Haldimand "Do you Feel Secure?"

The announcement yesterday from US Steel was a surprise for many out there. But for some like a very close friend of ours that has worked at Stelco for 33 years knew that something was in the wind. It all started back in the fall when his department closed down. He had been an overhead crane operator for years and when his department closed down he went to stores. After a very short time in stores he went to the coke ovens and knew that his days were numbered. Luckily for our friend he has enough time in at Stelco to retire. Now this is not exactly what they had planned, but it is better financially for him to retire then to collect EI.

Stelco was bought out by an American company back a year or so ago. This purchase by US Steel stopped the closure of Stelco at that time. From an article that I will post below, there seems to have been some kind of legislation or rules as to a foreign company buying out a Canadian company. This information is confidential but it makes you wonder what the hell is really going on.

With the economic times of today no one seems to feel secure in their jobs, and when news like this hits the press it scares people even more. What happens when people are afraid of losing their jobs? They stop spending money. What makes the economy healthy? People spending their money.

The Federal and Provincial governments both have a stimulus package coming out that is going to drive us into huge deficits. When this money starts flowing is it going to help?

Canada's banks are now rated number one in the world. We are being told that the recession started outside of Canada and has pulled us in. I understand that part but what I don't understand is how the governments are dealing with the problem. The larger companies that are asking for financial support on the most part are not Canadian owned companies. They are foreign companies with Canadian connections. So did the government not see this one coming? When the larger companies shut down or downsize there is a domino effect that hits the "Canadian" Manufacturing companies.

I am not an economist nor an expert on business finances, but what I am pretty sure of is that when people stop spending money the economy feels the crunch. So my suggestion is that all money from upper levels of government should go to only two things; Infrastructure, and money in our pockets! No money to big companies! Money to big companies is not going to make you and I go out and buy a home or a car or any big ticket item. Will these companies that the government helps send the savings down to the consumer? In my opinion, No!

One idea that I had was for those out there that have spent years investing in RRSP's be given the option of cashing in $25,000.00 without penalty and without having to pay the taxes! Think of what that would do for the economy. How many people do you know would take advantage of that stimulus? I know I would.

In Haldimand-Norfolk, it's hoped pain is temporary
March 04, 2009
Lisa Grace Marr
The Hamilton Spectator
HALDIMAND-NORFOLK (Mar 4, 2009)

Andrew Schneider, owner of the iconic Erie Beach Hotel in Port Dover, is crossing his fingers hoping that when U.S. Steel says temporary layoffs, it means it.

"What does temporary mean? Two weeks? Two months or years? It's (a lot) of families and good jobs, the kind with benefits and all the things you need to support a family these days."
Schneider, past president of the Port Dover Board of Trade, was just digesting the news of layoffs of 1,500 jobs at U.S. Steel's Hamilton and Lake Erie operations announced late yesterday.

The move will affect 786 jobs in a rural, sparsely populated region with few employers the size of U.S. Steel. "It's a big hit right now."

U.S. Steel is listed as the biggest private sector employer on Haldimand County's website.
Haldimand-Norfolk MP Diane Finley, who is also minister of human resources and skills development, said she was "very disappointed" to hear of the layoffs.

Finley said Service Canada officials have already met with U.S. Steel to discuss what programs and benefits are possible for affected workers.

"Where there are mass layoffs, (Service Canada) always offers to go in and tell them what are the options, especially in light of some of the new options," she said.

Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer said she was shocked to learn of the layoffs yesterday afternoon when a U.S. Steel executive informed her of the move.

"He sounded very positive and said things will get back to normal once the economy and the European market bounce back," she said.

U.S. Steel has said it intends to temporarily close down its Lake Erie plant but keep its coke ovens running.

Norfolk County Mayor Dennis Travale said the news would be terrible for the area, because of its wide-ranging impact.

Travale said he, Finley and Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett were to give a talk at the Simcoe Chamber of Commerce on Friday on the state of the economy.

"I was going to try and be upbeat. I guess I'll have to rewrite my speech," Travale said.

Trainer said the layoffs will be particularly difficult to bear in Caledonia, which is experiencing a lag in development owing to uncertainty brought on by native land claims and protests. "It will have a real trickle-down effect for county businesses, everything from mom and pop to large grocery stores."

Robert Cook, president of the Jarvis Board of Trade and owner of a garden store on Highway 6, said the former Stelco "has always been a good member of the community."

"If it's temporary and it puts the company into a better position, that's fine.

"If they need time to take a breather (from the economy), we would hope that helps with long-term stability."

lmarr@thespec.com
905-526-3992
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/523628

Stelco Shutdown
Local - Stelco shut down, production to U.S.
Stelco shut down, production to U.S.
John Rennison

U.S, Steel announced Tuesday that it is shutting down operations in Hamilton and Lake Erie and transferring production south of the border.

