Municipal Act Reform Would Give Municipalities Broader Powers

TORONTO - The McGuinty government is proposing important changes that will help Ontario's municipalities make more of their own decisions, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Gerretsen announced June 15.

"Our aim is to strengthen Ontario's municipalities by giving them new powers and the autonomy to make more of their own decisions," said Gerretsen. "This marks the next step in realizing our long-term vision of stronger, safer communities that will serve Ontarians better for years to come."

The government is proposing to give municipalities more flexibility to meet local expectations and fulfill their responsibilities. The proposed legislation would provide municipalities with more authority to pass bylaws covering their services, programs and public assets.

"The proposed legislative changes would build on the relationship with municipalities that our government has nurtured over the last two and a half years," said Gerretsen. "We want to ensure that Ontario municipalities have the tools and flexibility to effectively serve the people in their communities."

Today's announcement builds on other steps the McGuinty government has taken to strengthen Ontario municipalities, including: <<

- Recognizing in legislation the Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, establishing the McGuinty government's approach to work in partnership with municipalities.

- Providing two cents of the provincial gas tax each year to municipalities - over five years, more than $1.4 billion for public transit will be delivered to Ontario municipalities.

TORONTO - Five members of Ontario's first-ever Citizens' Assembly were selected at a meeting in Kitchener on Saturday.

"I feel passionate about my country, my province and my community. I feel like I can contribute to this process," said Ron Vankoughnett, representing the riding of Kitchener-Waterloo, who was randomly selected by Elections Ontario to join the historic Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform. The Assembly will consider various electoral systems from around the world, listen to, and consult with fellow citizens before recommending whether Ontario should retain its current electoral system or adopt a new one.

"These individuals will participate in Ontario's most ambitious exercise in direct democracy," said George Thomson, Chair of the Assembly, "They will explore questions that are fundamental to Ontario's electoral system. This is the first time Ontario has engaged citizens from across the province in this way and on a topic of such significance to our democratic process."

In total five Assembly members were selected at a meeting held in Kitchener by Elections Ontario this weekend including: Elsayed Abdelaal (Guelph-Wellington), Jerrold Labrecque (Cambridge), Bill Ritz (Waterloo-Wellington), Marcia Soeda (Kitchener Centre) and Ron Vankoughnett (Kitchener-Waterloo).

The Citizens' Assembly will begin meeting in September 2006 and will deliver its recommendations to the government by May 15, 2007. In the event that the Assembly recommends a change to Ontario's electoral system, the recommendation will be put to all citizens in a referendum within the current government's mandate.

"Other provinces and countries have been reviewing their electoral systems, but only a few, like British Columbia and the Netherlands, have given citizens such a direct role in the process. The Ontario Citizens' Assembly is independent of government. It gives citizens - not politicians or experts - the power to decide what our votes should mean when we elect Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs)", said Thomson. "All Ontarians have a stake in this process and I urge them to start thinking about what electoral system would best suit their needs."

Elections Ontario used a process of random representative sampling to select Citizens' Assembly members. Approximately 124,000 letters were mailed out to Ontarians in mid-April, asking them to respond if they were interested in serving on the Assembly. Of the approximately 12,000 people who responded, 1,200 were invited to attend selection meetings where one Assembly member per riding is selected by ballot.

There are nine selection meetings remaining which will be held in eight cities through the month of June. Elections Ontario will present its list of 103 Assembly members to Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Minister of Democratic Renewal on or before July 14, 2006. For more information on the Citizens' Assembly, visit: www.citizensassembly.gov.on.ca.

TORONTO - The provincial government today passed Bill 53, The Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act, 2006. Toronto has asked for the new Act to be in force for Council's new term.

The Act recognizes Toronto as Ontario's economic engine by providing it with more autonomy, authority and accountability needed in its role as a major urban centre. A strong Toronto means a strong Ontario.

The legislation gives the City greater access to tools and options to help develop "made-for-Toronto" policies that strengthen good governance, enhance economic growth and continue support for a good quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

"This is an important day for Toronto," said Mayor David Miller. "Toronto will now have a stronger voice at the table with other orders of government when discussing policy, programs and budgets that affect this City. It will have a broader range of financial tools to support the City's policy objectives and could reduce Toronto's reliance on property taxes, user fees and development charges.

