Haldimand "Who is on the List?"

These are the current registered candidates seeking your support for Haldimand County Council.

The county website is updated everyday around 4:00pm. There is a link in my side bar that will take you directly to this page.

Registered Candidates

The following candidates have been listed in alphabetical order, by last name.
Please note: This webpage will be updated each business day at 4:00 p.m.

Municipal Council
[One (01) individual is to be elected to fill the office of Mayor.]

Mayor

Ryan J. Geddes
226-931-0812
rgeddes@gmail.com


Ken Hewitt
8 Blackburn Crt. Caledonia, ON N3W 2N9
905-765-5222
khewittfinancial@me.com


Buck Sloat
508 Lakeshore Road, Selkirk, ON, N0A 1P0
905-776-1750
bsloat@copper.net


[One (01) Councillor will be elected to represent each of the following Wards.]

Ward 1

Leroy Bartlett
652 Concession 2, RR#2 Nanticoke, N0A 1L0
905-776-2301/905-776-1943(H)
coleb@optionsdsl.ca


Stewart Patterson
2019 Main St. S., Jarvis, ON, N0A 1J0
(519) 587-4319
votestew@kwic.com


Ward 2

Neale Armstrong
4 Erie St, Fisherville, N0A 1G0
905-818-4018
neale@nealearmstrong.com


Rick Beale
33 Ottawa St. S., Cayuga, ON
905-772-1289
rbeale4ward2@hotmail.com


Ray C Hunsinger
366 Lakeshore Rd, Selkirk, ON, N0A 1P0
905-776-5827

Ward 3


Rob Duncan
rob4caledonia@gmail.com

Craig Grice
158 Braemar Ave, Caledonia, N3W 2M6
905-765-4298
craigandpaula@mountaincable.net


Ward 4

Tony Dalimonte
166 King St. East, PO Box 1137, Hagersville, N0A 1H0
905-768-1260


Ward 5

Don Ricker
525 Diltz Road, Dunnville, ON, N1A 2W2
905-774-4661 (Bus) 905-774-8563 (home)


Ward 6

Donna Pitcher
2509 Lakeshore Rd., Dunnville, ON N1A 2W8
905-701-1627
dpitcher@sympatico.ca

Haldimand "Arena Twin Pad Proposal"

Dunnville group proposes twin pad funding idea

By Dave Dunham (President) Margaret Rose (Treasure) Bob Allen (Member) (For Volunteers of Maple Creek Leisureplex 2000 Inc.)

Letters
May 11, 2010

In support of Haldimand County making provisions for adding a second pad to Dunnville’s new arena – consultant F. J. Galloway justified doing so in his Feasibility Study as written:

“Based on the data for this study, this strategy would likely result in a twin pad in Dunnville, for the following reasons:

• The Dunnville Arena has an evidently higher utilization level and will have higher population growth over future years;

• Dunnville is further away from other arena facilities, while Cayuga is centrally located and has relatively shorter drive times to either Caledonia or Dunnville;

• Dunnville has a closer proximity to other population sectors that could be interested in using the facility or create a larger market for special event activities beyond ice use

The main reasons for building the second pad now are all too obvious:

• Haldimand wishes to be fair and equitable to its residents.

• If Dunnville only needs one pad for 15,000 residents, then West Haldimand only needs 2 pads for 30,000. Otherwise, if the West needs 4 pads for 30,000, then Dunnville needs 2 pads for 15,000. It is that simple.

• Building a second pad now will cost $4 million as quoted by two arena contractors – instead of $8 million later.

• Building the second pad now means the walking track will not be needed and its $250,000 cost can be used to reduce the cost of the second pad from $4 to $3.75 million.

• Building a second pad later would disrupt site parking and decrease site safety for about one year of construction.

• Dunnville residents have signed over 2,000 petitions to have their twin pad built now, because they know they need it.

• Only allowing for one pad in Dunnville is currently hurting fundraising and affecting confidence in our County.

• Building a second pad later is not a good business choice based on Ontario’s trend to build twin pads and not single pads.

• County staff and volunteers would not have to go through the costly planning, fundraising and building processes all over again if the twin pad is built now.

• To avoid passing an $8 million expense to the next Council and our trusting taxpayers.

Pay It Forward Plan:

Based on our County making provisions to add a second pad, Galloway’s professional justification for a twin pad in Dunnville, and current Ontario arena trends favouring twin pads; Maple Creek volunteers are proposing a “Pay It Forward Plan.”

• We will borrow $3.75 -4 million from a local bank or trust company to pay for our second pad now. With either private investors or our County as our co-signers for the loan.

• We will fundraise for the second pad to cover interest, principle, and to reduce the amount owing on the second pad, so we can save taxpayers and future Council over $4 million.

• Then, our future Council can realize the savings by paying for the balance of the loan from the $4 million saved.

• The “Pay It Forward Plan” will create a win-win-win scenario for this Council, our future Council and Haldimand taxpayers.

Let’s help make Haldimand a fair and equitable place to live!

Dunnville Sachem, May 11, 2010
http://www.sachem.ca/opinions/article/209780

Haldimand "Halt the HST"

This certainly has my full support!


For Immediate Release:

May 14, 2010


Barrett backs MPP Macleod motion to halt HST in Ontario


Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is hopeful a PC motion is successful in putting the brakes on the McGuinty HST tax hike before it’s too late.

Barrett voiced his support for the motion from Lisa MacLoed, MPP for Nepean-Carleton and Critic for Revenue and Government Accountability, at an anti-HST information session in Oakville last night.

“This motion is the latest in a long list of attempts we’ve made to ensure government listens to the people of this province and halts this hated tax on everything,” stated Barrett. “To date, over 100,000 Ontarians have signed petitions in the PC Campaign to stop the tax.”


The motion would halt HST legislation until such time the McGuinty Liberals get a mandate from voters. MacLeod’s motion, to be debated in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on May 19th, cites the Dalton McGuinty oath, “I will not raise taxes or implement any new taxes without the explicit consent of Ontario voters.” Since McGuinty has now admitted the HST “will be an increase in taxation,” MacLeod’s motion would delay the implementation of the HST until a date following the next provincial general election.


During the Oakville event, Barrett also discussed the suitability of the Nanticoke area as a host for electrical energy generation to substitute for a planned natural gas facility plant in Oakville.

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at
(519) 428-0446 or (905)-765-8413, 1-800-903-8629

Haldimand "Soccer Club takes County to Court"

Soccer club takes county to court
Posted By CATHY PELLETIER , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Wednesday May 12, 2010

While Dunnville soccer players prepare to fight for control of the ball on the fields, a bigger battle has been brewing on the sidelines.

What began as an ongoing debate between Haldimand County and members of the Dunnville Youth Soccer Club erupted into a lawsuit in recent months.

