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Waterloo named the World’s Top Intelligent Community
WATERLOO, ON – The Intelligent Communities Forum (ICF) has recognized Waterloo as being the world’s Top Intelligent Community 2007, an honour that acknowledges the community that best exemplifies the development of a prosperous economy based on broadband and information technology.
At the ICF conference in New York, Waterloo was recognized for its commitment to fostering institutions, projects and initiatives that drive technology innovation and share its benefits with the community at large.
In announcing Waterloo as the Top Intelligent Community, Lou Zacharilla, Director of Development, ICF, referred to Waterloo as a North American community like no other. “What makes Waterloo special is that in the heart of the technology triangle, the tradition of community barn raising, looking after one another from the very young to the very old, is kept alive today. It’s a place where people wake up and give thanks for the fruits of their works and for their good fortune.”
Waterloo was one of two Canadian cities among the prestigious list that included Ottawa-Gatineau; Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom; Gangnam, District, Seoul, South Korea; Issy les Moulineaux, France; Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, United Kingdom; and Tallin, Estonia
“This recognition belongs to our community – to the businesses, to the schools, to the universities and colleges, to our libraries, to our not-for-profits – all of whom look for innovative ways to use technology to make Waterloo a better place, “ said Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran in accepting the award.
“There are great things happening in Waterloo,” said Halloran. “The Intelligent Community Forum has helped us more clearly recognize the collective strength of what we have. In fact, it’s created a reason for bringing people together who have been able to look at those strengths and through collaboration, leverage them even further.”
In November, the ICF announced that Waterloo was among the ‘Smart 21’ communities, placing Waterloo in the list of semi-finalists being considered for the Top Seven list, which was announced in January. ICF is a special interest group within the World Teleport Association that focuses on the uses of broadband technology for economic development by communities large and small in both the developed and developing world.
Each year, ICF selects communities from around the world to appear on its list of the Top Seven Intelligent Communities of the Year. These seven communities are selected based on indicators that include the significant deployment of broadband communications, the extent to which the community enables a knowledge workforce, the promotion of digital democracy, the ability to foster innovation, and effective economic development marketing that leverages the community’s broadband, labor and other assets to attract new employees.
Waterloo’s nomination credits several organizations that include the universities, hospitals, libraries and schools as well as companies such as RIM, Open Text, Sybase, DALSA and many others that export their products, technology and services around the world. It also notes the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, The Centre for International Governance Innovation, The Institute for Quantum Computing, The Research and Technology Park, and the presence of Communitech and Canada’s Technology Triangle as being further reflections of leadership as an Intelligent Community.
“We were very proud when Waterloo was named as one of the Top Seven Intelligent Communities,” says Waterloo Councillor Mark Whaley, a member of the steering committee. “Being named as the Top Community is a reflection of the fact that we are a city where technology and innovation is fostered in a way that truly does build community. That has many benefits for our residents, for our businesses and for our collective, sustainable future. The economic development benefits that will come from this recognition will be tremendous.”
To participate in the Intelligent Community process, a community steering committee was formed that included public sector, private sector and not for profit representatives. The submission for 2007 was created by a committee that included public sector, private sector and not for profit representatives. This included:
Intelligent Waterloo Leadership Group:
Jim Balsillie, RIM (Honourary Chair)
David Johnston, President, University of Waterloo
Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran
Intelligent Waterloo Committee Members:
Simon Farbrother, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Waterloo (Chair)
Waterloo City Councillor Mark Whaley
Steve McCartney, President, Atria Networks
Colleen Fitzpatrick, Centre for International Governance Innovation
Don Cowan, David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, Computer Systems Group, UW
Doug Muholland, Computer Systems Group, UW
Shirley Fenton, Waterloo Institute for Health Informatics Research, UW
Cathy Matyas, Waterloo Public Library
Catherine Rosenberg, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering, and the Centre for Wireless Research, UW
Steve Farlow, Wilfrid Laurier University
Linda Fegan, Canada’s Technology Triangle Inc
Mike McKeever, Waterloo Public Library
Ken McLaughlin, University of Waterloo
Ellen Jones, Waterloo Public Library
Trudy Beaulne, Social Planning Council of Kitchener Waterloo
Vic Degutis, Waterloo Catholic District School Board
Bruce Hawkins, City of Waterloo
Garry Bezruki, City of Waterloo
Marlene Coffey, City of Waterloo
Patti McKague, City of Waterloo
Elaine Nesbitt, City of Waterloo
“This recognition is recognition for the countless ways that organizations, businesses and individuals have leveraged technology and broadband in innovative and leading ways throughout this community,” said Simon Farbrother, CAO and Chair of Waterloo’s Intelligent Community Committee. “The success of our intelligent community comes in part from the commitment of our committee to research, understand and articulate how extensive our collective use of technology and broadband is in this region.”
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Intelligent Community Forum Announces Recipients of 2007 Awards and Names Waterloo, Ontario, Canada the Intelligent Community of the Year
"Technology Farm" in upstate New York and City of Sunderland, England also named recipients of think tank's annual awards
New York - The Intelligent Community Forum named Waterloo, Ontario, Canada as recipient of its 2007 Intelligent Community of the Year award May 18, 2007, and presented awards to the Intelligent Facility of the Year, Intelligent Community Visionary of the Year and presented its second Lifetime Achievement Award before an invited audience of 140 people from nearly 20 nations in Brooklyn, New York. The annual awards were presented by the independent think tank as part of its annual conference, Building the Broadband Economy, produced in association with the Institute for Technology & Enterprise at Polytechnic University in New York City. The event was sponsored by Verizon and Skyport.
The goal of the awards is to increase awareness of the role that broadband communication and information technology play in economic and social development worldwide. Finalists from around the world, as well as representatives from governments, businesses and institutions, were on hand.
Intelligent Community of the Year: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
The Intelligent Community of the Year was selected based on in-depth research and analysis conducted by a knowledge process outsourcing company in India and the votes of an independent committee of experts from around the world. The ICF award came to North America this year, as Waterloo, best known as the home of BlackBerry developer Research in Motion, succeeded Taipei, the 2006 Intelligent Community of the Year. The city of 115,000 people is the smallest, geographically speaking, of seven cities that make up Canada's Technology Triangle. But with only 10% of the labor force in the Triangle, it accounts for 45% of job growth and is home to 40% of the high-tech firms in the region.
The community's Mayor, Brenda Halloran and two of its other driving forces, Councilor Mark Whaley and Simon Farbrother, the city's Chief Administrative Officer, accepted the award on behalf of Waterloo. A standing committee called Intelligent Waterloo, led by Research in Motion Chairman Jim Balsillie and University of Waterloo President David Johnston, has also supported the community's development by educating business leaders, academics and citizens about the challenges Waterloo faces and engaging them in goal-setting.
According to ICF, the community's success illustrates the power of getting a few critical things right and then working together over the long haul to nurture and manage the resulting success. The first and most important step took place at the University of Waterloo, founded in 1957 by two businessmen who saw an opportunity to create a high-level technical institution to train local business leaders. In the 1970s, the University established an intellectual property policy that was unheard of in its day: it allowed students and faculty members to own rights in intellectual property they developed at the University.
When the introduction of the personal computer began a decades-long wave of ICT growth, Waterloo was positioned to benefit. Investors have poured C$1.8 billion (US$1.5bn) into acquiring privately-held technology companies in the area over the past decade, and the region is home to 10% of successful IPOs on the Toronto Stock Exchange. In Waterloo, 75% of adults use the Internet, while 76% of businesses and 47% of households are on broadband.
ICF does not, however, present its top community award for past achievement. "Most important to us," said ICF co-founder Louis Zacharilla, who made the announcement at the Intelligent Community of the Year Awards Luncheon, "is that Waterloo has never stopped raising the bar. Waterloo's government has engaged actively with business and citizens in planning for a prosperous future. It introduced the award-winning Waterloo Information Network in 1998, and offers a wide range of online services to better connect government and its stakeholders. They are active in CAP, the national program that places Internet access terminals in public locations. Most importantly, the community has an extraordinary culture of collaboration and reinvestment. People in Waterloo make partnership a priority and are eager to give back to the entire community."
Examples include the many research institutes founded by successful Waterloo entrepreneurs, company donations that have turned Waterloo's libraries into ICT learning centers, a Launchpad $50K Venture Creation Competition for students, researchers and citizens run by two universities, and the Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network.
More information on Waterloo is available at Intelligent Waterloo.
