Haldimand "On-Line Petition asking for Commissioner Fantino's Resignation"

Caledonia residents launch petition for Fantino's resignation

Posted By KAREN BEST,

CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

Ken Hewitt and another Caledonia resident want an inquiry into Ontario Provincial Police commissioner Julian Fantino's handling of issues in Haldimand County.

On Dec. 22, they launched a petition which will be distributed across Haldimand County including Dunnville. It demands an inquiry into Fantino's actions and into overall policing based on the "tainted" report from Ipperwash, said Hewitt, who was a key Caledonia Citizens Alliance spokesperson in 2006.

The petition also demands that Fantino be suspended until the inquiry is concluded and be removed from his job if cause if found.

The petition will be circulated across Ontario and will soon be available on the Internet. The petition sprung out of frustration and anger over a recent letter Fantino wrote in support of Clyde Powless of Six Nations, Hewitt indicated.

OPP officers charged him with assault and mischief related to events at the Dec. 1, 2007 smoke shop protest on Argyle Street South in Caledonia."He defies the charges made by his own officers by submitting a letter of support (for Powless)," said Hewitt. "I question why the commissioner of the OPP would submit a letter on a misdemeanour."In the letter filed for a Dec. 5 court hearing on Powless's charges, Fantino wrote that Powless was "instrumental in diffusing serious conflict and confrontation" and has acted as a peacemaker.

In Fantino's letter, which was released last week by Gary McHale, the commissioner said he was making no excuses for Powless's behaviour. Fantino also said the volatile situation and provocation could simply be avoided if McHale and his followers were not in attendance. Three of five paragraphs in the letter mention McHale.

You can read the rest of the article here, Article ID# 136158
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1361581


Open Letter to the Commissioner Julian Fantino,
(written by Ken Hewitt of Caledonia)

Mr. Fantino, unlike you, I have been involved with the ongoing land claim in Caledonia from the time the OPP botched up the removal of protestors from privately owned land known as DCE. I saw with my own two eyes, protestors pushing back the OPP and breaking many laws as we know them.

I saw the actions of men such as Clyde Powless exhibit very little concern for the people of Caledonia and much less concern for the misguided OPP officers on the street. Who were mostly un-prepared for the situations that they were put into.

I witnessed many occasions when the OPP, confused by the lack of leadership by both yourself and your predecessor Gwen Boniface, both of you allowing the Ipperwash Inquiry to influence your decision making, knowingly violated or ignored your own training and standard operating procedures.

I was thoroughly offended when you came to meet with business leaders through the local Rotary, to listen to you lay blame on the citizens of Caledonia for injuries sustained by your police force in several confrontations.

To hear you justify the lack of arrests made with respect to the many crimes committed by protestors around Caledonia. To hear you continue to use the phrase that you’re only the "meat between the sandwich" yet laws continue to be broken under your watch.

These are laws that have nothing to do with land claims but your fear and your mismanagement has created a fear amongst your officers in knowing when to apply the law and when not to.

On several occasions, to hear you comment on the ongoing costs of policing in Caledonia, and that it is not related to your inability as Commissioner to contain the criminal elements that still continue to exist, but to lay blame on those that choose to challenge you and the government of Ontario, how you have let the community of Caledonia down in what I would call an abysmal failure of leadership.

Most of all, however it is this most recent letter of support that you submitted in defense of Clyde Powless, that has finally brought me to this point in writing you, along with petitioning for your resignation as Commissioner of what was once known as an exceptional police force the OPP.

You were not there that day that Clyde Powless lead the protestors to block Argyle road for a month, you were not there when on his direction, the same road was dug up, you were not there when Clyde Powless and his associates specifically told me three days prior to the hydro station being destroyed, that should there be any resistance from the people of Caledonia, that the services such hydro or water could be targeted.

Instead, you allow your personal conflict with Gary McHale to cloud your judgement, and as such use your position of power to sway the courts in seeing Mr. Powless as a good man, a man who cares about his neighbors, and a man that would do everything to diffuse tense situations rather than the truth as already mentioned.

In football, they call this play the "Flim-Flam"; you have been played sir, and the confidence in your ability to lead and make the right decision without reservation is diminished.

This lack of confidence exists within and without your own police force; it does not only exist in Caledonia, but reaches beyond its borders.

The reality that Ontario will be heading into deficits for the next several years supports the idea of a public inquiry on your actions and those of the OPP and its decisions in the past three years in Caledonia. Up to now there has been a blank cheque and there is no clarity to the costs up to now let alone to the future.

As a taxpayer who must shoulder the burden of these deficits, have the right to call for accountability and the right to call for your resignation.
Ken Hewitt

The following is the petition on line (written by Ken Hewitt);

To: People of Ontario
Petition for Caledonia Public Inquiry

TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO:

The background for this petition is as follows:

1. Commissioner Julian Fantino has proven through his own court testimony and published documentation that he is no longer unbiased or neutral. Along with native leaders having his personal cell number exclusively; he also uses his position to support them in court against charges by his own police force.

2. Following the flawed results and recommendations of the Ipperwash Inquiry, the OPP and the command decisions made by the OPP have violated and ignored the rules and guidelines as set out by a number of statutes. These include the Criminal Code and the Ontario Police Services Act. In addition the OPP have violated or ignored their training and standard operating procedures. There is documented and electronic evidence that the OPP did so knowingly.

3. The costs surrounding OPP is grossly underestimated. As taxpayers, we have the right to know the true costs of Caledonia. As the province of Ontario enters into years of deficits, how much more money will be wasted on flawed policing and the inability of leadership to change to tactics.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

1. To request the Premier of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the Commissioner of the OPP Julian Fantino and impose his immediate suspension without pay and upon confirmation of the facts, his immediate resignation.

2. To request the Premier Of Ontario to immediately launch a public inquiry into the actions and decisions made by the OPP with respect to Caledonia over the past 3 years.

Sincerely,

Here is the link to sign the petition on line;
http://www.petitiononline.com/4625FA46/petition.html

Haldimand "74% of Canadians voted Against the Liberals in the Federal Election 2008"

It seems the Liberal Party has been given yet another chance to revamp itself, although not long ago we heard the same thing when Dion won the race. How many Liberals does it take to screw in a light bulb anyway? Just a reminder that in the last Federal election 74% of Canadians voted "against" the Liberal Party!

Here is a good read regarding how some Liberals feel in regards to the "race" for yet another leader;

Bitterness lingers for Rae's loyalists

Liberal MP Bob Rae makes his way to a news conference in Ottawa Dec. 9, 2008, where he announced he's withdrawing from the leadership race. "It's just politics. It's not the end of the world here, folks," Rae said.

While Rae looks serene, his seething supporters accuse Ignatieff camp of rumour-mongering

Dec 10, 2008 04:30 AM

Joanna Smith Staff Reporters

OTTAWA–He realized that he just couldn't win.

Toronto MP Bob Rae looked neither dejected nor weary – two of the many adjectives used to describe his demeanour following his loss in the Liberal leadership race two years ago – as he explained why he had changed from defiant to co-operative in less than a day.

But while supporters publicly applauded his decision to withdraw from his second campaign yesterday, privately there was bitterness over a perception of rumour-mongering at Rae's expense by the Michael Ignatieff campaign. Said one Rae backer: "This is all pretty difficult to accept."

Rae acknowledged yesterday some of his supporters had to be convinced the decision was for the best. He said he would still be vying to become Liberal leader if party officials had decided in a late-night conference call to consult with all party members instead of the few hundred elite, who likely favour his old friend and rival Ignatieff.

But they didn't.

"I slept very soundly last night because I went to bed without knowing what the decision was. When I woke up this morning, I read the decision. I said, `Well, that's it,'" Rae, 60, told reporters yesterday after clearing the way for Ignatieff to succeed outgoing Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion.

"You have to be realistic about these things. It's just politics."It's not the end of the world here, folks. I mean, a decision had to be made."

If this past week was a long time in the life of Dion, then Rae must have been reeling from a single day.

Rae had been defiant Monday afternoon as he portrayed himself as the champion of grassroots democracy opposing the "coronation" of his rival.

"I don't think coronations are generally very successful in political parties," Rae told reporters in Toronto Monday as he pushed for the party to hold a one-member-one-vote leadership selection in January.

"Most people believe it's better to have a contest, it's better to have a choice."

The national executive instead chose to consult with the 77 MPs and 58 senators of caucus, defeated candidates from the October election and the presidents of riding associations and commission clubs.

Rae, who officially launched his leadership campaign less than three weeks ago with calls to broaden the party base and even make membership free for life, saw the writing on the wall.

"I recognize that my leadership campaign depended on a whole lot of new members – and it depended on a campaign," Rae said yesterday.

His campaign got off to a rocky start. Rae had to rush a press conference in Ottawa to announce he would be running in order to counter a media report he might not.

