding that will support six new beds at the Women’s Interim Support Home in Welland, which will serve 20 women every year with an average stay of 180 days. The services provided by Arid Group Homes are critical for the continuum of care that is required for recovery from addictions.
• The West Niagara Mental Health (WNMH) program in Grimsby is run by a multi-disciplinary team that provides assessment and treatment for individuals living with mental illness. WNMH is receiving funding that will enable them to connect with patients admitted to the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s emergency department and inpatient units in order to bridge the hospital’s mental health treatment with their community program. The additional resources will allow the program to serve at least 75 individuals a year.
• Wayside House of St. Catharines provides residential support for long-term treatment of substance use disorder for men ages 18 and up. Wayside is receiving funding to increase their number of treatment beds from 20 beds to 26 beds, which will enable 50 more people to be served annually by this program. Wayside House is suitable for individuals who don’t require acute treatment, but rather who need a safe and supportive environment to help them recover from their substance use disorder.
• Gateway Residential and Community Support Services in Welland provides supportive housing and case management for people living with mental illness, concurrent disorders and dual diagnoses. They recently received funding to double their supportive housing units from 20 to 40. The new funding will also allow flexibility for Gateway staff to provide evening and weekend coverage across all 40 supportive housing units.

Continue reading →

“The big project for this year will be completing and opening the new Pelham Community Centre. We received a great update from the Oversight Committee on February 5 – that the new Centre is on-time and on-budget.” – Dave Augustyn, Mayor of the Town of Pelham in Niagara, Ontario

A Column from Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted February 26th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Pelham, Niagara – If you pay your property taxes by installments, you will know that your first installment of your 2018 property tax bill comes due on Wednesday. With this deadline, I thought I would provide an update about Council’s recent budget approval.

Council recently approved the Town’s 2018 Capital and Operating Budgets. The new budget translates into an increase of approximately 3.5% (or about $55) on the Pelham portion of your property tax bill for the average residential property (assessed at $328,138).

Since Pelham’s portion of your property taxes represents roughly 38% of your overall residential tax, we approximate that the Town will receive $1,610 of the $4,200 for the average residential property tax bill; the Niagara Region will receive 48% of the total amount (approximately $2,015) and the Province (to fund education) the remaining 14% (approximately $575). Continue reading →

Links  You Can Click On To Review The Mayor’s Expenses Is Included Below

A Media Release from the City of St. Catharines

Posted February 26th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik

The Mayor’s Office has released Mayor Sendzik’s 2017 expenses and gift log.

As the head of City Council, the Mayor is allocated an annual operating budget for office supplies and technology, community events and meeting expenses. The Mayor’s Office budget also includes memberships in associations where the Mayor represents the City of St. Catharines including the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and LUMCO: the Large Urban Mayor’s Caucus of Ontario. Continue reading →