John RennisonU.S, Steel announced Tuesday that it is shutting down operations in Hamilton and Lake Erie and transferring production south of the border.

United States Steel Corp., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is an integrated steel producer with major production operations in the U.S., Canada and central Europe and an annual raw steelmaking capability of 31.7 million net tons. The company manufactures a wide range of steel sheet and tubular products for the automotive, appliance, container, industrial machinery, construction and oil and gas industries.

Lake Erie Works Employs: 1,100
Location: Nanticoke, north shore of Lake Erie
Founded: 1980
Operations: Integrated mill produces high-quality hot rolled sheet steel and slabs.

Hamilton Works
Employs: 1,700
Location: Burlington Street, Hamilton
Founded: The Steel Company of Canada is formed in 1910 by the amalgamation of five companies. It officially becomes Stelco in 1980. The company goes into bankruptcy protection in 2004 and emerges in 2006. It was bought by U.S. Steel in 2007.
Operations: Primary iron and steelmaking, plus finishing operations, including two pickle lines, a tandem cold mill, three coating lines, cold sheet finishing, a billet mill and a bar mill.
1,500 lose jobs in U.S. Steel cost cutting

Another 700 were already laid off
March 04, 2009 Naomi Powell
The Hamilton Spectator(Mar 4, 2009)

U.S. Steel is shutting down all operations at the former Stelco, putting 1,500 employees in Hamilton and Nanticoke out of work indefinitely.

In a city that has always looked to steel as its backbone, it is the most devastating indicator yet of a deepening economic crisis that has already battered Hamilton's struggling manufacturing sector.

The latest cuts come on top of 684 layoffs that have already been delivered at U.S. Steel Canada, bringing the total number of job losses to 2,190. No salaried staff were affected.

"This is going to devastate Hamilton," said Rolf Gerstenberger, president of the United Steelworkers union in Hamilton. "You lay off hundreds of thousands of steelworkers in Hamilton and North America and this crisis will just get worse."

Hamilton Steel and Lake Erie Works in Nanticoke will be mothballed over the next few weeks as U.S. Steel concentrates production at plants in Alabama, Pittsburgh and Indiana. Only the coke ovens at Lake Erie Works will continue to run.

The Canadian plants -- bought by U.S. Steel for $1.9 billion less than 16 months ago -- will not resume production until market conditions improve.

In Ottawa, officials are "watching the situation closely" to ensure it complies with the Investment Canada Act, said Pema Lhalungpa, an aide to Industry Minister Tony Clement. To get approval from Ottawa, a foreign company looking to buy a Canadian company must agree to "undertakings," which specify the net benefit the firm will provide to Canada in employment, investment or other contributions.

"Should an undertaking be compromised, we look at all options available to the government under the act," Lhalungpa said. She added that confidentiality rules prevent her from discussing U.S. Steel.

In Hamilton, Gerstenberger said he was angered that U.S. Steel had taken such a damaging step so soon after buying the former Stelco.

"Not that long ago, they were telling me how lucky we were to have U.S. Steel buy us," he said.

"Now a year and four months later we're shut down completely. We were the last Canadian steel company and now all the decisions are being made outside the country as far as what's good for Hamilton and what's good for Canada."

The steel industry is battling the worst downturn in demand in decades. Orders have dried up from manufacturers of cars, appliances and machinery, and steel prices have collapsed, prompting steelmakers to slash production and staff.

U.S. Steel has already shut down operations at its steelmaking and mining operations in Texas, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. U.S. Steel spokesperson Chuck Rice said there was "no way of knowing" when the steel market might pick up.

"I don't think there's anything parallel to this economic environment," he said last night. "Our primary customers in the auto industry and the appliance industry, well you can see what struggles they're having."

He said the move would not lead to a permanent shutdown of the older, less efficient Hamilton Steel operation.

"It's an integral part of the operation," he said. The shutdowns are expected to take a heavy toll on Hamilton's economy, hitting companies far beyond the plant gates, including local firms that transport steel and perform maintenance on machinery.

"For the local people this will be quite a blow," said Bill Ferguson, leader of the United Steelworkers union in Lake Erie. "This plant, Lake Erie, has never shut down in its history."

Workers and community leaders were stunned by the news yesterday, which include 786 layoffs at Lake Erie Works and 720 further cuts at Hamilton Steel.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said he got a call from a U.S. Steel Canada representative yesterday afternoon to warn him about the impending job losses.

"I was stunned," he said, noting he has family who works at the company, a connection he suspects many Hamiltonians also have. "It's hitting pretty close to home."