A Rae source told the Toronto Star it was difficult to combat all the rumours that weakened Rae: he wouldn't run; his brother John, always a powerhouse in his political campaigns, was ill; former prime minister Jean Chrétien was putting pressure on him to drop out; Rae's ideas for choosing the leader were unconstitutional; and Ignatieff had more than 50 of 77 MPs on board as early as Dec. 1.

In fact, yesterday, Ignatieff's website said 46 MPs had endorsed him.

"The steamroller of the Michael Ignatieff campaign – Bob wouldn't run, John was sick ... it just never stopped," said the source.

"The strategy was to show Michael was inevitable. It's been going on since Oct. 14 and now Mr. Ignatieff has won without having to make one speech on policy."

He said it was hard to wake up yesterday to a race that was essentially finished, knowing "we never had a chance to have a vote."

Several MPs came over to Ignatieff's camp in the last couple of days, including Toronto MPs Jim Karygiannis (Scarborough-Agincourt) and Maurizio Bevilacqua (Vaughan).

The Ignatieff team ran a telephone blitz to simultaneously bring people onside and push Rae (and New Brunswick MP Dominic LeBlanc) to drop out.

The message for Rae, according to an Ignatieff strategist, was "to paint a scenario in which it was better to come over to Michael as opposed to being humiliated if he chose to stay."

Last Thursday, after Dion's amateurish videotaped address to the nation about the prospect of a coalition becoming the government, Karygiannis publicly said Dion had to go and was sternly criticized by Ignatieff. But Karygiannis told the Star he had already made the point in caucus earlier that day, saying his riding association favoured the coalition accord – but not with Dion.

Karygiannis had been talking to Rae's people but, by last weekend, a Liberal MP had arranged for him to speak to Ignatieff and Monday he announced his support for his leadership.

"I have a sense that my skills will be appreciated in the new Liberal order," Karygiannis said last night. "I feel (Ignatieff) is appreciative of my courage (in speaking out in caucus) and the skills I can bring to the table."

He said he received congratulations from a lot of people for his bluntness last week, adding some insisted the party could not accept Rae as leader.

Yesterday, Rae said nice things about "Michael" – whose leadership campaign had been so polarized against his own in 2006 that it became a major factor in allowing Dion to come up the middle – although he made it clear he did not speak to Ignatieff before announcing his decision as he did not want anyone to suspect he had been offered a plum in return.

Ontario Liberal MPP Greg Sorbara (Vaughan), who helped engineer Rae's transformation from former New Democrat premier of Ontario to Liberal leadership candidate in 2006, said his friend likely realized there was little point delaying the inevitable when so much was at stake.

"I think it was a huge step for him simply to acknowledge that," Sorbara said. "I mean, we've all been in contests where before the end of the contest the result is clear.

"If we put our personal interest – the interest of being on stage and being in the spotlight – ahead of the interest of the common good of the party, I think that's one thing. I think Bob did the opposite."

Doing the opposite meant giving up on the dream that brought him to the Liberal party in the first place – a dream he yesterday called a "past aspiration" – but Rae stressed yesterday staying on was not a paradox.
Others complimented Rae. Toronto Liberal Michael Levitt, who had strongly supported Rae, said yesterday he feels "we're all singing from the same hymn book now. Bob acted to reunite the party and bring us all together in the interests of everybody."

He added: "There was a lot of rumour and innuendo and I don't know who said what or when or why, but I think the Conservatives also did a lot to stir up trouble."

Richard Clausi, president of the Kitchener-Waterloo Liberal riding association, has been fighting through a national petition for a greater grassroots voice from the membership, particularly in the choice of leader.

"We truly need to evolve our grassroots. If you want grassroots support, you've got to support the grassroots," said Clausi.

However, he said last night he understood Rae's decision, because "we are in a time of crisis and we have to have our ducks lined up.
"What he did had real class."

"We want to win this," Rae's wife Arlene Perly Rae told the Toronto Star in November 2006 during his first bid for the leadership.

"But there is a side of this (leadership race) that says no one is dying ... . This is not the absolute core of life. The core of life, at the very heart of things, is about relationships."

And yesterday Rae suggested he looked forward to one of his relationships being characterized in a new way.

"The last couple of years, of course, there's always been this issue of what might or might not happen if and when and whatever," Rae said.
"That's all gone now and I'm quite happy to work with Michael as a great friend and a great supporter. I think you may all be surprised and you might have to write about something else."

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/551334

Haldimand " Bob Rae the Prime Minister in Waiting"

The last week in Canadian politics has been quite interesting and invigorating to say the least.

What amazed me the most was how the Canadian Public got involved in this crisis. There were polls and petitions across the country and thousands of Canadians voiced their concerns! The result? Regardless of the legitimacy of a Coalition government, the overall majority of Canadians sent a strong message to Ottawa. That message was "NO" to a Coalition Government!

It seems that on the most part this was like an election. So what if an election is held would there be a clear winner? We may be finding that out sooner than later.

As I was scanning the news story's this morning I came upon a very interesting read. It shows the inside workings and mentality of one of the Coalition partners. The Liberal party had a meeting and basically slammed Dion for not being "tough" enough in his speech. Bob Rae who is in the running for the leader of the Liberal party has taken over as the salesperson for the Coalition. Some Liberal members want Dion to step down immediately!

Now what is interesting about this read is that the Governor General prorogued government and there is going to be a "cooling" off period for six weeks. Thank goodness someone had the wisdom to make the right choice! Yet despite this decision and the outcry from the Canadian public, the Coalition is determined that they will overturn the present government! It looks like they are on a "mission" to topple Harper regardless of the cost, and what Canadians think!

Harper will be putting together a budget for January 27th and has asked for input from the opposition parties. Harper recanted the $1.95 funding cut to parties (this seems to be what started this whole issue) and yet this still was not good enough. The Coalition states that Harper has not given enough to get the economy going. In saying that we have not heard of what the Coalition would do in a budget to boost the economy except bailing out the three major car companies. So I guess the Coalition thought that they would have the blessings of the Canadian People to just take power and do as they wish! This is a major flaw in their theory, Canadians are not willing to give the Coalition a "blank cheque".

My prediction for January 27th when Harper brings in the budget is that the opposition parties will once again push their "No Confidence Vote" and we will be in election mode yet again. My prediction on the outcome of another election is that the Liberals will loose even more seats than they did in the last election! Time will tell.

Here is the article;

A CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE: THE LIBERALS

Rae steps in as coalition's chief salesman Dion pushed aside 8 Rae takes charge with Liberal Leader seen as too soft on Harper budget fix Ignatieff hesitates 8 Leadership front-runner says party will be 'thinking hard' until new session JANE TABER

SENIOR POLITICAL WRITER;
With a report from Bill Curry
December 5, 2008

Bob Rae is preparing a coast-to-coast campaign to sell Canadians on the concept of a coalition government, taking over as chief salesman and manoeuvring around Stéphane Dion, whose leadership is becoming increasingly irrelevant.

Mr. Rae, the Toronto Centre MP and Liberal leadership candidate, began staking out his territory yesterday as the champion of a coalition government aimed at taking down Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"He's going to carry the can," said one of his chief strategists. "He's going to stand up and let his voice be heard and encourage Liberals to hang in and we can take down Harper and put in a good government that will do the right thing."

Michael Ignatieff, Mr. Rae's main rival for the leadership and his former best friend, was not as aggressive in his approach, telling reporters that Liberals will be "thinking hard" and "responsibly" until the Harper Conservatives deliver their budget on Jan. 27.

Many of his supporters are uncomfortable with the idea of a coalition government with the NDP supported by the Bloc Québécois. They have advised him to stay out of a coalition cabinet if one is ever formed. Yesterday, there was a hint of Mr. Ignatieff's hesitancy after it became known he was the very last Liberal to sign a letter endorsing the coalition, which was sent to the Governor-General before her meeting with Mr. Harper.

The Liberal whip had asked caucus members to come to his office at 11 p.m. Wednesday or 7:30 a.m. yesterday to sign the letter; Mr. Ignatieff finally put pen to paper around 10 a.m.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rae left no doubt where he stood on the coalition concept. In a remarkable intervention during a raucous closed-door caucus meeting yesterday, Mr. Rae interrupted Mr. Dion, taking him on for being too conciliatory toward Mr. Harper.

The Prime Minister had just dodged a confidence vote, which he would have surely lost, by winning permission from the Governor-General to shut down Parliament until late January.

Mr. Dion appeared to be open to changing his mind about defeating Mr. Harper's government, saying that a "monumental change" on Mr. Harper's part would alter that.

That phrase angered some Liberals, who began shouting at Mr. Dion, accusing him of not going far enough, according to a caucus insider. That is when Mr. Rae approached the microphone, telling Mr. Dion that even "monumental change" was not acceptable.

Mr. Dion appeared shocked, the insider said.

