Niagara At Large

In Ontario, Wynne Government Has Already Turned Its Back On Citizens Concerns Over Watershed Protection in                            the Great Lakes Basin

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 4th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

As shocking as it may seem – and it shouldn’t be given who is now in charge in Washington – the Trump administration is moving to slash programs focused on restoring the health of the Great Lakes by a devastating 97 per cent, according to Trump budget documents leaked to the American media.

Trump taking aim at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with plans for massive cuts to Great Lakes restoration programs

Cuts that dramatic could go a long way to undo most of the progress that has been made since the early 1970s Canada’s then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and then-U.S. President Richard Nixon (believe it or not, Richard Nixon on Watergate fame) signed the first in a series of Great Lakes Water Quality Agreements – environmental protection pacts which, to this day, remain among the progressive of their kind agreed to by any more or two nations in the world.

Trump, who campaigned for the U.S. presidency with a repeated promise to get rid of his country’s top environment body – the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – is now expected, a few strokes of the pen, sign executive orders in the days ahead that undoes most of that and, while at the same time, shreds most of former U.S. President Barack Obama’s climate change initiatives. Continue reading →

A News Analysis from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a province-wide citizens advocacy group

Posted March 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

In 1998, seven of Ontario Hydro’s nuclear reactors had to be unexpectedly shut down for safety reasons. All of these reactors were shut down for more than five years. Two of them are still shut down.

As a result of the nuclear shutdown:

– By 1999 Ontario Hydro was effectively bankrupt and was subsequently split into five different companies. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) got the nuclear stations, while $20 billion of the stranded nuclear debt was transferred to the Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation. We are still paying down the nuclear debt today.

– We had to increase the output of our dirty coal plants by 120% to keep our lights on. Continue reading →

A News Analysis from Brent Patterson, Council of Canadians

Posted March 3^rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The Trudeau government’s strategy to develop a good relationship with US President Donald J. Trump – given his campaign promise to renegotiate or rip-up the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) – appears to be working, but at what cost to fundamental human rights?

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau catches Ivanka Trump’s eye during meeting with business women at White House this past February 13th – Her father makes a special meeting of meeting during his recent address to joint assembly of U.S. Congress

1- Women’s rights
The Canadian Press reports, “[Trudeau] received a shout-out from Trump in his first speech to a joint session of the US Congress [February 28th], with a salute to a joint project they recently launched together. The president mentioned Trudeau while highlighting the women’s business group created during the prime minister’s recent visit to Washington, which involves the president’s daughter Ivanka.”

Globe and Mail columnist Leah McLaren has written, “These are the things we do for trade deals [but] was it really necessary for our feminist Prime Minister to make such an utter mockery of women’s rights (which are under real threat in the United States at the moment) while he was on a social visit to casually secure broader points of the North American free-trade agreement?” And Press Progress has also noted the NAFTA strategy behind the women’s business group and how it helped Trump given he “has been accused of sexually assaulting over a dozen women.” Continue reading →

Members of the Public who wish to speak as a Delegation at this Special Meeting must register by Friday March 17                            – Information on Registering Included Below

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted March 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region, Ontario – An Inter-municipal Transit Working Group led by the Mayors and CAOs from St. Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls with support from the Regional Chair and Niagara Region CAO have been working in cooperation to find a sustainable model for inter-municipal transit service in Niagara.

Buses connecting with St. Catharines, Welland and other Niagara municipalities at Brock University

The results of their work were presented in the Niagara Transit Service Delivery and Governance Strategy report. Major elements of this strategy call for the formation of a consolidated transit system and service enhancements. St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland councils have unanimously agreed to move forward with the next steps in the inter-municipal transit process and have asked Niagara Region to become an official transit provider and partner. Continue reading →

“We are tripling the size of the cut we’re making to people’s hydro bills from 8% to an average of 25%. Electricity rates in Ontario will come down significantly, they’re going to stay down and everyone will benefit.”  – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

From the Office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted March 2nd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Premier Kathleen Wynne made the following statement this March 2nd, 2017 to announce Ontario’s Fair Hydro Plan:*

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

“We’re here today to talk about the high cost of electricity in Ontario: how it got to this point, how it must be fixed and how exactly we’re going to put that fix in place. For too long, governments — my own included — have made mistakes in the way we’ve structured Ontario’s electricity system. That has resulted in rates that are unfairly high. It’s time to fix those mistakes, in ways that work for today, and for the future.

Electricity is not a frill — it’s an essential part of our daily lives. And everywhere I go, I hear from people worried about the price they are asked to pay for hydro and the impact it has on their household budgets. It’s not just some people, and it’s not just in some places. It’s everyone and in every corner of the province. In the North and the South. In rural Ontario and downtown Toronto. For the past couple of months I’ve made a point of connecting with people who have written to me about this issue. I’ve called them up or gone to visit. I’ve sat and talked and listened. Continue reading →

“The cost of electricity has gone up 50 per cent just since Premier Wynne took office (and shen’s now) spending $40 billion to buy some pre-election political relief for herself and her party – and failing to fix the system.” – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

A Message from Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted March 2nd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

London, Ontario  – NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says bankers will definitely win with Premier Kathleen Wynne’s new $40 billion borrowing scheme — but Ontario families will pay the price.