"This is a significant step toward overall municipal reform," added Miller. "Cities are now being recognized as economic engines and cultural hubs of modern society. I applaud Premier Dalton McGuinty and the provincial government for listening to Toronto and recognizing the unique needs of this great city."

A New Era Begins for Toronto

Stronger City Of Toronto For A Stronger Ontario Act, 2006 Becomes Law

TORONTO, - Legislation that will help the City of Toronto thrive in the global marketplace is now law.

"The Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act, 2006 launches a new era for Toronto by giving Ontario's capital city more tools commensurate with its size, responsibilities and significance," said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Gerretsen.

The city now has new broad powers to pass by-laws regarding matters that range from public safety to the city's economic, social and environmental well being. City by-laws now can better deal with the financial management of Toronto and the accountability and transparency of its operations.

Royal Assent of the Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act, 2006 brings about a legislative framework for Toronto that balances the interests of the province and the city. Council will now be able to better respond to the city's needs. The act will ensure that the city is accountable to the public and that the processes for making decisions are transparent. The city will be better able to determine the appropriate mechanisms for delivering municipal services, determine the appropriate levels of municipal spending, and use fiscal tools to support the city's activities.

"Today is an historic moment for the city and the province. This legislation gives Toronto the autonomy to make more of its own decisions - to set its own course," said Gerretsen. "We believe strengthening the city will bring about a stronger Ontario."

TORONTO - As a bi-national organization representing the interests of its members on both sides of the Canada/U.S. border, the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AmCham Canada) applauds the security agencies in both Canada and the U.S. for their excellent, ongoing cooperation in matters affecting the security of that border.

Their combined and coordinated efforts have resulted not only in an assurance of greater border security in both directions, but also in the continuation of a safe and free flow of cross-border commerce between two great nations which represent the world's largest trading partnership.

"I want to lend my voice to that of Secretary Rice and the American people in applauding the work of government and law enforcement in acting decisively and effectively," said Ambassador David H. Wilkins. "The U.S. and Canada have a history of close cooperation to ensure our borders are secure in order to allow our citizens to enjoy the blessings of our free and prosperous nations."

AmCham Canada supports the need for vigilance in regard to border management. It supports a common sense approach which both provides protection and also maintains the free flow of goods, services, and people between Canada and the United States. Close cooperation and sharing of information is conducive to building a prosperous future for the people and economies of both countries.

About AmCham Canada

The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada - AmCham Canada - is one of over 100 AmChams worldwide, and a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As such, it forms part of the world's largest business federation. With a bi-national focus, AmCham Canada provides support to businesses with cross-border interests. AmCham Canada provides high level and practical support to business interests, ranging from major multinational corporations doing business in Canada and the USA, to small businesses serving clients in both countries. AmCham Canada also serves to open doors to U.S. businesses wishing to explore opportunities in Canada, and to Canadian businesses wishing to explore opportunities in the U.S. Headquartered in Toronto, AmCham Canada also maintains a regional profile across Canada, with chapters in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, and Western Canada.

Propaganda campaigns have been going on for centuries, but never has the world been so inundated with mixed messages. Our ever evolving communications technology allows us to be saturated with voices, television, radio, magazines, newspapers, and billboards. Even clothing now screams at us from every direction. The subconscious mind is forced to constantly process this information, regardless of our desire to block it out. We are so weary from the noise, that we cannot hear the simplest plea for help. I sense that this distractive noise has created the perfect backdrop for psychological warfare to be introduced. Whether this was deliberate or simply opportunistic, it is working. While our minds are busy on overload we are not perceptive to the subtle messages being introduced. We are tired and unwilling to use what little energy we have left at the end of the day to try to interpret the messages.