Eisenberger said he's urging the federal government to deal with its employment insurance issues quickly. He added that the temporary shut down "screams out" for the need for immediate infrastructure spending to help the troubled economy.

"The good news is this is not a shutdown, this is an idling," he said. "This is not the end of the steel industry in Hamilton."

New Democrat Paul Miller (Hamilton East-Stoney Creek) worked for 32 years at Stelco before entering politics.

"Stelco provided jobs that helped families pay off their mortgages and put their kids through school," he said. "I shudder at the economic toll this will take."

Premier Dalton McGuinty declined to comment. Ontario is in dire economic shape, due largely to the unravelling of the manufacturing sector that has seen steel, auto and other industries demolished. The province is due to post a record breaking deficit in the range of $18 billion later this month.

"This is terrible news for Hamilton and the Nanticoke community," said Ontario Economic Development Minister Michael Bryant. "It is our hope that they will be back up ... and we want to explore every opportunity to see how we can make a contribution to get there."
ArcelorMittal Dofasco has yet to lay off any permanent employees, though it has cut the equivalent of 500 full-time workers through reductions in overtime and contract workers.

npowell@thespec.com
905-526-4620
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/523647

Haldimand "Nuclear Lies, Green Truths"

March 4th, 7:30pm Sky Dragon Co-op (27 King William St., Hamilton)

*Nuclear lies, green truths - An evening on climate solutions*

What is the quickest way to stop a wind turbine? Build a nuclear reactor.

The Hamilton Peace Cafe and Sky Dragon Community Development Cooperative present Greenpeace Executive Director Bruce Cox on climate change solutions and how nuclear power threatens to put the brakes on green energy in Ontario.

The presentation and discussion will take place on Wednesday, March 4th at 7:30pm at the Sky Dragon Community Development Cooperative (Bread & Roses Cafe, 27 King William St, Hamilton, 1 block north of King & James).

Right now, Ontario is at a crossroads in terms of how electricity is going to be supplied to customers like you and me. In the next few weeks the Ontario government will release their Green Energy Act, and decide whether or not to rebuild the Pickering "B" nuclear reactor and potentially launch massive spending on new nuclear stations.

Pouring millions into new nukes is not only a bad decision for our economy and environment, it will effectively stop Ontario's renewable energy potential and fundamentally undermine Canada's ability to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Come out for an interesting evening of presentations and discussion on climate solutions and how nuclear power stands in their way.

We need your help to tell the McGuinty government to say 'No' to $40 billion in new nuclear projects and 'Yes' to green power.

Admission is free. For more information or how you can help, call Kathryn Wrong, Greenpeace Manager(Hamilton) at 905-481-1239 or visit www.skydragon.org and check out the events section.

For more about alternative energy: http://www.renewableisdoable.ca.

Haldimand "Join David Suzuki and Margaret Atwood"

I received this e-mail today in regards to signing a petition. This is certainly a petition that is worth signing.

Please pass this on to everyone you know!


The Ontario Government is apparently having a hard time getting nuclear companies to agree to take responsibility for cost overruns and delays on its proposed new nuclear projects.

That’s not surprising given that the nuclear industry has not been able to bring a project in on-time or on-budget in Ontario in 25 years.

But it is bad news for Ontario taxpayers and ratepayers, who are already on the hook for an $18 billion nuclear debt. If the Ontario Government is serious about not repeating the mistakes of the past, it must pass a Nuclear Cost Responsibility Act that makes it illegal for nuclear power companies to pass their capital cost overruns onto electricity consumers or taxpayers.

Dr. David Suzuki and Margaret Atwood are among the more than 700 people who have signed our petition calling for a Nuclear Cost Responsibility Act.

We need hundreds of more signatures to show Energy and Infrastructure Minister George Smitherman that Ontarians will not accept another sweetheart deal for nuclear projects of dubious value.

Please sign the petition, get your friends and family to sign and learn about a better approach to meeting Ontario’s energy needs at www.OntariosGreenFuture.ca

Sign the petition now – www.OntariosGreenFuture.ca – to keep your money out of the nuclear industry’s pocket.

Please pass this message on to your friends.

Thank you.
Jessica Fracassi, Communications & Membership Director Ontario Clean Air Alliance
402-625 Church St, Toronto M4Y 2G1
Phone: 416-926-1907 ext. 245
Fax: 416-926-1601
Email: jessica@cleanairalliance.org Website: www.cleanairalliance.org

Website: www.OntariosGreenFuture.ca

The Ontario Clean Air Alliance is a diverse, multi-stakeholder coalition of approximately 90 organizations including cities, health associations, environmental and public interest groups, corporations, public utilities, unions, faith communities and individuals. The OCAA’s short term goal is to achieve the complete phase out of Ontario’s four coal-fired power plants by 2010.