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Wynne announced this Thursday, March 2nd  she’ll pay about $40 billion in interest costs over the next 30 years in order to finance a hydro bill subsidy. The slapdash plan fails to fix the root causes of high hydro bills.

“The cost of electricity has gone up 50 per cent just since Premier Wynne took office, and she has no plan to stop the actual price of power from rising,” said Horwath. “She’s spending $40 billion to buy some pre-election political relief for herself and her party – and failing to fix the system. We’re all going to pay for that, one way or another.” Continue reading →

 “I have no doubt, given another chance, the Liberals will raise rates and taxes again. After 14 years of skyrocketing rates the Liberals – just a year out from an election – realize the damage their policies have had.” – Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown

From the Office of Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown

Posted March 2nd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK, Toronto – Today, Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown blasted the new Wynne Liberal scheme devised to lower electricity bills by burdening Ontarians with $14 billion in new interest payments over 30 years.

Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown

 “The Wynne Liberals came clean today and admitted their $14 billion mistake and that their policies and their policies alone are responsible for the 400% increase in hydro. Whether you pay today or pay tomorrow this Liberal plan will burden Ontario ratepayers for years to come,” said Brown.

The Liberal plan signed on to borrow $14 billion in interest payments alone.

 “I have no doubt, given another chance, the Liberals will raise rates and taxes again. After 14 years of skyrocketing rates the Liberals – just a year out from an election – realize the damage their policies have had.”

The Ontario PCs are the only party that will stop the fire sale of Hydro One, prevent more pay hikes to energy executives, and stop signing more expensive wind and solar contracts by repealing the Green Energy Act – otherwise known as the Bad Contracts Act.

 “Tomorrow this government is moving forward with more bad green energy contracts at a huge cost. These are contracts that are the root of the problem. This is more energy generation we don’t need,” added Brown. “Instead of addressing the roots of the problem by cancelling the Green Energy Act, the Wynne Liberals are signing even more expensive contracts. This is absurd.”

Many of the contracts signed to date were handed out to well-known Liberal donors. In fact, 30 of these companies handed over $1.3 million to the Liberal party coffers.

Brown announced that a detailed Ontario PC plan, to be announced soon, will reveal additional measures to provide widespread hydro relief and prevent rate hikes in the future.

 “Every single time the Liberals have touched our electricity system over the past 14 years, they’ve made it worse,” added Brown.

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

News from the Niagara Centre Constituencey Office of Liberal MP Vance Badawey

Posted March 2^nd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey

Welland, Ontario – Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, was pleased to inform the students at St. Andrews Catholic School in Welland, that a new skate park will be made possible thanks to $216,667 in approved Federal funding. 

This project is one of over 350 Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) projects approved in southern Ontario under the program’s second intake.  The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is a $300-million national program being delivered by regional development agencies across Canada. 

With the addition of $44.4 million in supplementary funding announced in Budget 2016, the total CIP 150 allocation for southern Ontario, being delivered by FedDev Ontario, is up to $88.8 million. Over 730 projects have been approved under both intakes. 

These projects will allow Canadians to enjoy upgraded community facilities such as parks, trails, cultural and community centres. They will also help to create a lasting legacy as Canada prepares to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.

 “This project was spearheaded in large part by the youth of Welland.  Their passion and commitment to improving their community is an inspiration, and this skate park is proof that one can make a difference at any age.” 

“I want to encourage the youth of Niagara to continue to be involved in their communities.  Make yourselves be heard because regardless of age, we are here to listen to you.  You are just as important as any other constituent. Get involved, stay engaged, and build the community that you want to see.”

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

Comprehensive inspection by OSPCA further confirms findings of International Marine Mammal Experts – “No issues of Concern” at Marineland

A News Release from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario

Posted February 28^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large – NAL is posting this media release from Marineland as owners and operators of the Niagara Falls, Ontario park continue to face a number of animal cruelty charges, laid following investigations by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). Spokespersons for Marineland have repeatedly insisted there are no grounds for these charges and they will be exonerated on each and every one of them.

The park has long been a focus of protests by animal activists opposed to keeping  whales and other animals in captivity for public exhibition.)

Marineland targeted by animal activists on opening day 2016. File photo by Doug Draper

Niagara Falls, Ontario – On Tuesday, February 28, 2017, Marineland’s Animal Care Committee, in accordance with strict and comprehensive Ontario legislation and regulations recently enacted, conducted a thorough inspection of the marine and land animals at Marineland.

Internationally recognized expert, Dr. Lanny Cornell, conducted a comprehensive examination of all the marine and land animals and found the animals to be healthy, behaving normally, well fed and well taken care of. Continue reading →

Brian Higgins Speaks Up For Historic Tax Credits, Great Lakes Funding, Arts & Heritage Areas in Testimony before                     the House Appropriations Committee

From U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins of Buffalo/Western New York

Posted February 28^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Our shaired Great Lakes from space. Don’t let any moves to gut the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency place their future health in jeopardy.

(A Brief Foreword by Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – NAL is posting this statement from Congressman Higgins of Buffalo, not only because NAL has a readership that includes people in the Buffalo, New York area, but because Donald Trump, less than 100 days into his presidency, is planning to make huge cuts in the budget of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well as cutting regulations for protecting the environment.