According to the County's Manager of Community Services, Hugh Hanly, "The Soccer Park Corporation took the County to court to determine whether the lease made in 1999 was still valid. The county terminated it in 2008. The judge found that the lease was not valid, and ruled in favour of the County, and directed that the County and the Club negotiate a new lease.

In the meantime, because there's no lease, Dunnville United Soccer Club is willing to take over."
Hanly said the Corporation is in the process of appealing that ruling, but youth soccer will continue as usual in Dunnville, with the Dunnville United Soccer League at the helm of programming, led by Dan Obsteter, President of the Dunnville United Men's League. This marks the first time since 1998 that the Dunnville Soccer Park Corporation hasn't organized programming.

"It's County property," said Hanly, "and just like when you use a ball park, we need an agreement. At the end of the day, we were successful in working with Dunnville United and we didn't want to get this lease thing mixed up in letting the kids play soccer. We're both working toward the same goal."

Hanly added that there are some individuals who "are both Dunnville United Youth Soccer and Dunnville Soccer Park Corporation executives, so it's convoluted trying to determine which side they are on. These guys have done a fantastic job of operating soccer and the County recognizes that," he said. "Not once did the County say, 'Give this to me so we can take over soccer.' If we had to, we would have for the kids, if nobody else had stepped up. We were prepared to get referees and coaches."

In e-mail correspondence dated April 14 of this year, Hanly wrote to Margaret Rose of the Soccer Park Corporation: "I have been advised by Councillor Boyko that your organization will not be running the soccer program in Dunnville this summer. I understand that soccer registration has already taken place and a number of users have registered. I respectfully request that you forward the registrations to Haldimand County, addressed to my attention immediately so that the County can ensure that soccer is Dunnville this year."

According to Marg and Sig Rose, long-time members of the Dunnville Youth Soccer Club, problems that led to the lawsuit go back as far as the early 1990s, when the Cayuga soccer park was developed, and Dunnville Youth Soccer, as a member of Haldimand Youth Soccer Club, assisted in funding the project.

The former Town of Haldimand also provided a grant of $50,000 to assist in facility start-up costs, said Sig Rose. He added that under the terms of the lease that was negotiated, the Cayuga branch of Haldimand Youth Soccer took full responsibility for the maintenance of the park. The Dunnville Soccer Park Corporation (DSPC) was established in 1998, with a goal of building a soccer complex, " because the only decent soccer field in Dunnville was being closed due to a drainage project," said Rose.

"The mayor of the former Town of Dunnville advised there was land available on Logan Road that was earmarked for recreational purposes. If we wanted to request town council to allow us to lease the property, we could develop it into a soccer park.

"Once that request was granted, DSPC, along with the Haldimand Youth Soccer Club, entered into a 40-year lease with the Town of Dunnville, with terms stating that DSPC would be responsible for all development aspects of the soccer park, and that the Town would, in turn, accept responsibility for grass maintenance and garbage collection. This lease was unlike the Cayuga soccer park lease in that the Cayuga soccer organization members wished to maintain the park themselves.

"In addition, the DSPC and town of Dunnville agreed that either party could exit the lease by giving 180 days notice. However, at the DSPC's insistence, a replacement clause was included, due to speculation at the time that the land may be needed for industrial development. We wanted to ensure that our investment of time, labour, and money was protected," said Rose. In the event the town needed the property for industry, they could cancel the lease within 180 days notice. But they would have to provide a similar, alternate facility elsewhere within the town.

"As a result of restructuring in 2000, the Town of Haldimand and the Town of Dunnville were amalgamated into the new County of Haldimand. In 2005, the Caledonia youth soccer group, which was also part of Haldimand Youth Soccer Club, began developing a soccer park on McClung Road, southeast of Caledonia, due to the fact that the County was using land that had a soccer field with lights and a partial fence on it, to build a new arena. To compensate for the loss of the soccer field, the County gave Caledonia soccer $150,000 to assist with construction of the soccer facility. In 2006, the Caledonia branch of Haldimand Youth Soccer entered into a lease agreement with the County in which Caledonia Soccer was responsible for all maintenance, including grass cutting."

Of the three towns, Rose said that Dunnville was the only soccer facility which negotiated to have the grass maintenance designated as a responsibility of the local municipal government, and further claimed that Dunnville was the only park not to receive any funding assistance from the former Town of Dunnville to construct the park.

"In 2007, the Dunnville youth soccer program split from the Haldimand Youth Soccer Club for many reasons," he said, "and became part of the Dunnville United Soccer Club. As a result, HYSC, through legal representation, requested a release from lease with the DSPC with respect to the Dunnville Soccer Park.

"To us, this seemed as easy as replacing HYSC with DUSC, or simply removing HYSC and leaving the agreement as being between DSPC and the County. The County did not agree and invoked the 180-day clause to terminate the lease. Then they offered a new lease, in which they were no longer responsible for grass cutting or garbage pickup, but offered a 65/35 split on grass cutting costs. If the County tting the grass, the DSPC would pay 65 per cent of the cost. If DSPC assumed the task of grass cutting, the County would subsidize by 35 per cent."

The DSPC and the County tried to negotiate a new lease for a couple of years with no compromise, stated Rose. "We finally went to the law firm of Cline, Bakcus in Simcoe to seek advice. Our position from the beginning was that if we build this park, the least the former Town of Dunnville (now the County) can do for us is cut the grass. Unlike Caledonia and Cayuga, we had no other financial assistance from the town or County in building the park. Moreover, the County has given both Caledonia and Cayuga $2,100 per year for the past few years to help with their grass cutting costs, even though both negotiated a lease agreement in which the soccer organizations accepted full responsibility for grass maintenance.

"In 2005, DSPC negotiated with the County to cost share on the construction of a field house, which finally was settled at 50/50, to a maximum of $100,000. The final cost of the building was $212,000. Caledonia recently negotiated a similar agreement. In Dunnville, we also constructed a pavilion, installed lights on one field, added drainage and built an additional five fields on adjacent, privately-owned property, all with no contribution from the County."

County staff were out cutting the grass last week, Hanly said, and have made arrangements to aerate and fertilize the soccer fields, as usual. If all goes as scheduled, the fields should be ready for play by the regular annual starting date of May 20 or so.

Article ID# 2574466
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2574466

Haldimand "Vote for Donna Pitcher"

Running a campaign can be very, very interesting. I have been asked many questions in the last couple of months, and every couple of days I will talk about some of the questions that people have asked me, and what my answers were.

One question that has come up more than a few times is that I am running against an individual that has been on council for the last 25 years. Every election there have been contenders, and I have been asked if I feel intimidated at all with this.

Firstly I do not intimidate easily and secondly I am currently running alone in Ward 6!

If and when there is another "registered" candidate in Ward 6 I will stay on the path that I have started and will continue to concentrate on my own campaign.

I believe in respecting the wishes and beliefs of others and playing fair.