Intelligent Facility of the Year: Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park
A 72-acre facility in an area of upstate New York called the Finger Lakes region was selected as ICF's Intelligent Facility of the Year. The Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park (www.theTechnologyFarm.com) allows food and agricultural companies to leverage the knowledge of Cornell University, known for its leadership in the study and research of agriculture, as well as a robust R&D infrastructure including state-of-the-art broadband communications. The Park, nicknamed "The Technology Farm," opened in 2005 to support the commercialization of new technologies in the food and agriculture business. It is the first of an expanding group of facilities intended to make upstate New York more economically viable.
The facility identified by ICF is a 20,000 square-foot "flex tech" incubator that provides offices to 10 agri-tech tenants from around the world and offers "wet labs" and pilot production facilities. The Park is owned by Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park Corporation, a non-profit organization, with strategic partners including New York State Experiment Station, Ontario (NY) County and Key Bank.
"This is a great example of how a local culture need not try to become a Silicon Valley, but can use its historic and geographic strengths, together with the intellectual capital from great universities, and harness them to broadband for good results," said John G. Jung, ICF's co-founder and Chairman. New York State is ranked 28th in total cash receipts for all agricultural commodities, with the vast majority coming from the upstate New York region.
Susan and Les Nobel of Cornell University represented the facility and accepted the award.
The other finalists included 7 World Trade Center and Mount Hope Housing, both New York facilities – a first for ICF, which has in the past three years named buildings or developments from Canada, Mauritius and Hong Kong.
Intelligent Community Visionary of the Year: Wikia, Inc.
Prior to the conference, ICF named Wikia, Inc. as its Visionary of the Year.
Wikia are wiki communities creating free content with MediaWiki software. These are hosted for free by Wikia, Inc., the company which runs the project. Anyone is free to start a new Wiki in accordance with the organization's policy and terms of use. Wikia was founded by Angela Beesley and Jimmy Wales, originally under the name "Wikicities." Wales is also the founder of the well-known Wikipedia, a wiki site.
ICF noted that MediaWiki is a collaborative tool that has had revolutionary success in creating a culture of use for broadband. The ease of interaction and operation make wikia an effective tool for mass collaborative authoring among people eager to learn and share. According to Mr. Zacharilla of ICF, "A wiki-powered website is as dynamic, profound, glorious, mundane and profane as are humans in physical communities."
Lifetime Achievement Award: Sunderland, England
The intelligent community that gave rise to the Intelligent Community concept received ICF's second-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. Once an industrial powerhouse in the North of England and the biggest ship-building port in Europe, Sunderland fell into a steep decline in the 1980s. A turnaround effort that engaged every part of the community has transformed Sunderland into one of the most attractive business locations in the UK, with unemployment 1% below the national average. It has also placed the community on ICF's Top Seven Intelligent Communities list an unprecedented five times. ICF co-founder Robert Bell, who visited Sunderland in 1996 and 1999, presented the award to Chief Investment Officer Thomas Hurst. Mr. Bell, who authored ICF's first white paper on Intelligent Communities and analyzed Sunderland along with Silicon Valley, Chicago and other powerful communities, said that the strategies and tactics developed by Sunderland were the inspiration for the founding of ICF.
"You have turned a decaying, declining has-been of a city into a vibrant center of the UK's New Economy," Mr. Bell noted, "while rebuilding its industrial strength at the same time as a major European center for automotive assembly."
Invitation by the Pacific Telecommunications Council to 2008 Top Seven Announcement
Ken Zita of the Pacific Telecommunications Council (www.ptc.org), which hosts ICF's annual Top Seven ICs announcement, ended the ceremony by inviting attendees to Hawaii in January 2008 for the annual PTC conference.
About the Intelligent Community Forum
The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) www.intelligentcommunity.org is a nonprofit think tank that focuses on job creation and economic development in the broadband economy. Additional news about the conference, as well as profiles on the communities and recipients, can be found on ICF's website as well as its Broadband Economy Conference News Blog.
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Citizen Feedback Sought on Preliminary King Street Concepts
KITCHENER - One day in the not to distant future, cruising down King Street - whether in the car or on foot - will be an entirely different experience than it is today. The first major steps in creating a whole new look and feel for Kitchener?s King Street are beginning and, once again, citizens have an opportunity to play an important role in the process.
The City of Kitchener is embarking on a Streetscape Master Plan Study to develop an exciting new design for King Street and the City Centre District.
''The new design will build on citizen feedback received through previous public consultation processes which asked people to share their views on how downtown Kitchener should look in the future,'' said Eric Saunderson, project manager for the City. ''We want to have a downtown that reflects what people have told us they want and would enjoy so we want to continue hearing from citizens throughout this process.''
A few possible design themes for the streetscape have been developed by the City?s Consultant, the IBI Group, and will be shared with citizens at an upcoming open house and on line. The themes have been created using citizen feedback from other public consultations including:
Downtown Strategic Plan (2005-2007)
CulturePlan II (2005)
Environics Survey (2005)
Who-are-you-Kitchener? public consultations (2006)
Help Design Downtown public consultations (2006)
A Plan for a Healthy Kitchener (2006)
Centre Block redevelopment consultations (2005-2007)
''I'm looking forward to hearing what citizens think about the possibilities that they have helped to create,'' added Councillor Christina Weylie, chair of the city?s development and technical services committee. ''I think it's very exciting that citizens can have an opportunity to play a role in how King Street ultimately looks in the future.''
The citizen feedback received via the public open house and online participation will help to refine the concepts over the coming months.
Citizens can view the possible design themes and share their comments by:
Visiting www.downtownkitchener.ca and filling out a short survey or;
By attending the public open house on Tuesday, May 22, from noon-2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. in the Rotunda at Kitchener City Hall.
Background:
During the summer of 2006, through the Help Design Downtown public consultation process, more than 1,000 citizens from across the city filled out surveys, entered their comments online and attended public meetings to share their thoughts about the future design of downtown Kitchener?s streetscape. )
Through that process, citizens clearly said that they want downtown Kitchener to be a great place for people.
Citizens said that downtown should have lively streets with bustling sidewalks, outdoor cafes, more flower gardens, street trees and a more modern and contemporary look, with improved storefronts and store signs.
It is anticipated that the King Street Master Plan project will be completed in five phases with streetscape enhancements scheduled to start in 2008.
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Mayor Karen Farbridge to take part in Local Leaders Panel on Smart Growth
Mayor Karen Farbridge will join three other municipal leaders to talk about smart growth principles as part of a Places to Grow Summit that the Ontario Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal is hosting May 17 in Toronto.
The Local Leaders Panel will be moderated by former Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray, and will also include Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham, and Waterloo Region Chair Ken Seiling.
“Guelph is recognized as a leader in liveability and quality of life. This is an excellent opportunity to share our experiences and learn from other communities in a provincial forum,” said Mayor Farbridge.
Topics to be covered in the panel discussion include ways to engage the public, how tax policies can support sustainable communities, and the challenges and opportunities of implementing smart growth principles.
The day-long Places to Grow Summit has been organized to help participants learn more about the province’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. It will showcase successful efforts across the region and around the world to build liveable communities. Premier Dalton McGuinty will speak during the lunch, and Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal David Caplan will provide the opening keynote address.
The summit will welcome approximately 500 invited guests from across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, including elected officials, stakeholders from the environment and development sectors, provincial and federal government officials, and academics.
The Local Leaders Panel will take place in the afternoon, following Premier McGuinty’s speech.
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Toronto Mayor David Miller unveils dynamic climate change initiative
NEW YORK - Toronto Mayor David Miller on May 15, 2007, unveiled a cutting edge initiative that stands to put Canada's largest city at the forefront of the citizen-based global fight against climate change.
Launched during the C40 Large Cities climate summit in New York City,
Zerofootprint Toronto will engage citizens around ways to reduce their
environmental impact using an innovative platform, created and developed by
Toronto-based not-for-profit Zerofootprint and built on technology from
Business Objects, a pioneer in business intelligence.
A dynamic hybrid of environmental footprint calculator and a web-based
social network, Zerofootprint Toronto is designed to help citizens reduce
their environmental footprint significantly. The new tool graphically
illustrates to users the impact every aspect of their daily lives has on the
environment while allowing them to network with like-minded friends,
neighbours and co-workers to create a virtual eco-community.
Users are encouraged to create joint initiatives and challenges, compile
their results, and measure and celebrate their success.
"Climate change is the issue of our time and it's up to all of us to do
our part to minimize the impact of day-to-day activities," said Mayor Miller.
"Zerofootprint Toronto is going to help make my city not only one of the
greenest on the planet, but one of the most innovative as well. Our residents
are anxious to do what they can to help save the planet and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and they are looking for ways to do it. This is just one more
way."