As a reporter whose coverage of the environment goes back more than 30 years to Love Canal, Hyde Park and other massive toxic waste dumps on the American side of the Niagara River leading their poisons into waters millions of Canadians and Americans depend on for drinking and other purposes, the EPA, with an office still operating in Buffalo, New York, has played an important role in addressing those and other sources of contamination to our shared Great Lakes.

U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins of Buffalo/Western New York

It is imperative that everything be done to fight any moves by the Trump administration to gut resources and regulations for protecting these life-sustaining shared water resources for present and future generations.

Good for Congressman Higgins for speaking up for them. We need to hear the same from more politicians and people on both sides of the border.)

Now here is Congressman Higgin’s Open Statement on this –

As the House of Representatives Appropriation Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies prepares budgetary decisions for Fiscal Year 2018, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) testified before the panel to make Western New York priorities heard.  The subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes funding for the arts, historic preservation and environmental protection. Continue reading →

News from Town of Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted February 28^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Pelham Mayor David Augustyn

Niagara, Ontario – Council recently approved the Town’s 2017 Operating Budget. The new budget translates into an increase of approximately 4.7% (or $69.60) on the Pelham portion of your property tax bill for the average residential property (assessed at $316,400).

Since Pelham’s portion of your property taxes represents roughly 38% of your overall residential tax, we anticipate that the Town will receive $1,558 of the $4,132 for the average residential property tax bill; the Niagara Region will receive 48% of the total amount and the Province (to fund education) the remaining 14%. Continue reading →

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted February 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

“That’s what they picked for our flag? I hate it. It looks like a beer label.”

I was an elementary school student in Welland in 1964 when the great debate over Canada finally getting a flag of its own was in full flame, and I heard disparaging remarks like that over and over again. Most of the remarks came from older Canadians of British ancestry about any design for a new flag that did not have a Union Jack or Red Ensign on it.

And many of those same Canadians who were so much against then-Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson efforts to deliver Canada a flag of its own were once all “British subjects” – even if they were born in this country!

Can you believe it? Up to 70 years ago, every person who was either born in Canada or had immigrated to the country and earned their papers to live and work here – even if they were originally from Italy or Poland or any other place outside of Great Britain, were British subjects! Continue reading →

News from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted February 27^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath unveils plan for cutting hydro rates

Queen’s Park, Toronto  – This February 27^th, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath laid out her plan to cut hydro bills for everyone across the province by up to 30 per cent and to return Hydro One back to public ownership.

“It’s time for the people of Ontario to pay less for – and own more of – our hydro,” said Horwath. “Affordable, reliable public power will be the backbone of the electricity system under an NDP government.”

Lower hydro bills start with more public control of the electricity system in Ontario. Continue reading →

An Invite to Niagara Citizens to these Open Meetings from the Green Party

Posted February 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – We Are Pleased To Announce that on Thursday, March 9th, 2017 From 6:30-9:30 P.M., the Niagara Centre Riding Association Of The Green Party Of Ontario Is Hosting The Annual General Meeting.

This Meeting Will Include A Founding Meeting For The Electoral District Association Of The Green Party Of Canada And Will Be Held At The Hope Centre on 570 King St. In Welland, Ontario.

This Event Is Free And Open To The Public. Continue reading →

This Event – Featuring Release and Discussion of the Research – is Open to the Public

Posted February 24rth, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – At the same time Brock University helps prepare graduates to be contributors to the Canadian economy, it is also conducting research that examines what employers are looking for in their new hires.

A new policy brief set to be released by Brock’s Niagara Community Observatory sheds light on Niagara employers’ expectations of young job seekers.

The brief — “Is there a skills gap? Understanding what Niagara employers are looking for in recent graduates” — will be released Tuesday, Feb. 28 in a discussion at Brock. The document addresses questions such as how important soft skills and technical expertise are and if there’s a skills gap related to young workers in Niagara. Continue reading →

‘It is appalling that such reckless and irresponsible plans are given approval by regulators and the Courts.’                                    – Kanesatake Grand Chief Serge Simon.

A Message from the Iroquois Caucus, consisting of elected Councils from Akwesasne, Kahnawà:ke, Kanesatake, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (Tyendinaga), Oneida Nation of the Thames, Six Nations of the Grand River and the Wahta Mohawks

Posted February 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A Reminder from Niagara At Large of concerns several public interest groups and politicans on both sides of the border have that these shipments of highly toxic radioactive waste may pass through the Niagara and Buffalo regions as they cross border bridges over the Niagara River.)

The Iroquois Caucus announced this February 22^nd  that it is unanimously condemning a plan to truck 23,000 liters of highly radioactive liquid from Chalk River, Ontario across the International border to the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, using public roads and bridges.

This unprecedented action could have a devastating impact on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence River ecosystem. Depending on the route(s) chosen, there is the potential for a spill or spills into waterways flowing into the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River or one of their many tributaries.

This ecosystem provides drinking water for an estimated 40 million people on both sides of the border. Continue reading →

A Call-Out to the rest of us from Canadian Journalists for Free Expression

Posted February 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

This coming  Saturday, February 25th , 2017, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) will join a coalition of civil society, media and labour organizations in five locations across the country.

