Niagara At Large

By Doug Draper

Posted January 12, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Doug Draper

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

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

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

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

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

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

A News Release from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted January 11th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

By Doug Draper

Posted January 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted January 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted January 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

Wherever I may go
Just where
Just there
I am”

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

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

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

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

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

A Call-out from the Canadian Environmental Law Association

Posted January 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

From CELA –

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

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

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

Posted January 9^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

A Brief Commentary from Doug Draper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted January 9^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

Posted January 9th, 2017on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

A Commentary by Doug Draper, publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted January 6^th, 2017

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

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

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

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

Trailblazing Women: Western New York Connections

Posted January 6^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

Find Out How You Can Lend A Voice Of Support Below

A Call-Out from Pamela Minns and Thorold Heritage LACAC

Posted January 6h, 2017 on Niagara At Large

NOTICE

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

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

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

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

Posted January 6th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

St. Catharines City Hall

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

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

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

News from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Posted January 5^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

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

Posted January 5^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

By Gary Screaton Page

Posted January 5th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

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

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

News from the Office of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo

Posted December 5th, 2017 on Niagara At large

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

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

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

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

An Invite to All from the Niagara District Council of Women

Posted January 5th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

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

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

From Avaaz, an  online global citizen activist team

Posted New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2017on Niagara At Large

In 2016, hate was given hope — but now we take it back!

From terrorism to Trump to Syria, it was a rough year. But hidden by all the darkness filling our screens, there’s a simple, beautiful, truth:

The world has never been in a better place.

From poverty to literacy, the rise of women and fall of deadly disease — on virtually every metric — the world is better off than it’s ever been. It’s a powerful reason for us all to have hope, and rise to 2017.

So to kick off the new year, here’s a video of 10 beautiful reasons to have hope — let’s share them, add our own, and together give the world a million reasons to hope in 2017:

Share this on facebook

Share this on facebook

Even on the environment, we’re winning epic progress on everything from historic ocean conservation to an unstoppable revolution in clean energy! Continue reading →

Posted December 31^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

“Happy New Year to all, including to my many enemies and those who have fought me and lost so badly they just don’t know what to do. Love!”  – Donald Trump, President-Elect, U.S.A.

An Afterword from NAL publisher Doug Draper – Now doesn’t that just warm you right up like a mug full of egg nog and rum?

Hurry up, barkeep. Pour me another before he tweets again.

And P-L-E-A-S-E make it a stiff one!

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 Statement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  to mark the New Year

Posted December 31st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

“Happy New Year, everyone!

“Tonight is 150 years in the making, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ring in the New Year together. From coast to coast to coast, spectacular events are planned to usher in Canada’s 150^th birthday.

“Before we leave 2016 behind, I want to thank you. Over the last year, we have accomplished a great deal together to strengthen the middle class and those working hard to join it. Continue reading →

A Few Parting Words for the Year from Doug Draper

Posted December 30^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

What can one say about this 16^th or 17^th year (depending on where you start the counting) of the 21^st century as it draws to a close.

We have lost Leonard Cohen at a time when we need the wisdom and insights of people like him the most.

I could start by saying that my wife Mary and I had a very nice trip through New England to the coast along Cape Cod this past spring, and our oldest great cat, Dylan, is still here and able to jump up and down from the bed and window sills in his 18^th year.

We saw two of our favourite music people  – former Guess Who lead vocalist and front man Burton Cummings and Canadian folk icon Buffy Sainte-Marie – at Art Park, and discovered two other great blues artists – Harrison Kennedy from nearby Hamilton, Ontario and Ruthie Foster from Texas – when they were performing together at a concert in the region.

But I’m not here to bore you with any more of that. Continue reading →

Then There Are The Scary Clowns, But Here Is The Good News  – The Next Municipal Elections In Niagara Are Now Less Than Two Years Away!

