Niagara At Large

A Call-Out from Catherine Ens and  Niagara Action For Animals (NAFA)

Posted November 10^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Dear friends of animals –

The College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO) has produced an online consultation regarding “Mandatory Reporting of Dismissal/Resignation Related to Incompetence/Incapacity of a Member.”

This consultation process is probably in response to Dr. Rekhi and the events at Skyway Animal Hospital which recently came to light and other similar situations that never came to light.  

This is your chance to make your feelings known.  Please take the time to complete this survey, in a rational and measured way.   Continue reading →

A Statement by Bernie Sanders, Reader Supported News

Posted November 10^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Vermont Senator and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders released the following statement this past Wednesday, November 9^th after Donald Trump was elected president of the United States. –

Bernie Sanders

“Donald Trump tapped into the anger of a declining middle class that is sick and tired of establishment economics, establishment politics and the establishment media.

“People are tired of working longer hours for lower wages, of seeing decent paying jobs go to China and other low-wage countries, of billionaires not paying any federal income taxes and of not being able to afford a college education for their kids – all while the very rich become much richer. Continue reading →

“Never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.    It is!” – Hillary Clinton

From U.S. Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton’s November 9^th Concession Speech

Posted November 10^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from NAL publisher Doug Draper – As a parent of a member of the millennial generation and as an aging journalist and advocate for progressive change on a host of environmental and other fronts, I was heartened by how many millions of young people – in the United States and in Canada – became engaged in Bernie Sanders’ campaign and call for a “political revolution.”

We should all be just as concerned that these same young people might become discouraged and give up as a result of the way Sanders’ campaign was derailed by the elites in the political system, corporate board rooms and so much of the mainstream media that is, after all, owned by the same corporations they should be watchdogging on behalf of everyday people Sanders’ campaign (and Donald Trump’s for that matter) spoke to. Continue reading →

– ‘Get Out Of Your Bubble And Check Out The Pain People Are Feeling In The Rust Belts Of Trumpland’

Michael Moore’s “Morning After To-Do List” Facebook Post For Democrats Is Going Viral

Posted November 10^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

American filmmaker and activist Michael Moore journeys to Trumpland

A Brief Foreword Note by Doug Draper – Michael Moore, a child a working class family in Flint, Michigan – an old General Motors town ravaged in the wake of the NAFTA trade deal and producer of such documentaries as ‘Roger and Me’, ‘Sicko’, ‘Fahrenheit 9/11’ and most recently, ‘Micael Moore in Trumpland’, is well-placed to scold fellow liberals and left wingers who so completely  underestimated and misread the sense anger and betrayal of millions of Americans who voted for Donald Trump this November 8^th feel for establishment politicians and institutions.

Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted November 9^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York – It was a mild, picture-perfect day for fall leaf peepers walking the tree-lined streets of Buffalo’s Elmwood Village area this past Tuesday, November 8^th.

A polling station at the Unitarian Church on Buffalo’s Elmwood Avenue on this November 8th U.S. election day. Photo by Doug Draper

Yet along those same streets, one could also feel the stress and strain in the air.

It was election day in America – a day of reckoning at the end of one of the ugliest, most divisive and disturbing presidential races in modern American history – and one could literally read that stress and strain on the faces of people coming and going from a polling station set up in a spacious meeting room attached to the Unitarian Universalist Church at the corner of Buffalo’s Elmwood Avenue and West Ferry Street.

“We are doomed,” a young African American woman told me as she left the polling station after casting her vote for the lesser of what she felt to be two evils. Continue reading →

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the result of the US Presidential Election

Posted November 9^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today (this November 9th) issued the following statement on the result of the US Presidential Election:

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate Donald J. Trump on his election as the next President of the United States.

“Canada has no closer friend, partner, and ally than the United States. We look forward to working very closely with President-elect Trump, his administration, and with the United States Congress in the years ahead, including on issues such as trade, investment, and international peace and security.

“The relationship between our two countries serves as a model for the world.  Our shared values, deep cultural ties, and strong integrated economies will continue to provide the basis for advancing our strong and prosperous partnership.”

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post in the space below the Bernie quote .

A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.

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

Province Partnering with Allied Marine & Industrial to Help Create Jobs

“It is great to see companies like this choosing to expand in Port Colborne and create new economic opportunities in the Niagara region.” – St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

News from the Government of Ontario and its Ministry of Economic Development and Growth

Posted November 9^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines MPP & longtime Liberal government member Jim Bradley joined in Port Colborne announcement

Ontario is partnering with Allied Marine & Industrial Inc. to invest in a new plant and innovative technologies, creating 16 new jobs and retaining 45 positions in Port Colborne.

Allied Marine & Industrial provides technical services to both marine and land-based industries in southern Ontario, including mechanical, machining, custom fabrication, manufacturing and field services. The company will move its tooling, machining, fabrication, assembly and storage buildings into a new state-of-the-art facility in Port Colborne with support from the province. Continue reading →

Shared by the Niagara Constituency Office of Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

Posted November 9^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – In the lead up to Remembrance Day every year, Canadians of all ages and backgrounds come together and collectively vow to never forget our brave men and women who lost their lives in military service in peacetime or in war. We adorn our lapels with poppies, donate to local legions, lay wreaths in memory, and promise to never forget.

The Cenotaph in Chippawa Park in Welland/Niagara – a designated heritage site

Legions across the country and in our very own community of Niagara have been helping veterans and their communities for over 90 years. 

Legion members contribute countless volunteer hours, support their local communities in various initiatives and fundraise millions of dollars each year.  Members invest resources, time, and energy to provide essential services in their communities. They support seniors, youth, healthcare, low income families through countless initiatives and organizations. Continue reading →

A Column from Town of Pelham/Niagara Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted November 9^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Each year in Pelham, the Legion and Cadets organize a number of very special ceremonies to commemorate Remembrance Day.

On Remembrance Day – this year on a Friday – the Legion will host a complete service at Veteran’s Park at the Legion in Fonthill. The service begins at 10:45 AM so that the moment of silence can occur at 11:00 AM. In recent years, and especially since the revitalization of the park, many people participate in this Remembrance Day service. Continue reading →

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

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper, publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted November 8^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

We just turned around and he was gone.

For one brief, shining moment, it looked earlier this year like there might be a chance that a truly progressive leader – a leader of vision, with a kinder, fairer, more inclusive vision for a future that the 99 per cent can believe in – had a chance of being elected to the most powerful political office in the world.

The reasons this did not or could not, in the eyes of the political elite and their corporate masters, be allowed happen will be discussed and debated for years to come.