Mayor Miller challenged his fellow mayors at the C40 summit to adopt the
Zerofootprint model in their cities. Ultimately, this initiative will result
in the creation of footprint profiles of citizens that cities can then use to
create targeted programs and incentives to reduce footprint.
Zerofootprint president and CEO Ron Dembo said, "The vision is to show
the cumulative impacts of all participating cities, create joint initiatives,
measure their achievements and celebrate their successes. By acting together
cities can have as much impact on the environment as one large country."
"Cities are where change is happening the fastest and we must seize the
opportunities we have been presented with to make that change significant and
permanent," added Mayor Miller.
Zerofootprint Toronto will be rolled out in two phases.
In the first, City of Toronto employees will be invited to calculate
their environmental footprint and create goals to reduce and track this
footprint over time.
In the second phase, it will be available to every Torontonian.
Zerofootprint Toronto combines state-of-the-art business intelligence
software and the best environmental engineering science to calculate, analyze
and visualize the environmental impact of decisions around transportation,
food, heating, cooling and lighting homes and offices, shopping, water use and
waste production.
It is this platform that enables this first-of-its-kind community
engagement initiative, to provide individuals, neighborhoods, businesses and
other groups in Toronto both detailed information and a network to take action
on climate change.
"We all want to do the right thing," said Bernard Liautaud, founder,
chairman of the board and chief strategy officer of Business Objects. "The
place to start is by measuring the size of the problem and the changes we
make. The business intelligence features of this platform will allow people to
see exactly what will happen if they - and others like them - change their day
to day habits. The community can then apply its collective intelligence to
change the way the world analyzes problems, works together in new ways and
solves issues such as climate change. This collective intelligence has
enormous potential to develop new initiatives for the common good."
As part of their work together to develop the Zerofootprint platform for
cities, Business Objects and Zerofootprint are creating one of the world's
largest eco-data sets. Information contributed from around the world will be
analyzed by the collective intelligence of members of Business Objects' newly
launched online community, Insight (insight.businessobjects.com). The
Zerofootprint Toronto initiative will leverage the eco-data and the insights
gained from it, to benchmark against other cities and identify the most
impactful approaches.
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Ontario Government selects Guelph as the location for its new information technology centre
Ontario - Government Services Minister Gerry Phillips, along with MPP Liz Sandals and Mayor Karen Farbridge, announced today that Guelph has been chosen as the location for the Province of Ontario’s new state-of-the-art information technology data centre. The new centre is part of the government’s plan to ensure its technology systems are robust, reliable and responsive to current and future needs.
“Guelph is a vibrant city and a premier business location,” Philips said. He stated that the centre will employ 140 people, operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week and will help make the province’s technology resources more “efficient, reliable and improve services for people right across Ontario.” He thanked Guelph City Council and staff who helped the province through the process. “Guelph is a very attractive city to be located in,” he added.
Located on a 25-acre site on Southgate Drive, the proposed Phase 1 build out will making this building the largest data centre for the Province of Ontario. Housing the province’s information technology and technical components, this new data centre will help the Government of Ontario meet its technology needs while supporting the city’s economy.
Guelph was selected for its ability to meet the government’s information technology needs, provide multiple sources of energy and access to hydro and telecommunications infrastructure. The University of Guelph was also an attractive component as the province will be able to draw on its graduates.
“I am delighted that the Ontario government has chosen Guelph for this new centre,” Mayor Karen Farbridge said. “This is great news for Guelph - it builds upon the city's diverse economic base, provides new jobs for the community in the knowledge based sector and expands the Ontario public sector in our community.”
“Guelph is also home to a diverse range of corporate leaders in the fields of advanced manufacturing, the life sciences sector and government and educational spheres,” Liz Sandals, MPP for Guelph-Wellington, added. “The new Government of Ontario data centre will be a strong addition to our vibrant and beautiful city.”
Construction of the new data centre will begin in 2008 and it’s scheduled for completion in 2010
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Kitchener City Council Reaffirms City's Commitment to Local Manufacturing Sector
KITCHENER - In the wake of the recent announcement of the closure of Kitchener's MTD Products plant, tonight Kitchener City Council reaffirmed its commitment to providing ongoing support for the local manufacturing sector.
At its regular meeting tonight, Council supported a resolution in support of the manufacturing sector. A similar motion was originally brought forward by the Waterloo Regional Labour Council at the May 7 meeting of the Development and Technical Services Committee.
"I think I can speak for all of Council when I say that my heart goes out to the many, many families that will be affected by this closure," said Mayor Carl Zehr. "There is no doubt that these job losses will have a tremendous impact on them."
Zehr went on to note that, "the City is committed to doing whatever we can to help in this difficult situation. The reality is that this is not just a Kitchener issue and we cannot solve it on our own. We need a coordinated and collective response from the entire region to the challenges facing our manufacturing sector."
Council passed a resolution supporting the Labour Council in its efforts to assist local business in preserving existing manufacturing employment. Additionally, Council resolved to partner with local agencies, including the Waterloo Regional Labour Council, to continue to bring the challenges facing the manufacturing sector to the attention of the federal and provincial governments - and to encourage these orders of government to strengthen investment initiatives in Waterloo Region.
"There can be no doubt that recent job losses in the manufacturing sector are difficult for the employees, their families and our entire community," noted Rod Regier, executive director of economic development for the City. "However, it is important to note that while our local manufacturing sector has undergone some critical and difficult changes in recent years, overall, Kitchener's economy is still strong and growing. What people may not realize is that some of our manufacturing industries are indeed growing."
Despite job losses in recent years, the manufacturing sector continues to be a major economic driver in Kitchener's economy - it is the largest individual employment sector - with 24 per cent of the workforce employed in manufacturing, a number second only to the City of Windsor.
Regier added, "Together with our partners, we are working to attract new manufacturing operations and jobs as well as diversify the city's economy with new industrial clusters that will sustain it through times of change and create new jobs in the long run."
To help support the local manufacturing sector, the City is:
* Continuing to engage in discussions with manufacturers about the competitive challenges facing the industry.
* Supporting the work of industry associations (such as Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, High Performance Manufacturing Consortium, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Communitech etc.) as well as the Waterloo Regional Labour Council and Chambers of Commerce.
* Working with Canada?s Technology Triangle (CTT) to attract manufacturing investment.
* Exploring ways of attracting higher levels of Research & Development in the Region's manufacturing sector.
* Continuing to provide competitive and effective municipal services.
* Encouraging development and full utilization of employment lands.
* Supporting improved transportation infrastructure to facilitate the movement of raw materials, finished product and employees throughout the Region.
* Working with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and the Ontario Power Authority to ensure adequate capacity, quality and reliability of power supply.
* Supporting ongoing labour force development by working with the Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network, the Waterloo-Wellington Training and Adjustment Board, and the region?s post secondary institutions and training facilities.
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Ontario PC Party Launches Slush Fund Radio Ad
TORONTO - The Ontario PC Party announced a province-wide radio advertising campaign, scheduled to launch today, Monday, May 14, that addresses Dalton McGuinty's handling of the ongoing slush fund scandal.
"This is an issue-based advertising campaign designed to remind people
that Dalton McGuinty and his Government have once again failed to provide the
leadership that this province needs," said John Laschinger, Ontario PC Party
Campaign Director. "In creating yet another scandal, Dalton McGuinty continues
to erode public confidence in his government as he fails to act in the best
interests of Ontarians."
The advertisement, entitled "Slush Fund - Accountability," reflects the
frustration voters are feeling over the Dalton McGuinty Government's refusal
to be accountable for how it is spending taxpayers' money. Instead of
accepting responsibility and ordering an immediate investigation, Dalton
McGuinty once again stonewalled and tried to "change the channel" by playing
the race card. As a result, Dalton McGuinty has lost the trust of Ontarians.
"It took three weeks and 286 questions from the opposition parties, as
well as newspaper editorials around the province - Dalton McGuinty was dragged
kicking and screaming into calling in the Auditor," said Laschinger. "Dalton
McGuinty has a long way to go to restore the public's faith in the way the
Liberals have spent taxpayers' dollars. Mr. McGuinty must ask Minister Colle
to step aside in order to allow a full investigation."
An MP3 of the advertisement is available at http://www.ontariopc.com/pctv.asp.
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City of Guelph welcomes new HR Director
The City of Guelph has hired Mark Joseph Amorosi to fill the position of Human Resources Director.
Mark comes to the City of Guelph from the City of Hamilton where he served for six years as Director of the Employment and Client Services Division in the Human Resources Department. There Mark provided leadership to staff teams responsible for staffing and recruitment; workforce planning; equity; HR records and payroll; HR planning and information; and more. At the same time, Mark’s client service responsibilities saw him provide leadership to multi-disciplinary teams, and deliver integrated HR service to a portfolio of departments.