(A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – I have rarely ever done this, but this December 31st, 2016 as an ugly year – the second bad one in a row – of Niagara regional council draws to a close, it is important to remember that there are some good members of our council who need and deserve our support because the numbers on that council, as it is currently constituted, are stacked against them.

Niagara Regional Chair Al Caslin (left) welcomes new regional CAO Carmen D’Angelo to his chair in the council chambers this past fall. File photo by Doug Draper

Continue reading →

Is Wynne Government Telling The Truth When Its MNR Minister Claims It Can’t Audit the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority?

“The ministry does not have the legislative ability to order a forensic audit.” –Kathryn McGarry, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

“MNR (the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) reserves the right to audit CAs (Conservation Authorities) for adherence to these policies and procedures and to review the effectiveness of the policies and procedures with regard to implementation of provincial policies and protection of the provincial interest.” – from the ”final version” of Ontario government’s Polcy Book, dated May 2010, on policies and procedures governing Conservation Authorities across the province. 

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 30^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Wynee’s Ontario Natural Resources Minister, Kathryn McGarry, claims province can’t order forensic audit of NPCA operations. In a letter to municipal councils in region, she offers her regrets.

A letter Ontario Natural Resources and Forestry Minister Kathryn McGarry sent this Holiday Season to the locally elected councils for least six Niagara municipalities – and possibly to the council for the City of Hamilton – says the onus rests with them, and not the province, to get the board of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to order a full forensic and/or value for money audit of its operations.

In other words, McGarry told the councils in her letter, that ministry won’t order one because, according to her, the province does not have the authority to order one. Continue reading →

Significant Progress Made on Building Ontario Up for Everyone

“Many parts of Canada, North America and the world are ending 2016 with uncertainty. Not Ontario.”                                                    – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

An End-Of-Year Report from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne & her Liberal Government

Posted December 30th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(A Note to NAL Readers – Another thing that at least some of us know is that this Ontario premier is ending the year with one of the lowest popularity ratings in recent memory for any political leader in this province. That said, NAL is posting this message from the Premier and leave it to our readers to draw their own conclusions, and post a comment at the end, if they care to.)

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is calling 2016 a good year for the province

Queen’s Park, Toronto – he government has made substantial progress this year to build Ontario up in ways that help people in their everyday lives.

Premier Kathleen Wynne and her team are delivering on their commitments to create jobs, make economic growth more inclusive and ensure Ontario’s growing economy delivers real benefits in the lives of workers and families. As promised, the province is on course to present a balanced budget this coming spring and has put Ontario’s finances on solid ground without reducing public services that people rely on. Continue reading →

A Brief Message from NAL publisher Doug Draper

Posted December 24th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Wow, is the eve of the end-of-year Holiday Season. It seemed like only a few weeks ago that I was walking with my wife Mary and friends, watching the sun set on a beautiful spring evening off the shores of  Cape Cod Bay.

Our canine mascot Pinky joins us in wishing you a warm and peaceful Holiday Season

And now here we are with only a week left until the end of another year and all of those ghosts of old friends and relatives from Christmas past sitting a around the dining room table. There are more of them with every Christmas that goes by.

But they are mostly nice, warm memories that I savor as I am sure many of you do when you think of all the loved ones who have left us from Holiday Seasons gone by.

Enough of that though.

This Holiday Season, I wish to thank the growing numbers of people who are visiting Niagara At Large for news and commentary for doing just that, and for encouraging your friends to join us in trying to make sense of what is going on in our communities and around the world. Continue reading →

“The issues (dogging the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority) need to be addressed by the province in the most effective, efficient and credible way possible. The OPP in my mind would meet these criteria.” – Welland Mayor Frank Campion and NPCA board member Frank Campion

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 23^rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large 

City of Welland Mayor and NPCA board member Frank Campion

Welland/Niagara, Ontario – This December 20th, the council for the City of Welland joined councils for the Niagara municipalities of St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Port Colborne, Pelham and Thorold, and the council for the City of Hamilton in joining Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster and many citizens across the region in calling on Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and her government to launch a forensic and/or value-for-money audit, and a full investigation of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations.