But Bernie Sanders – always this Canadian commentator’s choice to win the presidency this 2016 in our neighbouring United States of America – has continued to vow that the “political revolution” for which he has been fighting for true, progressive change for peace and prosperity of everyone is not going away.

They might be able to  bury the candidate calling for the revolution, but they can’t bury the revolution. Continue reading →

Wednesday, November 9 2016, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

This is your chance to discuss climate change with a representative of your federal government!

Hosted by Niagara College at its Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario campus

A Call-Out to the Niagara community from Niagara College & Niagara Centre Liberal MP Vance Badawey

Posted November 7th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara College will be hosting Niagara Centre Federal Member of Parliament (MP) Vance Badawey at our Niagara-on-the-Lake campus Wednesday November 9^th, 2016 (from 9:00-11:30am) for a discussion on climate change. MP Badawey is looking to obtain the important perspective of young professionals on the impacts of climate change in the Niagara Region and what the Canadian government can do to help mitigate these impacts.

The event will take place between 9:00-11:30 a.m. on campus in the big meeting room (W212). This will be a structured open house style event and is really just a platform for current and future young professionals in the Niagara Region to come together and discuss climate change impacts with one of their federal government representatives. Continue reading →

“Seemingly insurmountable student debt delays important life milestones for young people such as buying a car, owning a home, starting a family or starting a business.  This makes student debt not only a burden for those who carry it, but on the provincial economy as a whole.” –                                               Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

News from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted November 7th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – Today at Queen’s Park Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath launched a new website aimed at empowering young people to tell their stories of how student debt is affecting their lives.

Horwath was joined by young people from across Ontario for the launch where she reiterated the NDP’s promise to immediately remove the interest from Ontario student loans if the party forms government in 2018.

“This is a first step in addressing the crisis of student debt in Ontario and it is an important one,” said Horwath. “Seemingly insurmountable student debt delays important life milestones for young people such as buying a car, owning a home, starting a family or starting a business.  This makes student debt not only a burden for those who carry it, but on the provincial economy as a whole.”

The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario strongly supports the NDP’s commitment to remove interest from Ontario student loans and is enthusiastic about the chance for young people to tell their stories.

“Students from across Ontario welcome the NDP’s decision to remove interest on provincial student loans. This is one of the demands of our Fight the Fees campaign that saw thousands of students across the province demand immediate action to address the student debt crisis,” said Rajean Hoilett, Chairperson of the CFS-Ontario. “We hope that this is the first step in realizing students vision for a high-quality system of college and university that is free of financial barriers and accessible to all.”

Ahmad Moussaoui, a 26 year-old resident of Windsor was one of the young people who joined Horwath in Toronto.  Moussaoui is the creator of an online petition calling for an end to student debt that has already received the support of 60,000 people.  He is excited about the chance to join with the NDP and raise the level of urgency of tackling student debt in Ontario.

“If I didn’t have my student debt, I could afford to live on my own and invest in growing my business, and maybe, eventually, I could buy a house,” said Moussaoui.  “Taking the interest off my student loan would definitely be an important first step in helping with my loan.  Thanks to Andrea and the NDP for helping young people raise awareness of this important issue through the new website.”

www.endstudentdebt.ca is live today and will help the NDP fight for an end to student debt in Ontario by collecting stories from young people about how it is affecting them.

Once again, to engage the Ontario’s NDP new ‘End Student Debt’ site, click on – www.endstudentdebt.ca

Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post in the space below the Bernie quote .

A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.

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

Province Focused on Supporting Economic Growth

A News Message from Brad Duguid, the Ontario Liberal Government’s Minister of Economic Development and Growth

Posted November 7^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid

In October, employment in Hamilton increased by 3,400 and employment in St. Catharines-Niagara increased by 2,700 jobs. This is Hamilton’s third consecutive month and St. Catharines-Niagara’s fifth consecutive month of significant job growth

.rovince-wide, Ontario’s unemployment rate decreased to 6.4 per cent in October, and has been lower than the national average for 18 months in a row.

The October job numbers bring the total increase in employment since the recessionary low in June 2009 to 641,100. The majority of these new jobs are full time positions in the private sector and in industries that pay above-average wages. Continue reading →

“(Ontario) Conservatives and Liberals have both failed West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. Conservatives tried to shut down this hospital.  Liberals cancelled the new hospital project in 2012.” – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

News on the Niagara West By-Election from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted November 7^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Grimsby, Niagara – This past November 4^th, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath joined NDP by-election candidate for the riding of Niagara West-Glanbrook to commit the party to fighting for the redevelopment of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

A rendering of a new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Niagara that – after more than a decade – has still not been approved by the province to be built.

 “Conservatives and Liberals have both failed West Lincoln Memorial Hospital,” said Horwath at a media availability in front of the hospital. “Conservatives tried to shut down this hospital.  Liberals cancelled the new hospital project in 2012.” Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper, journalist/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted November 4rth, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Oh, those damn politicians!

Pelham Mayor and regional councilor Dave Augustyn, one of the eight who showed the courage this October 31st to vote ‘NO’ on the CAO hiring.

As a group, they’ve never come anywhere near to being the most popular people on the planet. And these days –to paraphrase and generalize something American rock legend David Crosby recently said when he was asked if he could ever see himself voting for Donald Trump – it seems like most everyday citizens  would ‘rather eat a porcupine’ than vote for one of them.

If that’s so, there must have been an extra heaping helping of porcupine on the menu in this region of the world this week after the regional council got through hiring Carmen D’Angelo, the controversial CAO of the equally controversial Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, to the loftiest of all administrative roles – that of CAO – in Niagara’s regional government.

In the wake of D’Angelo’s hiring at a hastily called special meeting of regional council this October 31^st, I found my answering machine and inbox filled with messages from area residents – many of them saying, in so many colourful words, a pox on them all.

That meant a pox on each and every one of the politicians sitting on regional council and, as much as I share the anger, tarring them all with one brush would be unfair and wrong.

Thorold regional councilor Henry D’Angela, another one of the eight who showed the courage to vote “No”.

I believe that it is important to point out at the end of a week when so many of us were understandably outraged at the way this whole hiring thing went down, that there are eight politicians on that regional council that had showed the courage and the principle to stand up to Niagara regional chair Al Caslin and his cabal, and to vote “No” to plunking that cabal’s hand-picked character into this most important public service job!

Those eight regional councillors, including two local mayors in Niagara, are as follow, and I urge you to remember their names right up to the next municipal elections in the fall of 2018 so that, should they choose to run for another term of council, we all get out and make sure they get back in again.