Prior to his work for the City of Hamilton, Mark spent several years with the City of Toronto in a variety of Human Resources positions, last of which was Manager of Human Resource Services.
In addition to his Canadian Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, Mark holds a Master of Arts, Public Administration (MPA) from Carleton University, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) from McMaster University.
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Kitchener Wins Bid to Host 2008 Memorial Cup
KITCHENER - Kitchener Ranger fans are, no doubt, ecstatic to learn today that the Rangers' bid to host the 2008 Memorial Cup Championship has scored a win with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
The OHL announced that the honour of hosting the 2008 Memorial Cup - one of the most coveted and prestigious junior hockey tournaments in the nation - has been awarded to the Kitchener Rangers.
'We're absolutely thrilled,'' said Mayor Carl Zehr. ''We're very proud that the Rangers organization has succeeded in bringing the Memorial Cup home in 2008. They have worked tirelessly to bring this event to our city and through investments that we've made in The Aud in recent years, the City has ensured that they have a great facility to host the event in. This is an incredible opportunity for Kitchener.''
There are significant economic benefits to the community - the economic impact of the event is estimated at $10 million - that come with hosting the event. For example, it is anticipated that in excess of 3,000 hotel room nights in the city will be booked and local restaurants, stores and shops will experience a boost in visitors and sales.
''Not only will the city benefit financially, but there is also a great deal of community pride resulting from the national recognition that goes with being in the spotlight for hosting this tournament,'' added Mayor Zehr. ''The City is looking very forward to working with and supporting the Rangers organization on this exciting event.''
The Kitchener Rangers 2008 bid was one of five proposals. Other cities bidding to host the tournament included: London, Sarnia, Oshawa and Saginaw. Each potential host city made a presentation to the site selection committee in Toronto in April.
The Rangers have hosted the Memorial Cup tournament in the past - in 1975 and again in 1984 - and they have won the cup twice - in 1985 and again in 2003.
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Waterloo gets set to celebrate 150 years
Waterloo – The City of Waterloo is throwing a birthday party. And whether you live, work, play or even just visit, you’re on the guest list! On Sunday, May 27, you’re invited to come for the parade and stay for the picnic.
Festivities get underway with a parade along King Street and a picnic in Waterloo Park to commemorate 150 years of history - it was on that date in 1857 that Waterloo was incorporated as a village and both events promise to celebrate the past, present and future of the community.
The parade, which runs from King and William Street to Waterloo Park near Albert Street starts at 1:00 p.m. and will feature bands including the Dutch Boy Drum and Bugle Corps Waterloo Regional Police Band, Royal Highland Fusiliers Pipe Band and the Toronto Signals Band. While the primary focus will be on music, spectators along the way will have the opportunity to enjoy antique cars and a number of parade floats. As well, Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran will be joined by a number of former mayors who will be riding in the parade.
Festivities also start at 1:00 p.m. in the park and continue until 6:00 p.m. Entertainment throughout the day will include the Waterloo Concert Band, the Preston Scout House Band, contemporary groups including Canary Mines and Decibel and ethnic and cultural groups including the Double Dragon Chinese Dancers and the Tamil Cultural Dancers.
As part of both the parade and picnic in the park local actors will be representing historical characters that include Moses and Barbara Springer, Joseph and Stephanie Seagram, to name a few. The park will also feature displays of arts and crafts, heritage games, as well as open houses at the nearby Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery and Perimeter Institute, which will feature children's hands-on science activities and free lectures.
People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. While coolers will be allowed into the park, there will also be free sausages provided by Piller’s and free cake, provided by Conestoga Mall. The Park Inn, the City concession stand will also be open for light food and snacks.
Volunteers are needed to help out throughout the day. The City is hosting a volunteer sign up session on May 17 at 7:00 p.m. at RIM Park, followed by a training session on May 22 at the Adult Recreation Centre.
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Proposed Legislation Toughens Penalties For Drunk Driving And Street Racing
By Ontario Minister of Transportation Donna Cansfield
Bill 203 Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario - Since 1999, there have been 35 street-racing related deaths in Ontario, with innocent bystanders often the victims of these senseless acts. And it is sobering to know that each year, about 16,000 people are convicted of drinking and driving in Ontario — that is about two people each hour.
That is why the McGuinty government is taking action to protect Ontario families by proposing legislation that makes it clear — if you drink and drive or if you street race, you will pay and the penalty will be tough.
Our proposed legislation is also intended to encourage people to separate the behaviours of drinking or racing from the action of driving. Combining these activities is dangerous, reckless, and can too often result in deadly consequences. We want all drivers to think twice before they cross, what I call, the “stupid line”.
If passed, this legislation would increase roadside driver’s licence suspensions for drunk drivers, allow the courts to take vehicles away from repeat drinking and driving offenders and establish an early ignition interlock program for Criminal Code offenders.
It would also take driver’s licences away from street racers and give police the authority to impound their vehicles, as well as increase fines.
The proposed legislation would protect police in the line of duty by allowing for a combination of red and blue lights on their vehicles, making them more visible, especially at night.
The McGuinty government has listened to the concerns of the public and is delivering on its commitment to tackle road safety issues.
Keeping Ontarians safe on our roads is a team effort. We will continue to work with our partners at all levels of government, community groups, and police to ensure safety is paramount.
With this proposed legislation, we are building on our successful record as a leading jurisdiction in road safety. It will go even further in protecting our communities and keeping our families safe.
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Report Highlights Growing Momentum in Downtown Kitchener
KITCHENER - The 2006 Downtown Monitoring Report released at today's meeting of the City's Finance and Corporate Services Committee tells an exciting story of growing momentum in downtown Kitchener.
The Downtown Monitoring Report, which outlines and analyzes the progress and performance of downtown Kitchener and surrounding neighbourhoods, attributes much of the success experienced in downtown Kitchener in 2006 to the ongoing implementation of the Downtown Strategic Plan and catalyst investments from the City's $110 million Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF).
'We've got a vision for a re-energized downtown that is bolstered by a multi-faceted approach to redevelopment which includes financial incentive programs, major investments through EDIF, work on the downtown streetscape, continued community development and cultural facilitation,'' said Silvia Wright, manager of downtown and community development for the City. ''This comprehensive and coordinated approach is creating a positive trend in downtown Kitchener that we can expect to last for years to come.''
''The strategic direction we have taken over the past several years continues to result in bigger and better things for downtown Kitchener,'' said Ward Six Councillor Christina Weylie. ''The 2006 Downtown Monitoring Report demonstrates that our efforts to revitalize our downtown is taking the heart of our City in the right direction - and that's an outcome that will benefit the entire community.''
Highlights of the 2006 Downtown Monitoring Report, in terms of business and development growth and people activity, include:
$70.1 million - the value of construction for building permits issued in downtown Kitchener in 2006.
21 per cent of all construction in the City in 2006 occurred in the downtown and central neighbourhoods compared to 7 per cent in 2005.
$25 million - residential development values in the downtown and central neighbourhoods.
471 new residential units (permits issued in 2006) compared to 89 in 2005, in the downtown and central neighbourhoods.
3.8 per cent - vacancy rate in the downtown central business zone, a number which has decreased since 2005.
$1 million in projects related to downtown incentives, including the Upper Storey and Facade Loan Incentives.
675 businesses and 12,445 employees in the downtown core.
5.1 per cent increase in population (to 18, 848) in the downtown and central neighbourhoods.
2 per cent increase event attendance, mainly due to several new events.
Increased commercial lease rates downtown - end average at $11/ square foot.
''We're seeing that the strategic direction to revitalize the downtown has not only reinforced citizen and investor confidence in the core, but it is ensuring that downtown continues to develop as an inclusive, healthy and diverse community in the heart of the city,'' said Wright.
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Mayor Zehr Joins Big City Mayors in Urging Ottawa to Make Cities Full Partners in Prosperity: Asks Federal Government to Share Equivalent of One Cent of the GST
TORONTO - At a meeting in Toronto this afternoon, Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr joined with his colleagues on the Big City Mayors' Caucus (BCMC) to release the final component of its proposal to restore fiscal balance to Canadian municipalities.
The mayors are calling on the federal government to share the equivalent of one cent of the GST with cities so they can invest in the future prosperity of their communities.
"By investing the equivalent of one cent of the GST into Canadian municipalities, the federal government has the opportunity to recognize Cities as the economic engines that drive our nation's economy," noted Mayor Zehr. "This investment, which would provide $5 billion to municipalities across Canada, would make our cities full partners in Canada's efforts to create prosperity in all of our communities - and for all of our citizens."