The Welland council motion, tabled by the city’s Mayor Frank Campion who also happens to be one of 11 municipal politicians in the region sitting on the 15-member NPCA board, goes a step further than those passed by other councils by asking the Wynne government to consider involving the Ontario Provincial Police in an investigation of the NPCA. Continue reading →

“Our governments have all failed to stop this war. Let’s demand that they unite to insist that Russia, Iran, and Syria allow the United Nations and the Red Cross to evacuate                                  all remaining civilians safely from Aleppo.”

A Call-Out from Avaaz, an international online public interest group

Posted December 19^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Dear friends,

The massacre of Aleppo has begun. Militias have reportedly gone house to house, executing civilians, women, and children, and an evacuation convoy was just attacked.

The deadly horror for Syrians fleeing their homes

Tens of thousands of civilians are left, crying out for help. Our governments have all failed to stop this war. Let’s demand that they unite to insist that Russia, Iran, and Syria allow the UN and the Red Cross to evacuate remaining civilians safely from Aleppo.

If these 3 governments hear urgently not just from the US and Western Europe, but from governments around the world, it CAN affect their thinking: Every moment takes a life – let’s stop the massacre of Aleppo Continue reading →

 A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 23^rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

The recent death of long-time Cuban leader Fidel Castro was, among so many other things, a reminder of how close the world once came to brink of nuclear annihilation.

It was October, 1963, curing one of the darkest years of the Cold War and a nuclear arms race that had the fate of the world on a hair trigger, that the U.S. and former Soviet Union came as to launching an all-out nuclear war as almost anyone alive at that time could ever imagine as they played a dangerous game of brinkmanship over missile launch pads the Soviets were caught installing on the Cuban island.

For almost two weeks, the news pouring out of TV sets at home was so grim that our parents – I was barely 12 at the time and can still remember – had trouble keeping a brave face and some of the kids in my grade school class broke down in tears of fears. Continue reading →

“It boggles my mind. … I would think that you would want to do (a forensic audit)  and see how you can improve your business.”                                      – Thorold Regional Councillor Henry D’Angela

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 22^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

“This is your tax money at work,” said Thorold regional councillor Henry D’Angela as he held up a full-page ad the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority recently paid for in a weekly regional newspaper, Niagara This Week.

Thorold regional councilor Henry D’Angela joins call for full audit and investigation of Conservation Authority

Still holding up the ad, D’Angela noted that the Conservation Authority’s chair Bruce Timms, who is also a regional councillor for St. Catharines, claims that he would rather spend the money the NPCA receives from municipal taxpayers each year on planting trees and pollinator gardens.

“Well then what is the justification for spending money on this,” said  D’Angela, adding that “ironically” the paper the NPCA ad is printed on uses up trees.

D’Angela pointed to the ad, used by the NPCA to defend itself against growing legions of critics, as just one more of a number of reasons why members of Thorold’s council, who he spoke to this past December 20^th, should join councils for  other Niagara municipalities and Hamilton in calling on Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and her government to launch a thorough forensic audit and investigation of the NPCA’s operations. Continue reading →

A Column from Town of Pelham/Niagara Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted December 22^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Town of Pelham in Niagara, Ontario – This past December 15th, we celebrated two very generous local family businesses for donating significant funds to support the new Pelham Community Centre.

New Pelham Community Centre, concept drawing

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Dr. Tim Nohara and his company, Accipiter Radar Technologies, “Arena A” will be named the “Accipiter Arena.” Accipiter donated $250,000 to the Community Centre’s capital fundraising campaign. The Accipiter Arena will feature an NHL-size ice surface with a 1,000-seat spectator area. This arena will be capable of hosting major sporting events, tradeshows, concerts, and other commercial affairs.

Dr. Nohara re-located Accipiter Radar Technologies from Waterloo to Pelham in 1995 and, through hard work and diligence, developed the company into a global leader in advanced avian and security radar technologies. Continue reading →

“We encourage all residents of Niagara to learn more about how to prevent, recognize and respond to an overdose.”