Those eight regional councillors, in alphabetical order include – Pelham Mayor and regional councilor Dave Augustyn, Thorold regional councillor Henry D’Angela (that is D’Angela with an “a” so that we are not mixing this good guy up with D’Angelo), St. Catharines regional councillor Kelly Edgar, St. Catharines regional councillor Brian Heit, Lincoln regional councillor Bill Hodgson, Thorold Mayor Ted Luciani, St. Catharines regional councilor Debbie MacGregor and Welland regional councillor George Marshall.

Continue reading →

More part-time jobs while Ontario continues to shed both private sector and full-time jobs.

A Shot at Ontario’s Liberal Government from the Opposition Conservatives

Posted November 4rth, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Ontario –This Friday, November 4rth, Statistics Canada released Ontario’s October job numbers showing that Ontario lost 7,200 full-time jobs, while shedding 5,000 important private-sector jobs.

Welcome to Ontario, Canada – the land of low-income, part-time McJobs.

“Last month (October), Ontario lost thousands of good paying jobs. The private sector was hit especially hard. Unfortunately, this doesn’t come as a surprise given the climate that the Wynne-government has created for businesses and job creators,” said Ontario PC Economic Development Critic Monte McNaughton.

“Trading important full-time jobs, for more transient part-time work is no way to grow our economy,” said McNaughton. “I continue to press the government to focus on the key fundamentals such as getting hydro rates under control and reducing the 380,000 different rules and regulations that are choking our economy and costing us good jobs.” Continue reading →

– Wednesday, November 9th at 7:30 P.M. In St. Catharines, Niagara, Ontario

An Invited from the Indigenous Solidarity Coalition at Brock University and Niagara District Council of Women

Posted November 4th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

The Indigenous Solidarity Coalition @ Brock, in partnership with the Niagara District Council of Women, invite members of the Niagara Region to an upcoming workshop focused on peace and reconciliation. When: Wednesday November 9th at 7pm  Where: Bankers Room and then at 7:30 p.m.   the Mills Room, St.Catharines Public Library, 54 Church Street, downtown St.Catharines

“Working together to build Indigenous-settler relations based on peace, friendship and respect” Continue reading →

Cindy Forster Talks About Region’s Rush To Hire New CAO And Why She Believes There Is A Need For A Forensic  Audit Of The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted November 3^rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

“What was the rush,” asked Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster during 10 minute of air time she was granted this past November 1^st on 610 CKTB radio’s Larry Fedoruk Show.

Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

What was the rush, indeed!

Forster, a former Welland mayor and regional councillor who is now serving as the Niagara riding of Welland’s MPP, was making a reference to the very few days between the time a number of Niagara regional councillors heard rumors that Carmen D’Angelo –CAO of the embattled Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) – was teed up to be hired as the new CAO for Niagara’s regional government. Continue reading →

“The chance of Jessie and Clarence Terpstra being reunited is zero (and) this is wrong. The system has to be changed.”                – NDP health critic France Gélinas

News from the Ontario New Democratic Party

Posted November 3^rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara couple Clarence and Jessie Terpstra facing forced separation after seven decades together.

Queen’s Park, Toronto – France Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt and the Ontario NDP’s Health and Long-Term Care critic, rose in the legislature this November 2^nd to demand the Wynne government change its inadequate spousal reunification policy in the province’s long-term care system, after an elderly married couple were unwillingly separated in Grimsby.

“After almost 70 years of marriage, Jessie and Clarence have now been separated by what I call our heartless long-term care system,” said Gélinas. Continue reading →

Join A TPP Day of Action In St. Catharines, Niagara                       – Saturday, November 5th

A Call-Out from Fiona McMurran, South Niagara Chapter of the Council of Canadians

Posted November 3rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – A free trade deal that brings more job losses and higher drug costs to Canadians is no deal say Niagara residents set to meet this Saturday to voice concerns that big corporations and financial institutions are the only winners in the Trans Pacific Partnership.

 The community is urged to gather Saturday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. outside the office of St. Catharines MP, Chris Bittle, 61 Geneva St., for a TPP Day of Action.

One of the many past rallies against TPP trade deal – this one on a Welland Canal bridge crossing in St. Catharines, Niagara – File photo by Joanne McDonald.

 “Council of Canadians members from London, Hamilton and Guelph will join Niagara activists to draw attention to the problems with the TPP, and to let our MPs know that constituents will be taking notice of how they vote when this deal comes to Parliament for ratification,” said Fiona McMurran, South Niagara Chapter, Council of Canadians. Continue reading →

News from Brock University and the University of Buffalo

Posted November 3^rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

A research project between universities in neighbouring countries will take a close look at the economy on both sides of the Niagara River.

Brock University’s Niagara Community Observatory and the University at Buffalo’s Regional Institute have teamed up to create a one-year research project that is taking an inventory of the two neighbouring economies.

The skyline of downtown Buffalo, New York with Niagara, Ontario across the river in the background.

The project aims to lay the groundwork for regional economic growth stemming from the start-up of cross-border partnerships. Continue reading →

“I know that no one in this house today, including the Health Minister, would ever want their parents to be separated in to different long-term care homes in different cities after a lifetime together.” – Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

News from the Office of Niagara Falls Riding MPP Wayne Gates

Posted November 2^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto — NDP MPP for Niagara Falls, Wayne Gates, appealed to the Premier this November 2nd to address concerns with long-term care that have arisen around an elderly couple in Niagara.

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates in the Ontario legislature. File photo

“Yesterday (November 1st) I was back in Niagara to meet Helen. Helen has been put in a terrible position by this government. You see her parents have been married for 70 years and were never apart before they needed long-term care in August. Helen’s father Clarence is a resident at Shalom Manor in Grimsby.

But her mom Jessie is at a home in St. Catharines. Clarence and Jessie have been separated, in their final years, after spending a life time together. And under the completely inadequate Couple Reunification Program, chances are they will never live together again,” said Gates.  “What will the Premier do today to help Helen reunite her parents and make sure they don’t spend another day apart?” Continue reading →

By Brent Patterson, Council of Canadians

Posted November 2^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and European Union leaders signed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on Sunday, but signing and ratification are two very different things. The agreement still faces an uphill ratification battle that could be played out over the next five years.