In exploring the concept of Psychological Warfare I discovered this is a technique used to learn everything about your enemy and allies and use the information to manipulate them to your advantage. An excerpt from <http://www.psywarrior.com/psyhist.html> explains some of the details : "Used during peacetime, contingencies and declared war, these activities are not a form of force, but are force multipliers that use nonviolent means in often violent environments. Persuading rather than compelling physically, they rely on logic, fear, desire or other mental factors to promote specific emotions, attitudes or behaviors. The ultimate objective of U.S. military psychological operations is the dissemination of truthful information to foreign audiences in support of U.S. policy and national objectives to convince enemy, neutral, and friendly nations and forces to take action favorable to the United States and its allies." Now, please note that Psychological Operations as conducted by the US Military is the dissemination of "truthful" information, not propaganda which is categorized as "white, gray, or black". Now what is the difference between PSYOP and propaganda? A memorandum prepared by the Chief of Army Field Forces at Fort Monroe, Virginia in September of 1953 briefly explained the difference between "gray" propaganda, messages broadcast with the goal of "avoiding identification," and "black" propaganda, which involves "attribution to a source other than the true one." A more recent set of definitions, reportedly used by former CIA chief William Colby and cited in at least one commercial publication, calls truthfully-attributed and non- attributed messages "white" propaganda, whereas messages falsely attributed to a third party are considered "gray." The term "black propaganda" is reserved for those materials "planted by the United States but in such as way that it seems to be the product or even an internal document of the target group." In other words, "black propaganda" is nothing less than a form of intellectual and political subversion. Historically, the application of psychological operations in one form or another has proven to be almost as essential to the successful waging of war as the use of manpower and weaponry. However, in spite of psychological operations' long history of successful employment, the potential for using the power of persuasion through psychological operations as a force multiplier to achieve national objectives with a minimum of destruction has been recognized by only the most perceptive of military leaders and statesmen. Furthermore, it has only been since World War II that PSYOP has come into its own as an effective weapon system."

To help the reader understand the concept of 'Force Multiplier' here is the best definition I have seen: "A force multiplier is a collection of related characteristics, other than weapons and force size, that make a military organization more effective in combat. A force multiplier may be generalship; tactical surprise; tactical mobility; command and control system; etc. The presence of a force multiplier creates synergy. The unit will be more effective than the mere sum of its weapons..." Dr. Louis Rene Beres, 'Israel, 'Palestine' and 'Correlation of Forces' In The Middle East http://www.milnet.com/beres/correlation.html

That explanation helped me to understand what Canadians are being subjected to. When Lisa LaFlamme reported for CTV news to Canada

A.M.(Feb.06) that our troops were disappointed to hear that Canadians were not in favour of the Afghanistan mission, Canadians felt bad (as we would be expected to). She quoted one soldier as saying that 'Canadians need to become more informed on the situation'. I agree. Where would we get the truth? Canadians support our troops because it is the right thing to do. We don't want them putting their lives on the line for the sake of greed, for oil, for control of another country. We don't want them to be subjected to a foreign country's rules. We want our soldiers to represent our values. That is democracy! The February 2006 news story had the desired effect. By April Canadians were beginning to support the mission. When the country gets behind the mission, and the world sees us in such a light, we become part of the 'force multiplier'. When Mr. Harper made comments on a bogus news story regarding Iran changing a law which would require Christians and Jews to wear identifiable labels on their clothing, (without ensuring the story was factual) he planted another seed. (Notice the subtle spoon feeding we are subjected to, similar to pre-Iraq, pre-Afghanistan language.)

This tactic was used before by President Bush as this quote explains ."at the very beginning of Desert Shield, just after Iraq invaded Kuwait, he referred to Saddam Hussein as being 'just like Adolph Hitler'. For Americans and most of Europe that was an insulting comparison. However, looking at it through the eyes of an Iraqi soldier Adolph Hitler tried to exterminate all the Jews. Iraq has long hated Israel. Hitler drove out the British and French forces that had long occupied the Middle East. So with the right propaganda, the comparison could be interpreted that Saddam, like Hitler, hates Israel and wants to keep the western infidel influence from contaminating the Middle East. This would be a compliment not an insult" <http://www.psywarrior.com/psyhist.html>.