Haldimand "Vote for Donna Pitcher, Ward 6"

Well we are about six months away from election day here in Haldimand County. It may seem like a long time down the road but for anyone that is campaigning it is just around the corner.

Last week my sister and I did a photo shoot in Dunnville for my campaign material and I am hard at work with this part of my campaign. I have to tell you that this is the most difficult part. I am not that good at talking about myself, I would rather listen to others and talk about their issues and concerns.

Last week I was asked if I was elected to council would I vote to sell "Haldimand County Hydro". Well the immediate answer was "NO"! Things have not changed since 2005, it is still a "bad" business deal!

I will be having a "Meet and Greet" night soon and I hope to see you there. I am an avid believer of "town hall meetings" and if elected I will have at least three meetings a year.

More to come!

Haldimand "Dunnville are there any Unheard Voices Out there"?

Have you ever asked yourself any of these questions? Why should I vote? Will my vote really make a difference? Does my one vote really count?

Have you ever felt like an Unheard Voice?

Well I hope that in the upcoming months I can inspire you to go out and “Vote”, “Change the norm”, and “help you understand that your vote does count. Your voice will and can be heard!

I registered in early January as a candidate for Ward 6 (Dunnville) for the upcoming Municipal Elections that will be held this coming October. For some of you this may be a bit soon to be talking about an election that is months away, but for me it will probably takes months to get the word out on the street that I am running for Council.

I have heard so many people say, “When was that issue discussed”? “How come I never heard about that one”? “When was that open house”? “Why doesn't anyone hold "Town Hall" meetings anymore?

I personally feel that we have a communication problem here in Haldimand County and it is not of our own making.

Our newspapers are weekly, so if you miss reading one paper you can miss very vital information that could affect you and your taxes.

Many of us do not get cable so we cannot access Council Meetings.

Many of us are still on dial up internet (I AM!) and cannot access vital County information because the files are too big and we get timed out.

Most of us are too busy to attend a Council Meeting.

And the most important communication problem is that currently there are no “Town Hall” meetings in the Dunnville area, in fact there are currently no “Town Hall” meetings anywhere in Haldimand County.

Can you tell that I am a big fan of “Town Hall” meetings?

I seriously wonder how a member of council could know what people are concerned about if they do not give residents a regular time and place to have their voices heard. Of course there will be some that will say that it is up to “You” to keep up to date on local issues.

I believe that “Town Hall” meetings are vital and necessary for the community. What harm can a meet and greet coffee night every say three months do?

Your Vote does count! Your voice can be heard!

Please feel free to post any issues that are of a concern to you here.

If you wish to contact me you can call me at 905-701-1627 or email me at dpitcher@sympatico.ca

Haldimand "Raise Your Voice, Stop the HST"

It seems that we are not being told all of the fine details when it comes to the "HST".

Two good reads, one from Toby Barrett and one from the National Post.

Raise your voice to stop the HST

"Public hearings; those two words go together nicely if you believe in true democracy.”
- Dalton McGuinty, December 6, 1999

As Haldimand and Norfolk residents continue to send in petitions to stop the 13 per cent McGuinty sales tax, government's cavalier approach to force through his costly tax grab has turned up the volume at Queens Park.

Two weeks ago, government members initiated a scheme to silence opposition to their $3 billion dollar HST tax using parliamentary tricks to limit debate and deny any form of real public consultation.

As I’ve reported previously the HST would mean a 13 per cent tax on many everyday essentials not currently subject to PST – items ranging from gasoline, to electricity; haircuts to internet service. Even funerals would be hit. For a middle-income family of four, the HST would mean up to $2,500 a year in additional taxes.

It’s clear your phone-calls, letters, and signatures on petitions, as well as other forms of protest, all are having an impact.

Recently, Mr. McGuinty bowed to pressure scrapping the proposed HST on coffee, newspapers and meals under four dollars. But, we must continue to push for further climb downs.

To that end, we in Opposition continue to use every tool at our disposal to register the concerns of millions across the province.

Government attempts to short-circuit parliamentary debate forced PC members to stage a much publicized walk-out from the Legislature. The empty seats of caucus members served as a reminder to a government of the disdain for the tax.

With government bent on pushing their agenda through come hell or high water, we in Opposition are left to do everything possible to slow this train down before it pulls out of the station

Especially worrisome has been the admission from Finance Minister Dwight Duncan that the McGuinty Government’s HST deal contains a $4.3 billion poison pill designed to handcuff future governments from ever repealing tax grab.

Clearly, instead of putting cotton in their ears, this government should be listening to what people have to say through full public hearings. This is a tax on just about everything, paid by just about everyone!

If Mr. McGuinty actually believes that this tax grab is in the best interest of Ontario families – he would have the courage to hold open public consultations across the province. Instead we learned on Friday that the government plans to hold only one day of consultation on Thursday, in Toronto – and nowhere else!

With all this in mind, and time to voice dissent running out, anyone waiting on the sidelines should make their voices heard now. Contact my office to get your name on a petition or learn of other ways you can make your voice heard.

Time is of the essence as many HST related concerns and issues are leaking out daily. Adding to already well-founded consumer apprehension are hidden details about this tax the current government seems content to obscure.

For instance, many don’t realize that under the HST, Ontario surrenders its constitutionally-granted taxation powers to the whims of future federal governments. Once the HST is enacted, fundamental decisions about what is, and is not, subject to sales taxes will be made in Ottawa, not in the Ontario Legislature.

Meantime, at time of writing, news broke of the Federal government calling for a vote in Ottawa for or against the allowance of provinces to proceed with a harmonized sales tax. We’ll see.

One public HST hearing…in Toronto…a joke - Barrett

Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett calls what the McGuinty government is proposing as public hearings for the Harmonized Sales Tax – one day, in Toronto – a complete joke.

“Here we have a government that is implementing a 13 per cent tax on just about everything, to hit just about everyone, turning around and offering one single day of consultation…in only Toronto…to serve as their acknowledgement of public input,” Barrett commented. “Legislation this costly, this taxing and creating so much opposition deserves to receive input from right across the province.”

The one day of hearings follows two weeks of government maneuvering to limit debate in the Legislature as well as Opposition calls for full public hearings on the issue.

The HST would mean a 13 per cent tax on many everyday essentials not currently subject to PST – items ranging from gasoline, to electricity; haircuts to internet service. Even funerals would be hit. For a middle-income family of four, the HST would mean up to $2,500 a year in additional taxes.

“While one day of hearings in Toronto can hardly qualify as public consultation, I do encourage anyone interested to contact the Committee Clerk to get their names on the docket and make their voice heard ” continued Barrett. “Perhaps if government sees the overflow of presentation requests they will think twice about turning their backs on the people of Ontario.”

Meanwhile Barrett noted that with time to voice dissent running out, anyone waiting on the sidelines to contact his office to get names on a petition or learn of other ways to stand against the 13 per cent tax grab.

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,

(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629

An interesting article that a friend sent me! A Must Read!