Our long term goal is to ensure that all of our electricity needs are met by ecologically sustainable renewable sources. Our partner organizations represent more than six million Ontarians.

Interested in volunteering with the OCAA? Please contact Darcy Higgins at darcy@cleanairalliance.org
416-926-1907 ext. 246.

If you are on facebook, please consider joining our group.

To subscribe please visit http://www.cleanairalliance.org/bulletins_email_signup.

Haldimand "Nuclear Plant not a Done Deal"

I received a few calls yesterday from reporters that have read my blog. One reporter Monte Sonnenberg from the Simcoe Reformer called me yesterday and we did an interview on the phone.

Mayor Trainer says it best in this interview; "If Bruce Power wants it, and the people want it, it will be hard to turn down"!

I cannot stress enough for everyone to get involved!

Whether you are for or against "Your Voice needs to be Heard".

Here is the interview;

Nuclear plant not done deal
Posted By Monte Sonnenberg, SIMCOE REFORMER
Posted 40 mins ago

Bruce Power says it still needs more information before it commits to building nuclear reactors
Bruce Power denies it is on a collision course with the province over the question of nuclear reactors in the Nanticoke Industrial Park.

Last week, Bruce Power announced it would spend $30 million over the next three years exploring the suitability of Nanticoke for an installation. The environmental assessment could pave the way for the construction of two reactors by 2018.

The same day, Ontario Energy Minister George Smitherman said the Nanticoke location does not enjoy the support or encouragement of the McGuinty government.

Bruce Power spokesperson James Scongack says the decision to conduct an environmental assessment is part of deciding whether Bruce Power wants to pursue the project. Bruce Power won't know whether Nanticoke is a good fit until it consults local stakeholders and puts the proposed location west of U.S. Steel under the microscope.

"Until we have an indication on both these items, we're not really prepared to talk about the big picture," Scongack said.

Scongack added that Bruce Power, as a private company, does not require the province's approval to do market research.

Duncan Hawthorne, CEO and president of Bruce Power, expressed similar sentiments in a statement Friday when the utility announced its intentions. The environmental assessment, he said, "will give us -- and Ontario -- a number of options to consider going forward."

"Although this is a major step forward, we will not make a decision to proceed with a project until we have consulted thoroughly with the people of Haldimand (and) Norfolk and have significantly progressed the environmental assessment," Hawthorne said.

In his remarks, Smitherman said Bruce Power is operating on its own. However, the energy minister did not explicitly reject the possibility of situating nuclear reactors in Nanticoke. A statement from Smitherman's office said the ministry has "not encouraged or solicited a proposal to build a nuclear generating station in the Haldimand (and) Norfolk region."

Smitherman also said, "Adding more nuclear beyond the existing supply of 50 per cent (14,000 megawatts) is not in Ontario's plans or in Ontario's interests."

Queen's Park is not encouraging Bruce Power, but Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer believes it can be persuaded to have another look at Nanticoke.

Due to concerns over air quality, the McGuinty government plans to close the giant Nanticoke Generating Station by 2014. The plant is the largest coal-burning generating facility in North America.

Trainer says the province acknowledges that Nanticoke, by virtue of its location, plays a key role in balancing the load on the provincial grid. And the 500 kilovolt transmission corridor running north from the plant "is second to none," she added.

"If Bruce Power wants it and the people want it, it will be very hard to turn down," Trainer said.

Whether the people want it remains to be seen. Norfolk and Haldimand councils endorsed the concept of nuclear reactors in Nanticoke last year. However, in light of last week's announcement, opposition is beginning to gel at the grassroots level.

Donna Pitcher, of South Cayuga, led the charge in 2004 against Haldimand council's plan to sell Haldimand County Hydro. A candidate in Ward 2 in the 2003 and 2006 municipal elections, Pitcher collected a 3,500-signature petition against the utility sale. Council ultimately rejected the idea.

Pitcher is preparing a second petition demanding that the nuclear question appear as a ballot question in Hamilton and Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant counties in the 2010 municipal election.

"I have a problem with the democratic process," she said yesterday. "I have a problem with a council that wants to cram something down our throats without due respect for the democratic process."

As for the apparently contradictory signals coming from Bruce Power and the Ministry of Energy, Pitcher wonders if there is less here than meets the eye. She suspects the McGuinty government is preparing a pre-emptive defence against Bruce Power's plans in case there is a significant public backlash.

"Maybe this is a 'good cop-bad cop' situation," she said.

Article ID# 1281618
http://www.simcoereformer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1281618

Haldimand "Public Opinion on Nuclear not Heard"

As part of the EA process, Bruce Power announced at the news conference last Friday that the public is a critical part of the process. But "YOU" have to get involved!