These groups will be participating in creative, peaceful public vigils to reinforce their concern about national security policy, surveillance and freedom of the press.

RSVP for the #ProtectPressFreedom day of action!

Canadians rallied in the thousands when the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015 (formerly Bill C-51) was introduced.

The controversy surrounding the national security legislation became a touchstone during the 2015 federal election campaign.   In addition to the controversy surrounding Bill C-51, CJFE learned in fall 2016 about police surveillance of journalists in Quebec. Continue reading →

 From the Office of Niagara Falls Riding MPP Wayne Gates

Posted February 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Ontario – Wayne Gates NDP MPP for Niagara Falls, rose in the House today and condemned the Liberal Government for their mismanagement and consistent inaction to address the number one concern for the residents of Ontario—outrageous hydro rates.

Niagara Falls Riding MPP Wayne Gates

 “I want to rise and talk about the hydro crisis, and I want to say who it’s hurting in the province of Ontario? It is hurting seniors, young families, young people, manufacturers, business owners, small and large.”

“We know that the CEO of Hydro One is making $4.3 million a year. Think about that. Then he says he feels our pain. Can you imagine somebody making $4 million a year and he feels the pain of families and manufacturers in the province of Ontario? If you take a look at Manitoba, which is publicly funded, publicly owned, he’s making $400,000 a year,” said Gates. Continue reading →

A Statement by U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins of Buffalo/Western New York

Posted February 23, 2017 on Niagara At Large

U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins of Buffalo/Western New York

Buffalo, New York – Congressman Brian Higgins, a member of the bipartisan Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s action to rescind protections for transgender students.

 “This is an attack on our most vulnerable and a significant setback in the hard-fought advancement of human rights.   The struggles for transgender children and families are real and every school across the country should be a place where students can feel comfortable and safe. Continue reading →

Over 350 positions available in 2017

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

Posted February 23rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC), one of the region’s largest employers with over 1,700 full time and seasonal employees, will host its annual Job Fair on Saturday, February 25, at the Niagara Falls campus of Niagara College.

Niagara Park’s iconic Floral Clock. Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission

The Job Fair allows NPC 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 NPC’s Human Resources Department will also be on-hand to help answer any questions. Continue reading →

A Message from Bernie Sanders, from his Facebook

Posted February 21st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword from NAL publisher Doug Draper – I am posting the following Facebook message from former U.S. presidential candidate and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, not just because of my admiration for him as one of the all-too-few honest, progressive-minded crusaders for people in politics today.

I am posting this one because what Bernie Sanders is saying here also applies to Canada where trickle down economics, and all the rhetoric around “we have to give more tax relief to the (so-called) job creators,” has been (and continues to be) peddled by politicians at the federal, provincial and municipal level at least going back to the days of Mike Harris and Stephen Harper.

Hey people – and, yes, I’m talking to all the rest of us who are earning less income in an entire year than the top CEOs in this country are earning in a couple of ours. We have to stop allowing ourselves to be conned by this.)

A Message from Bernie –

Trickle down economics is a fraudulent theory designed by the rich and their think tanks in order to protect the billionaires and large corporations. At a time of grotesque income and wealth inequality, the rich do not need more tax breaks and working people and their kids do not need cuts to education or other basic needs. Continue reading →

A Brief One by Doug Draper

Posted February 22nd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

From a cover of the New York City tabloid The Post, published last year when Sarah Palin endorsed Trump

One of my all-time favourite commentators on the human condition – the late, great George Carlin – once said; ’Think about how stupid the average person is, then realize that have of them are stupider than that.”

We can only imagine what George, who left us nine years ago, just a few months before he was to receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, would say today, because unlike almost any time I can think of in the last 50 years, we seem to be living in the ‘Age of Stupid.’

I am remind of that almost daily when I hear someone say in so many words to me or another, on the street or in a letter to the editor or on the radio or one of the cable news channels; “Why are you being so hard on Donald Trump. Why don’t you at least given him a chance?”

Every time I hear a line like that, instead of wasting to much of my time trying to debate or argue with the individual, I remind myself of the following wise advise once shared by Mark Twain himself –

By the way and thinking of Trump and all of his hate-laced, racist rhetoric, especially over the past couple of years, and the spike we are seeing in verbal and physical attacks on Jews, Muslims, African Americans and other groups, not only in his own United States but across the border -yes – right here in Canada, a statement just came out this February 21st from the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect. Continue reading →

An invite from the Unitarian Congregation of Niagara (UCN) in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted February 21st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Intro to UCN’s Invite from NAL publisher and environment writer Doug Draper –

I walked out the front door of my home this weekend to the sight of people walking by, covered in nothing more from the waste up but a sweatshirt or light jacket. One guy, his dog prancing along on a leash, was wearing a short-sleeve shirt and a pair of shorts – all just shortly after sunrise on a day, not in April or May or June, but in the middle of February!

That and the possibility that before this February is over, we may see more days with record-high temperatures for any February over the past 100 years may, at first blush, seem like a great think for those of us who are no fans of winter and shovelling snow.