Following is an interesting article from National Post about six details of the Impending Harmonized Sales Tax that you may not know about.

Lisa MacLeod and Cyndee Todgham Cherniak: Six things you should know about the HST
Posted: November 19, 2009, 9:30 AM by NP Editor

On July 1, 2010, the Ontario Government plans to introduce a new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which would combine Canada’s Goods and Services Tax and Ontario’s Provincial Sales Tax into a unified sales tax. The HST will directly increase the tax burden on middle-class Ontario families. Indirect impacts will drive up the cost of living further still.

What is most concerning are the hidden details about this tax that the current government seems content to obscure. Below, we have summarized the six things that Ontario taxpayers need to know about the HST before it is imposed by Dalton McGuinty’s Liberal government.

1. Under the HST, Ontario surrenders its constitutionally-granted taxation powers to the whims of future federal governments.

Right now, Ontario enjoys direct taxation powers granted under the Canadian constitution. However, under the HST plan, Ontario will give up its sales-tax powers to Ottawa through the federal Excise Tax Act. Once the HST is enacted, fundamental decisions about what is, and is not, subject to sales taxes will not be made in the Ontario legislature but will instead be made in Ottawa. It is not hard to foresee the day when a federal Minister of Finance could decide the fate of Ontario businesses when there is a tax dispute. It is also possible that the federal Excise Tax Act will be amended, regulations will be passed or administrative practice will change without Ontario’s input or approval, in which case Ontarians will become victims of taxation without representation.

2. Under the HST, it is likely that tax-included pricing, or hidden taxation, will come to Ontario.

Many of us prefer to know just how much of our money is actually being directed to government. Yet the moment Ontario joins the HST, an obscure piece of federal legislation kicks in that will allow sellers to conceal just how much tax you are paying on the products you buy. The taxpayers of tomorrow will be denied straightforward information that is taken for granted by taxpayers today.

3. There is no evidence that harmonized taxes work in other federal jurisdictions.

The McGuinty government promotes the notion that 130 other countries have adopted a “value-added tax” such as the HST. This is misleading. The HST represents more than just a single value-added tax — it represents a blending of sales taxes between two levels of government. No other developed country has successfully imposed a joint value-added tax at both the federal and state/provincial levels of government. (In any case, Canada’s federation is dissimilar from that of many OECD countries.) Ontario needs a made-in-Ontario tax regime that reflects the realities of the Ontario economy.

4. There will be hidden costs for Ontario businesses to comply with the HST.

Any business that has been audited will understand that the administrative burden associated with tax-law compliance is substantial. Any change to tax laws forces businesses to spend money to both understand the new regime and live up to their obligations under it.

5. Businesses might not reduce their base prices after implementation of the HST.

Unless the McGuinty Government also plans to restrict prices that businesses may charge, there is no legal obligation for any business to lower its prices on July 1, 2010. In fact, the HST regime includes unrecoverable HST costs that will be passed on consumers. For example, many businesses engaged in exempt activities (e.g., financial institutions, rental housing, nursing homes, etc.) will pay HST on what they themselves buy. Also, businesses with sales over $10-million will not be able to get 100% input tax credit on some of the HST it pays for at least six years. Over that time, the only other cost-recovery method available to them will be higher prices.

6. Once the HST is implemented, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to undo. According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the McGuinty Government, Ontario cannot opt out of the HST regime for five years without risk of massive penalties. No matter how disastrous the HST might be, Ontarians will be locked in to this dubious plan for a long haul.

National Post

Haldimand "Say No to the HST"

Here are a couple of news releases from Toby Barrett in regards to the HST that McGuinty is going to push through come July 2010.

You can have your voice heard by signing an on-line petition, there are a few of them out there, just google "HST" and you will find them.

If you don't agree with the HST, don't sit back and do nothing, once this is implemented it can not be reversed for "5" years!

Opposition protests HST at Queens Park
Government refuses to listen so opposition stages debate boycott!

Queen’s Park – If Government refuse to hear the voices of those opposed to its harmonized sales tax (HST) then what’s the point of debate?

That was the underlying theme of a Progressive Conservative Caucus all out protest of question period at Queens Park. The empty seats of the caucus of members served as a reminder to a government bent on ramming through the HST of the disdain across the province for undemocratic tactics. Last week, three Opposition members were removed from the House.

“This government refuses to consult on the HST – they have effectively muted the province,” Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Barrett noted this morning. “Today’s protest was a visual display of the code of silence McGuinty is imposing on any opposing voices.”

Currently, Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak is doing the job that Dalton McGuinty should be doing by traveling throughout Ontario to hear the concerns of the middle class families, seniors and small businesses who have the most to lose from Dalton McGuinty’s $3 billion HST tax grab

The HST would add eight percent to the cost of many everyday essentials not currently subject to PST, including gasoline, home heating, hydro, haircuts and internet service. Even funeral services would become more expensive. For the average middle-income family of four, it is estimated that the HST would mean up to $2,500 per year in additional sales taxes.

“Clearly, government knows they don’t have the support of the people on this and are doing everything they can to ram it through,” stated Barrett. “In Opposition we’re left to do everything we can to slow this train down before it pulls out of the station!

Barrett stressed that anyone waiting on the sidelines had better make their voices heard now as once the HST is implemented, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to undo. According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the McGuinty Government, Ontario cannot opt out of the HST regime for five years without risk of massive penalties.

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629

Hey Mr. McGuinty: not so fast!
Panicked government resorts to procedural tricks to ram through hated HST

Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is asking government “what’s the rush?” as McGuinty and his gang race to force their unpopular harmonized sales tax into law.

Barrett spoke out following a media conference in which PC Leader Tim Hudak decried the use of underhanded tactics to quickly implement the HST and silence debate.

“Instead of putting cotton in their ears, this government should be listening to what the people have to say,” Barrett noted. “To that end, we are calling for full public hearings to discuss this tax on just about everything with those it will impact – just about everyone!”

Today, the McGuinty Liberals introduced a supply bill that includes legislation to formally implement the HST – debate will accordingly be curtailed to ensure passage of third and final reading debate Thursday. Barrett speculated that the blind rush is to prevent any further caving, in addition to McGuinty’s panicked exemptions last week.

“We know this government will not take action until it’s backed into a corner, as we saw an example of last week,” stated Barrett. “It’s time to finish the deal, allow the public their say - stop this tax in its tracks!”

Given the abbreviated timelines if government gets its way, Barrett reminded concerned taxpayers that it is more important than ever to get their names on petitions to fight the sales tax. Those interested in more petition sheets can contact Barrett's Simcoe office for more information.

The McGuinty HST will mean a 13 per cent sales tax on everything from gas to electricity, haircuts and home heating fuel.

Haldimand "An Open Letter to McGuinty"

An excellent read from the Barrie Examiner today! Kudos!