1 – A Belgian region could scrap it during provisional application The Globe and Mail reports, “[It has] emerged [that CETA] could be scrapped at any time before final ratification… Final ratification is still required by the European Parliament and the legislatures in each EU member country… The EU and Belgium have now agreed that any one of Belgium’s regions can scrap CETA at any time before the final ratification vote if MPs don’t believe CETA is working… That would effectively kill the treaty because it would mean Belgium couldn’t ratify it.” Continue reading →

At Old Fort Erie In Niagara,   – Sunday November 6^th At 1 P.M.

An Invite from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted November 2^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Fort Erie, Ontario – As part of its Old Fort Erie Speakers Series, The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is pleased to announce that on Sunday, November 6, at 1:00 p.m., it will host two guest speakers: Amek Adler, a Polish Holocaust survivor from the Second World War, as well as Bud Whiteye, a Canadian Residential School survivor.

Old Fort Erie at the south end of the Niagara Parksway in the Town of Fort Erie, Ontaro – a historic setting for Niagara Park’s speakers’ series.

Amek Adler was born in Lublin, Poland, in 1928 and grew up in Lodz. After Nazi occupation in 1939, his family escaped to Warsaw and then to Radom. In 1943, Amek was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau, and from there was eventually shipped to Dachau, where his father and one brother perished. Continue reading →

Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster Now Urges Ontario Natural Resources Minister To Order A Full Forensic Audit On Controversial Agency

By Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, NAL

Posted November 2^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – In the wake of growing public anger over a decision by a majority of Niagara regional councillors to approve hiring outgoing Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority CA) Carmen D’Angelo as the next CAO of the regional government, Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster is now urging Ontario’s Minister of Resources to order a full forensic audit of the NPCA’s operations.

Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster in the Ontario legislature. File photo

The demand for a full forensic audit is contained in a letter Forster sent to the MNR Minister Kathryn McGarry this November 2^nd and follows up an October 31^st letter she sent to the minister, asking for an audit that would have been of a more garden variety, production of a financial statement nature.

A full forensic audit is employed to drilldown further to the core of the operations, and how a body’s finances (and in the case of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation, the finances amount to millions of public tax dollars) are being used or allegedly abused by those within an organization and other parties they may be doing business with.

“It’s been brought to my attention that a motion at a recent Niagara Regional Council meeting, requesting a financial audit of the NPCA, was defeated,” says Forster in her letter to the Ontario Natural Resources minister. “Given the alarm bells that many in my community have raised around the lack of financial transparency and given that $7.3 million in funding it receives are taxpayer dollars, I find this extremely troubling. As such, I urge you to launch an immediate forensic financial audit of the NPCA.” Continue reading →

“Thank you to the (hiring) committee for its very hard work.” – Niagara Falls regional councillor Selina Volpatti

A News Brief by Doug Draper, with more news and commentary on this development to come later

October 31^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara’s regional government has a new Chief Administrative Officer.

NPCA CAO Carmen D’Angelo is picked for CAO post for Niagara regional government

And as rumours going back to late last spring and reaching a crescendo within the past few days would have it, Niagara’s top municipal job – commanding an annual salary of more than $230,000 when the region’s last CAO vacated it early this year – – goes to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s chief administrative officer, Carmen D’Angelo.

Given concerns many Niagara residents have expressed over the direction the Conservation Authority has taken in recent times when it comes to such issues as protecting wetlands and other natural features in the region, D’Angelo’s choice for the job is a controversial one – but it was approved at a hastily called, special session of regional council this October 31^st by a vote of 17 to eight.

A discussion over a recommendation to hire D’Angelo on a three-year contract as CAO was discussed behind closed doors before a vote was recorded with those in favour of hiring him voting “YES” and those against voting “NO”.

Here is the vote, as it appeared on the screen for about two dozen Niagara area residents who sat in the regional council chamber’s gallery.

Niagara At Large has learned from sources that as many as 17 individuals applied for the CAO job, with only a few finally making the cut for an interview before a five-member panel of regional council, including Niagara Regional Chair (and former regional councilor from St. Catharines) Al Caslin, recommended D’Angelo for the October 31st vote. Continue reading →

“The effectiveness and the credibility of the (NPCA, which I have addressed numerous times in the Legislature, appear to be at stake.” – Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

A Full Text of the MPP’s audit demand included below

By Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted October 31^st, 2016

Niagara, Ontario – This past spring, a request to Niagara’s regional council by area resident Ed Smith and numerous other residents from across the region for an independent audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations was voted down by a majority of councillors.

Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

Some of the councillors accused Smith of making statements about the NPCA and at least some of its board members, including St. Catharines regional councillor Bruce Timms, who serves as the board’s chair, that were untrue and even defamatory.

As a follow-up to Smith’s failed request for the audit, Niagara’s regional chair Al Caslin wrote Timms and the NPCA board a letter of apology on behalf of the region’s council for statements Smith made – statements that Smith and others, including St. Catharines regional councillor Brian Heit, who was acting as chair of the spring meeting, said they did not believe were out of line  or defamatory at all. Continue reading →

“Weaving a Story of Indigenous Hope” – Tuesday, November 1^st at 7:30 P.M. in the Niagara, Ontario City of St. Catharines

A Message on this Special Evening Event from Karl Dockstader

Our oldest Haudenosaunee story has this moment where Sky Woman has found herself on the back of the very beginning of Turtle Island.

I made this simple sketch and as I was drawing it all I was thinking about was how when I first heard the story how alone she must have felt in that moment. She must have thought about everything she left behind in the Sky World. Sky Woman’s entire life was something that she would never be a part of again and now in this moment she stood there isolated. Alone. Continue reading →

‘The future of a vital and integrated cultural educational centre in and for Niagara needs our community care right now.’

By Julia Blushak

Posted October 31^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – A wind of change rattles the windows at Rodman Hall Art Centre in St. Catharines and now gathers with some menace––to upset the very structure and spirit of what many consider a respected grand dame for culture in Niagara.

Rodman Hall Arts Centre in the Niagara, Ontario community of St. Catharines

Since Brock University’s public announcement to ease away from its contractual management responsibilities in 2023, a behind the scenes series of meetings of the Brock Board of Trustees, the Burlington PR firm Interkom and community stakeholders drafted 3 options to initiate a transitional plan for Rodman Hall’s survival.

Last week, and with short notice, a series of four public consultations began as part of this solution seeking process. Those in attendance at the Niagara Artists Centre and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts were briefed and welcomed to offer suggestions that speak to sustainability, capital investment and alternative solutions to address bricks and mortar issues. Continue reading →

A Brief One by Doug Draper

Posted October 30^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

The days are growing shorter, the nights are growing longer and darker, there is a chill in the air, and if that isn’t enough to put any and all fond memories you may have of the summer gone by on ice, there is the spectre of creepy clowns with black balloons trolling the streets of neighbourhoods across our nations this Halloween.