Get past the blush and novelty of a few mid spring-like days in winter though and it should dawn on at least some of us that this – like so many other bouts of wild weather swings we have experienced in recent years – is really quite disturbing. Continue reading →

“Wynne doesn’t get it. … People can’t live in a home without power. Parents shouldn’t have to put their kids to bed in a house without heat.” – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

A News Release from the Office of Ontario New Democratic Party Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted February 21st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

One of many demonstrations held at Queen’s Park in recent times over the mess Wynne government, and the government’s last premier, Dalton McGuinty, have made of hydro services.

Queen’s Park – Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberals had a chance Tuesday to join with the NDP and end the practice of disconnecting hydro in the winter – but voted against it.

“Last year 60,000 households had their hydro cut off,” said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, who tabled the motion on Tuesday morning, the Legislative Assembly’s first day back in session. “Now, the Liberals want to play politics. They want to hold their power to stop winter disconnections as a bargaining chip so they can force the legislature to support their 158-page Harper-style omnibus bill.” Continue reading →

A Message from Niagara Action for Animals, an animal care and advocacy group in Niagara, Ontario

Posted February 20th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Dear friends of Animals 

URGENT HELP NEEDED!

NAfA is currently in need of foster homes for a large scale rescue were are undertaking. We have found space for some in our foster network but are still in need of foster homes for four male cats.

If you could spare a room or space in your house for one or two of our kitties in need, please email: jamicoughler@gmail.com . Continue reading →

– Transportation Master Plan Public Information Centres to Start Across Niagara Tuesday, February 21st

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted February 20th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region – Beginning on Tuesday, February, 21st the Region will be hosting its fourth series of Public Information Centres on the development of its Transportation Master Plan.

Buses connecting with St. Catharines, Welland and other Niagara municipalities at Brock University

Since the last Public Information Centres held in November/December of 2016, the Project Team has developed preliminary recommendations for Niagara Region’s transportation system.  Continue reading →

 By Brent Patterson, The Council of Canadians, a nation-wide citizens advocacy group

Posted February 20^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau must “get real” about the devastating impacts of neo-liberal policies, including free trade.

The Canadian Press reports, “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used one of Germany’s most prestigious black-tie galas to tell business leaders to ‘get real’ about the addressing the anxieties of their workers in an uncertain world. Trudeau delivered the no-holds-barred message to an audience of 400 politicians, business leaders and other notables at the annual St. Matthew’s Banquet in the opulent Hamburg city hall.”

The Canadian Press article adds, “[The prime minister told] the corporate elite seated before him to shape up, and stop profiting at the expense of their employees. ‘No more brushing aside the concerns of our workers and our citizens’, the prime minister said in prepared remarks.” Continue reading →

Invite to a FREE Screening this Tuesday, February 21st of the Film – CONTAINMENT

Hosted by the Sierra Club Niagara Group of Buffalo/Western New York

Posted February 20th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York – The film Containment discusses the intractable problem of what to do with long-lived nuclear waste and how we might protect humans and other living things from hazardous waste exposure, now and into the future.

Following the film there will be a  panel discussion of the West Valley Nuclear Waste Facility, our very own nuclear waste storage site 30 miles south of Buffalo.

Come See CONTAINMENT

 Free & Open to the Public 6:30PM, TUESDAY, February 21st DAEMEN COLLEGE ~ Schenck Hall (Rm. 107) 4380 Main Street, Amherst, New York – clear here for directions on  [Map] – Panel Discussion after the Film

Hosted by: Sierra Club Niagara Group with NIRS, CEC, SNI/WaterWalkerz,   Daemen College Global & Local Sustainability Program, and Paul A. Saffrin Center for Sustainability & Civic Engagement.

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.

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

By Doug Draper

Posted February 17th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

This is something that will never stop being outrageous to me. And it is something you and all your friends and neighbours should feel is outrageous too!

One of our fellow citizens in this region of Niagara gets sued for a total of $200,000 by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation (the board of which is stacked with regional councilors and with mayors of some of our local municipalities) and by the NPCA’s former CAO (now CAO for Niagara’s regional government) Carmen D’Angelo.

Ed Smith, recently talking to reporters about the lawsuit launched against him by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and its former CAO. File photo by Doug Draper

And why? Because the NPCA and D’Angelo found things they claim are  defamatory to them in a list of questions and concerns raised a report that was circulated around to local politicians and others about the way the NPCA has gone about spending  our tax dollars.

The citizen beingsued is Ed Smith, a St. Catharines resident and retired Canadian Armed Forces officer who the better part of the past year has been asking many of the same questions growing numbers of others across Niagara and Hamilton are asking about the NPCA’s hiring and firing practices, its land deals, its awarding of contracts to other parties, and other matters involving the spending of millions of dollars it receives from we, the people, each year.

In my view, and in the view of many of his friends and supporters, Ed Smith could be any one of us who dares to confront a government body when they feel it may be doing something questionable with our tax money, and demanding answers. Continue reading →

A Dismantling or Elimination of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would be Devastating to Western New York – Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins Warns

Take the U.S. Congressman’s Warning to Mean it would be Devastating for the Rest of Us Living in  the Great Lakes Region

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

Posted February 17th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – Since the Congressman’s office circulated this news release, Trump’s choice to head up the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – … Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, a climate denier who has sued the EPA several times and who sees the agency as a threat to corporate interests in the petro-chemical, coal and other sectors – was confirmed this February 17th by a Republican-dominated U.S. Senate.