While the Governor-General provided Mr. Harper with a reprieve yesterday in the game of parliamentary chicken that has been playing out for the past week, the NDP and the Bloc are still vowing to keep the coalition together.

But the clear victim in yesterday's proceedings was Mr. Dion, who has put so much of his personal capital into the initiative that he was hoping to lead.

Just days after emerging as a hero with an accord in hand, he appeared yesterday as a wounded leader who botched a major national address with an amateur video that didn't even get to air on time.

"He cooked up this deal," the Rae strategist said. "He did not cut people in. He drove it and his team and the results were there for all to see. ... The question for the Liberal Party now is, in a world where we're not likely to have Dion in the deal, do we get rid of the deal along with Dion or do we keep the deal?"

Several MPs suggested to Mr. Dion yesterday that a new leader should be in place by January in the event the government is defeated over the budget, and the Governor-General grants the Prime Minister dissolution rather than choosing the coalition government.

"We need to be prepared," Nova Scotia MP Scott Brison said, according to an insider. "We need to get the leader in place." Although Mr. Brison praised Mr. Dion for weakening Mr. Harper's leadership by successfully forming the coalition, he and several other MPs said Canadians have to be given the chance to get to know the new Liberal leader. If there was a snap election, it wouldn't make sense for Mr. Dion to run for Prime Minister only to be replaced by someone else in May, they said.

Scarborough MP Jim Karygiannis broke ranks outside of caucus, saying he wants Mr. Dion to leave "sooner than later."

Mr. Ignatieff and Mr. Rae, however, dismissed any notion of replacing Mr. Dion before the May leadership convention.

"Questions of leadership are not of the hour," said Mr. Ignatieff, who criticized Mr. Karygiannis for calling for the leader to resign.

The Rae strategist said Mr. Rae isn't even bothering to worry about a leadership change, however: "We can't wait around for that because if we tie our view on the coalition to sorting out leadership mechanics, the whole thing is going to fall apart. So Rae is just saying, 'Gun the engine, man, let's go.' "

The advantage yesterday went to Mr. Rae, as the leadership race is evolving into a bare-knuckle fight that doesn't play to Mr. Ignatieff's more patrician strengths. Mr. Ignatieff evoked the ghost of Aristotle in a scrum, while a combative Mr. Rae called the Harper government "illegitimate" and accused the PM of asking for prorogation because he's "afraid to show up for work."

Still, Mr. Ignatieff is winning the leadership race, according to a new Globe and Mail/CTV poll by the Strategic Counsel. The poll shows that 32 per cent of Canadians say Mr. Ignatieff is the "preferred Liberal winner," compared to 22 per cent for Mr. Rae and 9 per cent for New Brunswick MP Dominic LeBlanc; 37 per cent of respondents don't know.

And while Mr. Ignatieff is to travel to New Brunswick today, Mr. Rae and his team are preparing to attend rallies across the country in support of a coalition government. He is also going to take to the airwaves.

"He's going to campaign for this thing because the Conservatives are going to unleash a full-style campaign against the coalition," the Rae strategist said. "And Rae is going to war on that ... Rae is planting his flag and he's planting it from coast to coast."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081205.PARLLIBERALS05/TPStory/National

Haldimand "Stephane Dion May Appoint Elizabeth May to Senate for Her Party's Support"

Elizabeth May discusses Senate seat with Dion
BILL CURRY
December 3, 2008

OTTAWA -- The number of political parties playing a role in the proposed coalition government could climb to four, as Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion left open the possibility of appointing Green Party Leader Elizabeth May to the Senate.

In announcing her party's support for the coalition proposal, Ms. May told reporters she had discussed a Senate appointment with Mr. Dion and said she expected her party would play a role in the coalition.

"We wouldn't have a veto. We would have influence," Ms. May said.

The Liberal Leader did not refute Ms. May's comments.

"I have made no commitments to anyone about appointments for Senate or for ministry portfolios. And before [doing] so, I will consult [NDP Leader Jack] Layton. This being said, I have a great regard for Mme. May," said Mr. Dion, when asked about the Green Leader's remarks.

The Green Party failed to elect a single MP in the Oct. 14 election, but Ms. May said her party's support adds legitimacy to the coalition because nearly one million Canadians voted Green.

Ms. May's party launched a website aimed at encouraging the public to endorse the coalition.

The site at http://www.defendourdemocracy.ca/ urges visitors to sign a petition.

"We need to make it clear that the majority of Canadians want the coalition government," Ms. May said.

She told reporters she has had discussions with Mr. Dion, Mr. Layton and Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe about possible roles for the Green Party.

Both Mr. Duceppe and Mr. Layton said there have been no decisions regarding Senate appointments.

"I told Mr. Dion, 'Don't offer me any because I'll refuse,' " Mr. Duceppe said, ruling out appointments for Bloc supporters. "I mean, we are not discussing that at all. I don't believe in senators."

Mr. Dion was heavily criticized by the Conservatives during the last campaign for making a deal with Ms. May not to run candidates against each other. The deal was the main reason why Conservative Leader Stephen Harper strongly opposed Ms. May's participation in the leaders debates during the campaign.

While Ms. May stressed that her exact role with the coalition remains hypothetical, she confirmed that she has spoken with Mr. Dion about the possibility of her being appointed to the Senate.

"I'd be the only senator, in the Senate, that received a million votes," she said, lumping together the 940,297 votes for Green candidates across the country. Ms. May ran as a candidate in the Nova Scotia riding of Central Nova in the election, where she finished second to incumbent Conservative Peter MacKay.

Appointing Ms. May to the Senate would signal a clear departure in policy from the current Harper government. The Conservatives have been highly critical of the unelected nature of the Senate. They have proposed legislation aimed at imposing term limits and provincial elections that would produce Senate nominees for the prime minister to choose from.

In its first term, the Harper government appointed Michael Fortier to represent Montreal in cabinet. It also appointed Bert Brown from Alberta, who had been elected in a provincial referendum. The Conservatives have made no other Senate appointments, and Mr. Fortier resigned his seat for an unsuccessful bid for election to the House of Commons. As a result, there are 18 vacancies in the 105-seat Senate.

Conservatives said yesterday that Ms. May's comments show the Liberals are making backroom deals and are already fighting over the spoils of power.

"This is just like [what] Brian Mulroney used to say about the Liberal party: After they rob the bank, they all meet up to divvy up the cash," said Conservative Transport Minister John Baird.

During her news conference, Ms. May said the Greens will continue to support the coalition even if the party has no formal role.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081203.GREENS03/TPStory/National

Haldimand "Rally for Canada"

This online petition already had over 50,000 signatures on it last night when I signed it. (I was 50,856) I checked this morning and the petition now has 78,275 signatures. I have never seen a petition on line grow so fast!

"Our Right to Vote on the Coalition Government"
http://www.petitiononline.com/CANADIAN/petition.html

'Rally for Canada' in works
Anti-coalition protests planned coast to coast while pro-coalition groups power up online
By DON PEAT, SUN MEDIA
Last Updated: 3rd December 2008, 4:31am

They were already rallying in Peterborough and online yesterday but come Saturday thousands are expected to turn out for a "Rally for Canada" in cities coast to coast.

A website, rallyforcanada.ca , is urging Canadians to protest the Liberal-NDP-Bloc Quebecois coalition pact to topple Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The site urges people to turn out Saturday on Parliament Hill, Queen's Park, Halifax, Montreal, Kitchener, London, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

Matthias O'Brien, 19, one of the organizers, said the protests are part of an effort to save Canada's democracy.

"This is a very bad move on the Opposition part and it lowers our entire country's (democratic) standard," O'Brien said from Hamilton.

He's expecting 10,000 protesters on Parliament Hill, thousands in Toronto and hundreds in other cities.

"I'm hoping that this is going to be a really big rally," O'Brien said. "If we do get a large turnout ... we hope this will tell MPs how displeased (people) are."

In Peterborough, Conservative MP Dean Del Mastro wasn't waiting for the weekend. He called a noon-hour "Rally for Canada" yesterday outside Peterborough's city hall. It brought out about 150 anti-coalition protesters and a pro-coalition rally of about 35.

"We will be holding a rally to stand up for Canada and show the political parties our disgust about this possible coalition government and to show support for Canada, which does not include the Bloc," Del Mastro's press release said. "Stand up to the separatists and support Canada's democratically-elected government."

Not everyone weighing in online and on the streets was against the coalition.

Two websites -- makeparliamentwork.ca and defendourdemocracy.ca - urge support for the Opposition.

Make Parliament Work called for cross-country rallies tomorrow and a rally at Toronto City Hall on Saturday.

Defend Our Democracy urged coalition supporters to get friends involved, contact MPs and the media.

A Facebook group "Stephen Harper's Last Day as Prime Minister" was gaining steam, with almost 8,000 members by yesterday afternoon. It calls for Canadians to take part in a "goodbye party" for the PM on Monday, Dec. 8 -- the date set for the vote which could topple the government.