Mayor Zehr represents the entire Waterloo Region on BCMC.
While BCMC's proposal does not specify how the federal government should allocate the funds to specific communities, assuming the funds were allocated according to population, the proposal could mean an infusion of approximately $80 million into Waterloo Region - to be shared amongst all municipalities.
Proposal Part of Comprehensive Plan:
The release of today's revenue-sharing proposal supports the BCMC report entitled "Our Cities, Our Future." This document, released in Montreal in June 2006, made a series of recommendations to address the fiscal imbalance between cities and the federal and provincial governments. Those recommendations include the creation of a national transit strategy, the realignment of financial roles and responsibilities between governments and the sharing of revenues that grow with the economy. BCMC is actively pursuing the adoption of all of these recommendations.
"Combined with a national transit strategy and existing federal spending in cities - this investment by the federal government would place us on sound financial footing to keep up with urban growth and to effectively build stronger, healthier communities," added Zehr.
This new federal investment will allow cities to invest in the infrastructure, quality of life and environmental features that Canadian expect and that attracts skilled workers and investment.
"We have long known that Cities play an integral role in terms of generating wealth and growth," added Mayor Zehr. "However, what we are learning more and more is that we also play a crucial role in the things that matter most to Canadians, like quality of life and environmental sustainability."
Background:
The Big City Mayors? Caucus is comprised of the mayors of the 22 largest cities in Canada and represents approximately 40 per cent of the Canadian population.
Its' members include the Mayors of: Vancouver, Surrey, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Brampton, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Mississauga, Ottawa, Windsor, Toronto, Gatineau, Montreal, Laval, Quebec City, Longueuil, Halifax and St. John's.
BCMC meets two to three times a year to discuss shared issues and to reinforce the Federation of Canadian Municipalities policy and advocacy agenda.
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Industry Canada: Payday Lending Bill Becomes Law
OTTAWA - The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, together with the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., MP for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, welcomed the royal assent and coming into force of Bill C-26. This new law will result in greater consumer protection for Canadians who use the services of the payday lending industry.
"I am committed to consumer protection," said Minister Bernier. "These changes will give the provinces and territories the opportunity to protect payday lending customers appropriately."
Bill C-26 amends the Criminal Code of Canada and provides the provinces and territories with flexibility in regulating the payday lending industry.
"More and more Canadians are making use of the services of payday lenders," said Minister Nicholson. "With the passage of Bill C-26, our government has taken the necessary steps to ensure that this industry can be regulated."
Under Bill C-26, payday lenders who operate in provinces or territories with measures in place to protect borrowers who enter into payday loan agreements will be exempt from section 347 of the Criminal Code of Canada. This exemption enables the provinces and territories to set limits on the cost of borrowing and regulate the business practices of payday lenders within their jurisdictions.
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Consolidated government finance: Assets and liabilities March 31, 2005
The consolidated net financial debt of the federal, provincial, territorial general and local governments, defined as the excess of liabilities over financial assets, decreased to $791.2 billion as of March 31, 2005, down $2.1 billion or 0.3% from March 31, 2004.
The increase in assets, $32.1 billion, is mostly accounted for by an increase in securities. The increase in liabilities, $29.9 billion, results mainly from increases in treasury bills and other securities, partly offset by declines in bonds and debentures and saving bonds.
The federal government net financial debt declined by $304 million to $523.3 billion, while the net financial debt of the provincial, territorial general and local governments declined by $1.8 billion to $267.8 billion.
The consolidated net financial debt of governments represented 59.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2005, down from 63.3% the year before. This decline was due mainly to the growth in GDP. Net financial debt, as a percentage of GDP has gone down every year since it peaked in 1996 at 102.1%.
On a per capita basis, net financial debt fell from $24,876 in 2004 to $24,573 in 2005. The highest per capita net financial debt was recorded in 1997 at $28,543.
Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest per capita net financial debt in 2005 ($20,938), followed by Quebec ($15,165) and Nova Scotia ($12,617).
Governments in the Yukon, Alberta and the Northwest Territories did not register any net financial debt. In each case, their financial assets exceeded their liabilities on a per capita basis: by $9,677 in the Yukon; $6,538 in Alberta; and $1,070 in the Northwest Territories.
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Region of Waterloo and Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) Union
Waterloo Region – The agreement between the Region of Waterloo and CAW Local 1106, representing the Region of Waterloo’s Sunnyside Home workers has received ratification.
The negotiated contract settlement between the Region of Waterloo and CAW Local 1106 will achieve the mutual goals of providing equitable and secure wages and working conditions, while maintaining and improving the quality and level of services.
Highlights of the agreement include:
36 month collective agreement from January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2009
Annual increases of three per cent in each year of the contract.
CAW represents health care workers and service workers at Sunnyside Home. Current membership of CAW Local 1106 includes 103 full time and 183 part time workers employed at the Home.
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CAP condemns the passage of fixed election dates
Connie Fogal ,Leader CAP/PAC: condemned the unanimous passage May 1, 2007 of fixed election dates putting a Canadian election off until 2009 .
This is a very bad situation in the context of the rapid administrative restructuring of Canada into integration with the USA as we are being merged into a North American Union dominated by an increasingly dictatorial leadership in the U.S.A.”
“By 2009, the integration will be complete,”said Fogal.
“All parties lie to us about the process and are totally complicit in the implementation,”she insisted.
“This minority government has shown itself unwilling to bring down this government precisely because all of the parties know that an election would permit the Canadian Action Party and others to profile the administrative unification of Canada, USA and Mexico.”
“An informed electorate would demand cessation of the North American Union and its pending AMERO (the new North American currency” .
Connie Fogal continued, “To undo the massive restructuring now requires a different kind of unity of people of North America. In defence of ourselves and our liberty we are uniting in a struggle to restore our respective nations, our independence, our sovereignty all in defence against the New World Order.” |
Ontario Strengthens Consumer Protection On Payday Lending
Public Consultation To Look At Provincial Regulation
QUEEN'S PARK - The Ontario government is strengthening protections for consumers who access the payday lending industry, said Government Services Minister Gerry Phillips.
"Our government is introducing new protections to offer Ontarians who use
payday loans more transparency and fairness," said Phillips. "We will require
payday lenders to display the cost per hundred dollars of their loans."
Ontario has approved much stronger protections for users of payday loans
in regulations under the Consumer Protection Act. These regulations will:
<<
- Require payday lenders to post on-site in a prominent place a poster
outlining the cost per one hundred dollars to obtain a payday loan
- Ensure that consumers receive standardized disclosure of critical
information by requiring the lender to use a prescribed standard-form
contract
- Ensure that consumers are advanced their payday loan funds
immediately upon signing their agreement.
>>
The federal government recently passed legislation that will allow
provinces to further regulate the payday lending industry. Further regulation
could include licensing, a consumer protection framework and regulating the
cost of borrowing for the payday lending industry. Ontario has been urging the
federal government to regulate the payday lending industry, including interest
rates, as a national standard would ensure uniform protection for all
Canadians.
"Now that the federal government has chosen to hand this responsibility
to the provinces, Ontario is acting to provide appropriate consumer protection
measures for payday lending," said Phillips. The Ontario government has
released a consultation paper on the regulation of payday loans, and is asking
the public for written submissions on that paper. To view the complete
consultation paper on this issue, visit www.Ontario.ca/MGSConsultations
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Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo Reap Benefits of Joint Services Initiative Program
KITCHENER - Since its creation in 2004, the Kitchener-Waterloo Joint Services Initiative program between the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo has been an unprecedented success, enabling the Cities to deliver services to citizens in both communities more efficiently and effectively.
Earlier this evening, Kitchener's Chief Administrative Officer, Carla Ladd, presented a report to Kitchener City Council tonight which indicates that partnerships on initiatives between the two cities have more than tripled since 2004 when the program first began. The program, then called the Shared Services Program, began with five initiatives and has now grown to a list of 18 projects. A similar report was also presented to Waterloo City Council tonight.
"We had a lot of success with the program early on and it has fostered a great working relationship between the two cities, so it was natural that we would look for more ways to work together for the benefit of our communities," said Ladd. "More than ever now, we are looking at any partnership that we think can benefit both cities and expand our services in any way we can."
"It is very encouraging to see our communities working so closely together for the benefit of everyone," said Mayor Carl Zehr. "Using our resources more efficiently and effectively means that both cities can maintain costs - or potentially save dollars - while at the same time improving levels of service for our citizens. It's a win-win situation."
Both Kitchener and Waterloo Councils approved the creation of the Shared Services Program in September 2004. At that time, the program?s aim was to identify, co-ordinate and manage opportunities where a co-operative approach to services between the two cities would be beneficial.