I am working on a blog of the time-line in Haldimand County. So far it looks like the IPSO's-Reid poll was taken after Haldimand County passed a resolution in favour of the EA process. In February and March of 2007 Haldimand County passed this resolution, and the poll was apparently done in May of 2007. If anyone has some information on this, please post. I have e-mailed IPSO to have them send me the information in regards to the wording and timing of this poll.

I am concerned about the route that our council has taken. In particular the timing of this resolution. During the Municipal Election of 2006, there was not a word spoken about the support of Haldimand Council in regards to a possible Nuclear Plant in Nanticoke, yet just "2" months after being sworn in this Council started the process by passing a resolution!

For those that may recall, the same thing happened during the Municipal Election of 2003. No sooner the election was over and Haldimand County Council announced the "proposed" sale of Haldimand County Hydro! I found out through the "freedom of information" that Council had been discussing this behind closed doors for "6" months. And yet not a mention of this during the election campaigning. We were successful in stopping this, but it cost the tax payers a great deal of money.

Is History repeating itself here in Haldimand County? You can be the judge on that one!

This question in my opinion should have been on the "ballot" in 2006! If Haldimand County Council wanted to know if the residents were in support, this would have been the best way to gauge how the residents felt.

Regardless of what Haldimand County Council has done to this point, "Your Voice Needs to Be Heard". Whether you are in favour or not, speak out!

The following is a letter to the editor by Janet Fraser of Cayuga.


Public opinion not heard
NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
Posted By
Posted 42 mins ago

We, the citizens of Haldimand and Norfolk, are deeply concerned about the process that has taken place in our community -- the lack of transparency. In Haldimand, seven people -- the mayor and six council members -- wrote letters of support for a nuclear plant to Premier Dalton McGuinty, but failed to consult with the community. Meetings between the councils of Haldimand and Norfolk and Bruce Power took place behind closed doors. These small county councils made an assumption that the community was in support, because they were understandably concerned about losing jobs at Nanticoke.

The communities were never consulted, nor did the councils arrange public information meetings. Over the last year and a half, concerned citizens have held a few information nights with speakers presenting various points of view on energy options. Grand Erie Energy Quest was formed in June 2007 so that the citizens of Haldimand and Norfolk would have an opportunity to educate themselves about energy options and to provide an opportunity to communicate with one an-o ther.

The website http://www.energyquest4nanticoke.ca was created.

In Norfolk, two women from the Canadian Federation of University Women-Norfolk, presented to Norfolk council their concerns about the project. I felt that the same should be done in Haldimand.

I submitted a formal request to Haldimand Council three times, last spring and summer, to make a 10-minute presentation to Haldimand council on behalf of Grand Erie Energy Quest. We wanted to voice our concerns about a nuclear facility at Nanticoke in a formal way. Haldimand council refused to hear the delegation about the proposed nuclear facility. It felt it was premature and not needed at this time. Councillors held a formal vote on the matter on Aug. 5, 2008 and voted 5 to 2 to deny my request. Mayor Marie Trainer and Coun. Lorne Boyko were the only two to vote in favour of allowing the delegation.

Grand Erie Energy Quest met in the summer with Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett to discuss the issues and plan another energy symposium so that the citizens have more information about energy and the environment. Toby Barrett, is the only one of our elected officials (from all levels) who has shown any concern about what the citizens have to say about this issue. He will be hosting this event on Nov. 20 in Jarvis.

I was encouraged to learn that this $8-billion nuclear plan lacks the province's blessing, and that Energy and Infrastructure Minister George Smitherman clearly stated that this initiative does not bear the approval of the the Government of Ontario. I am puzzled that Bruce Power would spend $30 million on an environmental assessment for a nuclear power plant without the blessing of either the province or the local community.

The citizens of Haldimand and Norfolk, as well as our neighbours at Six Nations, must be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not we are a willing host community for a nuclear plant. This decision cannot be made without much discussion and education about all aspects of the issue. This will take time. It is Bruce Nuclear's announcement that is premature. There needs to be public input first.

Janet Fraser R1 Cayuga
http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1279027

Haldimand "Too Soon to Say No?"

Here is an editorial from the Brantford Expositor. It is an interesting read, raises a lot of questions, and gives you the opportunity to be involved.

I say it is "not to soon" to get involved, in fact this is when we should be getting involved!

As far as the "poll" that was done earlier, there seems to me some controversy as to how it was worded. It was not a clear "Yes or No" question and answer. I for one do not know one person who was involved in this poll. Do You?

Just click on the link below and join in on the debate.