The party has a dress code: "Sweater vests for all."

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2008/12/03/7614271-sun.html

Haldimand "Hostile Takeover of the Canadian Government"

If you have been following the news the last couple of days, it has been "45" days since the election and the opposition leaders have a plan in place for a "hostile takeover" of the Canadian Government! The markets "plunged" yesterday after the news of this was made public. Job well done on the part of these very wise individuals, your news certainly helped out the economy of Canada! I can't wait to see what is going to happen if this "hostile takeover" actually comes in to play!

Of course they are not calling it a "hostile takeover", they are calling it a "Coalition Government". The reasoning behind this is best said by NDP leader Jack Layton; the house has no confidence in the Conservative government. I would like to state for the record that "I" have no confidence in their plan for a "hostile takeover" of our Government!

In November (just last month) approx. 60% of Canadians went to the polls. The result of this was the Conservatives won "143" seat, Liberals "77" seats, NDP "37" seats and the Bloc "49" seats. During one of the debates the leaders of the opposition parties "promised" the Canadian Public that they would make this government work if a minority government was voted in again by Canadians.

Well that "Promise" was broken in "45" days! In my opinion we have a bunch of adolescents that are taking tantrums in the house! This is their way of working together for the betterment of the Canadian people?

A majority government is "155" seats, the Conservatives came in "12" seats short of a majority government. The liberals under the leadership of Dion went from "95" seats to "77" seats, the worst election results in Liberal history. To boot during the election many liberals had no confidence in Dion, and the result of this is a new leader of the Liberal party will be chosen come I believe May of 2009 . So if this "hostile takeover" comes to light we will be calling Dion "Prime Minister", or rather the "interim" "Prime Minister Dion".

Now the way I see it is this has come about because the opposition leaders don't believe that Harper is doing enough to help out the economy in today's tough times. So what will this "hostile government" do if they go forth with their plan? First they will bail out the big car companies! Billions of our tax dollars will be given to these companies because their sales are down. How will this help? Will people go out and buy all those new cars? Or is there a possibility that these car companies will still go tits up in six months from now!

Maybe the new "hostile government" will open up a new department and have a new Minister? Well let's call it "The Ministry of Business Bailouts". This new department will give money to "every" Canadian Business that is in trouble, no questions asked. Oh I forgot to mention this will create new jobs! All on the backs of the rest of us trying to make it from paycheck to paycheck!

I am disgusted with this plan for a few reasons, the main reason is we went to the polls and we had our say, and now their is a takeover within the government that we did not vote on! Another reason is that with the Liberals and the NDP together this only amounts to "114" seats, so in order to make this a majority "Hostile Government" the Bloc is throwing in their "49" seats! This will make it a majority. The Bloc, my god what is going on? Part of the plan is that the Liberals will have "18" new Ministers and the NDP will have "6" new Ministers! So there will be some "ousting" going on in the house, where and who one can only guess.

I am not saying that we are not in an economic crisis here in Canada. I personally know a few people that have been laid off in the last couple of weeks. And I certainly don't have the answer to this crisis, but is this the best that the Liberals and the NDP could come up with? If anything they will accomplish only one thing.....Driving our Country into the Ground....

This could be the biggest "Green Shaft" in Canadian history. I could go on but I am really pissed! At least I can vent, I feel a bit better! How about You?

The following is a bit of background from Wikipedia on "Coalition Governments", and a good news story from the Toronto Star.

A coalition government, or coalition cabinet, is a cabinet of a parliamentary government in which several parties cooperate. The usual reason given for this arrangement is that no party on its own can achieve a majority in the parliament. A coalition government might also be created in a time of national difficulty or crisis, for example during wartime, to give a government the high degree of perceived political legitimacy it desires whilst also playing a role in diminishing internal political strife. In such times, parties have formed all-party coalitions (national unity governments, grand coalitions). If a coalition collapses a confidence vote is held or a motion of no confidence is taken.


In practice
To deal with a situation in which no clear majorities appear through general elections, parties either form coalition cabinets, supported by a parliamentary majority, or minority cabinets which may consist of one or more parties. Cabinets based on a coalition with majority in a parliament, ideally, are more stable and long-lived than minority cabinets. While the former are prone to internal struggles, they have less reason to fear votes of non-confidence. Majority governments based on a single party are typically even more stable, as long as their majority can be maintained.

Coalition cabinets are common in countries in which a parliament is proportionally representative, with several organized political parties represented. It usually does not appear in countries in which the cabinet is chosen by the executive rather than by a lower house, such as in the United States (however, coalition cabinets are common in Brazil). In semi-presidential systems such as France, where the president formally appoints a prime minister but the government itself must still maintain the confidence of parliament, coalition governments occur quite regularly.


Dec 02, 2008 04:30 AM
Richard J. Brennan Ottawa Bureau

OTTAWA–Immediate action to help the auto industry, increased spending on urban reconstruction and other measures to boost the economy and aid the jobless are being promised by the three-party coalition bidding to replace the Conservative government.

"Times are tough. This agreement is all about the economy. It's why we are together, to fight this economic crisis," said Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion after a historic accord involving his party, the New Democrats and the Bloc Québécois.

The deal signed by Dion, the NDP's Jack Layton and the Bloc's Gilles Duceppe was born last week out of their angry reaction to the lack of a major economic stimulus package in Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's fall policy statement.

In a press conference, the three coalition leaders said their timetable for action will depend on when they might form a government. But they vowed to move as quickly as possible to pump billions of dollars into the economy to counteract the recession, jump-start manufacturing, spark housing construction and support workers.

The federal purse is already headed for a deficit under the Harper government, the coalition agreement says, but "this new reality does not reduce the necessity to stimulate the economy." Without giving specifics, the coalition members said they'd run deficits for up to four years to spur growth.

Planned corporate tax cuts would go ahead, the leaders said. To guide the coalition's economic policy, the Liberals would like to create an advisory panel made up of such figures as former prime minister Paul Martin and one-time New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna.

Dion said coalition members "have a commitment to act promptly" to provide the auto sector with financial assistance.

The Big Three Canadian auto makers are asking collectively for between $3 billion and $4 billion to help stave off collapse.

At Queen's Park yesterday, opposition leaders expressed concern the jockeying for power in Ottawa would stall aid for the auto sector.

Late last night, Ontario's Economic Development Minister Michael Bryant and federal Industry Minister Tony Clement announced they had appointed former Molson chief executive Jim Arnett as a special advisor on the auto industry.

http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/546894

Haldimand "Saskatchewan Party decided on Nuclear Power"

Sask. Party decided on nuclear power: NDP
James Wood, The StarPhoenix
Published: Friday, November 28, 2008

REGINA -- Bruce Power's pitch for a potential nuclear power plant in the province has found a receptive audience -- at the least -- in the Saskatchewan Party government, say some observers.

On Thursday, the Ontario-based private nuclear operator released in Saskatoon a feasibility study that sees nuclear power playing a role in Saskatchewan in 2020.

"I think there's a lot of desire in the part of the current government to proceed down that way," said Ken Rasmussen of the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.

"It's something big, it's something bold, it's something that will fundamentally alter the nature of politics in this province in a pretty fundamental way."

Rasmussen said the roots of Sask. Party interest in nuclear power likely stem from a view that it will spur economic development by boosting the province's uranium industry and potentially leading to power exports.

But as a type of energy that does not emit greenhouse-gas emissions, it is also seen increasingly as a solution to Saskatchewan's woeful climate change record.

That connection to the climate change issue has also seemingly translated into increased public support for the nuclear concept, which past governments were lacking, said Rasmussen.

But the NDP said the government has crossed the line by taking an active role in the sales pitch to the public.

Opposition Leader Lorne Calvert said the government is clearly following a strategy to normalize the concept and smooth the way for nuclear power in Saskatchewan.

That's included Premier Brad Wall's increasing portrayal of the Sask. Party's campaign promise to explore "value-added opportunities" for uranium as a mandate for nuclear power in the province, the appointment of a nuclear industry-heavy panel to explore the development of uranium resources and a private member's motion by Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison for the legislature to consider value-added opportunities, including nuclear power generation.

Also potentially connected is Wall's recent musings about streamlining federal environmental rules where they overlap with provincial regulations, which could affect the nuclear approval process.

"(They) have a strategy in place to bring us to a decision that is already made. I believe the Sask. Party as the government of the day has taken the position that the province ought to move to the generation of electricity through nuclear power," said Calvert in an interview Thursday.

The former premier said there may be a case for nuclear power in the province but the government is taking the wrong approach.

"If it were a burning desire of mine to see a reactor built, I would want to be absolutely sure that from the very beginning this had deep public consultation so you can build a base of understanding and support because this project . . . if everything was announced tomorrow, we'd still be years away," he said.