Given the information above and what we have been experiencing in the last 10-20 years, would it not be a fair observation to say that we, the people of the world, are the victims of psychological warfare? If the weapon of choice for corporate driven agendas is the tactic of psychological war, then we, the victims, ought to learn more about these choice weapons in order to combat the war being waged against humanity. If we cannot depend on our 'mainstream' media to be anything more than spin-masters, if we have no dependable source for 'real' news, truth, facts and accountability, then we ought to stop relying on it or consider it a source of entertainment, satire, or black comedy. If today's national news media want our respect, they should be made to earn it by in-depth investigation and factual reporting. Money for newspapers, magazines and television does not come from readers or viewers, it comes from advertising. Advertising dollars are influencing the media. We are consumers of news influenced by hidden agendas. Would you pay for an advertisement if you knew that nobody would see it? Corporations count on the fact that the public trusts and expects media to report fact, even though many of us suspect it has a bias. Canadians need to stand up and reject these influences. Canadians must demand that media return to the ideals of objectivity, unbiased reporting, investigative journalism and responsible rather than sensational delivery. Corporate influence through advertising dollars and monopoly ownership must be removed from media. Freedom of the press has been stretched and twisted to mean, freedom to print or report in order to influence, rather than to inform. The recent public spectacle of Mr. Harper accusing the Ottawa press gallery of bias against him is an indication of the level of influence on the press in Canada. The press ought to be critical, questioning and challenging all levels of government on behalf of the people and democracy. It is their duty to act for the people, not as spokesperson for the government of the day, or any political party or corporate agenda!

If we blocked their avenue to our minds, we would become protected from the lies. If we sought out reliable sources for information and did not succumb to the fear tactics, they could not operate. Nations go to war for many reasons. Most are based in greed on one side or the other. People lay down their lives for their nation based on the information of its leaders. How do you incite people to be willing to take another's life? It has been my observation that fear is the primary base. Humans must fear something or someone enough to learn to hate. Nobody can live in fear for an extended period; therefore, the hate takes over from the fear. Enough hate towards the 'enemy',(the one who you perceive is threatening your life, your family or your way of life) is enough to cause people to rise up against their fellow man. This is a complicated subject.

In order to kill, people also have to believe that their enemy is inferior or sub-human In order to make them accept this inaccurate information, media bombards us with images that glorify war and desensitize us from the humanity being destroyed. When Canada was a colony of Britain and Britain was an empire we were obligated to fight wars on her behalf. Britain is no longer an empire and Canada is no longer a colony. We are a sovereign nation, although we do not act like one The propaganda we are being fed has created an unnatural link between Canada and the U.S. administration. There is a very strong campaign being used to make us believe we are the same, and an even stronger one to ensure any dissent from the party line is seen as anti-Americanism. We are fighting for freedom, democracy and the protection of North America, we are told, "So be quiet and let us do it our way!". Our PM has begun to use the same language as the U.S. President. We hear 'God Bless Canada' at the end of speeches as well as the 'we must fight them over there' slogan. We are given to believe that we must support our friends as they build a new empire. We must kill 'over there' so that they will not kill us 'over here'. Nobody asks the question, "Why would they want to kill us over here? What has Canada done to them that they would want revenge? What is Canada doing that threatens their lives, their way of life, their families?" As Canada loses more of its nation to foreign investors, loses more of its control over its military through the Plan for a New American Century, loses the ability to protect its natural resources due to unfair trade deals like NAFTA and gives up its ability to stand for peaceful initiatives and allows herself to become fully under the control of corporate rule, we can expect more people around the world to hate us! The psychological war we are victims of attempts to reprogram us to think as a unit, rather than as a sovereign country.

We have heard that our role as peacekeepers is a myth. Perhaps it is a myth in light of our recent history of joining our friends as they invade, occupy and export 'democracy' around the globe. I never knew that democracy was an export product. In fact my history tells me that real democracy must come from the people and can never be successfully imposed on a nation. Propaganda tells us we can export democracy, freedom and a better way of life. Propaganda does not allow us to consider that freedom does not come at the end of a gun barrel. We are losing our country through new agreements, which the Canadian media is virtually ignoring, but Canadians are kept busy with media noise. We have multinational corporations making policy, pushing to remove our borders, endorsing plans like Atlantica, and the media stays mute. Why isn't the media asking why Canadian troops are under U.S. command? What sovereign nation would allow such a decision? Rather, they are playing the other noise. The mantra of this era, 'With us or Against Us', 'Fighting Evil over There', 'Exporting Democracy', 'They Hate Us Because of Our Freedoms' and of course the over played, 'Make NO Mistake' . We heard the mantra before the invasion of Afghanistan and the bombing of innocent people while they pursued their creation, the still illusive Bin Laden. After they tired of that pursuit, they created the Weapons of Mass Destruction mantra, (never mind it was all lies) they still invaded and bombed Iraq in the pursuit of another one of their creations, Saddam Hussein. Now we are listening to a new but familiar song, Iran has WMD (Nuclear Weapons) and so..this time Canada will be on the team, the infamous 'Coalition of the Willing'. Let us also remember that Canada also possesses WMD. Should anyone express any doubt about just how big a threat these people are, we can be sure to hear, 'remember 911'. That being said, 'do not remember that 911 was never satisfactorily investigated, that the bin Laden family was escorted out of the U.S. before they could be questioned or any of the other facts surrounding this issue' Anyone questioning or doubting the official 911 story, will be discounted immediately by media and others as a 'conspiracy theorist', regardless of whether you believe it was a 'conspiracy'. Do not remember that the U.S. placed Saddam in Iraq or that they trained Ossama. Forget the Iran Contra Affair. Remember what we tell you to remember nothing more!