Too soon to say No

Posted By
Posted 1 hour ago


No one knows for sure if Nanticoke is the right place to build two nuclear reactors. We will have a better idea after privately owned Bruce Power completes an environmental assessment of the site on Lake Erie, east of Port Dover, in two or three years.

At first glance, the property near Ontario Hydro's coalfired power plant has advantages of geography and local support. And the province has launched a $26-billion program to advance nuclear power as dirty coal-fired plants shut down.

So, why is Energy Minister George Smitherman so dead set against looking at Nanticoke? On Friday, he made it clear that the province has no interest in nuclear Nanticoke. "It doesn't enjoy the support, encouragement (or) approval, tacit or otherwise of the government of Ontario."

Give Smitherman credit. He doesn't mince words. We just don't get it when Smitherman says, "It's a speculative move on the part of a private company designed to put pressure on downstream government policy."

Sounds like Smitherman is saying "don't confuse us with facts." What's the matter with Bruce Power making a case (or not) for Nanticoke?

The McGuinty government is committed to creating more nuclear power as it phases out air-polluting coalfired generating plants. The province will refurbish its "fleet" of nuclear stations, including construction of two reactors at Darlington, east of Toronto.

Let's hear the case for Nanticoke. Bruce Power has an option to buy 600 acres in an industrial park from U. S. Steel Canada Inc.

The property, which is close to major cities in Southern Ontario, can easily connect to the power grid now linked to the Nanticoke coal-fired plant, which will close by 2014, putting 600 people out of work.

A nuclear facility would cost about $4 billion and take four years to build. It would create about 1,200 permanent jobs and pump $150 million a year into the economies of Haldimand and Norfolk.

An Ipsos-Reid survey this year found more than 60 per cent of residents in Haldimand and Norfolk support a nuclear plant at Nanticoke. The project also has the backing of federal Human Resources Minister Diane Finley, MP for Haldimand-Norfolk, and the counties of Haldimand and Norfolk.

Smitherman is jumping the gun in saying no to Nanticoke. Let's wait for the environmental assessment, then see if it's worth pursuing.

Join the discussion at www.theexpositor.com

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1277668

Haldimand "Nuclear Storm brewing over Nanticoke"

This is a very interesting article from the Spectator. It does raise more than a question or two.


Nuclear storm brewing over Nanticoke

November 01, 2008 Rob Faulkner
The Hamilton Spectator
(Nov 1, 2008)

Ontario does not endorse what it calls the "speculative" Bruce Power bid to build a new nuclear plant next to the Nanticoke coal-fired generating station on Lake Erie, which is to be shut down in 2014.

Ministry of Energy spokesperson Sylvia Kovesfalvi said the province is sticking to an energy strategy in which it will only invest in nuclear plants in communities where nuclear plants already exist.

Despite lobbying, Haldimand and Norfolk lost out to Darlington in Durham Region as site of a new nuclear plant announced in June. The counties even wrote Premier Dalton McGuinty for permission to do a federal environmental assessment on a Nanticoke nuclear plant.

So, it was with raised eyebrows that observers heard Bruce Power say it filed a site preparation licence with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission which, if accepted, will start a federal EA process.

"I find it puzzling as well because I understood that the province was deciding on its own sites and calling for requests for proposals," said NDP energy critic and Toronto area MPP Peter Tabuns.

"So the role of Bruce Power in all of this is murky at best," he said, noting that because Ontario owns the power lines, any plant is unable to sell power without approval.

"You don't think of a large corporation just going out and, for the fun of it, announcing that they are going to build a nuclear power plant in southwestern Ontario. These things are extraordinarily expensive," Tabuns added.

But Bruce Power president and CEO Duncan Hawthorne did say yesterday that his company cannot build a new nuclear plant without Ontario's approval. He couched it in terms of a private company weighing its options.

"Ultimately, we understand that if a plant is to be built here, there has to be agreement between ourselves and the province of Ontario," he said, adding that Bruce Power is not in talks with the province now.

He said that, as the EA raises options for plans and funding sources, talks with Ontario will occur.

The EA will take three years, construction five or six years and a plant could start to operate in 2018.

"The provincial government are the people who have to make the decision," Hawthorne said. "This is not an attempt to circumvent the provincial government."

Ontario wants to maintain its 14,000 megawatts of power from nuclear to the year 2025. With existing nuclear plants aging, they must be refurbished or replaced.

Some question the demand for any new nuclear power in Ontario, which has three plants with 16 reactors, many of which are either not operating or being refurbished.

Shawn Patrick Stensil, who works on nuclear issues for Greenpeace Canada, said the "big question" is whether Ontario should spend billions on nuclear plants it may not need. He said predicted energy demand will be affected by declines in the economy and by conservation efforts; he says renewable energy is being under-valued due to the high cost of nuclear facilities.