Sask. Party Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the government has made no secret of its interest in nuclear power, especially given a growing power demand -- estimated at an additional 800 to 2,000 megawatts in the next 12 years.

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/story.html?id=a1d5e03e-2ad2-4666-830b-9b25c5b4443d

Haldimand "The Once and Future Kennedy"

An excellent read! Thanks www.energyquest4nanticoke.ca



The Once and Future Kennedy

by: Suzanne Elston



The whole world is watching. Since President-Elect Obama’s victory on November 4th, there has been much debate about how the 44th president of the United States will live up to his many election promises. While his inauguration won’t take place until January 20, 2009, the pundits are already trying to figure out whom Obama will choose to serve in his cabinet.


High among the list of potentials is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – a seasoned environmental lawyer and advocate who carries the legacy of his uncle, President John Kennedy, and his father, Senator Bobby Kennedy. Despite his remarkable family pedigree and considerable personal accomplishments, it’s Kennedy passion for the health of his children and for the health of this planet that are his greatest strengths.


I had the opportunity to hear Kennedy at the Sustainable Operations Summit in Vancouver a few days before the U.S. election. He challenged the public to question the implied position of the energy industry that economic and environmental policies are mutually exclusive.”The environment and the economy are intertwined,” said Kennedy. “Nature is the infrastructure of our community.


We need to protect this infrastructure, which is the common wealth of our community, so that our children have the same opportunities that we had.”“If we can resolve those issues, then everything else will fall into place,” he said.


“We are not protecting the environment for the sake of the fishes. We are protecting it for us.


The economy is the wholly owned subsidiary of the environment.”Contrary to what the oil industry would have everyone believe, reducing carbon emissions would not kill the already faltering U.S. economy.


Kennedy cited U.S. public opinion during the debate over the abolition of slavery, when 25 percent of the energy used by industry was provided by slave labor.


”Rather than collapsing the US economy, abolition forced the economy to move much more quickly,” said Kennedy. “The fear was that the economy would crater. Instead it exploded exponentially during a period we now call the industrial revolution.


”Kennedy sees the U.S. addiction to carbon fuels as a principle drag on the economy. “We are borrowing a billion dollars a day to feed the addiction to foreign oil from countries that are hostile. We are hemorrhaging our wealth.”


In addition, the U.S. is providing $ 1.5 trillion in subsidies to the oil industry, money that could be much better spent developing local, sustainable energy.


Kennedy cited several examples of nations that have decarbonized their economies with tremendous success. In 1970, Iceland was the poorest country in Europe, importing 100 percent of its energy in the form of coal and oil. The government decided to shift to harvesting local geothermal energy. It took just 15 years to become 4th richest country in Europe (by GDP) with 90 percent of its energy coming from geothermal.


Sweden decided to not only decarbonize, but also to phase out nuclear power in 1996. Harvesting wind, tidal, geothermal and waste energy has made Sweden the 6th richest country in Europe (by GDP) according to Kennedy.Brazil, once a “have not” country, now exports its energy surpluses because it switched from oil to renewable ethanol derived from biomass left over from harvesting sugar cane.


Kennedy dismissed the argument that solar and other renewable power sources can be very harmful to the environment.“The environmental damage caused by building solar farms is a fraction of the damage done every year by coal farming in the Appalachians,” said Kennedy.


The only barrier to creating a sustainable energy economy is subsidies to the incumbents.“We need to create a marketplace where people can sell their energy back to the grid,” said Kennedy.


“We need an economy based on American ingenuity rather than Saudi oil.


”Kennedy pointed to his own experience. Four years ago he was spending $ 2200 a year to fuel his mini-van. Today his Prius costs about $ 1000.“That’s $ 1200 a year in my pocket,” he said. “What would it do to the US economy if everybody had an extra $ 1200 to spend on other things?


Good environmental policy is the same as good economic policy. It creates good jobs and preserves the assets of the community.”


In addition, Kennedy estimates the U.S. could save $ 600 billion a year in avoided costs because of reduced air pollution.


“Am I going to watch my children gasping for air because some lobbyist gave money to the US government?” he said.


“This is not just about the destruction of the environment. This is about the subversion of American society.”Kennedy concluded by citing our moral responsibility to future generations.


“We are part of the continuum, part of something bigger than ourselves. Our environment connects us to the 10,000 generations who were here before laptops,” he said. “We can do well by doing good.”


Suzanne Elstonhttp://www.yourearth.ca/

Haldimand "Let's all Stay Plugged In"

Energy generation -- let's stay plugged in
Simcoe Reformer: Toby Barrett - November 26, 2008

When it comes to energy generation and environment, last week's Jarvis symposium proves one thing -- Haldimand and Norfolk residents are plugged in.

A standing-room-only energized crowd of 250 joined a town hall open to all, featuring objective, information-intensive facts from all sides of the energy/environment spectrum. Invitations were sent to stakeholders from all energy and environmental sectors to ensure all views were represented.

Much has changed since the last symposium -- a regulation now to close coal production by 2014, an announcement from Bruce Power to option 1,760 acres from U.S. Steel for two nuclear reactors, natural gas and wind initiatives.

The obvious elephants in the room were coal and nuclear.

Exhibits set up before the speeches featured the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, CAE Alliance, Grand Erie Energy Quest, Canadian Nuclear Workers Association, TCI Renewables, and M2 Fuel Saver and Bruce Power.

Duncan McEachern was first up to discuss Competitive Power Ventures' combined cycle natural gas proposal north of Nanticoke plus wind power plans.

David Shier of the Canadian Nuclear Workers' Council wanted those assembled to understand that, "nuclear power plants are safe," "nuclear power plants produce no greenhouse gases," and "waste is safely managed." Further details can be accessed at www.cnwc-cctn.ca.

Clean and Affordable Energy (CAE) Alliance spokesperson Paul Surreys reminded us, "the Nanticoke plant is economy of scale" -- suggesting the OPG coal plant's emissions should be considered on a per megawatt basis, as one Nanticoke equals four coal plants. He added the "biggest crime" is that government has spent eight years without cleaning coal plants --
www.caealliance.com has more on the "clean coal" story.

OPG Nanticoke's former plant manager, Chris Young, presented information on pilot tests of biomass. The minister of energy has recently directed that a review of the Integrated Power System Plan should "include the potential for converting existing coal fired assets to biomass." The OPG website is at www.opg.com.

Mark Bannister of Diverse Green Solutions -- representing OMNIwatt ( www.omniwatt.com ) -- spoke about the potential for wind, energy from waste, and possibility of green tobacco to make biodiesel.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture's Ted Cowan provided levity addressing the benefits to struggling farmers from biomass production, adding that "radioactive waste from corn cobs will be gone in 15 minutes." The OFA's information can be found at www.ofa.on.ca.

Richard Goodlet of Port Ryerse filled in as a speaker on carbon sequestration citing there are studies that suggest this area would have potential for injecting coal carbon emissions into underlying geological layers, adding that more funding was needed for research. The website www.energyquest4nanticoke.ca/options.htm has links to carbon sequestration links.

Grant Church of Cayuga made an impassioned plea to "clean up coal plants, and keep them open, as with the rest of the world," stating that because of rising energy prices from other forms of electricity generation "Ontario, once a place to stand and grow, is now a place to run from."

Janet Fraser and Stephana Johnston of Grand Erie Energy Quest concluded the evening indicating, "conservation efforts could eliminate the need for more nuclear plants" and that the energy discussion must continue to ensure the right power versus environment decisions are made for this and future generations. They directed people to www.energyquest4nanticoke.ca.

There's lots to discuss -- let's all stay plugged in.
Toby Barrett is MPP for the riding of Haldimand-Norfolk
Article ID# 1316531

Haldimand "Bruce Power Hires Radiation Specialist"

I find it interesting that this Specialist that was hired by Bruce Power seems to think that the issue that most people are talking about is radiation. What I have heard is a bit different.

Some of the concerns I have heard are the storage of nuclear waste, water usage and what has come up recently is the mining of uranium. Now that in itself is a whole new ball game! I am working on that one.

What I find interesting is that this specialist states "Nuclear" power is the way to go if you want to minimize our carbon footprint! So what is a "carbon footprint"? I'm not quite sure, but I do think it is more than "radiation" from a nuclear plant!

Nuclear experts hired to answer residents' questions
Posted By MONTE SONNENBERG, SUN MEDIA
November 25, 2008

A radiation specialist will be a key player in a series of open houses related to the proposed construction of two nuclear reactors in Nanticoke.

Bruce Power recently hired Doug Boreham, a former professor at Mc-Master University in Hamilton, as its senior environmental scientist. He will answer questions about nuclear power at upcoming open houses in Simcoe, Jarvis, Port Dover and Cayuga.

"One of the biggest obstacles we have to overcome on these projects are people's fears of radiation," Boreham said Monday. "What is the effect on me? What is the effect on my children? What are the effects on future generations? One of my main functions in this process is to dispel the fears people have about radiation."