A News Alert from Niagara Region’s Emergency Medical Services – Niagara EMS

Posted December 21, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region, Ontario  – Opioid misuse is a growing concern. Opioids are also called narcotics. Niagara EMS would like to ensure the public are aware of the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose:

• Slow breathing and heart rate
• Severe drowsiness
• Cold, clammy skin which may appear blue in colour
• Very small pupils
• Not responsive to shouting or shaking

If you witness someone who shows the signs and symptoms above, or signs of distress, always call 9-1-1, as it is a medical emergency. Continue reading →

Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

 Deadline for Nominations is Friday, January 13^th, 2017

Posted December 22^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Welland/Niagara, Ontario  – Cindy Forster, MPP for the Niagara riding of Welland, is encouraging local schools and community and volunteer organizations across the Niagara region to identify nominees for the Leading Women Leading Girls Building Communities Recognition Program now underway.

 This would include West St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland, Wainfleet, Port Colborne and everything in between. Nominations must be in by Friday, January 13, 2017. Continue reading →

A Lobbyist This Excuse for a Conservation Authority Paid For                  With OUR MONEY, By The Way!

By John Bacher

Posted December 21^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

For the past two years the provincial government has been engaged in a disturbing public consultation.

And while that  process of public consultation is now finished, there is internally at the cabinet table of Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government at Queen’s Park a major debate, which is expected to be resolved in the first few months of 2017.

The aged wetlands in Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls, Ontario – home to a diversity of wildlife – have been a target for something called “biodiversity offsetting” – code for destruction – by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. Will Ontario’s Wynne government give the green light for that destruction to happen?

The Cabinet debate reviewing Ontario’s wetland policy which has been in place since 1992. The current policy which has been respected under New Democratic, Liberal and Progressive Conservative governments for 24 years has as its cornerstone a very important principle. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Niagara Health System

Posted December 21^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Thomas Woodruff (left) with Niagara Health President Suzanne Johnston presenting the Holiday Card Contest grand prize certificate at the St. Catharines Site. Photo courtesy of Niagara Health System

Niagara, Ontario – A colourful drawing of a winter scene depicting Extraordinary Caring was selected as the grand prize winner of Niagara Health’s 10^th Annual Holiday Card Contest. The picture showing a person reaching out to a stranger in need with a helping hand is featured as the image on Niagara Health’s holiday card. 

 Eleven-year-old Thomas Woodruff of Niagara Falls is the talented artist and grand prize winner. The Grade 6 Orchard Park School student spent a great deal of time and attention making his entry a perfect fit for the Niagara Health holiday card. Continue reading →

“I wish I could give u better news. As bad as it seems, I’m sorry to tell you, it will be worse. We are a broken country at this point.”

By American activist and filmmaker Michael Moore, from his Facebook Page

Posted December 21^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

• Hello rest of the world! My fellow Americans are asleep right now so I thought we could talk privately and maybe I can explain what happened (this Monday, December 19^th).
• Hillary Clinton won the election on Nov 8 by 2.8 million votes over Donald Trump. Which is to say, she lost. You are correct, this is not a democracy.

Continue reading →

A Brief from Doug Draper

Posted December 20th,  016 on Niagara At Large

This just recently in.

This December 20th, the council for the Niagara municipality of Thorold joined St. Catharines, Pelham, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Port Colborne and the City of St. Catharines in calling on Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and her government to direct a full investigation and forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. Continue reading →

“The provincial government’s Ontario Grant Program … is designed to pay most or all tuition costs for students from households earning less than $50,000 a year. … About 55,000 households in Niagara have an annual income of less than $50,000, according to Statistics Canada figures.”

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted December 20^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Brock University will become a reachable option for thousands more Niagara families next fall, when a new program covers undergraduate tuition costs for students from middle- or low-income homes.