Trump himself, who has already started rolling back Obama policies for acting on climate and other environmental threats, campaigned last year on a promise to ultimately get rid of the EPA if elected. Continue reading →

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted February 17th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

How many times I have wished, when the whole world seems to be going mad in this age of Trump, that my all-time favourite commentator on everything that is insane in modern life – the late, great George Carlin – was still around to share his take.

Then when I go looking through my library of Carlin witticisms, there are plenty there that fit the occasion, including this one I am sharing with you now.

Now use the space at the bottom of this one to tell us what you think.

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

 “The United States and Canada have worked cooperatively for decades to ensure efficient border management while promoting travel, trade, and border security between our two countries. Adding an additional and unneeded layer of screening for the hundreds of thousands of individuals crossing the U.S.-Canada border would create unnecessary congestion across our infrastructure and customs processes.”                                                – U.S. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter representing the Niagara, County/Western New York region.

News from the Buffalo, New York Office of U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted February 16th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

In Bipartisan Letter to Homeland Security Secretary Members Stress Need to Consider Unique Relationship Between the U.S. and Canada.

The Peace Bridge crossing the upper Niagara River between Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. File photo by Doug Draper

As the critical relationship between the United States and Canada is in the spotlight after Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau’s visit to Washington, D.C., several members of the House of Representatives Northern Border Caucus are sending a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly cautioning against the existing proposal requiring implementation of biometric screening at Land Ports of Entry (LPOE).  Continue reading →

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted February 16th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario’s regional government headquarters

Niagara, Ontario – Regional Council is pursuing up to $6.6 million in federal funding to improve access to high-speed Internet in rural Niagara.

Introduced late last year, the Government of Canada’s Connect To Innovate (CTI) program will invest up to $500 million to bring broadband internet to 300 rural and remote communities across Canada. The program has identified 33 eligible locations in Niagara as potential candidates for funding. Continue reading →

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted February 14^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

In the children’s fairy tale ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’, there is a wicked queen who looks in a mirror and asks; “Who is the fairest in the land,” expecting to hear the mirror answer back, each and every day, that the fairest one is her.

When, one day, the mirror answered that that there was a fairer one than her by the name of Snow White, the queen transformed herself into an old farm woman who knocked on Snow White’s door with a basket of apples she had treated with poison.

Snow White was at first reluctant to try one of the apples, as red and juicy as they looked. But when the nasty queen-turned-farm-woman bit into a safe half of one, Snow White tried a bite herself, then fell to the ground where she was later found by her dwarf friends who took her for dead.

I could not help but think of the tale about Snow White taking a bite of the poison apple after reading an announcement Sandy Annunziata, a regional councillor for the Niagara municipality of Fort Erie and chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board of directors, had posted this February 13^th on the NPCA’s website. Continue reading →

A Commentary by the Ontario Clean Air Alliance

By February 14th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Since 2002 Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) price of nuclear power has risen by 60%. And to add insult to injury OPG is now seeking a 180% price increase to pay for the continued operation of its high-cost Pickering Nuclear Station and the re-building of Darlington’s aging reactors.

Meanwhile, OPG continues to tell MPPs and other decision makers that nuclear power is our lowest cost option for keeping the lights on and that it is simply not possible to import low-cost power from Quebec. Both of these claims are false.

According to Hydro Quebec’s CEO, Eric Martel, Quebec has 3,000 megawatts of surplus power available for export. Furthermore, according to Mr. Martel, Hydro Quebec is more than willing to sign long-term fixed-price export contracts. Continue reading →

 Over 350 positions available in 2017

An Invite to Job Seekers from the Niagara Parks Commission

Posted February 14th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario  – The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC), one of the region’s largest employers with over 1,700 full time and seasonal employees, will host its annual Job Fair on Saturday, February 25, at the Niagara Falls campus of Niagara College.

Niagara Park’s iconic Floral Clock. Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission

The Job Fair allows NPC 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 NPC’s Human Resources Department will also be on-hand to help answer any questions. Continue reading →

“Mayor Joyner, Mayor Campion, Mayor Jeffs, Mayor Darte, Mayor Diodati, Mayor Maloney and the three other Regional Councillors Baty, Quirk and Timms, does the new Chair speak for you?  Do you also consider your citizens as a special interest group?  It is time for Niagara citizens to start demanding answers from their elected officials.” – a Call-Out for Accountability from Niagara citizen Ed Smith

A Commentary by Ed Smith, a Niagara, Ontario citizen, community activist and retired Canadian Armed Forces officer

Posted February 13^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara citizen watchdog Ed Smith echoes calls of many across Niagara on NPCA is spending our tax money.

I attended the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) annual general meeting on Jan 18th.  The hall was filled to overflowing; such was the level of public interest in this meeting.

A new Chairperson was elected at that Board meeting and with that election perhaps an optimistic person could have a sense of hope for the future of Conservation in Niagara.  It did not take long for the new Chair to lay waste to any hopes for a reversal of direction at the NPCA.

In a statement to the public on the 23^rd of January, a scant five Niadays after being appointed, Chairman Annunziata sent a message that many saw as disrespectful, arrogant and tone deaf.
Continue reading →

“We remain committed to moving forward on energy infrastructure projects that will create jobs while respecting the environment (and)  particularly along our border and at the Great Lakes, we will continue to work together to enhance the quality of our air and water.”