If anyone should express distaste over mopping up the mess that the U.S. has made in these countries, we are also reminded; 'that the people need our help', 'that these are desperate innocent people who are being oppressed by a brutal regime and we are their savior' and that 'we must export democracy' and most importantly, 'that we must support our new best friends' We are not told or allowed to discuss that the mess was made by the U.S. or that the people we need to help now are in this state because of the invasions, the bombings the destruction of their country by the U.S. When our youth lose their lives fighting for this mission, we as a country, will try to downplay the loss and not lower our Canadian flags in Ottawa, nor will you see their bodies coming home in a box. We are supporting our friends' decision to do the same for their fallen soldiers. We are being denied the ability to express our grief, abhorrence and dissatisfaction for these unacceptable decisions by our government. This, too, is a form of psychological warfare. Keeping the people in the dark is unacceptable in a democracy.

So many of my fellow citizens have become deaf to the realities we are living in and this has motivated me to explore why. I believe I have found the answer. We are victims of a very clever form of psychological warfare. We do not hear about the real threats to Canada. We are without a doubt being programmed to think the thoughts that empower them to wage war. We need to think the thoughts that empower us to wage peace!

Combating this program won't we easy. The next time you hear about the new superior best friend whom our elected officials are waging war along with, also consider the damage inflicted on this country. Think about -'Softwood lumber' or the 'BSE border closer' that nearly crippled our farmers. If that doesn't bother you, think about the fact that Mr.

Martin signed us on to the Plan for a New American Century, which means Canada will subordinate itself to the U.S.A. (Plan for 2010). Think about whether you should have been consulted, or at the very least told about the agreement. Mr. Harper seems quite willing to speed that along, with or without the people's consent. When you hear about government accountability, think about Mr. Emerson, the key Liberal who helped bring the plan for 2010 into existence and, although he is considered to be betraying the people of his riding, sits as a Conservative Cabinet Minister. Is the press reporting this information? When you hear that we are fighting 'them' so they don't come over here and fight us, ask yourself why they would want to fight us in the first place? Rather than accept the rhetoric of war, we must demand facts.

As Canadians are lulled into the blessed sleep of weary travelers under the influence of the noise makers, our country is being dismantled. We have unfair trade deals, and agreements that place our military at the command of the U.S. to wage war at their pleasure Our resources are being sold for cheap, our labour force is being eroded, our water is under threat, our rights and freedoms are being undermined, our social programs are being sacrificed and our debt increases as we sleep! If the first casualty of war is truth, then the first step to victory must be restoring it! If we continue to be apathetic, or accept our ignorance as the bliss it is, without considering that our ignorance is empowering those who oppress others and eventually ourselves, we are by default participants. If we are free then we must act as such. We must demand freedom of the press. We must combat the psychological war being waged against us. If we have any social conscience left in this country, we owe it to the people of this planet to awaken, advocate and act responsibly.

Guelph Councillor Gloria Kovach was acclaimed and elected President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) at the Annual Conference and Municipal Expo of FCM held in Montreal this past weekend.

Over 1,500 delegates from communities across the country attended the conference. With Councillor Kovach chairing the event, Guelph was given the national spotlight.

“I know that Councillor Kovach will be an excellent representative for the City of Guelph to the rest of Canada, and that she will be a strong president in terms of representing the views and needs of Canadian municipalities to the federal, provincial, and territorial governments,” Mayor Quarrie said.