And that is not even where the journey into the heart of darkness ends this Halloween eve.

In the United States, there is the prospect of Donald Trump winning one of the most powerful elected office in the world (not to mention access to the nuclear launch codes), followed by the prospect of Hillary Clinton winning the U.S. presidency and turning her back on every last promise she made to Bernie Sanders and his millions of supporters to pursue a more progressive agenda as she pivots and triangulates her way back to her Wall Street sponsors. Continue reading →

News from the Office of Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau

Posted October 30^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Forward Note from Niagara At Large – We are posting the “good news” on the signing of this trade deal, as circulated to media outlets across the country, for our reader’s information and for readers to comment on below. More critical commentary on the deal is sure to follow soon, and that will be posted here too.

Keep in mind, that this trade deal still needs to be ratified by Canada’s Parliament before it is a done deal, so get ready for some fireworks from the opposition party benches.)

Canada is committed to deepening trade and investment links with new and traditional partners. Negotiating trade agreements, such as the Canada-European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), will benefit Canadians, create new job opportunities, and help to grow the middle class and those working hard to join it.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signs trade deal with his European Union counterparts.

In keeping with these objectives, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, together with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, signed CETA during today’s (this October 30th) European Union-Canada Leaders’ Summit. Continue reading →

Trick-or-treating, Jack-O’-Lanterns and scary movies. What better way to prepare yourself for Halloween than to binge watch the Top 5 horror films of all time, according to a Brock University expert on horror cinema.

A Halloween Eve Posting from Brock University professor Barry Grant

Posted October 28^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Barry Grant, Professor in the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film, is internationally known for his research on horror and science fiction films and has written or edited more than two dozen books on the topic.

“Horror movies aim to rudely move us out of our complacency in daily life by way of negative emotions such as horror, fear, suspense, terror and disgust,” says Grant, who’s Planks of Reason: Essays on the Horror Film released in 1984 was the first scholarly anthology on horror and helped make the genre an acceptable field of academic inquiry. “Horror addresses fears that are universally taboo and respond to historically and culturally specific anxieties.”

Grant’s research explains how these films offer a release of our own (and collective) fears by providing us with vicarious, but controlled thrills. Continue reading →

Please Help If You Have Any Idea Where He May Be

Contact information for Snowshoe’s family is posted below.

Posted by Doug Draper, publisher, Niagara At Large

October 30^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Here is a brief call-out from the volunteer group Niagara Action For Animals about the ongoing search for a beloved family cat named Showshoe.

Help us return Snowshoe home.

– Snowshoe is still missing despite her guardians, Joe & Sheila, doing everything they can to find her.

If you can share this with your friends and especially anyone living in the South end of St. Catharines – ask them to check their basements, garages, out-buildings!  Sheila and Joe want to know what has happened to her even if it is not good news. Details from previous email below. Continue reading →

An Invite to the discussion from Brock University

Posted October 27^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario – A presidential candidate accused of sexually assaulting more than a dozen women over the years. Another accused of deleting thousands of emails. Debates heavy on character assassination.

The U.S. election campaign has been one like no other, and on Tuesday a panel of Brock University experts will examine what’s happening in our neighbouring country.

The Making Sense of the U.S. Presidential Election panel will be held Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 7-9 p.m. in the Mills Room of the St. Catharines Public Library. Continue reading →

‘Ontario’s animal protection system has deficiencies that need to be addressed.’ – Zoocheck director Rob Laidlaw

News from Zoocheck and the Animal Alliance of Canada

Posted October 27^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – Two of Canada’s national animal protection organizations, Zoocheck and Animal Alliance announced this Ocotber 25^th that they have contracted Mike Zimmerman, the former senior civil servant in charge of Ontario’s animal welfare legislation, to produce a report on the current state of animal welfare in the province.

“We think the situation needs to be carefully reviewed”, said Zoocheck’s Director, Rob Laidlaw.

“The people of Ontario care about animals, however most don’t know that our animal protection system has deficiencies that need to be addressed. Zoocheck’s focus is on animals in captivity and we have particular concerns in that area, but all animals deserve the best protection possible from cruelty and neglect and we want to do our part to help make that happen”. Continue reading →

 Young Activists Win ‘Badge Of Honour’ With Civil Disobedience In Ottawa, Canada

A News Commentary by Nick Fillmore

Posted October 26^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Ninety-nine young environmental activists achieved their goal on Parliament Hill on Monday by carrying out acts of civil disobedience. The boisterous group climbed over restricted-area police barricades near the Peace Tower.

Those arrested were part of a group of 200 protesting the possible construction of the Alberta to B.C. Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline. Some carried a giant banner reading: “Climate Leaders Don’t Build Pipelines.”

The 99 arrested were taken to a police station where they were issued citations and told not to appear on Parliament Hill for three months. They will not have criminal records, but police took their personal information. It’s unclear whether the information will go into a police database.

Protest spokeswoman Amanda Harvey-Sanchez, a third-year University of Toronto student, told media that pipeline approvals are a deal-breaker for many younger voters who helped propel the Trudeau Liberals to a majority government in last October’s general election. Continue reading →

By Doug Draper

Posted October 26^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

When I was hired fresh out of journalism school, to my first job at the then locally owned St. Catharines Standard in the summer of 1979, one of the first people I worked on a story with at the newspaper was photo journalist Mike Conley.

Mike was a tall, friendly guy who I immediately clicked with. He was patient with this green guy and what impressed me the most, is that it wasn’t just another click-the-shutter-and-run, photo shoot for him. He cared enough to stay around and capture the essence of the story I was tasked to capture in words – even when, in this particular case, neither one of us was likely to win a national newspaper award for a story about kids participating in a sheep shearing contest at the Welland fall fair.

That is one of the qualities that always separated true photojournalists like Mike – and a multiple award-winning photo journalist he was – from just plain photographers. And from that first story on, he was a friend and a mentor I always looked forward to going on assignments with as I graduated from sheep shearing contests to covering the environment beat at the newspaper. Continue reading →

Topics Include ‘Truth & Reconcilliation’ and ‘Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women & Children’

• At Grace Mennonite Church in St. Catharines , Ontario– Tuesday, November 1st

An Outreach Initiative of the BRIDGE OF HOPE, the Refugee Sponsorship Organization of  Muslims, Mennonites and Quakers in the Niagara Area

Posted October 25th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Karl Dockstader, seen here at a rally to save the Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls, Ontario this summer, is one of the speakers at the November 1st Bridge of Hope event.