The original five initiatives included:
* Kitchener-Waterloo Woodworking Craft Centre
* Border Streets Maintenance
* Integrated Infrastructure Management System
* Consulting Service Agreement
* Election Tabulation System
In February 2006, the program was renamed as the Joint Services Initiative and its scope was expanded to include other strategic initiatives. Additionally, new criteria were developed to help assess and determine what other initiatives that might be a good fit for the Joint Services Initiative program.
Criteria now include: enhancing the capacity of either municipality to deliver or develop a service/program beyond its resources; creating service level improvements while maintaining costs and/or producing future savings opportunities; providing operation and/or capital opportunities.
The 13 other projects that have been added to the program since 2004 include:
* Cemetery Services
* Purchasing - online auction of City assets
* Automated Staff Notification Systems
* Winter Control/Snow Disposal
* Culture Capitals of Canada
* Community Investment Strategy/Grant Reviews
* Cultural Mapping
* Storm Water Management Program and Funding Review
* Sports Tourism Strategy
* Hydro Carbon Characterization Study/Research
* Infrastructure Rehabilitation Joint Application for Federal-Provincial Grant Funding
* Backflow Prevention
* Parking Strategy
In the coming months the Joint Services Initiatives Committee will continue its work to identify additional opportunities to add initiatives, grow the program and continue to improve the level of cooperation between Kitchener and Waterloo.
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CAO Larry Kotseff leaves the City of Guelph
Guelph - It is with regret that we announce that Larry Kotseff has decided to leave the position of Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Guelph. The City of Guelph would like to take this opportunity to thank Larry for his contributions and accomplishments in the service of our community. On behalf of the City, we wish to extend our best wishes to Larry as he pursues other personal aspirations.
Guelph City Council appoints Transitional Executive Team
On May 2, 2007 Mayor Karen Farbridge would like to take this opportunity to announce that Guelph City Council has appointed Lois Payne (Director of Corporate Services & City Solicitor), David Kennedy (Director of Finance and City Treasurer) and Shawn Armstrong (Director of Emergency Services and Fire Chief) to a Transitional Executive Team that will provide transitional leadership to the organization while City Council moves forward with a process to recruit a new CAO.
Mayor Farbridge and members of Council would like to express their gratitude to Ms. Payne, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Armstrong for their willingness to serve on the Transitional Executive Team. The Mayor and Council would also like to express their appreciation of the Senior Management Team, Managers, Supervisors and Staff for their dedicated service to the citizens of Guelph.
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Citizens, Former Candidates Sought to Examine Voter Turnout Issue
KITCHENER - Citizens at large and former municipal candidates can play a role in helping the City of Kitchener determine how to increase voter turnout at municipal elections in the future.
A survey of Kitchener residents' voting habits is currently underway and the results of the survey will be reviewed by a new Voter Turnout Committee that is to be established in May. The committee will be made up of City staff, current City Councillors, citizens-at-large, and former municipal candidates.
In addition to reviewing the results of the citizen survey on municipal voting habits, the committee will also review the current voting processes, look at other voting options and make recommendations for improvements aimed at increasing voter turnout.
'We had a disappointing voter turnout at the 2006 municipal elections,'' said Councillor Berry Vrbanovic whose idea it was to study and work to improve the local voter turnout issue. ''Through learning about the voting process from our residents? perspective, we are hopeful that we can make improvements that will see more people at the polls in 2010.''
'I'm really looking forward to gaining a better understanding of this issue because voting is so important,'' said Councillor Kelly Galloway who will also represent Council on the Voter Turnout Committee. ''Municipal elections are really an opportunity for citizens to help set the future direction of the City and it's important for us to do all that we can to ensure that people will use that opportunity.''
Citizens who are interested in being a member of the new Voter Turnout Committee can submit a letter of interest with their name, address and phone number to: R. Gosse, City Clerk, City Hall, 200 King Street West, 2nd Floor, PO Box 1118, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7 or email to: clerks@kitchener.ca. Only successful applicants will be contacted. Citizen candidates must reside in Kitchener and must not have been a candidate in the 2006 municipal elections.
History:
On November 27, 2006, Council passed a resolution directing staff to obtain the services of a polling consultant to survey residents on why they did or did not vote at the 2006 municipal elections and to solicit ideas to improve the voting process. In addition, the resolution also called for the establishment of a committee to study the results of the survey and other findings in order to make recommendations on improvements to the voting process by June 30, 2007.
The current survey of residents is currently being carried out by the Environics Research Group.
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McGuinty Government Introduces Legislation To Modernize Elections
Legislation Would Make Voting More Convenient And More Secure
TORONTO - The McGuinty government is introducing legislation that would, if passed, make it easier than ever for Ontarians to vote while making the process more secure, Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal, announced April 25, 2007.
"One of our most fundamental rights is the right to vote," said
Bountrogianni. "This legislation would make voting more convenient and more
accessible, and enhance the integrity of the electoral process."
The Election Statute Law Amendment Act, 2007 would, if passed, make it
easier for Ontarians to vote by:
<<
- Increasing the number of advance polling days from six to 13
- Extending the polling day by one hour to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. in
northwestern Ontario)
- Including candidates' party affiliation on the ballots (candidates
not endorsed by a party could be identified as independents, at the
candidate's request)
- Establishing additional accessibility criteria for selecting polling
locations.
The proposed legislation would also:
- Improve security by requiring voters to present identification in
order to vote
- Allow the Chief Electoral Officer to test new voting or vote-counting
methods in future by-elections
- Encourage higher turnout by giving the Chief Electoral Officer the
authority to undertake election-related public education campaigns,
and directing him to provide new-voter information to school boards
for students approaching the voting age
- Make sure people who should be on the voters list are on the list
through targeted registration. Voters would also be able to confirm
on-line that they are on the list
- Include new reporting and transparency requirements for third parties
that undertake election advertising, and eliminate the initial
advertising blackout period for regularly scheduled elections.
>>
If passed, these changes will be in place for the October 10, 2007
election.
Minister Bountrogianni said a number of the voting improvements in the
legislation were recommended by the Chief Electoral Officer.
This legislation would also direct the Chief Electoral Officer to
undertake a comprehensive non-partisan public education campaign leading up to
the referendum on electoral reform.
Backgrounder
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Modernizing Ontario's Elections
The Election Statute Law Amendment Act, 2007
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The proposed Election Statute Law Amendment Act, 2007 would make it
easier for Ontarians to vote, and improve the security and integrity of the
voting process. The legislation would also direct Elections Ontario to conduct
a neutral public education campaign for the upcoming referendum on electoral
reform.
Making it Easier to Vote
The changes in this bill would make it easier than ever for all Ontarians
to exercise their democratic right to vote by providing new, flexible voting
options:
<<
- Extending polling hours by one additional hour at the end of polling
day
- Increasing the number of advance poll days from 6 to 13
- Establishing additional accessibility criteria for selecting polling
locations.
>>
Encouraging more people to vote
The Chief Electoral Officer would be granted the explicit authority to
undertake public education and communications. The Chief Electoral Officer
would also be required to provide new-voter information to school boards, for
distribution to students approaching voting age.
Improving election integrity
The integrity of the voting process would be enhanced by:
<<
- Requiring identification to vote, change information on the voters
list, or add a name to the voters list on polling day.
- Allowing any eligible scrutineer to challenge the right to vote of an
elector in their own or another electoral district, in a general
election or by-election.
>>
Improving the voters list and making sure more eligible voters are on it
Elections Ontario would be required to update the Permanent Register of
Electors for Ontario through targeted registration or any method deemed
appropriate by the Chief Electoral Officer, including enumeration, to ensure
it is current.
Piloting new technology
This legislation, if passed, would allow the testing of new voting or
vote-counting methods at a by-election at the Chief Electoral Officer's
discretion (removing the current requirement for party consent). It would also
allow on-line confirmation of status on the permanent register of electors.
Third Party Election Advertising
Third party election advertising would be regulated to enhance electoral
transparency, by ensuring the public knows who is paying for third party
advertising during election campaigns. If passed, this legislation will
require those engaged in election advertising to register and report their
advertising spending to Elections Ontario if it is greater than $500.
Advertising Blackout Period
If this legislation is passed, the initial advertising blackout period
for regularly scheduled elections would be eliminated. There is no longer a
need for this blackout period for regularly scheduled general elections
because the date is known in advance by all parties. The blackout period on
polling day, and the day before polling day, would be maintained. In the event
of unscheduled elections, and in by-elections, the initial advertising
blackout would remain in place.