An open letter to Dalton McGuinty
Posted By Stu McMillan
Posted 7 hours ago
An open letter to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty

Dear Mr. McGuinty:

I’m going to call you mister as I firmly believe that Premier McGuinty is inaccurate. A premier would have had the guts and fortitude to stop the absolute waste of taxpayers’ money in regards to the e-Health mess.

A billion dollars and very little to show for it! What a complete sham!

Ordinary citizens are working their tails off and this is what we get? I’m sorry, but the odd firing and the resignation of your minister in charge is not enough!

These people should be charged with fraud. Taking our money, promising to do something with it, and knowingly giving us nothing in return is grounds for jail time. Kick those responsible out, charge them accordingly and use their pension money to pay back every taxpayer in Ontario.

This at least might show that you have some compassion for the little guy trying to make ends meet.

It might also show the next bunch put in charge of these projects that you are serious about stopping the bellying up to the taxpayer trough (you are aren't you?).

There has to be a limit (dare I say a budget) and a time- line firmly attached to these projects. It’s done all the time in construction, why not here?

In construction you are told to hold back a percentage of the agreed price until you are satisfied that the job is done correctly. Unfortunately, in this case the money just never stopped flowing.

We cannot afford to continue this way.

A premier would have been aware of and stopped the redirecting of funds to high level bureaucrats through health care facilities, (most of us would call this money laundering) and when it is brought out into the open would have had more gumption than to merely say, ‘I guess I should have known’ and ‘We’ll try to do better next time.’

What an absolute crock of hooey. How can this happen? Who oversees this? Why was nobody fired or even slightly reprimanded? How can we have faith in a government that has allowed this thievery to exist and simply turn a blind eye to it?

Please don't try to blame previous governments for this because even if they were involved in this scheme previously, it should have been up to a premier to do something to put an end to it.

A premier would have not filed a lawsuit against the producers of a legal substance looking for cost recovery for money spent trying to heal those affected by this dangerous product, while at the same time pocketing millions of dollars in tax revenue from this exact same source.

Why have you not sued the casinos and the OLG for cost recovery from gambling addiction?

Why have you not sued the LCBO for distributing a product that leads to alcohol addiction?

I’m sorry, but you just can't have it both ways. Let's just say you win this lawsuit (although I doubt you will). How many jobs are going to be lost due to the price that will have to paid by these companies? How many manufacturers are going to stay in Ontario if the government is going to sue them whenever the whim hits them? Why would anybody invest in such a province?

I have tried to keep this letter somewhat civil, but in closing I cannot begin to describe my utter disgust with you and your government.

I pay my taxes with the expectation that I will receive value for the money that I send in. Up until now, I have not been entirely happy with the results I see, but have been quiet and reluctant to voice my opinion.

No longer!

I will now do everything that I as a single vote can do to see that you and your government do not continue to rip us off and I will try to convince everyone that I meet that you do not deserve to be our premier and your time in office will come to a permanent end in the next election.

Article ID# 2120719
http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2120719

Haldimand "Bruce Power pulls the Plug"

BRUCE POWER PULLS PLUG ON NUCLEAR PROJECT;

The Dunnville Chronicle
Wed Jul 29 2009
Page: A3
Section: News
Byline: DONNA PITCHER , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER;

Bruce Power has withdrawn its application to build Nuclear reactors in Nanticoke and Bruce County; blaming Ontario's declining electricity demand according to a news release on July 23.

Bruce Power has notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency that it will withdraw its site license applications and suspend its Environmental Assessments in Bruce County and Nanticoke.

Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer says this news is "unfortunate" for Haldimand County. Bruce Power had recently informed Trainer, that everything that has been done to date was more favourable than expected.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is still slated to close in 2014 and Trainer is hopeful that OPG will convert to natural gas.

"This is part of our tax base," she said.

When asked about renewable energy options Trainer remarked, "Going Green is Expensive," people don't realize that their hydro bills could double."

"No Nukes in Nanticoke. It's not just a slogan anymore. It's a statement of fact," said Jim Elve of Waterford in an interview with The Chronicle on Friday morning.

Elve is a member of the Grand River Energy Quest, a grass roots group that was formed when Bruce Power announced their plans to build a Nuclear Plant in Haldimand County.

"I suggest there is a bit more to it than that," Elve speculated.

He believes there are underlying reasons why Bruce Power pulled the plug. Elve wondered whether the public opposition played a role in the recent decision.

Both Haldimand and Norfolk counties had passed resolutions supporting Bruce Powers environmental assessment, and stated that they would be "willing hosts."

Elve has always accused that both communities made Bruce Power believe they were willing hosts without any communications from residents.

Grand Erie Energy Quest has a petition, signed by over 1,500 residents in the Nanticoke area, against the nuclear build.

"Rather than putting all of our eggs in one basket and hoping a white knight will ride into town with a mega project, our councils should take this opportunity to encourage economic activity that doesn't rely on billion dollar investors. Renewable energy is the way of the future," said Elve.

Haldimand "Threat of Nuclear Plant is Hurting Local Economy"

Threat of Nuclear Plant is Hurting Local Economy
by Jim Elve of Waterford

On June 28, the Ontario government suspended plans to deploy two new nuclear reactors at Darlington. Even with a bottomless public purse, the costs were deemed too high.

On July 1, the largest energy company in the US, Exelon, dropped plans to build a two-reactor plant in Victoria, Texas. The costs were too high.

In April, another large American energy company, St. Louis-based AmerenUE suspended work on a reactor in Missouri. Costs were too high.

On July 2, New Brunswick revealed that the refurbishment project at the Point Lepreau nuclear station was eight months behind schedule and more than $100 million over budget.

On June 8, secret papers left at a CTV studio revealed that the refurbishment of reactors at Bruce Power’s Kincardine plant is over a year behind schedule and between $300 and $600 million over budget.

On June 11, Prime Minister Harper's chief spokesman, Kory Teneycke, said Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. is a "dysfunctional," $30-billion "sinkhole" that will not get any more federal funding.

As of July 1, Areva’s Olkiluoto nuclear energy project in Finland was 42 months behind schedule and 60% over budget.

The new generation of nuclear development is proving to be a lot like the previous generation: too costly to deserve either private or public investment. The much-touted “nuclear renaissance” is proving to be just so much hype from a highly polished and well-heeled sales force intent on lobbying for a dubious, if not absurd, new round of fruitless investment.

Here in Haldimand-Norfolk, we are being lured with the same empty hook. Bruce Power’s bid to build a two-reactor plant with private capital is every bit as financially ill-advised as the aforementioned projects. The pie-in-the-sky promise of 1000 high paid jobs is as believable as the promises that the new generation of reactors would be built on time and on budget.

About three weeks ago, Ontario Energy Minister George Smitherman reiterated in no uncertain terms that Ontario is not supporting Bruce’s Nanticoke proposal and that the province has no intention of purchasing any electricity that might be created at a possible Nanticoke nuclear plant. We simply do not need it. Ontario already has a surplus of baseload nuclear energy and on over 200 occasions in 2009, we’ve actually paid industrial customers to use it… after we paid the nuclear plants to produce it.