Niagara, Ontario – There is an event scheduled for Tuesday November 1^st at 7:30 p.m. that has been designed to help us all understand better,  the past and future of First Nations peoples in Canada.

Two Indigenous presenters will describe historic treaties and events and how they influence the present and future.

You will hear how this century brings Hope to right many wrongs and respect the Treaties signed by First Nations and the Colonial Crown which helped form our country. Continue reading →

‘Where was the provincial government oversight?’ – Wynne won’t comment on ‘ongoing police investigation

Joint statement from NDP MPPs Teresa Armstrong (London-Fanshawe) and Peggy Sattler (London West) on revelations in multiple-murder investigation

Posted October 25^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto – “This (October 25th) morning, all Ontarians learned about the horrific multiple-murder investigation in Woodstock and London.

Like our constituents in London, we are shocked and saddened by this news. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of all the victims of these alleged crimes. Every resident and every family of loved ones in long-term care has questions today. In the coming days and weeks, they will need answers.”

During Question Period this October 25th, MPP Armstrong, who also serves as NDP Critic for Seniors Affairs, asked the following questions to the Premier: Continue reading →

For 30 years, Japan has been slaughtering thousands of beautiful whales despite a total global ban

A Call-Out from Avaaz, a global on-line citizens activist group

Posted October 25^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Dear friends,

For 30 years, Japan has been slaughtering thousands of beautiful whales despite a total global ban, but we can finally make it stop.

Right now, at a historic global summit on whaling, Australia is leading a coalition to help close the crazy loophole that has allowed Japan to keep whaling by claiming it’s for “scientific purposes”.

The result could be decided by just one or two votes, but if we make this huge in a few key countries and deliver a million signatures to their delegations just before the vote — just hours away — we can stop this whale slaughter for good! Click to stop the Japanese whale slaughter Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 24^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Sam Oosterhoff – a 19-year-old Brock University student who was not old enough to vote in the last provincial election – beat the odds this October 22^nd to win the Ontario Progressive Conservative’s nomination to run in the Niagara West-Glanbrook Riding in the coming November 19^th by-election.

19-year-old, Brock political science student Sam Oosterhoff pulls an October surprise at Tory nomination meeting in Niagara West-Glanbrook riding.

And Oosterhoff could very well go on to win that by-election in a riding that was held by recently retired PC leader Tim Hudak and that is home to small town and rural constituencies that, with very few exceptions, have had a long history of backing Tory candidates at the provincial, federal and municipal government levels.

Oosterhoff’s bid for the nomination barely received a footnote in mainstream media reports leading up to his victory as most of the attention went to presumed frontrunners Rick Dykstra, a former federal Harper Conservative MP from St. Catharines, Grimsby regional councillor Tony Quirk and, to a lesser extent, longtime Grimsby area newspaper owner and editor Mike Williscraft.

For Dykstra, who was also a St. Catharines city councillor before winning a seat in the Harper government in the 2016 federal election, the nomination loss to Oosterhoff came almost a year to the day after he lost his St. Catharines Riding seat to Liberal Chris Bittle. Continue reading →

“This is an important beginning. … Ontario gets reliable, low cost, clean renewable power while Quebec gets more value from its growing surplus of water and wind power.”

News from Angela Bischoff, Outreach Director for the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a province-wide citizens advocate for clean, affordable energy

Posted October 24^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – This past week – October 21st – the Ontario and Quebec governments started a new era by agreeing to a firm electricity import-export deal.

Ontario will import 2 billion kWh of water power from Quebec each year for the next seven years – enough power to keep the lights on in a city the size of North Bay.

This is an important beginning to a new, more integrated approach to meeting the needs of both provinces: Ontario gets reliable, low cost, clean renewable power while Quebec gets more value from its growing surplus of water and wind power. Continue reading →

A Thank You Note from the Alliance for the Great Lakes

Posted October 24rth, 2016 on Niagara At Large

If you’re anything like us, then at some point you’ve found yourself staring out at the lake or sitting on a beach and feeling grateful for such a beautiful place.

Some of the many Adopt-A-Beach volunteers working with the Alliance for the Great Lakes

We’re grateful for the people who keep the Great Lakes and their beaches clean, and in honor of Adopt-a-Beach’s 25th anniversary we’re thanking them. Continue reading →

A Celebratory Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper

Posted October 21st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

The “nasty woman,” as the creature with the orange comb over called her during the last U.S. presidential debate this October 19th and who said during one of the earlier debates that he will hire a special prosecutor to have her put in jail if he wins  the presidency, has finally landed enough punches of her own to his many self-inflicted wounds, to have him down for the count.

The creature is melting down on a recent cover of Time magazine.

With less than three weeks to go before the November 8th vote, let’s hope for the sake of the United States and for Canada and most other countries around the world (outside of Vladimir Putin’s Russia), that the creature stays down.

And if it looks like he’s going to try to get back up, I would repeat to Hillary the advise I recall political operative and old friend of the Clintons, James Carville, once giving to her husband – “When you’ve got your opponent down, keep kicking!”

I’m no huge supporter  of Hillary and would have much rather have seen Bernie Sanders running as the Democrat’s presidential nominee, but the choice now is between her and the creature, and for anyone who can muster up an ounce of sense and who cares about a future for themselves and their friends and loved ones that is not hellish, the choice is a no-brainer.

The New Yorker magazine has depicted what we should all want to see well in a cartoon modelled after the iconic 1960s photo of Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) seconds after delivering his knock-out punch to Sonny Liston.

PLEASE JOIN THE CONVERSATION – Niagara At Large welcomes 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

News from Brock University

Posted October 21^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – It can be a lonely, frustrating experience for thousands of agricultural workers in Niagara and across Canada.

Brock University graduate student Heryka Miranda and research partner Juan Luis Mendoza de la Cruz rehearse their performance of The Sunflower Man.

Brock University graduate student Heryka Miranda and her supervisor, Nancy Francis, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, are researching methods that migrant farm workers can use to address feelings of homesickness and isolation.

The theory behind Miranda’s methods is called “movement-based expressive arts therapy.”

“Expressive arts therapy includes song, music, dance, visual arts, voice work, knitting; it could be any kind of artistic modality for the purposes of healing,” says Miranda.
Continue reading →

And Niagara At Large Won’t Be Taking It In

A News Commentary by Niagara At large publisher Doug Draper

Posted October 21^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

This Friday, October 21^st, Canada’s Prime Minister has a full day of touring around Niagara, Ontario, with a few side trips to the Stoney Creek/Dundas/Hamilton area wedged in for good measure.