“The partnership between the United States and Canada will continue to be unique and a model for the world.”

Joint Statement from President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Posted February 13^th , 2017 on Niagara At Large

Trump (left) greets Triudeau at White House

Washington, D.C. – President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held their first official meeting today(this February 13th) in Washington, D.C. and affirmed their longstanding commitment to close cooperation in addressing both the challenges facing our two countries and problems around the world. Continue reading →

 – Who, to use the Donald’s words, will be the ‘Winner’, and who will be the ‘Loser’?

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted February 13^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Of all the email I found in my inbox over the past weekend, the one below was the scariest one – and believe me, in this mucked up world, there are more than a few scary ones.

Here’s hoping that somewhat like the late British prime minister and 1930 appeaser Neville Chamberlain, Canada’s Prime Minister doesn’t leave his meeting with Trump declaring, in so many words and ways, ‘peace in our time’ and; ‘I’m sure I can do business with this man’.

The one I’m referring to at the moment though outlined the “itinerary” for this Monday, February 13^th for Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau – one that outlines his day at the White House with the orange-hair, ‘America First’, winner-take-all terminator now occupying the Oval Office.

Here is an abbreviated text of Trudeau’s Itinerary –

Itinerary for Monday, February 13, 2017

7:00 a.m. The Prime Minister will depart for Washington, D.C., United States of America.    Continue reading →

“Young people need … a partner ready to fight for paid internships, training opportunities and better work opportunities that can lead to good, stable jobs.” –                                          Ontario NDP employment critic Catherine Fife

A Commentary on the State of the Job Scene from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted February 13^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ontario’s Wynne government circulated a media release this February 1oth, boasting that this past January 28,8000 jobs were created in the province. Nowhere in the release did it say that a majority of those jobs were part-time.

Queen’s Park – According to this month’s Labour Force Survey, of the 28,800 jobs created in Ontario in January, 23,500 were part-time.  This continues the disturbing trend, identified in the 2016 year end jobs figures released last month, which shows dramatic increase in part-time, precarious work in this province – numbers the NDP says show that while the cost of living in Ontario is rising fast, families’ incomes aren’t. Continue reading →

Watching the Deconstruction of  Decades of Hard-Fought Environmental Progress

A Commentary by Leslie Daniels, a Niagara, Ontario writer and longtime environmental activist

Posted February 12^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

No one likes to be contradicted. So ordering silence when one can serves a purpose. The problem is that this has been going on for ages and we as the human race will be the ones to suffer for it – again.

Just when we thought we were making progress in the world coming to terms with issues that are affecting our very survival as a species. We had been warned decades ago by scientists like Rachel Carson and conservationists and naturalists like Grey Owl. Continue reading →

An invited from the Sierra Club chapter of Western New York

Posted February 12th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

A Call-Out from Democracy Watch

Posted February 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Dear Friend,

The Kinder Morgan pipeline company, and companies that will benefit from the pipeline, gave Premier Christy Clark’s B.C. Liberal Party more than $550,000 in the past few years.

On January 12th, Premier Clark approved Kinder Morgan’s proposal to add a new pipeline that will carry crude oil from the Alberta tar sands to the B.C. coast for shipping in oil tankers to other countries. Continue reading →

News from Canada’s Health Coalitions, citizen advocacy groups for quality public health care

Posted February 10^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Across Canada – Canada’s Health Coalitions signed a joint statement and held a media conference today on the recent bilateral health care deals and called for a united health accord. 

Since late December the federal government has abandoned a national health accord negotiation and is now signing bilateral health deals with the provinces and territories. These deals will not fund public health care at the necessary levels to maintain today’s public services. Canada’s Health Coalitions are calling for a national health accord which ensures everyone can access needed health care services in accordance with the Canada Health Act.  Continue reading →

International Joint Commission to hold Public Meetings this March in St. Catharines, Ontario and Buffalo, New York

By Sally Cole-Misch, Canada-U.S. International Joint Commission

Posted February 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The Canadian and US governments presented their progress report last fall on efforts to restore the Great Lakes by meeting the goals of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Our Great Lakes from space

The IJC has now released its initial assessment of that progress in a draft Triennial Assessment of Progress report. The TAP report was released in draft form so we can hear from you before it becomes a final report to both countries.

“Now that the IJC has released its draft assessment of progress report, we’re eager to hear from Great Lakes residents,” US Commissioner Rich Moy said at the time of the report’s release. Continue reading →

By Doug Draper

Posted February 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The family of missing Niagara woman Ashley Simpson received unanimous support from regional councillors this February 9th for calling on the federal government to provide support for parents who take time away from work to search for a missing child.

St.ill missing St. Catharines woman Ashley Simpson. Photo courtesy of the Simpson family.

“Ashley’s family is very frustrated (and) we need someone to get the ball rolling here’ said family friend and supporter Steven Soos as he stood with member of the family and read a request for the regional government to send a letter to the federal government, asking that families that leave their jobs to go searching for missing loved ones be covered by EI benefits and not risk being left with no funds to support them. “This is just one small step (to support the family members) in a year of frustration.” Continue reading →

News from the Women in Niagara (WIN) Council and Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted February 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Women In Niagara (WIN) council in concert with the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Rosemary Hale, an accomplished author and passionate advocate for the arts in Niagara – is this year’s recipient of the International Women’s Day Award.