"It's a huge build," he said of Ontario's nuclear refurbishing plan, which he pegs at a cost of $40 billion. "In front of us, we have an opportunity to replace some of this technology with cheaper, cleaner, more socially acceptable energy choices."

rfaulkner@thespec.com
905-526-2468

Bruce Power runs eight reactors

Bruce Power is a partnership between TransCanada Corporation, BPC Generation Infrastructure Trust (BPC), an investment entity of Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), Cameco Corporation and two unions: the Power Workers' Union and the Society of Energy Professionals.

The consortium is Canada's only private nuclear generator and the source of 25 per cent of Ontario's electricity. It employs 3,700 people.

It operates eight nuclear reactors on two sites, located on Lake Huron between Kincardine and Port Elgin. The 2,300 acres are big enough to hold the Toronto Zoo, Canada's Wonderland, Exhibition Place, Ontario Place and the African Lion Safari.
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/459481

Haldimand "Will We have a Say?"

Well the long awaited announcement is coming today! The announcement that I believe was going to happen about a week before the Federal Election.

CHCH news announced on the 7:00am news that Bruce Power has intentions of building a Nuclear Plant in Haldimand County near Nanticoke.

As we all know our Elected Council in Haldimand County has already endorsed a Nuclear Plant on our behalf. Now some on Council will argue this fact and say all they have said is that they are all for an EA assessment.

Janet Fraser was told by Council that her right to be heard on the Nuclear Issue was premature a few months ago. Well Janet it seems now is the time to apply once again to speak to council on this issue! Will this make a difference?

Haldimand County sent letters to the upper levels of government in support of an EA assessment and the Mayor has said on a number of news releases that Haldimand County is in favour of a Nuclear Plant in Haldimand County.

Bruce Power has always stated that they would not build a Nuclear Plant in a community unless it is a "willing host". Well are we a "willing host" according to Bruce Power? Time will tell.

Let's see now if "Our Voices" will be "Heard"!

Here is an article on the announcement today;

Nanticoke eyed as site for nuclear power plant
Approval process could take at least 5 years
Oct 31, 2008 04:30 AM

Energy Reporter

Nuclear power-plant operator Bruce Power will signal to Queen's Park and the federal regulator today that it intends to build a new nuclear plant in the small community of Nanticoke, next to the massive coal-fired generating station that's slated for shutdown in 2014, the Star has learned.

Duncan Hawthorne, president and chief executive officer of Bruce Power, is expected to announce at an event near Nanticoke, along the north shore of Lake Erie, that his company is seeking a site preparation licence from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

The application would start an approvals process likely to take five years before construction can begin. "I can't provide you with any details at this time," said company spokesperson Steve Cannon.

There's no guarantee such a plant will get built. The Ministry of Energy recently selected Darlington as the site of the province's newest nuclear plant in 20 years, to be operated by Ontario Power Generation.

Bruce Power lost its bid to construct and operate that first plant next to its existing facilities near Kincardine. Sources say Hawthorne is betting that the province will need more reactors.

Energy and Infrastructure Minister George Smitherman could not be reached for comment.
Industry experts say Nanticoke is considered an ideal site for a nuclear plant because of its location, lakeside access and ample access to high-voltage transmission lines.

The community is also used to having a power plant in its backyard and is worried about the loss of 600 jobs after the coal plant is shut down – though there would likely be a five-year gap between the shutdown of the coal plant and the first operation of a nuclear plant.

Hawthorne has spent two years courting the small communities in the region. In February, Norfolk and Haldimand counties sent letters to Premier Dalton McGuinty asking for the go-ahead to file for a site application, which triggers an environmental assessment.

Some area residents are cool to the idea of a nuclear plant. "Just because our mayor think it's a good idea doesn't mean the community members do as well," Victoria Smith, 24, told the Star. "I can assure you that's not the case."

http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/527939

Haldimand "Federal Election 2008 Candidate Debate for Haldimand and Hamilton on Cable 14"

Spectator political columnist Andrew Dreschel took in six hours of local candidates' debates and tells you who won and who lost

October 06, 2008 Andrew DreschelThe Hamilton Spectator(Oct 6, 2008)
HALDIMAND-NORFOLK

Winner: Gary McHale, Independent
Loser: Eric Hoskins, Liberal

With Conservative incumbent Diane Finley apparently chickening out, the stage was set for star Liberal candidate Eric Hoskins to shine.

But the well-spoken Rhodes Scholar and war zone humanitarian was upstaged by Gary McHale, the well-known Caledonia activist (or, if you prefer, rabble rouser) who is running as an Independent.