Councillor Kovach says she’s eager to take on this latest challenge. “I am truly honoured to be entrusted with the Presidency for the upcoming year and I look forward to working on a multitude of issues including working with the federal, provincial and territorial governments to find a solution to the fiscal imbalance.”

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901. With more than 1,300 members, FCM represents the interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction. FCM is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government

Backgrounder: http://www.fcm.ca/english/media/backgrounders/june12006bac.html
Report: http://www.fcm.ca/english/media/backgrounders/bcmcfinal.pdf

Top regional winners competed for Provincial Ontario Global Traders Awards

TORONTO - The McGuinty government today honoured Ontario's top exporters for their exceptional contributions to the province's economy at the 8th annual provincial Ontario Global Traders Awards ceremony.

"You represent the lion's share of Ontario's economy," Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar told exporters at the ceremony. "You create high-paying and high-value jobs for Ontario families and our government applauds your achievements."

The 8th Annual Ontario Global Traders Provincial Award winners are:

Innovation: Aecometric Corporation Richmond Hill

Market Expansion - G.A.P. Adventures
Service: Toronto

Market Expansion - SlipStream Data Inc.
Product: Waterloo

Partnership: Buckstone Inc. o/a
Vested Interest Trading North Bay
Purnama Cargo Bali, Indonesia

Leadership: Tom C. Palangio
President, Topex Inc. Bonfield

Student: Rebecca Baxter
University of Waterloo Waterloo

Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Joseph Cordiano encouraged Ontario exporters to seek new goals: "We want you to take every great idea, every good business opportunity, every untapped market and turn them into your advantage to help you grow your business and succeed," he said. "Because when you succeed, Ontario prospers."

The government is on the side of Ontario exporters, helping small and medium-sized companies to access new markets and promoting trade through Ontario's seven International Marketing Centres in London, Los Angeles, New York, New Delhi, Munich, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Judges reviewed more than 260 nominations from across Ontario to select 55 regional Ontario Global Traders Award winners recognized at four ceremonies held throughout April in Barrie, Kingston, Cambridge and North Bay. Provincial Ontario Global Traders Award winners were selected from among the gold-level regional winners.

OTTAWA - The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) has appointed independent members to its Audit Committee. The independent members represent a majority of the Committee.

"OSFI already has a strong and effective internal audit function," says Nicholas Le Pan, Superintendent of Financial Institutions. "Appointing independent members further enhances the objectivity, integrity, accountability and transparency of our operations. It's also consistent with our commitment to ensuring the highest levels of governance."

OSFI is the primary regulator and supervisor of federally registered deposit-taking institutions, insurance companies, and federally registered private pension plans.

The Audit Committee provides advice and guidance for all internal audit and related functions. This includes the approval of the internal audit group's mandate, operating policies and budget. The Committee reviews risk assessments and performance measures, provides input into the Office of the Auditor General's audit plans for OSFI, assesses advice and recommendations resulting from internal audits, and reviews management action plans to ensure recommendations are incorporated into OSFI's priority setting and decision-making processes. Consistent with the Comptroller General of Canada's approach to internal audit oversight, OSFI has also named a representative from the public sector to the Committee. The new members are:

- Bernard Bougie, an accounting consultant and a former senior partner with Deloitte & Touche;

- Michael Hasley, a financial management consultant and corporate director, and a former senior financial executive at Sun Life of Canada and Guaranty Trust

- Anne Joynt, former president and CEO of Canada Post

- David Sullivan, Chief Internal Auditor for the Bank of Canada

The Committee is comprised of these four members and the Superintendent. It is expected to meet at least four times a year and members will serve a maximum four-year term, with a maximum of two terms. Biographies of the audit committee members are available through the following link:
http://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/osfi/index_e.aspx?ArticleID=1210.

"The new Audit Committee members are distinguished and highly respected," adds Mr. Le Pan. "We will benefit from their knowledge, expertise, unique perspectives and wisdom."

Created in 1987 by an Act of Parliament, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is the primary regulator and supervisor of federally registered deposit-taking institutions, insurance companies, and federally registered private pension plans. OSFI's mandate is to advance and administer a regulatory framework that contributes to public confidence in a strong, stable and competitive financial system.

QUEEN'S PARK - Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty today launched the new strongontario.ca website to keep Ontarians informed about the need for Ontario to get its fair share of the money it sends to Ottawa.