The award will be bestowed to Hale during the 16th Annual International Women’s Day Luncheon, to be held on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Club Roma in St. Catharines.

“The combination of Rosemary’s commitment to expanding artistic culture in Niagara, and her caring and supportive nature of those in this industry make her a well-deserved recipient of this award, as we celebrate International Women’s Day,” says Ruth Unrau, Chair of WIN. Continue reading →

An Invite from the Niagara Centre NDP Association

Posted February 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

A  Reminder to All to Join in this Event in Welland/Niagara this Saturday, February11tth from 1 to 4 p.m.

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

–         ACall-Out to Our Government To Adequately Fund Child Welfare Services

 An Invitation to you from the Niagara Centre NDP

 Posted February 8th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

 Niagara, Ontario –  This coming Saturday, February 11th, The Niagara Centre NDP invites you to Have a Heart for our indigenous youth: call on our government to adequately fund child welfare services.

Hi-Ho Mistahey, produced by indigenous filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin, will be screened at this event following by a group discussion

The Niagara Centre NDP invites you to mark the National Day of Action on Equity for Indigenous Youth on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, at the Community Room in Welland Civic Square (City Hall) 60 East Main Street, in Welland. 

Canada is failing its indigenous youth – and it’s a tragedy and a national disgrace.

In a historic ruling in January 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found the Canadian government racially discriminated against 163, 000 First Nations kids by systematically underfunding federal services that put their lives at risk. 
 Continue reading →

–         Council Wants ‘Qualified and Intendent Citizens’ with ‘Conservation Expertise’ on Board

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted February 8th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Well hallelujah! Some of our municipal politicians are listening.

Pelham Mayor David Augustyn and his council want non-politicians with expertise in environmental and conservation fields sitting on the NPCA board.

Growing numbers of residents across the Niagara region have been arguing for at least a year now that all or most of the 15 individuals sitting on the board of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority should not be elected politicians appointed by other elected politicians but citizens from across the region who have some expertise in the environmental and conservation field.

Now, for the first time in as far back as this long-time environmental reporter can remember, the council of a local municipality in Niagara is taking the idea that the board should be made up of citizens with expertise in conservation matters seriously enough to do something about it. Continue reading →

A Call-Out posted by Doug Draper, publisher, Niagara At Large

February 7th, 2017  

Ed Smith

“I have been subjected to castigation, ridicule and now I am being threatened by legal action by my own government. … I willfully dedicated 25 years of my professional life fighting for the ‘ideal’ of Canada. Countless others have sacrificed much more than that, and there is nothing that will divert me from doing right by that.”          

– Ed Smith, a Niagara, Ontario  citizen and community leader, and a retired Canadian Armed Forces officer, speaking this past November, 2016 about being threatened with a lawsuit by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

Since Ed Smith spoke those words, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority – a public body funded with millions of dollars annually of our municipal tax money – and its former CAO Carmen D’Angelo (now CAO for Niagara’s regional government) have slapped him with a defamation suit totalling $200,000. Continue reading →

A Brief Update by Doug Draper

Posted February 7^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – We posted a news commentary on Niagara At Large this February 3^rd,  focusing on concerns raised, even by Western New York area Congressman Chris Collins (a strong supporter of Trump through his race for the U.S. presidency), about an executive order Trump recently signed that could make border security so restrictive that crossing the Peace Bridge and other border bridges in the greater Niagara area could become a nightmare.

I will provide a link to that news commentary below and, along with that, I also hope to turn your attention to a story – published this past January 28^th – in The Buffalo News on this matter because, dear folks, whether you personally cross the border to shop or visit friends and relatives or not, anything Trump does that seriously jams up traffic at the border could do countless hundreds of millions of dollars of damage to job and the economy of our regions in both countries. Continue reading →

Vance Badawey is new Vice-Chair of Ottawa’s Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey

Posted February 7th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre MP and former Port Colborne mayor Vance Badawey

Ottawa, Ontario –  Niagara Centre Member of Parliament, Vance Badawey is pleased to announce that he has been selected by his peers to serve as Vice-Chair of The Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (REGS).

REGS is tasked with reviewing and scrutinizing regulations and other statutory instruments that have been passed by Parliament. 

The Committee serves as an overview body which ensures that regulations have been implemented in a way that complies with the letter, and spirit, of the law.  Continue reading →

It’s back to the Status Quo when it comes to Municipal Governance in Niagara – At Least for Now

A News Brief by Doug Draper

Posted February 7th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Arguing that democracy in Niagara would not be better served by having dual-duty representation on city and regional councillors, a majority of St. Catharines councillors voted against the idea following a public meeting this February 6th.

St. Catharines City Hall

“There is no proof that double-direct (another way of saying double-duty) representation will result in any improvement (in governance for citizens) … There is no evidence to suggestion communication will be improved,” said St. Catharines councillor Bruce Williamson, who was one of the first out of the gate to say he would vote against dual-duty after a majority of citizens who spoke earlier in the evening expressed their opposition. Continue reading →