A sceneon the campus of Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

The provincial government’s Ontario Grant Program, which takes effect in September 2017, is designed to pay most or all tuition costs for students from households earning less than $50,000 a year.

Last week, the government posted an online calculator where students can see if they qualify for free tuition or grants. For students about to graduate from high school, Jan. 11, 2017 is the application deadline to attend Brock next fall. Continue reading →

A Brief One from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper

Posted December 20^th, 2016

Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn and his council join growing call to Ontario government for a full probe and audit of NPCA operations

Niagara, Ontario – This December 19^th, the Town of Pelham’s council  joined a growing call from Niagara municipalities, the City of Niagara Falls, Cindy Forster and other Niagara MPPs, and citizens at large for the Ontario government to initiate a full investigation and forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

This December 20^th, councils for the Niagara municipalities of Thorold and Welland will consider a similar call which comes in the wake of numerous concerns and questions over the NPCA’s board and management’s hiring and firing of staff, awarding of consultant contracts, land dealings and other matters many argue is compromising the body’s role as a guardian of the region’s natural heritage. Continue reading →

‘The current federal funding proposal is over $30 billion less than what the evidence shows is needed to maintain the sustainability of health care systems across Canada.’

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted December 19^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Provincial-Territorial Ministers of Finance and Health today unanimously called on the federal government to negotiate a fair and long-term funding partnership for the health of Canadians. 

Health care is the number one priority of Canadians. Ministers agreed that the federal government’s unilateral approach to health funding puts the services Canadians rely on as well as the sustainability of provincial and territorial health services at risk. Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 19^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Three more municipal councils in Niagara – the council for Pelham this Monday, December 19^th, and the ones for Welland and Thorold this Tuesday, December 20^th – are expected to vote on motions calling on the Ontario government to launch a full investigation, including a forensic and/or value-for-dollar audit, of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations.

All of this continuing in the wake of Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster publicly calling on the province to investigate and audit theNPCA this November, then four municipal councils, beginning with St. Catharines this past December 5^th, then Niagara-on-the-Lake, Port Colborne and the City of Hamilton’s council, calling on Premier Wynne and her government to thoroughly investigate and audit the NPCA’s operations.

Two other Niagara councils – in the Township of Wainfleet and City of Niagara Falls – also passed motions calling for a forensic audit of the NPCA, but those motions ask the NPCA’s board, rather than the province, to make arrangements to have an “independent” audit done of its operations. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from Niagara Action for Animals

Posted December 19th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Action for Animals is a non-profit, all volunteer charity devoted to ending all forms of animal cruelty through education, direct action and legitimate protest.

For more information on Niagara Action for Animals and its efforts for all creatures great and small, click on its website at – http://www.niagaraactionforanimals.org/ .

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

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

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

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

Calling For Needed Funding And Proper Accountability

A Message from the Ontario Health Coalition, a not-for-profit citizens advocacy organization

Posted December 18^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario  – Ontarians have a lot to lose, or a lot to gain, in this Monday, December 19th’s Health Accord negotiations.

Finance and Health Ministers from across Canada are making their way to Ottawa Sunday to potentially complete negotiations for a new Health Accord for Canada. Leading into the meetings, the Ontario Health Coalition reported that Ontario’s Health Minister is showing great leadership in trying to forge a deal that will both provide a realistic level of funding for health care from the federal government and, in return, ensure that provinces are properly accountable. Both of these are in the public interest.

The devil is in the details. Continue reading →

“I thank Mayor April Jeffs for her leadership in recognizing the proper process to prompt action on this matter by bringing a request directly to the NPCA Board.” – from a letter from Bruce Timms, Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, to Wainfleet Mayor April Jeffs

A News Commentary from Doug Draper followed by a ‘Letter of Thanks’ To Wainfleet’s Mayor from NPCA Chair Bruce Timms

Wainfleet Mayor and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority board member April Jeffs earns the thanks of NPCA board chair Bruce Timms for directing her township council to ask the NPCA to arrange a forensic audit of its operations rather than doing what St. Catharines, Hamilton, Port Colborne and Niagara-on-the-Lake councils have  done and other municipal councils are planning to do, and called on the provincial government to launch such an audit of a Conservation Authority that growing numbers of citizens across the region have expressed a loss of trust in.