Boreham and Duncan Moffett, of Golder Associates, gave Haldimand council an overview Monday of the environmental assessment now underway regarding a possible nuclear installation in Nanticoke. The pair are expected to make the same presentation tonight at Norfolk council.

The open houses scheduled for Dec. 1 to 4 will provide Bruce Power with an opportunity to introduce itself to the community. Experts on nuclear power will be on hand to address residents' questions and concerns.

An issue that has dogged the nuclear industry from the outset is the belief that nuclear waste remains highly toxic for as long as 250,000 years.

That, Boreham said, is not true. After 200 years, he said, a person would have to stand in the presence of a spent fuel rod for one hour to absorb as much radioactivity as is delivered by a standard CT scan.

Boreham and Moffett heard Monday that a plant in Nanticoke may be an issue for Dunnville. The town is down stream from the proposed site and draws its drinking water from Lake Erie.

Nuclear reactors use large amounts of water and discharge trace amounts of radioactive tritium in their effluent. The International Congress on Radiation Protection has set the safe limit for these emissions at 7,500 becquerels.

The amount of tritium released into Lake Huron at Bruce Power's plant in Tiverton averages about 50 becquerels. Moffett said Bruce Power is considering a design for the Nanticoke project that discharges no effluent into Lake Erie.

Moffett added that nuclear power should be the choice of those who wish to minimize their carbon footprint.

"If you were to get all your electricity from one of these reactors, your share of waste over a lifetime would fit in a pop can," he said. "If you got all of your electricity over your lifetime from coal, your waste would fit into four dump trucks."

Moffett said, "Nanticoke looks like one of the best possible sites for a power plant" because it is remote, close to a large body of water and located at the entry point of a major transmission corridor.

The first open house will be held at the Lions Community Centre in Port Dover Dec. 1. The Lions Community Centre in Jarvis is up next Dec. 2. On Dec. 3, the Simcoe Recreation Centre plays host. On Dec. 4, the event moves to the Kinsmen Centre in downtown Cayuga. Each event starts at 3 p. m. and ends at 8 p. m.

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1313706

Haldimand "Bruce Power Runs into Opposition in Alberta"

News for Tuesday, November 25th, 2008
Bruce Power runs into opposition
Written by Kevin Bernard and the Canadian Press

It is not going to be smooth sailing for Bruce Power, as the Lake Huron based company tries to expand into Alberta.

The NDP plans to table petitions in the Alberta legislature that bear the names of 25 hundred people opposed to nuclear power in the province.

Opponents of the plant say the government should release a promised report on nuclear power to kick-start public consultations.

The petitions were circulated in northwestern Alberta's Peace Country where Ontario-based Bruce Power is looking at two potential sites for a nuclear reactor.

Bruce Power spokesperson John Peevers, says provincial government and community support is crucial to their plans.

He says they won't proceed with the plant unless they have a willing host, both at the government and community level.

Bruce Power predicts a nuclear plant in the Peace River region would contribute 12 billion dollars to the province's economy during the construction period.

A preliminary report from Bruce Power also shows a nuclear plant would generate 27 hundred long term jobs.

Brenda Brochu, the President of the Peace River Environmental Society, and other opponents of the proposed project came to the Alberta legislature Monday to press their concerns.

Energy Minister Mel Knight says a panel looking at the nuclear question is still working on its report and he doesn't have it yet.

http://www.radioowensound.com/news.php?id=16436

Haldimand "Something Seems Wrong with This One"

Let's take a step back in time to February of 2007, this is when the problem seems to have started for Haldimand County Council. The problem I am referring to is that some residents feel they were shut out of a very important decision that council made on their behalf.

Haldimand County council took a vote in regards to sending a letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty asking for his endorsement of a "proposed nuclear" plant in Nanticoke. The vote was 4-3 in "favour" of sending this letter. The problem I see is that Councillor Delmonte "voted" on this, and in fact voted in "favour".

Councillor Delmonte works for US steel (formerly known as Stelco) and in the past when any issue came up at council regarding US steel, Delmonte "always" proclaimed a "Conflict of Interest" and therefore refrained from influencing or voting on any issues in relation to US Steel no matter how small! One particular issue was the "proposed ferry" across Lake Erie. This was a venture that involved US steel and Delmonte refrained from voting.

This is what I found on the Haldimand County website;

1) PED-GM-01-2007 Re; Nuclear Power Plant

a) Frank Harrison PHD Corporate Manager-Environment & Engineering, Stelco Inc, regarding potential use of Stelco Inc. lands for the location of a Nuclear Power Facility.

Recommendation #19
Moved by Councillor Boyko
Seconded by Councillor Ricker

1) That report PED-GM-01-2007 Re Nuclear Power Plant dated November 29th, 2006 be received.

Carried (Unanimously) 7-0

Recommendation 20 (tabled motion)
Moved by Councillor Boyko
Seconded by Councillor Grice

That the Ministry of Energy be advised that Haldimand County is interested in looking at alternative energy generation options, including Nuclear within Haldimand County.

And that this position be conveyed to the Minister during meetings at the ROMA Conference in February.

Carried (Unanimously) 7-0

Now in this case Delmonte has been "fully engaged" on the issue, even though Bruce Power is working with US Steel in a possible land deal. As far as I know this is the first time that he has not proclaimed a "Conflict of Interest" when it comes to US Steel.

The reason why the three council members voted "against" this letter of endorsement was the lack of public input! So what would have happened if Delmonte had taken his usual stand? Well that answer is pretty simple, the letter would not have been sent until the "public" was notified!

Now this brings to an interesting thing that Mayor Trainer told me on the phone the other day. She stated that Councillor Delmonte was now going to proclaim a "Conflict" in regards to this whole Nuclear issue. I said Pardon me? to Mayor Trainer, and she repeated her statement! I said isn't he too late to back out now? He has already voted and been fully involved in the whole process.

I personally see this as a very serious problem. Now I don't know what Delmonte does for US Steel, but I do know that he has always refrained from voting on any issues regarding US Steel.

What Delmonte has done according to Mayor Trainer makes no sense to me. Delmonte votes, seconds, is fully involved in the process and now he is going to refrain and back down? This cannot be legal even for a Council member!

Haldimand "Tracking and Monitoring Bruce Powers EA"

I put some links at the top left hand corner for anyone who wants to track and monitor Bruce Powers EA progress.

Major Projects Management Office
http://www.mpmo-bggp.gc.ca/

This link is for Nanitcoke; http://www2.mpmo-bggp.gc.ca/MPTracker/projectsummary-resumedeprojet.aspx?pid=91

Welcome to the newly released Major Projects Management Office’s tracking and monitoring system, MPMO Tracker.

The MPMO Tracker is a public web-based system designed to track and monitor the progress of major resource projects through the federal regulatory system.

Please be advised that the MPMO Tracker is not designed to capture information in real time nor is it intended to be the official source for all regulatory information relating to major resource projects.

For example, pursuant to Section 55(1) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (the Act), the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry is the official source of public information and records related to environmental assessments (EA) conducted under the Act.

It also provides timely notice about the start of an EA and opportunities for public participation.

Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Natural Resources (NRCan), makes no representations or warranties about the suitability for any purpose of the information and documents obtained by using the MPMO Tracker (Information), including but not limited to, effectiveness, completeness, accuracy or fitness for a particular purpose.

NRCan does not assume any liability in respect of any damage or loss incurred or suffered as a result of the use of the MPMO Tracker or any Information.

In no event shall NRCan be liable in any way for loss of revenue or contracts, or any other consequential loss of any kind resulting from the use of the MPMO Tracker or any Information.
We invite you to explore the MPMO Tracker. Click here to begin

Haldimand "Here is One Alternative to Nuclear"

OPG had a table at Toby's Energy Symposium last week and it was quite interesting. I picked up their CD called "Generating Power from Biomass". You can go online and view this video at www.opg.com I didn't check out the site but I am sure that you can contact someone and get a copy of the CD sent to you if you are on slo-mo dial up like I am.

I would have written an article about this alternative clean technology but I wouldn't have done a great job explaining it to you. So view the CD or request a copy of your own. Below is an excellent read on what has been going on in the testing of burning biomass instead of coal.

It would be interesting to find out if Haldimand County Council was aware of what has been going on at OPG in Nanticoke, and if they sent a letter off to Premier Dalton McGuinty in "support" of this clean technology. If this technology is developed and is put in place in Nanticoke that would secure "600" jobs and create many more jobs.


OPG testing biomass fuel in coal-fired power plants
RENÉ JOHNSTON/TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO
Coal is piled for storage at the Nanticoke station on Lake Erie. Up to four of its eight units could be converted to burn wood pellets instead of dirty coal.

Nov 24, 2008
Tyler Hamilton
Energy Reporter

Nanticoke generating station in Haldimand County is the largest coal-fired power plant in North America and as the workhorse for Ontario's electricity system, shutting it down by 2014 won't be easy.