Hoskins undermined his own position by first identifying the native land claims as the most urgent issue facing the riding, but offered no solution other than a deadline for negotiations which would be tepidly followed by mediation in case of an impasse. Gee, that would be different.
By contrast, McHale promised to rattle cages and maintain a media spotlight on the issue until it was solved, threatening to be the worst nightmare for the OPP and provincial and federal powers that be.

While Hoskins responsibly offered more of the same, McHale dared frustrated voters to take a risky walk with him along the edge.

NIAGARA WEST- GLANBROOK
Winner: Dean Allison, Conservative
Loser: David Heatley, NDP

As the incumbent MP, Allison is the champ. It's not enough to pummel him, you have to knock him on his can. Liberal Heather Carter threw a flurry of mostly ineffectual jabs that neither rocked Allison nor wiped the slightly smug smile off his face.

Heck, Allison was so jovially confident, he even took to trading barbs with hecklers in the audience.

New Democrat Heatley lost out by falling for Allison's jolly suggestion to tell the folks why his party is opposed to the Liberal carbon tax. When the two of them turned to trading quips about Bob Rae's defection to the Liberals, they were like a tag team.

An honourable mention goes to Dave Blysma of the Christian Heritage Party for his courageous tilting at windmills. He's so far right he thinks the Conservatives are "Liberal lite."

Liberal or Tory, same old story, according to Blysma.

ANCASTER-DUNDAS- FLAMBOROUGH-WESTDALE
Winner: Peter Ormond, Green Party
Loser: Arlene MacFarlane-VanderBeek, Liberal

Conservative incumbent David Sweet was competent, conscientious and up on every file thrown his way.

But Sweet's mild manner was overshadowed by the Green's Ormond, who has mastered the simple art of speaking directly and clearly into the microphone, filling dead space with his big voice and repetitive thoughts on climate change, renewable energy, and the green economy.
It's not at all clear if Ormond has a grasp on issues beyond the environment, but he dominated the debate.

Liberal Vanderbeek was the loser by virtue of having little to say for herself. Given that the Liberals are the only party that can threaten the Conservative hold on this riding, you'd think she'd have roared rather than snored her way through the open forum.

HAMILTON CENTRE
Winner: David Christopherson, New Democrat.
Loser: the seven other candidates

Incumbent Christopherson has been representing Hamiltonians in one forum or another for 30 years. He's a career politician. A pro's pro.

He's got electioneering down to an art form. Wind him up, watch him go.
The subject doesn't matter: immigration, education, affordable housing, jobs. It's always the same.

Christopherson starts off slow, his voice and tempo gradually rising until -- he's fully possessed by passion and conviction.

It's a shtick, but it's a winning, unbeatable one.

And that's why all the other candidates are losers. They're amateurs who don't stand a chance against this old smoothie who knows when to be assertive, respectful, humourous, and even, believe it or not, when to clam up.

Still, let's give Liberal Helen Wilson a nod for gamely stepping into the breach after the original Grit candidate took a last-minute powder.

HAMILTON EAST- STONEY CREEK
Winner: Larry Di Ianni, Liberal
Loser: Frank Rukavina, Conservative

This was a tough one. A lively, boisterous debate that was almost a split decision between Liberal Di Ianni and NDP incumbent Wayne Marston.

The knock against Marston is he's too soft. But he's clearly grown in the role of MP since narrowly capturing the riding from the Liberals in 2006, easily going toe-to-toe against the experienced former mayor.

But Di Ianni gets the nod for his defence of Stephane Dion's frequently questioned abilities as party leader. Di Ianni said Dion's not your usual backslapping politician. He's a team leader and a man of principle, whose English language skills can be improved. It was a simple, straightforward and honest answer to a question that troubles many voters.

For his part, Rukavina was too easily sidelined and tended to dodge questions rather than meet them head on.

HAMILTON MOUNTAIN
Winner: No one
Loser: No one

A high-spirited, stimulating debate resulting in no clear winner, indicative of a tight three-way race between NDP incumbent Chris Charlton, Conservative Terry Anderson, and Liberal Tyler Banham.

Charlton coolly bagged away at the Harper government for muzzling backbenchers and the Liberals for changing priorities.

The unflappable Anderson pushed back at NDP criticisms of corporate tax cuts, pointing out that the idea is to generate jobs.

The fast-talking Banham was all about grassroot connections, fresh ideas and positioning himself as the face of the new Liberal party.

The best line went to Green's Stephen Brotherston, who pointed out that during the various debates he had heard all parties take credit for driving the cleanup of Randle Reef.

Brotherston neglected to say, however, that none of the mainstream parties took responsibility for any past failings or shortcomings.
http://www.thespec.com/article/445937