That means a full day of reporters and photographers from the mainstream media jostling for position to get the best shot of Justin Trudeau having a doughnut in St. Catharines, walking along West Street in Port Colborne with the Welland Canal and lift bridge as a backdrop, and scribbling down whatever “talking points” his communications advisors prepare for him to deliver along the way.

And you can bet that every Liberal MP and MPP, and every wannabe Liberal MP and MPP in the Niagara area will be there, positioning themselves for a place in a photo or video clip that offers some assurance they won’t end up on the cutting room floor. (What you want to do, if you ever get in this situation, is position yourself somewhere in between the Prime Minister and whatever other dignitaries you know the media wants in the picture, making it virtually impossible for any editor to crop you out. I’ve seen such maneuvering played out hundreds of times during my years as a reporter and I can sure you, it works.) Continue reading →

“For every dollar invested … in a Niagara downtown, the incentives generated nine dollars in private sector investment.”

A Column from Town of Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted October 20^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

If you have visited our Niagara, Ontario Town of Pelham recently, you may have noticed something our residents have most certainly noticed – the ongoing construction on Pelham Street at Churchill in Downtown Fonthill.

Some of the streetscape in a rejuvenated Downtown Fonthill. Photo courtesy of Town of Pelham

This private-sector work – renewing the building and adding apartments – is part of the general revitalization and redevelopment of Pelham’s private and public realms in our Downtowns.

You may recall that a decade ago the Downtowns in both Fonthill and Fenwick were tired and drab. Quite frankly, they did not reflect our vibrant community and they needed desperate renewal. Continue reading →

Five Million Families, Farms and Small Businesses Will See       Bill Reductions

A News Release form the Government of Ontario

Posted October 19th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

“The government recognizes the need to do more to ensure an affordable energy system for everyone and is committed to providing electricity rate relief that will benefit ratepayers in a meaningful way. Starting January 1, we will provide an 8 per cent rebate to provide extra relief for Ontario’s families, farms and small businesses.”                                                                — Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy

Queen’s Park, Toronto – This October 19th, Today Ontario passed legislation that will rebate the provincial portion of the HST from  electricity bills as of January 1, 2017.

The Ontario Rebate for Electricity Consumers Act, 2016 will reduce electricity costs by 8 per cent on the amount before tax, an average savings of about $130 annually or $11 each month, for about five million residential consumers, farms and small businesses.

Rural electricity ratepayers will receive additional relief, decreasing total electricity bills by an average of $540 a year or $45 each month. Continue reading →

Some ghostly fun things to do this Halloween, courtesy of Ontario’s  Niagara Parks Commission

Posted October 19^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Heritage staff at The Niagara Parks Commission’s (NPC) Old Fort Erie and Laura Secord Homestead are busy preparing some fun family friendly, Halloween-themed events:

• All Hallows’ Eve at Old Fort Erie
• 350 Lakeshore Road, Fort Erie, Ontario
• October, 22, 28 and 29
• Tours at 7:30, 7:45 and 8:00 p.m.
• Admission: Adult $12.25, Children (ages 6 to 12) $7.95, Children five and under FREE

Searching for ghosts in the kitchen area of Old Fort Erie

Experience the traditions of Halloween, 1812-style, brought to life through the ghosts of Canada’s bloodiest battlefield. Be prepared for a fun and frightening evening, ending with refreshments and the annual burning of the Guy Fawkes effigy at 8:30 p.m. Walking these historic and hallowed grounds, you will view the old fort from the perspective of the spirits who still make their presence felt within its walls. The past truly does come to life through the story-telling and ancient traditions of Halloween celebrated within the Fort. Continue reading →

“A Fraser Institute report estimated that over 26,000 patients left Ontario in 2014 to receive private out of country care.”

A News Release from the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario

Posted October 19^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario – Lisa MacLeod, the PC MPP for Nepean-Carleton has tabled a motion in the legislature to address the emerging two-tiered healthcare system that has seen thousands of Ontarians seek medical treatment out of country and out of pocket.

MacLeod’s motion seeks to create an advisory committee that will review other jurisdictions, including Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom with a view to create a “program in Ontario for those suffering from rare disease or whose treatments may be experimental or complimentary but are not yet covered by Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP).” Continue reading →

News from the Chamber of Marine Commerce representing Canadian and American shippers, ports and other marine service providers

Posted October 18^th on Niagara At Large

(A Brief foreword note from NAL – It doesn’t hurt to get some some good news about marine shipments in a Greater Niagara Region that hosts a major connecting channel in the Great Lakes and a St. Lawrence Seaway System that contributes significantly to jobs and the economy of  the region.)

Strong movements of North American grain and renewed iron ore export activity in September have spearheaded an upswing in shipping on the St. Lawrence Seaway.

A Great Lakes freighter making it s way through the locks of the Welland Canal in Niagara, Ontario

From the waterway’s opening on March 21 to the end of September, shipments of Canadian and U.S. grain hit 5.8 million metric tons, in line with the healthy volumes experienced in 2015. Overall, some 21.2 million metric tons of cargo transited the Seaway’s locks, which enable ships to travel between Montreal and Lake Erie. Continue reading →

Meeting Will Feature A Host Of Speakers On Health Care, Enivornmental Protection And Other Areas That Could Be Threatened By Deal

An Invite to All of Us from the Niagara Regional Labour Council

Posted October 18^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement is a broad “next generation” international trade and investment agreement that is being negotiated behind closed doors. TPP is not primarily about trade, but is a broad agreement that aims to change Canadian public policy without domestic debate.

One of many rallies over past year – this one in Niagara, Ontario – against a TPP trade deal many fear will kill more good jobs and ravage health care and other public services

The TPP threatens tens-of-thousands of Canadian jobs, will lead to higher prescription drug costs, and threatens our health care system and our environment. Learn what the TPP will mean for Canada, for our community, and how to stop it. Continue reading →

 “I hope this man (now temporarily suspended St. Catharines Veterinarian Mahavir Singh Rekhi) never practices again and the College gets their act together and properly responds to the outrage my constituents are feeling.”                                                   – Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

News from the Office of Niagara Falls Riding MPP Wayne Gates

Posted October 18^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto  – Wayne Gates, NDP MPP for Niagara Falls met this October  17^th  with the College of Veterinarians Ontario regarding the recent revelations of animal abuse by a St. Catharines Veterinarian.

Wayne Gates, provincial representative for a Niagara Falls, Ontario riding that includes Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake

Meeting at the offices of the College, Gates noted that there was a some need for potential legislative changes but had concerns the College was not taking the case seriously enough.