Referendum on Electoral Reform
Comprehensive public education is critical to ensuring Ontarians have the
information they need to make their choice in a referendum on electoral
reform. The Citizens' Assembly voted on April 15 to recommend an alternative
electoral system. It will submit its final report with its recommendation on
May 15.
This legislation would direct the Chief Electoral Officer to undertake a
public education campaign on the electoral system referendum. If this
legislation is passed, Elections Ontario will deliver neutral public education
to raise awareness of the referendum and to educate the public about the
alternatives under consideration.
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'Whole new world' for local politics
Ray Martin, Cambridge Times
Big changes are in the works to make city hall and municipalities across the province more accountable.
"It's going to be a whole new world out there," said city clerk Alex Mitchell. "This is going to change everything."
Until now, municipalities operated pretty much as they pleased within the confines of the Ontario Municipal Act. However, changes being enacted by the province will give municipalities more power and also make them more accountable and transparent.
Currently, the province gives cities like Cambridge greater powers to create or dissolve municipal service boards for any municipal service or activity, and to regulate businesses through licensing. They have also been empowered to offer certain financial incentives
for economic development as well as establish their own rules and conditions governing the operation of business improvement associations.
It also revises the role of the mayor and council and sets out the role of staff.
Mitchell said the new changes reflect many of the things the municipalities are already doing and is just formalizing their past practices.
The province also now allows municipalities to appoint an integrity officer. This is a new position. The integrity officer will work independently to monitor the application of the code of conduct of council members and local boards as well as the application of any procedures, rules and policies of the municipalities and local boards. They can also recommend reprimands and the suspension of pay for some violations.
Provision has also been made for the appointment of a municipal ombudsman, who would also operate independently and report to council. Their job would be to investigate administrative decisions, recommendation or actions as specified by the municipality.
The city can now also appoint its own auditor general to monitor the stewardship of public funds and the value received for money spent.
Under the new legislation public notice will be given for all meetings and a record of all meetings, open or closed, are mandatory.
The public will also be able to request an investigation to determine if the city is in compliance with its own meeting rules. Upon a complaint, the municipality would appoint an investigator to determine whether the meeting rules have been followed. If no investigator is appointed, Ontario's ombudsman would have the authority to investigate.
"That's one thing you wouldn't want to see," Mitchell told council Monday. "It wouldn't be pleasant."
While most changes in the municipal act will be implemented as soon as possible, Mitchell said some sections of the new act have yet to be proclaimed and will have to be dealt with later.
"In 2001, when changes were made in the municipal act it took until 2003 to implement them," he said. "I can see the same thing happening here."
Mitchell told the Times that over the next 12 to 18 months, municipalities across the province "will have a lot of work to do" to meet the requirements of the new legislation. Mitchell and his counterparts from across the region are now meeting on a regular basis to sort out the changes and develop a common implementation strategy. Mitchell expects he will make his next progress report to council on the changes early in 2008.
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Ontario Government Supports Cutting-Edge Research
World-Class Innovation Means More Prosperity For Ontarians
TORONTO - The Ontario government is attracting the best and brightest minds to Ontario by supporting new research across the province, announced Deputy Premier George Smitherman, on behalf of Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty.
"For Ontario to be prosperous tomorrow, we need to invest in the skills,
knowledge and creativity of our people today," said Smitherman. "By supporting
new research, Ontarians will benefit from better health-care services, new
technologies, a cleaner environment and more opportunities for success."
The government is investing more than $103 million to support 35 projects
through the Ontario Research Fund's Research Infrastructure program. The
program helps researchers obtain the tools they need to stay on the forefront
of innovation, including lab space, equipment and computer software.
"The province's investment will go a long way to support research and
attract international talent," said John Dick, Princess Margaret Hospital and
Toronto General Research Institutes senior scientist and research award
recipient. "Top level scientists are in great demand and can work anywhere in
the world so it often comes down to finding an environment that substantially
supports and encourages their work. Most importantly, they want a strong
community of other scientists thereby creating a hotbed of activity where the
latest advances, some that have not even been envisioned, can happen."
"Ontario needs to be nimble in the fast-paced global economy," said
Premier McGuinty. "Today, more than ever, our economic and social prosperity
depends on our ability to compete and win in the marketplace."
The funding will leverage matching investments from 188 partners from
industry and other fields.
Investing in research and innovation is the latest example of how the
McGuinty government is working on the side of businesses and families to
strengthen Ontario's economy.
<<
Other initiatives include:
- Attracting over $7 billion in new investment announcements in the
auto sector, creating as many as 7,000 new jobs
- Introducing the $160-million Ideas to Market strategy to grow new
start-ups and drive innovative discoveries rapidly from the lab to
the marketplace
- Investing $6.2 billion in postsecondary education and student
financial assistance and training by 2009-10 - the most significant
multi-year investment in Ontario's higher education system in 40
years.
>>
"To succeed in the changing economy, we need to develop new ideas and
turn those ideas into exciting products and services that we can market to the
world," said Premier McGuinty. "By investing in research and innovation and
the skills and knowledge of our people, Ontario will remain the place to be
for years to come."
For more information about the Ontario Research Fund, please visit
www.ontario.ca/innovation.
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Peter Braid Named Federal Conservative Party Candidate in Kitchener-Waterloo
Waterloo - Local businessman Peter Braid has been named as the Conservative Party candidate at the recent Kitchener-Waterloo riding nomination meeting.
" Prime Minister Stephen Harper understands the key issues facing Kitchener-Waterloo and is delivering results for families and business," said Braid.
Mr. Braid's vision for Kitchener-Waterloo " is a tolerant, forward-looking, environmentally sustainable and economically strong community that fully realizes our potential role in the country and the world."
Mr. Braid has a wide range of federal government, business and community experience. He has served in the constituency office of Hon. Walter McLean P.C., M.P., as an employee of the Immigration and Refugee Board and more recently as a Director of Operations at Sun Life Financial in Waterloo.
Mr. Braid currently works as a communications consultant. Mr. Braid is a member of the Waterloo Economic Development Committee and the Board of the Conservative Riding Association.
He attended both the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto, having graduated from the latter in 1989 with a degree in International Relations.
Peter Braid is 43 years old and lives with his family in Waterloo. His wife Annette is a nurse at Grand River Hospital. They have two daughters, Tamara and Alexandra.
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Campaign for UN People's Assembly is a ruse to impose an unaccountable Oligarchy
Connie Fogal, Leader, CAP/PAC, opposes the campaign for a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly as being a deceptive mechanism to impose one world government by unelected, unaccountable entities.
Anticipating the launch April 24, 2007 of this campaign, she commented April 23, 2007 that such a campaign "is a treacherous manipulation of the people in another use of Orwellian Double Speak as is the statement 'I have to give up my liberty to be free'."
"The use of term 'parliament' and the word 'voice' misinforms people that they would have a democratic say. Not so," insists Fogal. " 'Parliament' suggests 'legislative'. To legislate is to enact or pass laws. We are too overwhelmed, impoverished and oppressed already by laws being passed by a select few with no knowledge by or consent of or accountability to the whole citizenry."
" A democracy is a form of government in which the sovereign power resides in and is exercised by the whole body of free citizens, as distinguished by a monarchy, aristocracy, or oligarchy. There is no democracy in the practice of unelected, unaccountable special interest groups functioning in a world assembly be they from the military, industry, financial or nongovernmental sectors of 'civil society'.This campaign is a creation of another form of oligarchial power. It is an action that is contrary to the interests of the majority of the people"
"Elective franchise is the right of suffrage; the right or privilege of voting in public elections. Women, minority groups and people generally have died and suffered for the right to a vote that counts - one person, one vote! This means every person , not a select few"
Fogal said, "It is a joke to suggest the United Nations will be a voice for the people while the United Nations has already been acting as the policing mechanism for the global aggression of the USA, while the concept and practice of a nation state is under attack, and since Parliaments around the world have been emasculated by their submission to the globalization administrative structure and process that has implemented rule by unelected, unaccountable bodies , be they corporate, and /or military and/or NGO's (non-governmental organizations)."
"It is very revealing to see the NDP and the Greens as part of and promoting this," she continued.
"There can be no direct voice of the people via non-governmental, unelected, unaccountable groups," Fogal asserted. "Further, the European assembly has proven to be a rubber stamping mechanism of bureaucratic decisions. This is not democracy."
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Mayor Carl Zehr Gives 2007 State of the City of Kitchener Address
KITCHENER - More than 200 business and community leaders were in attendance this morning as Mayor Carl Zehr presented the 2007 State of the City Address on behalf of City Council.