"Ontario families have a right to expect that a fair share of their tax dollars will come back to Ontario, but right now that's not happening," says Premier Dalton McGuinty. "We want to make sure that Ontarians know about the need for fair federal funding and we want to give them a chance to have their say."

The website highlights Ontario's concerns and provides the latest information about the fiscal imbalance between the federal government and the provinces. It also outlines solutions that are fair to all Canadians.

"The fact is that the federal government has more money than it needs to meet its responsibilities, while the provinces and territories don't have enough to meet theirs," says Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. "That fiscal imbalance compromises Ontario's ability to invest in education, health care, roads and public transit." Canadians can go to www.strongontario.ca to learn more about the campaign for fairness and take action. The website includes a section where visitors can send an e-mail message to the Prime Minister and his cabinet or to Premier McGuinty.

"There are 12.5 million people in Ontario - that's 39 per cent of Canada's population," said Premier McGuinty. "We need to work together to make sure the fiscal imbalance is fixed in a way that treats all Canadians fairly, including those living in Ontario."

The website will expand over the next few weeks to include more features and information.

"We encourage Ontarians to keep visiting the website to stay informed and have their say," said Premier McGuinty.

Ontarians can also share their views and opinions with Premier McGuinty by visiting his website at www.ontario.ca/premier.

CAMBRIDGE - The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Region of Waterloo, the City of Cambridge and Making Room Community Support for the Homeless Inc. on May 24 celebrated the official opening of The Bridges, a unique and innovative affordable housing and shelter project that creates a 40 bed shelter, plus 3 family shelter units and 20 units of affordable housing for homeless people in Cambridge under the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Cambridge MP, Gary Goodyear, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; the Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Chair of the Region of Waterloo, Ken Seiling; and Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig congratulated Alfred J. Le Blanc, Chair of the Board of Directors of Making Room Inc., at a plaque dedication ceremony commemorating the official opening of the building.

"The Bridges is a good example of the Government of Canada's commitment to working with community groups and all levels of government in order to find effective solutions to homelessness in Ontario," said MP Goodyear.

"The McGuinty government is on the side of our most vulnerable. That's why one of our fundamental goals is to help provide affordable housing for Ontarians who need it," said Minister Gerretsen. "I'm pleased that we have been able to be a partner in this important project. The Bridges will make a significant difference in the lives of people in Cambridge who need support to make the successful transition from homelessness."

The $3.1 million project, including $557,000 from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program and $450,000 from the National Homelessness Initiative, will provide 20 affordable bachelor units in addition to 40 dormitory style shelter beds, 3 small family shelter units, a drop in centre, medical offices, a kitchen and administration offices. The facility, which is located at 26 Simcoe St. in the Galt area of Cambridge, is accessible with a handicap lift to access shelter and apartment floors. Each apartment has its own kitchenette and bathroom. The project is sponsored by Making Room Community Support for the Homeless Inc., a partnership between Cambridge Kiwanis Village Non-Profit Housing Corporation and Cambridge Shelter Corporation.

The federal and provincial funding is complemented by financial incentives of more than $587,000 from the Region of Waterloo and $200,000 from the City of Cambridge. The Region of Waterloo and the Government of Ontario also provide ongoing operating funding for the shelter.

"The Region of Waterloo has been a pioneer in Ontario in funding and facilitating affordable housing projects," said Regional Chair Ken Seiling. "With committed partners such as Making Room Inc., we have been successful in developing almost 900 units of affordable housing in our community since 2001."

"The City of Cambridge congratulates Making Room on the opening of The Bridges project," said Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig. "This facility will provide an important continuum of housing options for homeless individuals and families and other vulnerable populations in our community."

"Our Board was formed in late 2001 with a mandate to build a new homeless shelter and affordable housing complex," said Alfred J. Le Blanc, Chair of Making Room Inc. "To see our dreams become reality after several years of such extraordinary dedication and commitment by our volunteers creates great pride in all of us. We are tremendously thankful for all the support we received in accomplishing our goal."

The Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing program comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 Ontario households by 2010.

TORONTO - Treasury Board President John Baird, Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty, and Minister of Canadian Heritage Bev Oda today announced $25 million to ensure sustained funding of Harbourfront Centre.