This December has so far proven to be one of the rougher months for Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority board members and administrators who have been dogged all year with growing questions and concerns over the way they use millions of dollars of our tax money to manage their operations.

Since this past December 5^th alone, the elected members of councils in three Niagara municipalities, beginning with St. Catharines and continuing with Niagara-on-the-Lake and Port Colborne – overwhelming supported motions, urging the Ontario government to commence a full investigation and forensic and/or value-for-dollars audit of the NPCA’s operations.

Those motions were followed up this past December 15^th with one from the council for the City of Hamilton, which has areas of watershed within its municipal boundaries that the NPCA is supposed to show some care for, renewing a call it made to the Ontario government more than a year ago, not only for a full audit, but for a change of management at the Conservation Authority.

And word has it that at least a few more Niagara municipal councils will come forward with motions to the province before the end of this year for an NPCA investigation.

Yet it hasn’t been a completely bumpy ride the NPCA this December. Continue reading →

Provinces  Sign Historic Economic Partnership

“This agreement complements a range of initiatives already underway in Ontario to provide reliable and more affordable electricity.” – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

A News Release from the Governments of Ontario and Quebec

Posted December 15th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Montréal, Quebec — Premier Philippe Couillard of Québec and Premier Kathleen Wynne of Ontario today attended the official signing of the historic electricity trade agreement between Hydro-Québec and the Independent Electricity System Operator of Ontario (IESO).

For the occasion, the premiers were accompanied by the Minister of Energy of Ontario, Glenn Thibeault, and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister Responsible for the Northern Plan of Québec, Pierre Arcand. Under this agreement, the IESO will purchase a total of 14 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity from Hydro-Québec over a seven-year period from 2017 to 2023. Continue reading →

Here’s A Chance To Have Your Say

A Call-Out from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Posted December 15^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Where do you think Ontario’s energy should come from? Giant nuclear and gas-fired power plants or renewable sources like water, wind and solar?

You can have a say on Ontario’s future energy directions through the province’s Long Term Energy Plan review. The most important element of this review is that the government hear loudly and clearly that there remains strong support for renewable energy in Ontario.

While the world shifts to green sources, Ontario is doubling down on nuclear, rebuilding ten aging reactors, while pushing renewable energy to the fringe. This is a bad plan and an economically disastrous direction. Continue reading →

A Call-Out For Holiday Season Donations from Niagara Action for Animals

Posted December 14^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Dear Friends of Animals —

We are excited to launch our Hope for the Holidays fundraising campaign.

From now through the holidays we will be accepting donations to help support our foster program, our feral colonies/barn homes, and will also be stockpiling food and supplies for our Pet Food Assistance program for those in need over the holiday season.

This time of year is tough for many folks, including animals, so every little bit helps!! Continue reading →

“The case for public pharmacare has been made. Its one of those rare public policy initiatives in which there is no downside. … Politically it should be a no-brainer.” – Economist Hugh Mackenzie

From the Canadian Federation of Nurses Union

Posted December 14^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

All Canadians can get their illness diagnosed without any out-of-pocket costs under our public health care system. But millions of Canadians cannot afford needed medications to treat or cure their illnesses.

Canadian Federation of Nurses’ Unions President, Linda Silas, who spearheaded the new report

People with cancer or HIV/AIDs are faced with drug costs that amount to thousands of dollars per month. Their drugs are tragically unaffordable for anyone without a drug insurance plan, and often a huge problem even for those who think they would have coverage under their drug plans but find out that the drug they need is not covered, or there are increasing co-pays or other restrictions in their insurance plan.  