Last week, a Bruce Power spokesperson told Saskatchewan residents that a nuclear plant could not be built in their province without the support and stability offered by a firm provincial government commitment. Indeed, no nuclear project has ever been built without massive taxpayer support.

Despite the lack of financial backing and the strong probability that no plant will ever be built at Nanticoke, Bruce Power continues to press on with the Environmental Assessment it began last November. The nuclear Sword of Damocles continues to damage our local economy by scaring away potential new residents and driving away long time citizens.

Surveys taken by MPP Toby Barrett over a three year period indicate that 76% of H-N residents are opposed to a new nuclear plant. New residents echo the same sentiment over and over; if they’d been aware that a nuclear plant was being proposed 6 km from downtown Port Dover, they would have bought their retirement homes elsewhere. Instead of helping our local economy with future jobs, jobs, jobs, the threat of a nuclear plant is stifling growth and curtailing employment for our existing local tradesmen and businesses.

Both Bruce Power and Premier McGuinty have assured us that they will not pursue nuclear development in anything but a “willing host community”. We can permanently remove the growth-inhibiting threat of a nuclear plant by urging our municipality, through resolutions by Norfolk and Haldimand County Councils declaring that we are not a willing host.

Haldimand and Norfolk residents can contact their democratic representatives on county councils and tell them to remove this threat that is already damaging our local economy. The hollow promise of future jobs relies on nuclear investors being hoodwinked into investing here when they are dropping the nuclear hot potato everywhere else. If it won’t happen, let’s make it clear to real investors that were driving unprecedented growth in Port Dover before the spectre of a nuclear plant loomed on the horizon.

Haldimand "Craving Attention"

Craving attention
The Chronicle Editorial
July 1, 2009

So how much obligation does a newspaper have to provide coverage to someone who admittedly engages in acts simply to garner attention?

This is the question facing Haldimand newspapers in the wake of last week's dog and pony show in Cayuga.

In the days leading up to last Tuesday evening, Doug Fleming was asking people to come to a meeting where he would form a militia aimed at removing trespassers from properties in Caledonia. Specifically he wanted to target Six Nations residents who have been embroiled in land occupations in the area.

And then hours before the meeting Gary McHale distributed a press release saying, "At no time was Doug Fleming's new group going to be called 'Caledonia Militia'. It should be apparent to everyone that the word 'militia' was used to get media attention. It is unfortunate in Canada that media will not cover a story unless you use such a word..."

In no uncertain terms he was saying the whole thing was a publicity stunt.

McHale signed the release as media relations for the 'Caledonia Peacekeepers' , the new name of the Caledonia Militia.

In light of the confession McHale and the group have lost even more credibility. All along they have claimed they are only trying restore balance to a situation in which they perceive two-tier justice.

Yes, newspapers will pay attention when someone comes along and uses a phrase like militia. One of its definitions is "military force."

In Canada the use of a private army is going to get you some attention. It sure doesn't mean you're going to get respect.

Surely recruitment conducted for a responsible group of citizens who want, and need to band together for the common good wouldn't need a publicity stunt to succeed.

So it appears the goal wasn't to actually form a peacekeeping gang but rather simply to provide an opportunity to step once again into the spotlight.

We also have to wonder if the roughly 125 protestors outside the meeting compared with the 30 or so inside gave McHale and Fleming a hint that maybe they're not quite as popular as they think they are.

We have a democratic system in place designed to represent us and to solve problems such as the myriad of land claims across the country. Indigenous peoples will be the first to tell you our system isn't perfect but they wouldn't be the only ones. Average Canadians are also frustrated at the lack of progress in this arena.

But McHale ran in the last federal election. It appeared at the time he understood that in a democracy you can be elected to carry out the wishes of your constituents. But apparently, if you're Gary McHale, losing just means you take matters into your own hands, democratic process be

And no matter how you slice it, that makes him a vigilante -"One who advocates taking the law enforcement into one's own hands."

And yes in Canada that means getting media attention but in this case McHale is under a spotlight revealing -through his own admission -less than admirable motives.

There is no doubt that OPP have handled Six Nations residents differently than other citizens. They have little choice given directives from the Province in the wake of the Ipperwash inquiry.

But there is one question that has never been answered and until McHale or his disciples address it they will continue to be viewed as publicity seeking agitators by most citizens.

And the question is simple: Just how have your actions helped government negotiators reach a peaceful solution to land claims in Caledonia?

Article ID# 1636746
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1636746

Haldimand "Protest Stays Peaceful"

Protest stays peaceful
Posted By DONNA PITCHER
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
July 1, 2009


The quiet town of Cayuga was full of action last Tuesday (June 23) as people came from communities as far away as Toronto. They gathered to protest or observe a controversial first meeting of the "Caledonia Peacekeepers" taking place inside the Cayuga Lion's Club Hall.

After a week of speculation and media frenzy into the apparent forming of a "militia" group in Caledonia, the facts came to light just hours prior to a meeting on Tuesday organized by Doug Fleming of Caledonia and Gary McHale from Binbrook.

The press release read; "At no time was Doug Fleming's new group going to be called 'Caledonia Militia'. It should be apparent to everyone that the word 'militia' was used to get media attention. It is unfortunate in Canada that media will not cover a story unless you use such a word, but the fact that Doug Fleming called it an unarmed militia meant that it wasn't a militia. The name of the group has been a closely guarded secret to ensure max. Media coverage. The name of the new group is the Caledonia Peacekeepers"; Gary McHale signed this press release, media relations for the Caledonia Peacekeepers.

The normally quiet street was lined on both sides with vehicles as far as one could see. Media were there in full force speculating on a clash between the "peacekeepers" inside and the protesters outside. People gathered in small groups. Some were residents who live on the street and surrounding area. Others were from Six Nations who are the target of the "peacekeeping" initiative.

The situation escalated when about 125 protesters from CUPE 3903 First Nations Solidarity Working Group lead by Tom Keefer announced they would attend in protest of the proposed "militia."

Pat Hebb from Hamilton and Margaret Munday from Hagersville were part of the crowd that gathered Tuesday night outside the Lion's Hall. Both ladies own trailers at Conway Park in Cayuga and walked over to see first hand what was going on. "I don't blame them, the protesters or the people inside. I blame the government. They (the government) need to get off their asses and settle this," said Hebb.

The group from CUPE 3903 chanted "Go away KKK" and had signs that read "Canadians Don't Want Anti-Native Vigilantes," "Klan Meeting in Progress," "Militia Go Home".

Niki Thorne, a York University student and member of the First Nations Solidarity Working Group was one of the speakers. "We oppose the threat of violence and escalation of the problem: "This is a bigger issue. This is not just about Caledonia. We need to settle all land claims in a crisp, peaceful and fair manner."