"The Prime Minister made a personal commitment to long-term funding for the Harbourfront Centre and today we are delivering on that promise," said President Baird, who also serves as Minister responsible for Toronto's Waterfront. "Canada's new Government recognizes Toronto's Harbourfront Centre as a key contributor to the cultural vibrancy of the city and its waterfront." The Government of Canada will allocate $5 million per year over the next five years to support the operational requirements of the Centre.

"The Harbourfront Centre contributes to the vitality of Toronto's waterfront by promoting Canadian culture and attracting tourists," said Minister Flaherty, who also serves as Minister responsible for the GTA. "With this investment, the Government of Canada is providing the Centre with the financial security it needs to plan for the future."

Harbourfront Centre is an innovative, non-profit cultural organization that creates high-quality events and activities that enliven, educate and entertain a diverse public. Since its inception, the Centre has been introducing Toronto audiences to an exciting mix of artists and art forms as well as exploring new and bold frontiers in the arts and creative expression. "We are thrilled at how rapidly the Government of Canada has delivered on its promise of long-term funding for Harbourfront Centre," said William J. S. Boyle, Chief Executive Officer, Harbourfront Centre. "This essential financial stability allows us to proceed with confidence in serving Toronto and Canada and in finalizing our exciting plans for the future."

"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the arts community to Canadian society and to our quality of life," said Minister Oda. "Harbourfront Centre was created in 1972 by the Government of Canada and I believe it is still today an innovative and exciting way to promote the cultural expression of Torontonians and Canadians."

With over 12.6 million visitors each year, Harbourfront Centre is one of Toronto's most visited sites and one of the region's biggest attractions, contributing more than $132 million annually to the region's economy.

Similar to businesses across almost every industry including healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, government municipalities identify labor as their largest controllable expense. In fact, the “Municipalities Challenged to Manage Budgets and Overtime” survey found that labor represents more than 40 percent of an average municipality’s operating budget. Being unable to control their labor budget has been a key factor in municipalities exceeding their operating budgets as a whole. The survey also found that, on average, the largest municipalities are exceeding their operating budgets by more than $230 million.

“Tax bases have not fully recovered in many regions, leaving local operating budgets extremely tight. And with labor comprising almost the majority of the operating budget, municipalities know that they must look to this largest controllable expense in order to effectively manage to budget. However, many are still struggling because they lack the tools they need in order to gain visibility and control over labor, specifically overtime,” said Shawn P. McCarthy, program manager, U.S. IT Opportunity: Government & Education at Government Insights and IDC. IDC is a global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology and telecommunications industries.

Benefits of effectively managing the workforce

With the acute need to manage labor, and specifically overtime, implementing technology that allows municipalities to effectively manage their workforce is a priority. In order to run more like a business, it is imperative that these municipalities rely on workforce management solutions to help them manage budgets and control overtime by reducing costs and improving productivity. According to survey respondents regarding the benefits of a workforce management solution:

• 51 percent stated that such a solution would help them be more productive and lessen their need to reduce staff.
• 37 percent stated that such a solution would allow for no increases in user fees and/or taxes.
• 31 percent stated that such a solution would help improve community confidence that tax dollars are being targeted and spent appropriately.

Case studies in controlling overtime

Fully appreciating the need to manage its workforce, innovative municipalities are turning to Kronos to help them achieve efficiency throughout their organization.

• With more than 6,000 employees in more than 32 departments, the City of El Paso, Texas, is using Kronos to empower them to adhere to its zero overtime policy. According to Linda Thomas, human resources director at the City of El Paso, “With the use of Kronos solutions, we have real-time access to labor data allowing us to proactively manage our workforce in instances such as overtime. Now, we are able to run like a business and provide our taxpayers with the service they desire.”
• Managing 11 employee groups, 4,500 employees, and eight departments and boards — including the Engineering, Community Services, Fire and Police Departments — the City of London, Ontario uses Kronos to ensure consistent pay rules are applied across the entire organization, allowing all departments to accurately cost out labor. According to Mike St. Amant, City Treasurer at City of London, “Kronos’ workforce management solution brings consistency, timeliness, and accuracy to complex pay rules established in our many union agreements, while also costing the hundreds of thousands of work orders produced on a yearly basis. This is critical to the effective management of the City’s businesses and in controlling overtime.”