“It’s clear to me there’s major concerns with current legislation preventing the College from dealing with this case as quickly as it could, stated Gates.”

“For example, they don’t have the power to issue interim suspensions or to release the information until after a judgement has been delivered. This meant that residents in Niagara were taking their pets to Dr. Mahavir Singh Rekhi while the College had video evidence of what was occurring behind those doors. It’s a gap in the legislation that needs to be addressed immediately.” Continue reading →

 Rejects Regional Government’s & Developers’ Requests To Remove Land From Greenbelt Protection

News from the Niagara Region Sierra Club

Posted October 18^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Proposal to add 2,280 acres to the Greenbelt supported by Niagara Region (Ontario) Sierra Club

Niagara, Ontario – The Sierra Club of Niagara is calling on the Province to stand firm in its recommendation to add 2,280 acres of land to the Greenbelt in the Niagara region, amid concerning requests from Niagara Region and private developers to remove land from Greenbelt and Niagara Escarpment designation.

Red dots on this map in Niagara Region and other areas of southern Ontario identify areas developers and others are asking provincial government to remove from protected Greenbelt.

While the Sierra Club commends the Province and Niagara Region for supporting the inclusion of two parcels of land in the Greenbelt, the Sierra Club is troubled by a request from Niagara Region to remove a large swathe of protected fruit-growing land in Grimsby from the Greenbelt. In addition to the loss of vibrant peach and apricot orchards, the removal of this land from the Greenbelt would endanger the 28-acre Irish Grove Woodlot. Continue reading →

Council Of Canadians Chairperson Maude Barlow Launched ‘Boycott Nestle Campaign’ In Guelph On September 23.

News from Brent Patterson, Council of Canadians

Posted October 18^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

The Council of Canadians is calling on the Ontario government to do much more to protect the human right to water.

Council of Canadians chairperson Maude Barlow has been a long-time opponent of privatizing the country’s water resources

This October 17th, CBC reported, “Ontario is proposing a two-year hold on the creation or expansion of bottled water plants… The province [also] plans to impose stricter scientific requirements for water taking permits such as studies on the cumulative impact of the practice on local supplies, especially during droughts. …[The Liberals] want more public transparency, and will mandate that companies create websites listing information about their water taking permits and showing the actual amounts taken every week. …[And the] province wants to make it mandatory for bottled water companies to reduce water takings during droughts like the one experienced this year in Wellington county, 100 kilometres west of Toronto.”

In response to this, Council of Canadians chairperson Maude Barlow comments, “These are bare minimum first steps. Cumulative impact assessments and mandatory reductions during drought should absolutely be implemented. But we need more than a two-year hold on the creation or expansion of bottled water plants.” Continue reading →

A Call-out from Avaaz, a world-wide, online citizens advocacy group

Posted October 19^th on Niagara At Large

Dear friends,

Banks are dishing out millions to build a planet-frying coal plant, right next door to the mega forest that’s home to some of the last Bengal Tigers.

It’s the worst example of our disconnection from nature and corporate greed gone mad, but we can stop it. After a leaked UN report slammed the project in Bangladesh, we went straight to the international banks.

Now they’re scrambling to figure out what to do and how to protect their brands from a global scandal. If we turn up the pressure on JPMorgan, Crédit Agricole and others, we can make this so toxic that they’ll quit the project for good. Both JPMorgan and Crédit Agricole have ditched similar projects in the past.

Let’s build a million-strong cry to save the tigers and convince their CEOs to pull out. Continue reading →

As Health Ministers From Across Canada Meet To Negotiate Health Accord Advocates Set Out Criteria To Measure Success

A Media Release from the Ontario & Canadian Health Coalitions, the Council of Canadians and Canadian Doctors for Medicare

Posted October 17^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(The release below is from a press conference earlier this October 17^th held by the Ontario & Canadian Health Coalitions, the Council of Canadians and Canadian Doctors for Medicare.)

Toronto, Ontario – Months of sparring in the media may come to an end this week as Health Ministers from across Canada meet to discuss a new Health Accord.

This October 17th, representatives of the Canadian & Ontario Health Coalitions, Canadian Doctors for Medicare and the Council of Canadians gathered outside the King Edward hotel where Health Ministers from across Canada are meeting.

The public interest advocates outlined the criteria required to protect and improve public health care for all Canadians in a new Health Accord and stated that they would measure any proposed deal against these criteria. Continue reading →

 30,000 Tulip Bulbs To Be Planted In Preparation For      Canada’s 150^th Birthday

News from the Niagara Park Commission

Posted October 17th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – In celebration of Canada’s upcoming 150^th anniversary, the Canadian Garden Council through a generous donation from Vesey’s Bulbs of Prince Edward Island, will provide The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) with a gift of 30,000 tulip bulbs to create a Canada 150^th Celebration Garden Promenade, within Queen Victoria Park.

Niagara Park’s Queen Victoria Park with tulips in spring and waters of American Falls in background.

On Friday, October 21 at 9:30 a.m., representatives from NPC, The Canadian Garden Council and Vesey Bulbs will be on hand to take part in a ceremonial planting of red and white tulip bulbs, along the promenade overlooking the American Falls in front of the Niagara Parks Police Administrative Building. Continue reading →

An Invite from the citizens-based group, Hamilton Coalition To Stop The War

Posted October 17^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Hamilton, Ontario – The Hamilton Coalition To Stop The War (HCSW) is proud to present Yves Engler, noted Canadian political writer, in two separate launches of his new (and ninth) book, “A Propaganda System: How Canada’s Government, Corporations, Media and Academia Sell War and Exploitation.”

About the Book

“A Propaganda System: How Canada’s Government, Corporations, Media and Academia Sell War and Exploitation” reveals why most Canadians believe their country is a force for good in the world, despite a long history of supporting empire, racism and exploitation. The book details the vast sums Global Affairs Canada, Veterans Affairs and the Department of National Defense spend articulating a one-sided version of Canada’s foreign policy. Continue reading →

News from Niagara, Ontario’s Regional Government

Niagara Recycling sorting facility in Niagara Falls, Ontario gets technology update

Posted October 17^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Regional Chair Alan Caslin and members of Regional Council were joined by representatives from Waste Diversion Ontario Continuous Improvement Fund and the Canadian Plastics Industry Association to unveil new leading-edge technology that will enhance the Region’s ability to divert waste from landfills and produce high quality end products out of recyclable material.

Niagara Region is the first municipality in Ontario to install this technology in a municipally-owned recycling facility. Continue reading →