The theme of the fifth annual speech, given at a breakfast at Kitchener City Hall, was the environment. Mayor Zehr told the crowd that while many consider the environment to be a global issue, ''it is at the local level where we can really make the difference.''
Zehr explained that though the City has undertaken many years of environmental initiatives and has had an Environmental Strategic Plan since 1992, Council has chosen a renewed focus on the environment for this four-year term of Council because the City's economic outlook is strong.
''Despite some of the challenges that our manufacturing sector has experienced over the past year, our local economic outlook is still very strong...So with our strong financial footing, there is the sense that we can give more attention to other pressing issues such as our environment,'' said Zehr.
Another reason for the renewed focus, he said, is that the environment has been identified as a priority by residents in several of the City's public consultation processes in recent years. In a 2003 PMG survey of residents, 75 per cent ranked environmental protection as a top factor in quality of life. The Environics Survey, completed in 2005, found that 78 per cent list protecting the environment as a high priority. In 2006, the Who-are-you-Kitchener? process confirmed this with 80 per cent choosing a vision of a city that focuses on becoming more environmentally friendly.
The State of the City address went on to outline many of the City environmental initiatives currently underway including:
The new $5 million Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF), approved on Monday, which will play a key role in the optimization of Kitchener's environment over the next four years.
The development of a comprehensive Growth Management Strategy for the City.
The development of the Plan for a Healthy Kitchener which identifies the environment as one of six citizen priorities over the next 20 years.
The clean up of the coal tar on Gaukel Street.
The installation of 'No Idling' signs at all schools and City facilities to remind motorists to turn off their engines if they're going to be parked for longer than 10 seconds.
Fleet Division initiatives at the city including pursuing ISO 14001 certification
New technologies that allow the City to reduce the amount of road salt in its winter maintenance program by 10 per cent without sacrificing effectiveness.
Expanded recycling program at the City to now include batteries.
High efficiency features built into new facilities including the Stanley Park and Chandler Mowat Community Centres.
Retrofitting older buildings with efficient lighting that saves more than $130,000 per year in energy costs.
Energy features at the new twin pad athletic complex on Hanson Avenue include a green roof and pursuit of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold standard.
Green features included in the Centre Block development
Downtown revitalization efforts that are seeing the clean up and reuse of brownfield sites and the adaptive reuse of other existing buildings.
Intensification and redevelopment of underutilized industrial lands including the former BF
Goodrich plan and sites within the Huron Business Park.
Intensification and redevelopment of existing neighbourhoods, corridors and commercial areas.
The development of Suburban Design Guidelines that ensure that park development is included in the first phase of every new subdivision development in the city.
Combining all of the things that the City needs to do to address its continuing growth with doing the right things for the environment is a balancing act, said Zehr.
''The need for parking in our downtown will always exist. But again, it's all about striking a balance. We may build fewer parking spaces per person in the future, but we recognize the importance of meeting the needs of those who work, shop and visit downtown, as well as those who live there,'' he said.
Zehr also pointed out that another part of that balance means that the area will need to improve its local transit service and Kitchener will need to co-operate with the Region to build a regional rapid transit system in the future.
''The latest forecasts indicate that we could grow by 37,000 people over the next 10 years. Transit is going to be even more important as Kitchener begins to grow,'' said Zehr, who then called on the provincial and federal orders of government to assist with funding in this area.
In concluding today's speech, Mayor Zehr called on all citizens to recognize that the environment is not only a critical issue, but that it is a local issue with local solutions.
''Afterall, we can provide transit, but it's up to individuals to decide to use it. We can provide incentives for cleaning up brownfields, but we need private investors to take them on. We can construct energy-efficient public buildings, but we need individuals to change to energy efficient light bulbs, too.''
Net proceeds from this morning's breakfast event went to the Kitchener and Waterloo Community foundation which provides funds for several local charities.
For a complete copy of the speech, please visit: 2007 Kitchener City Address
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NDP ask McGuinty to explain grants
TORONTO - Two days after promising to do so the McGuinty government has yet to produce any documentation explaining why so-called "Year End Funds" at the Ministry of Citizenship flowed to Liberal-friendly organizations who have little to show for it.
The Iranian-Canadian Community Centre received $200,000 over a year ago.
They registered as a charity devoted to "protection of animals" only three
weeks before. More than a year after the grant flowed there is no evidence of
a community centre. The group is registered at the law office of a Liberal
riding association president and a provincial Liberal candidate sits on the
board.
The Bengali Cultural Society in Toronto received $250,000 based on a
recommendation by Liberal MP Maria Minna. The vice-president of her riding
association sits on the board of the group. Other Bangladeshi groups say
they've never heard of the Society.
"If Dalton McGuinty has an explanation for this I'd love to see it. We
haven't yet," said NDP MPP Michael Prue. "Liberal party activists have been
handed hundreds of thousands of dollars without any paperwork or anything to
show for it. The public deserves an explanation."
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Ontario Clean Air Alliance April 19, 2007 Letter re:Tory endorses wasting billions on ineffective pollution controls
Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory has endorsed the Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA’s) proposal to spend $1.9 billion to install pollution control devices on the Nanticoke coal plant that will reduce Canada’s largest air polluter’s total emissions by only one-half of 1 percent. This is a band-aid solution that will do nothing to control the enormous greenhouse gas emissions from Nanticoke -- and, in fact, could actually make them worse.
If Mr. Tory is serious about his recently stated commitment to reduce Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions, then instead of endorsing the production of more hot air he should be endorsing phasing out the use of coal as quickly as possible. Similarly, if he is worried about air pollutants, he should endorse a ban on non-emergency coal-fired electricity exports to the United States and oppose the OPA’s plan to export 93% of our remaining coal-fired electricity for profit in 2010 (while continuing to allow unchecked greenhouse gas emissions to contribute to worsening air quality).
In fact, as a promoter of “fiscally responsible” climate solutions, we would have thought Mr. Tory would understand that we can reap much greater returns by investing the OPA’s $1.9 billion scrubber budget (that’s your money, by the way) in things like energy efficiency and productivity, new renewable energy sources and super-efficient natural gas combined heat and power plants that will actually produce real economic and social benefits. Instead, Mr. Tory seems to be moving backwards rather than forwards with his support for spending billions on a sadly outdated and inefficient “pollution-control” approach.
Please contact John Tory at John.Tory@pc.ola.org and tell him you don’t think spending billions of dollars on pollution controls that could make greenhouse gas emissions worse rather than better is a sensible and responsible use of public money.
Thank you,
Jack Gibbons
Chair
Ontario Clean Air Alliance
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City of Waterloo celebrates Earth Day with 20-Minute Makeover
On Friday, April 20th at 2:00 p.m., the City is encouraging all citizens to take a break from their day and give their neighbourhood or business grounds a 20 minute makeover. Simply step outside at 2:00 p.m. and spend 20 minutes cleaning up litter around business grounds or in your neighbourhood.
Individuals can pick up garbage collection supplies at the following facilities: RIM Park, Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, Albert McCormick Arena, City Hall, Waterloo Service Centre, Adult Recreation Centre.
Other events happening around Waterloo include:
Tim Hortons Earth Day Litter Clean-Up:
Lend a helping hand as we remove litter from Waterloo Park in celebration of Earth Day! Awesome prizes, refreshments and fun!
Date: Saturday, April 21, 2007
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Waterloo Park (off Young Street entrance)
Sunoco Earth Day:
Join this event for some free family fun – plant a tree for Earth Day and join in on many hands-on environmental activities offered by local experts!
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2007
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: RIM Park (University Avenue East and Park Road)
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Workplace Safety Strategy Preventing Injuries And Saving Money
Ontario Government On Target In Improving Worker Safety
TORONTO - The McGuinty government's workplace health and safety strategy continues to produce dramatic results by preventing the human cost of workplace injuries and avoiding costs for businesses, Labour Minister Steve Peters announced April 18, 2007.
"Our plan is working - we are well on track to reduce the lost-time
injury rate by 20 per cent by 2008. In 2006, there were more than
15,600 injuries prevented," said Peters. "And we continue to take strong,
aggressive action to ensure that when Ontarians go off to work they come home
safe and sound."
As a result of the strategy, there have been 30,340 fewer lost-time
injuries to Ontario workers over the past three years than there otherwise
would have been. This has resulted in Ontario businesses avoiding more than
$2 billion in costs associated with workplace injuries. A lost-time injury
occurs when a worker loses wages as a result of a temporary or permanent work
injury.
Peters made the announcement today at the opening of this year's annual
conference of the International Association of Labour Inspection. It was
Ontario's success in workplace health and safety that attracted the
association to hold its conference here - the first time ever in North
America.
The strategy involves initiatives by the government and its health and
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