It employs 600 people. It's an anchor for the provincial power grid, providing the voltage support needed to push electricity around southern Ontario. It's capable of supplying 4,000 megawatts of power, or enough to supply 15 per cent of the province's electricity needs.

It's why Duncan Hawthorne, chief executive of nuclear operator Bruce Power, wants to build a new nuclear plant beside Nanticoke. It will create jobs and stimulate the economy, he argues. It will provide voltage support for the grid and more than replace the power lost when Nanticoke is mothballed (though we all know he wouldn't be able to build a new nuclear plant before 2014).

When Hawthorne proposed the new plant three weeks ago, Energy and Infrastructure Minister George Smitherman was quick to shoot him down. Smitherman has different plans for Nanticoke, and said in an interview last week he's "cautiously optimistic" it will work. The idea: burn biomass instead of coal.

"It's an exciting option," says Smitherman, who in September directed the Ontario Power Authority to look at ways to add more renewables to the grid. He specifically asked the power authority to explore the potential of burning biomass in coal-fired plants. "I think it's going to be about 18 months before we have enough information to know what is possible."

Figuring out how to burn biomass such as wood or switchgrass pellets could solve many problems at once. The government could make good on its commitment to phase out coal. It could keep a sizeable amount of electricity generation in the area without having to build new transmission lines or plants, whether nuclear or natural gas.

It could continue to provide some much-needed voltage support for the grid, meaning less need to install expensive gear to compensate for the voltage losses.

It could keep local jobs and potentially create even more. That's because instead of importing coal, which is a flow of capital out of the province, OPG's need for biomass would stimulate a local industry for collecting wood or agricultural waste and turning it into fuel pellets. If an energy crop like switchgrass or poplar is chosen, it would also create opportunities for farmers that have seen markets for tobacco and ginseng disappear.

Most of all, it would lead to much cleaner power. Sulphur dioxide from biomass, particularly wood, only exists in trace amounts. There's no mercury. There are nitrogen oxides emissions, but far less than burning coal and some units at Nanticoke have selective catalytic reduction systems that can remove much of those emissions. Pollution-control equipment at Nanticoke that keeps soot and other particulates from entering the air can also be used for biomass.

That leaves greenhouse gases. When you burn wood or agricultural waste it releases the same amount of carbon dioxide as burning coal. The difference is that the CO2 that enters the air is theoretically carbon-neutral – that is, it gets reabsorbed in new plant growth. I say theoretically because it assumes biomass harvested is plant life that's replaced.

Coal, which contains CO2 absorbed by plant life millions of year ago, releases "new" CO2 when it is dug up and burned. So, from a climate-change perspective, burning biomass is better than burning coal because it doesn't increase the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. In fact, wood and agricultural waste ends up decaying anyway, and this releases methane – a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2.

Dozens of Scandinavian power plants in burn biomass as fuel. In August, Atlanta-based Georgia Power asked its local electricity regulator if it could convert one of its 100-megawatt coal plants to wood.

Some jurisdictions are looking at burning coal together with biomass, but Chunbao Xu, a professor of chemical engineering at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay who is working on OPG's biomass program, says it makes sense to burn 100 per cent biomass rather than blend it.
The ash that results from burning coal is currently sold to the cement industry as an additive, says Xu, and blending it with biomass contaminates that ash. While the ash from pure biomass can't be used in cement, it can be used for waste treatment or as a sodium- and potassium-rich fertilizer for agriculture. "There are many different uses," he says.

Xu and OPG are working together to solve some technical issues with burning biomass. The ash can build up on boilers and heat-transfer units, potentially reducing operating life and requiring more maintenance, at an added cost.

OPG is testing biomass on all four of its coal plants. Grain screenings have been burned at Thunder Bay generating station and Lambton station will soon be testing dried distillers grain, a by-product of ethanol production.

The Atikokan plant successfully burned only wood pellets in July for one day. A three-day test will be conducted in early December.

Chris Young, vice-president of business development for OPG's fossil fuels division, is confident in the potential of biomass. "We don't believe there will be insurmountable technical issues, particularly around Atikokan."

Atikokan will likely be the first plant converted to biomass. Its boilers are better suited to burning biomass, it can receive fuel by railcar and wood supply from forest slash and sawmill residue is plentiful in northern Ontario.

But Young admits that Nanticoke is the "big prize" for Ontario and OPG is working toward the longer-term goal of converting as many as four of Nanticoke's eight units.

Coal can be stored outside, exposed to the weather, but biomass can't. That means large enclosed storage areas would be necessary. The biggest challenge, however, would be making sure there is adequate supply of biomass fuel.

Young says OPG is talking with forest-product companies about supply issues. "What we intend to do is work through a competitive supply process with the forest and agriculture industry," he says.

The company has made clear it will not use food crops and it doesn't want to compete with other industrial users of biomass and drive up the market price of the fuel. Instead, it envisions signing a long-term contract for biomass supply that assures stable pricing, secure supply and the economies of scale that can turn niche markets into massive industry.

"We're talking about a different paradigm," he says. "It's a good equation for Ontario, but the economics of it all still have to be tested."

Getting the same amount of power from biomass as that provided from burning coal does cost more. But given the savings that would come from using an existing plant and the stability of signing a long-term contract for fuel, it may be a premium worth paying.

Factor in the benefits to the climate, the environment and the local economy and it could very well be a bargain.
http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/542152

Haldimand "Nuclear EA Official Start Date November 10th, 2008"

I thought I would do a bit of searching in regards to Bruce Powers EA application, to see if it was in fact official. And bingo there you have it the EA is official. I must have fallen a sleep at the wheel!

Actually it is "old news today". That was like driving through a small town, don't blink, you know the rest!

Bruce Power applied for an EA and "10" days later it is official!

So here is the information regarding the application. This includes Bruce Power's letter and Application details.

News Releases
CNSC Receives Application for Licence to Prepare Site for a New Nuclear Plant Project in Haldimand-Norfolk
08-30
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 7, 2008

Ottawa – On October 31, 2008, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) received an application for a licence to prepare a site and a project description from Bruce Power Erie Inc. for a proposed new nuclear power plant in the Haldimand-Norfolk region of southern Ontario.

The submission mentioned that two nuclear reactors would be built at the future plant to potentially generate between 2,200 and 3,200 megawatts of electricity to the Ontario grid.

The application for a licence to prepare a site is the first in a series of applications to build and operate a new nuclear power plant, as part of the CNSC licensing process.

"Canada is at the forefront of nuclear regulation in the world, thanks to the development of a rigorous and efficient system for licensing new nuclear power plants. This system, combined with CNSC’s extensive experience in regulating a wide range of nuclear activities, can assure Canadians that we strive for the highest standards of health, safety, security and environmental protection," said Michael Binder, President and CEO of the CNSC. "

At the same time, we proceed in an open and transparent manner, which includes significant public participation throughout the entire process, starting with the environmental assessment," Mr. Binder added.

Next, the CNSC will be reviewing the project description to ensure that its documentation is complete. If necessary, the nuclear regulator will request Bruce Power Erie to provide any missing or additional information.When the project description is deemed to be adequate, the CNSC will initiate the environmental assessment process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

The environmental assessment (EA) process is a pre-requisite for the licensing of a new nuclear power plant. An EA identifies whether a specific project is likely to cause significant environmental effects, and determines if those effects can be avoided or mitigated.

No licence decision can be made before an EA has been completed. While carrying out an EA, the CNSC works closely with other provincial and federal agencies and consults the public and aboriginal groups.

Further developments in the proposed project — starting with the application for a licence to prepare site and the project description — will also be tracked through the Government of Canada’s recently created Major Projects Management Office.

About the CNSC:The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

- 30 -

Related documents

Covering letter and application for a licence to prepare site received from Bruce Power Erie Inc. (CNSC has not reviewed the application for its completeness)

INFO-0756 (Revision 1): Licensing Process for New Nuclear Power Plants in Canada

For more information, media may contact:Aurèle GervaisMedia and Community RelationsCanadian Nuclear Safety CommissionTel.: 613-996-6860


Ontario
Bruce Power Erie - Proposal to Construct and Operate New Nuclear Power Plant
Environmental assessment start date: November 10, 2008
Type: Comprehensive Study
CEAR Reference Number: 08-03-43757
Proponent: Bruce Power Erie
Location: Nanticoke , Haldimand County , Ontario

Latest Updates

November 17, 2008: The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is required to ensure that a comprehensive study is conducted commencing on November 10, 2008 in relation to the project: Proposal by Bruce Power Erie to Construct and Operate a new nuclear power plant at Nanticoke, in Haldimand County.

The CNSC has been determined to be a Responsible Authority (RA). Other RA's and expert federal authorities will be identified pursuant to the Federal Coordination Regulations.