While protesters were making speeches outside about 26 people filled the Lions Hall. In his opening statement Fleming said, "I'm going to be very blunt here. My grandfather's generation fought a war against Nazi Germany to combat that type of thinking. If any of you here have bought into this racist doctrine, I just want you to know this: I despise your beliefs. I couldn't disagree with you more, and this is not the group for you." Fleming went on to say that he personally knows people who have suffered for the last two years and feels compelled to do something about it.

McHale, media relations for the Caledonia Peacekeepers, was the speaker for the rest of the evening. McHale went into detail about issues such as the "race-based policing" of the OPP and how the new group would carry out citizens arrests.

In an interview Monday morning with The Chronicle, Keefer expressed his personal opinion that the renaming of the Caledonia Militia to the Caledonia Peacekeepers is nothing more than "more classic McHale double talk."

"The bottom line is that the forming of this militia is only going to escalate things and could lead to violence. There is no positive outcome to this," said Keefer

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1636760

Haldimand "Monthly Marches to Continue"

Flag flap continues
Monthly marches planned
Posted By DONNA PITCHER , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 16 hours ago


Escorted by the OPP, Merlyn Kinrade of Caledonia and about two dozen demonstrators peacefully marched down the shoulder of Argyle Street past Douglas Creek Estates (DCE) last Saturday.

The march the Caledonia Lions Hall before the group drove to the OPP station in Cayuga where they presented speeches and hung posters.

Merlyn Kinrade is the Caledonia Liaison for the Canadian Advocates for Charter Equality (CANACE) and was the organizer of last Saturday's march. The march was held in support of Randy Fleming who the group contends was "illegally arrested for carrying a Canadian Flag while he walked down Argyle St. past DCE". DCE has been at the centre of controversy ever since it was claimed as native territory by Six Nations citizens in 2006.

CANACE had requested that Mayor Trainer and Councillor Craig Grice of Haldimand County Council, Haldimand/Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett and Haldimand/Norfolk MP Diane Finley march in support of residents who they (CANACE) feel have been the victims of race based policing. They did not attend.

The group gathered at the OPP station in Cayuga for a few speeches. Two posters of Randy Fleming were erected. According to the organizers these photos showed the "excessive force that was used against Fleming during his arrest". The poster read, "Warning. OPP Racist Policies Enforced."

"We are at the end of the beginning," said Mark Vandermaas, who is the advisor for CANACE. Vandermaas spoke to the group about the recent news coverage they have received. "We haven't had this much media since we were arrested. We are still going to hang flags, at every pole across from DCE."

"My brother got manhandled walking down the street," said Doug Fleming during the speeches. Fleming also spoke to the group about the forming of the "Caledonia Militia" and the meeting schedule for Tuesday June 23. Fleming said using the word "militia" was meant to touch a nerve, and it did. As far as he is concerned, "We preformed a community service today, and we will work within the law; we have enough outlaws now."

According to Kinrade CANACE will keep marching, "Until we get resolution to the madness in Caledonia." His plans are to march once a month.

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1626669

When I sent my story to the editor I sent him the one that was not quite complete, so here is the rest of the story;

“The march by a few residents and non residents was completed without incident and the OPP are happy for that” said Inspector Dave Maclean, Haldimand OPP detachment. “The organizers of this march and those marches they plan to continue into the summer, really need to look at their objectives and what they hope the end result will be before they disrupt this beautiful community any further. As well as draw costly police and emergency resources away from serving the entire county”. This sort of activity will not resolve the land claim issue or any of the associated activity.

Maclean is of the opinion that all it does is increase tensions and frustrations locally and affects the majority of people in both communities who want to carry on with their day to day lives, and who hope this gets resolved by those who have the ability to do so.

Haldimand County Mayer Marie Trainer declined the invitation to Saturday’s march with CANACE. Trainer said in a telephone interview with the Chronicle Monday morning “I just don’t think that it is quite appropriate for me to march with them”. As far as the “militia” Trainer said this was made out of frustration and she would make a final decision as to where she stands on this issue when she sees what their actions are. Trainer will not be attending the militia meeting in Cayuga on Tuesday night. “You don’t know what is going to happen,” said Trainer.

Haldimand "Council Delays Dealing with Militia Issue"

Council delays dealing with 'militia' issue
Posted By DONNA PITCHER
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
June 24, 2009

A debate heated up at Council on Monday night after Councillor Craig Grice voiced his concerns regarding the recent events in Caledonia and the forming of a militia group. Grice went on to say, "This is not 2006 or even 2007, it is 2009. If it were 2006 or 2007, I would be saying something different."

Grice is not in favour of a militia group being formed in Caledonia. He spoke of the meeting Tuesday night in Cayuga: "We now have a protest protesting the protest. This does not move us forward. Don't get sucked into the antics of others, Caledonia is a collection of issues; we need positives, period. We are suffering through our corporate image."

He asked, "What is the Municipal stand on the demonstrations, on the militia, and other events like the flag raisings?"

"It is time that we took a stand on this. This has gone on long enough, and it's not just Caledonia," said Councillor Lorne Boyko. According to Boyko the recent coverage of the militia is sending a negative message about our community that will affect shopping habits and tourism. "This is negative towards Caledonia and for Haldimand County."

Councillor Buck Sloat agreed with Boyko. "We need to take a stand on the issues and have the courage to stand behind it". According to Sloat council needs a resolution the Mayor can promote. "We need to have a stand from you, Madam Mayor; you are a pillar of the community."

"The media goes to you first as Mayor. What is your position on this, are you in favour or not?" asked Grice. Trainer did not respond to the question.

"This council speaks through resolution," said Councillor Don Ricker.

Council agreed to deal with the issue after their summer break as no resolution had been formulated before last night's meeting.

But Ricker voiced his concerns regarding Trainer speaking on behalf of council for the next month or so, as council is now in recess for five weeks.

Defending the decision to deal with the issue after recess Boyko argued, "I think we have a direction. We didn't come here tonight prepared to deal with this."


Article ID# 1626672
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1626672

Haldimand "Keep Off our Lawn, pair tells Fledgling Caledonia Militia"

It is strange how a story can grow it's own legs. Well this one certainly has.

I wrote an article for the Dunnville Chronicle about the Caledonia Militia. The incident that I was speaking of that triggered these events was Ernie Palmer. He owns property just outside of Caledonia where a smoke shack has been erected. Now I might add that this is a different scenario than the rest of the smoke shacks as this one is on private property.

I know a close friend of Ernies and when I asked about getting a hold of him for an interview I was told that he just wanted to be left alone. He will deal with this situation on his own. So I respected his wishes and never attempted to contact him. Other media outlets did and the story has grown it's own legs. Thank goodness I stayed away from that one. Although I guess I am not a very good reporter for not pushing.