Earlier this December, as the Prime Minister (of Canada) and Premiers from the provinces and territories met over dinner to talk about health care funding, Canada’s nurses released an important new report on “pharmacare” (a national drug insurance program just like public health care for all). The report lays waste to any notion that we can’t afford a drug program that covers everyone. In fact, Canadians can’t afford not to. Continue reading →

The growing dissent “just shows that we were ahead of the curve.” – Hamilton City Councillor Sam Merulla of the number of citizens and municipal councils demanding a provincial investigation.

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 14, 2016 on Niagara At Large

The City Council for Hamilton is once again calling on the Ontario government to launch a forensic audit and investigation of a Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority that a growing numbers of Niagara and Hamilton area citizens have lost trust in.

A recent protest rally in front of the NPCA’s Niagara headquarters in Welland. File photo by Doug Draper

The Hamilton council’s vote for an investigation – the second it has made to Premier Kathleen Wynne and her government in the past two years – follows similar recent calls on the province to thoroughly probe the NPCA made by Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster and the councils for the Niagara municipalities of Port Colborne, Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines. Continue reading →

Province Should Step In With Special Supervisor NOW And Sweep Out Entire NPCA Board & Administration

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted just after Midnight on December 13^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

This just recently in.

The council for the City of Port Colborne – as of this evening of Monday, December 12^th  – has joined the City of St. Catharines and Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in unanimously supporting a motion calling on the Ontario government to conduct a full investigation and forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations

Ed Smith at Niagara’s regional council this past spring, asking it to order an audit of the NPCA, and getting treated like human garbage in return by some of the council members. File photo by Doug Draper

..The Niagara-on-the-Lake council approved such a motion earlier on the same Monday evening, and now Port Colborne, with Niagara Falls city council scheduled to consider a similar motion this coming Tuesday, December 13^th, and other municipal councils in Niagara, Ontario expected to follow suit before the end of this year.

This unprecedented call by municipalities in Niagara for a forensic audit of a publicly funded body in the region follows in the wake of a call Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster made to the province this November for an audit of the NPCA, and in the wake of a growing lack of public confidence in those running this Conservation Authority. Continue reading →

This Tuesday, December 13, Public Eyes Turn To Niagara Falls City Council for A Vote on an NPCA Audit

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 12^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has joined the City of St. Catharines in calling on the provincial government to launch a thorough investigation and forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

St. Catharines/Niagara resident Ed Smith nas been slapped with lawsuit threat from NPCA. This December 12th, he took his call for a full and independent forensic audit of the Conservation Authority to Niagara-on-the-Lake town council.  File photo by Doug Draper

The town council’s support for a motion calling for a full probe of the NPCA was requested at this December 12^th, by Michael Welsh who sits as chair of the town’s committee of adjustment, but told Niagara At Large in an interview earlier this December 12^th that he is making a case for passage of the motion as a private citizen.

“I am coming forward as a private citizen,” added Welsh, a Niagara-on-the-Lake resident,” because I was quite disturbed that the Conservation Authority is going after Mr. Ed Smith legally.” Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 12^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake may join the City of St. Catharines in calling on the provincial government to launch a thorough investigation and forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

The town council’s support for a motion calling for a full probe of the NPCA is being requested at today, at its Monday, December 12^th, by Michael Welsh who sits as chair of the town’s committee of adjustment, but told Niagara At Large in an interview earlier this December 12^th that he is making a case for passage of the motion as a private citizen.

“I am coming forward as a private citizen,” added Welsh, a Niagara-on-the-Lake resident,” because I was quite disturbed that the Conservation Authority is going after Mr. Ed Smith legally.”

Welsh was referring to the recent threat the NPCA’s board of directors, chaired by St. Catharines regional councillor, has made in a lawyer’s letter to threaten Smith, a St. Catharines/Niagara citizen for circulating a report raising concerns and questions about the NPCA’s operations, including its hiring, firing and contract tendering practices, in his quest for a full, independent audit of the body. Continue reading →

Council Votes To Re-Install Integrity Commissioner. Disciplinary Action Against Councillor Petrowski’s Conduct Deferred

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 9^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

“We have to put up with two more years of this,” said but one of a number of Niagara residents who wandered out of the regional council chambers this December 8^th while whatever passes as governance in that chambers was still in session.