November 7, 2008: CNSC Receives Application for Licence to Prepare Site for a New Nuclear Power Plant Project in Haldimand-Norfolk

Project Description The CNSC has received a project description from Bruce Power Erie for the construction and operation of up to two new nuclear reactors at the Lake Erie Industrial Park at Nanticoke for the production of approximately 2,200 to 3,200 MWe of electrical generating capacity for supply to the Ontario grid. The proposed site is located on the north shore of Lake Erie in Haldimand County .

The scope of Bruce Power Erie's proposal includes preparation of the site, construction, operation, refurbishment if required, and eventual decommissioning and abandonment of the two new nuclear power reactors. Operations would involve activities required to operate and maintain the new reactor units, including management of conventional and radioactive waste. Bruce Power Erie is considering a range of reactor designs, but has not yet decided on a specific technology.

Under section 5 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act , an environmental assessment is required in relation to this project because the CNSC may issue a permit or licence under subsection 24(2) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act .

For further information on this Environmental Assessment, please refer to CEAR Number 08-03-43757 and contact:

John Clarke Environmental Assessment Specialist Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission P.O. Box 1046 , Station B 280 Slater St. Ottawa ON K1P 5S9 Telephone: 613-943-9919 or 1-800-668-5284 Fax: 613-995-5086
Email: ceaainfo@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/ea/ealist/ongoing/ontario/EA_08_03_43757.cfm

Haldimand "Nuclear Claims and Commercial Contradictions"

The following article was sent to me today, although it is a few months old it is a very good read;

Nuclear claims and commercial contradictions
Toby Barrett: June, 2008
http://www.tobybarrett.com/publication/nr/jun08coal-e.html

The signs of summer in Ontario: the sun is shining, the grass is growing and the birds are singing, declared smog-days are beginning to add-up and along with them, the related debate regarding the best route to meeting energy demands while achieving environmental goals begins to heat up once more.

Of course here in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties this debate takes on even greater significance, as local governments, workers, entrepreneurs and residents brace for the new energy reality that the McGuinty Government continues to promise, but fails to deliver.

And as we sit under the cloud of coal-closure deadlines and then new deadlines (now slated for 2014?) it is incumbent on all of us to consider the potential and drawbacks of different energy sources that may be counted on in the future to provide power and jobs in this area for years to come.

As I've written in the past, I have worked to ensure that science, research and information is provided to the people of our communities to allow for educated input from those future local energy decisions will affect the most before putting our eggs into any basket.

It was now over a year ago, following a McGuinty announcement for a $40 billion nuclear program for Ontario and the promise of consultation that I wrote the Premier for answers to local energy questions. My correspondence requested that 1. government hold public hearings on the future of electricity generation in our area; and 2. provide a cost comparison between nuclear generation and coal-fired generation that includes carbon capture and clean-air technology. I continue to await a response - or action - on either front.

As I feel it is essential that the people of Haldimand and Norfolk are given the information to influence important energy - and related economic and environmental - decisions for the future I have not stood still while I wait for government to come forward with answers.

A year ago, I held an energy symposium in Jarvis - a symposium that included stakeholders representing many perspectives on the generation of energy. Further, I have continued to meet with stakeholders both at Queens Park and at our home offices in Simcoe and Dunnville - while attending, or sending representatives to local energy meetings.

Recently a number of area meetings have again concentrated on the issue of the potential for nuclear energy in Nanticoke - one of the main focuses has been the relative "green"-ness, of nuclear compared to other energy sources. Given some of the claims being made I thought I would take this opportunity to report some recent findings.

Many will recall the ads run by the Canadian Nuclear Association - a $1.7 million ad campaign in fact - touting nuclear as, "clean, reliable and affordable." What many may not recall is the subsequent false advertising complaint filed by environmental, church and health groups submitted to the Competition Bureau amid renewed debate about the nuclear option as an alternative to fossil fuels.

The coalition filing the claim given a number of findings from a report of the Pembina Institute, titled, "Nuclear Power in Canada: An Examination of Risks, Impacts and Sustainability."

A Pembina report found that the Canadian nuclear sector produces:

-An estimated 575,000 tonnes of acidic tailings each year from the mining of uranium fuel. These contain a range of acids, long-lived radioactive material, heavy metals and other contaminants.

-Approximately 85,000 waste-fuel bundles annually. As of 2003, 1.7 million radioactive bundles were in storage at reactor sites. It's estimated these wastes will have to be secured for approximately a million years.

-Uranium mining and milling operations are found to be significant sources of releases of sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Releases of NOx, particulate matter (PM) and sulphuric acid arise from refining and conversion activities.

-Total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with uranium mining, milling, refining, conversion and fuel fabrication in Canada are estimated at between 240,000 and 366,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Add to this the fact that, Health Canada and Environment Canada have determined that the discharge from nuclear plants meets the criteria to be categorized as toxic under the Canada Environmental Protection Act.

As both the local and provincial energy debate moves forward, I will continue to advocate for comprehensive communication and public consultation. It is incumbent on decision-makers to consider the local economy, environment and the informed wishes of the residents before jumping to conclusions that will impact our own and future generations.

Haldimand "It is Up to You to Get Involved and Have your Say"

Bruce Power will be appearing as a delegation at the Council in Committee meeting Monday November 24th at 1:00pm. They will also be in Norfolk on Tuesday November 25th. My understanding is that Bruce Power will update council on some open houses that will take place the first week of December.

I went onto the Bruce Power website (I have a link to the left under Nuclear) to get the information and post it here, but I had problems downloading the file. There is a section that is dedicated to Haldimand/Norfolk.

Bruce Power has one section that is called "your voice counts", you can send them any questions or comments that you have. Please visit their site often. It is up to you to stay informed and be involved!

I was trying to find a news release by Bruce Power in regards to the EA. It seems that from the article below the EA process has officially started, but I could not confirm this.

Thanks to one of my posters here is a link to the following information from Bruce Power;

Haldimand County :
Month One of Energy Assessment Down - Much More To Come Says Bruce Power
http://www.cd989.com/modules/news/

As the first month of Bruce Power's energy assessment is coming to an end, an EA Public Participation Coordinator says there's much more to come.

Peter Brown says so far the assessment has started a process to understanding the community and environment, marrying the technology of nuclear with the environment and determining if its feasible .

He says that already one advantage of the Nanticoke site is transmission and exploring possibilities.

He also says that Bruce wants to enable the community to understand the process and to make up their own mind about nuclear in Haldimand-Norfolk.

The group will be hosting several open houses and community information sessions from 3-8pm:

December 1 - Port Dover Lions Community Centre

December 2 - Jarvis Community Centre

December 3 - Simcoe Recreation Centre

December 4 - Cayuga Kinsmen Community Centre

Please attend at least one of the open houses, it is up to all of us to be involved in the process!

Haldimand "Haldimand County News Release Welcomes EA"

A little late getting this one posted, but I just found this news release on the Haldimand County Website. I don't recall this being in any of our local newspapers.

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Dated: October 31, 2008

Haldimand County Council welcomes the announcement from Bruce Power of its intention to commence the initiation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) in support of its proposal to establish a nuclear generation station within the Lake Erie Industrial Park near Nanticoke. This proposal complements existing generation in this area and with other proposed generation facilities takes advantage of significant transmission capability.

Mayor Marie Trainer indicated that, in 2007, Haldimand County Council passed resolutions supporting the initiation of an environmental assessment. The public consultation process will apprise the public of all the issues associated with a nuclear power facility and to determine the willingness of the community to host such a facility.

“Council unanimously supports the initiation of the environmental assessment process and the extensive community and stakeholder engagement requirements that is associated with this step. Many opportunities will be provided over the nearly three years it will take to complete it so our citizens and businesses can provide their input” she said.

The Environmental Assessment process is a planning decision making process that will allow a complete and comprehensive assessment of the proposal through the requirement of rigorous supporting studies and the open and full engagement of all stakeholders.

Should this project proceed to construction, information provided by Bruce Power and independent research conducted by the County indicates that a nuclear generation facility would provide significant economic benefit to the County economy. The project has the potential to create a thousand long term stable jobs, significant construction employment and new assessment.

Haldimand County, through its Official Plan, has designated and protected a significant amount of land for large scale industrial and employment uses near Nanticoke. The County is interested to learn that this proposal envisions the nuclear generating facility as being part of a larger clean energy hub for the Province by partnering with other organizations to develop hydrogen, solar and wind generation. As a result the ‘Lake Erie Industrial Park’ has significant potential to help meet the electricity needs of the Province for the coming decades.

Haldimand County is excited about today’s announcement and is committed to ensuring that the community is kept informed and involved throughout this process and has established a special purpose committee to assist in this regard.

Further information please contact: Councillor Buck Sloat – Chair – Nanticoke Area Power Generation Committee (905) 961-3270 Don Boyle – CAO Haldimand County – (905) 318-5932