St. Catharines regional councilor Andy Petrowski’s recent posting of anti-Semitic video on Twitter triggers council discussion on need for integrity commissioner/ stricter code of conduct. File photo from 2015

Well, it’s more like one more year and 10 months, to be precise until, if the electorate across Niagara wakes up and votes smart, all but about a dozen of these regional councillors – the good ones, as some residents have taken to calling them, who have at least been trying to stand up against the relentless tide of sludge that has rolled over the first two years of this term of council   – are swept out of office in the next municipal elections.

It has been a “dreadful” year, observed one regional councillor – Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton – at the December 8^th regional council meeting as she considered the number of complaints about conduct involving councillors, staff and members of the public in 2016. She has never, in all her years, experienced anything to match it, she said.

But more about the dreadful year (or two years, others might say) later. Let’s get back to the dreadful night. Continue reading →

A Decade Before American Civil Rights Icon Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in the bus, Canada’s Viola Desmond made a courageous stand for civil rights by refusing  to give up her seat in the theatre

“She represents courage, strength nd determination—qualities we should all aspire to every day.” – Canada’s Minister of Finance Bill Morneau

News from the Government of Canada & Bank of Canada

Posted December 8th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario – Governor Stephen S. Poloz, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau and Minister of Status of Women Patty Hajdu today announced that Viola Desmond will be featured on a new $10 bank note, expected in late 2018. This will mark the first time that a portrait of a Canadian woman will be featured on a regularly circulating Bank of Canada note.

Desmond, an icon of the human rights and freedoms movement in Canada, was selected from a short list of five iconic Canadian women by Minister Morneau, in accordance with the Bank of Canada Act. A successful Nova Scotia businesswoman, she is known for defiantly refusing to leave a whites-only area of a movie theatre in 1946. She was subsequently jailed, convicted and fined. Her court case was the first known legal challenge against racial segregation brought forth by a Black woman in Canada. Continue reading →

 “Zero G, and I feel fine,” John Glenn’s first words after going into Earth’s orbit on February 20th, 1962

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted December 8^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

There was a time when everyone who was over the age of 7 in 1962 knew exactly where they were and what they were doing when an American astronaut named John Glenn became the first human to orbit our Earth in space in a small capsule called ‘Friendship Seven’.

John Glenn went on to serve four terms as a U.S. senator and became the oldest person to return to space when he was in his 70s two decades ago.

Glenn died this December 8^th, 2016 at age 95 – one of the last of an older generation prototypes of the all-American hero. Continue reading →

“Nobody voted for a Premier who does more for Liberal insiders than she does for families. We need a government that puts people first.”                     – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

A Year-End Message from Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted December 8^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large 

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Queen’s Park, Toronto – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath wrapped up the fall legislative session calling for bold change including: affordable hydro, repairing the serious damage the Liberal government has done to our health and education systems, opportunities for youth, and good jobs and decent benefits for every Ontarian

.“Ontario is at a tipping point. Families are struggling to pay their bills and are worrying about what the future holds,” said Horwath. “Ontarians deserve to have hope again and real opportunity for their kids right here at home.”  Continue reading →

CAMH Monitor survey also shows many Ontario adults report texting and driving, and increasing mental distress days

A Report from the Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Posted December 8^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(A Foreword Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – I sincerely hope that people – particularly younger people who are more prone to be wired into online electronic devices so much of the time – read this report, if they haven’t already heard the very good CBC radio and television reports since its release this December 7^th. 2016.

Call me out of step with the times, an old, technically challenged fart or whatever, but it is disturbing to watch so many people so totally immersed in whatever they are texting, tweeting, firing off to so-called “friends” on Facebook, or watching or playing on a hand-held screen that they are almost totally oblivious to what is going on in the real, organic community around them. Continue reading →