The whole issue of Ernie's property has been, he said she said they said. Everyone seems to have different factual information. So today in a Toronto newspaper everything seems to be crystal clear. There is a picture of Ernie and Powless smiling and hitting their fists together. (I cannot put pics up on my site.)

Keep off our lawn, pair tells fledgling Caledonia 'militia'

PETER EDWARDS/TORONTO STAR
Ernie Palmer is okay with Stephen Powless running smoke shop on his land.


Jun 19, 2009 04:30 AM
Peter Edwards
Staff Reporter

CALEDONIA–Ernie Palmer says he's smoking mad at locals who want to set up a "Caledonia Militia" in part to protect him from natives running a discount smoke shop on his front lawn.

"We have the OPP if there is lawlessness," the retiree said yesterday in an interview on his 19-hectare property on Highway 6.

However, he doesn't foresee any need for anyone to protect him from Oshweken resident Stephen (Boots) Powless, 44, one of the smoke shack's proprietors.

"I have found (Powless) a very nice man," said Palmer, who came to Canada from Hungary in 1957. "We have drunk so much coffee we're swimming. ... I have a good dialogue with Boots."

While he didn't invite Powless to set up on his land, Palmer said he respects the attempt to reinforce the assertion that native land claims can't be extinguished.
At one point in an interview on Palmer's lawn, Powless joined in and aimed a squirt gun at the property owner as if taking him hostage, which caused Palmer to burst out laughing.

Powless calls Palmer a friend, but said the area could have a long, hot summer of racial tension if the militia idea catches on.

"I have never run from anyone," he said. "If they come here looking for a fight, they'll get one.

"Hopefully, things remain peaceful," he added.

He said he was willing to leave Palmer's property until he read on the Internet of the plans to set up a local militia.

Organizers stated their right to remove "illegal trespassers" from local properties.
"Trespassers will be arrested and turned over to the OPP," the Internet announcement said.

As for the militia, "hotheads need not apply," the announcement said.

One of the organizers, Doug Fleming, also feels local racial tensions could come to a boil this summer.

"I think people are less resilient," said the 47-year-old, who installs pools and cuts firewood seasonally.

He acknowledged some may have problems with the term "militia."

"It conjures up images of shotguns and rifles," he said. "We're going to discourage (recruits) who are looking for a fight."

The OPP says it opposes formation of a local militia.

Insp. Dave Ross dismissed criticism that the OPP haven't kept law and order, noting the 148 charges laid against 61 people since early 2006, when protests began against a housing development on Douglas Creek land claimed by Six Nations.

"Our role is to act in an appropriate manner to monitor the peace and act in the best interests of everyone involved," Ross said.

http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/653395

Haldimand "Caledonia Militia being Formed"

Caledonia Militia being formed
Posted By DONNA PITCHER, FOR THE CHRONICLE
June 17, 2009

A citizens group called the Caledonia Militia is being formed by Caledonia resident Doug Fleming.

Fleming said in a recent release the group is being formed due to the ongoing reality that the OPP refuses to enforce the Criminal Code with regards to people's property rights.

Fleming has the backing and support of Gary McHale, of Caledonia Wake Up Call and President of Canadian Advocates for Charter Equality (CANACE).

The idea has been rolling around for about three years said Fleming in an interview with The Chronicle Tuesday morning.

"I wish that we didn't have the need to do this, we are not here to add to the trouble, we are here to help."

Fleming realizes that the name Militia will conjure up images of guys toting guns. This couldn't be farther from the truth, we are following in the spirit of the Guardian Angels, a group of unarmed citizens that will have cool heads, adhere to the law and exercise restraint.

A recent incident in Caledonia triggered Fleming to officially kick things off.

"This has nothing to do with land claims, this is to do with law enforcement and is a reflection of the shortcomings of the OPP", said Fleming.

Next Tuesday, an information session will be held at the Cayuga Lion's Hall starting at 7 p. m. No "hotheads" are allowed. Interested parties will be screened said Fleming with the intentbe a law abiding group not a goon squad.

McHale will do a presentation on Sections 38-42 of the Criminal Code. This section of the code relates to the rights of a citizen to place an individual under arrest when law enforcement fails to do so.

"CANACE will support this group" if the group adheres strictly to the law, McHale said in an interview Monday evening. "Serious self-control will be required, this is not to have boxing matches between people."

If someone is on private property and breaking the law, the members of the militia will use reasonable force and arrest the individual breaking the law and transport them into the custody of the OPP.

"This is all Caledonia needs" according to Haldimand County OPP Inspector Dave McLean. "This group will serve no good."

This is just another attempt of a few individuals to aggravate the situation without all the proper information. This group is just trying to discredit the OPP said McLean.

Article ID# 1615957
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1615957

Haldimand "Nanticoke Nuclear Bid goes to Review Panel"

Nanticoke nuclear bid goes to review panel

Bruce Power Erie wants to build two reactors

May 07, 2009 NANTICOKE – The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has asked the Minister of Environment to refer the environmental assessment of Bruce Power’s proposal to build two nuclear reactors in the industrial area of Haldimand County to a review panel.

The commission says in a statement late Wednesday an assessment is required before it can consider Bruce Power’s licence application and has concluded that public and stakeholder concerns warrant that a request be made to the minister for an early referral to a review panel.

Bruce Power, which operates a nuclear power plant on Lake Huron near Port Elgin is seeking to build the reactors beside the coal-fired Nanticoke generating Station which is set to be closed in 2014.

The province is not endorsing the proposal, but it has support of Haldimand and Norfolk council’s, local MPs and federal cabinet minister Diane Finley.

A review panel is a group of experts selected and appointed by the minister of the environment.The commission said it has considered Bruce Power Erie's project description, the views already expressed by the public, interest groups, Aboriginal groups and in media reports on previous major nuclear projects, as well as its own experience with consultation on major nuclear projects and decided “…public and stakeholder concerns warrant that a request be made to the minister for an early referral to a review panel.”

A group calling itself Grand Erie Energy Quest has launched a petition requesting a moratorium on nuclear development in Nanticoke because its members feel there has not been sufficient public discussion of contamination, cost and security issues.

Jim Elve, spokesperson for the group, said today the commission decision comes as no surprise. “its the next step,” he said.Grand Erie Energy Quest, which expects its petition to gain momentum with better canvassing in good weather, wants the questions of contamination , cost and most importantly disposal of nuclear waste generated by the plant given a full airing, he said.

“We want to know just where you’re going to put it ... forever,” said Elve.

Elve said the group’s visibility in Haldimand and Norfolk rising as more and more of its dandelion yellow signs are popping up on lawns.

Bruce Power Erie applied in October 2008 for a licence to prepare a site for the future construction and operation of two nuclear reactors 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.

http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/561949

Haldimand "Donna What's Up?

I have been asked more than once what has happened to my Blog.

As some may be aware I was appointed to the Haldimand County Disaster Relief Committee by council back in March. I signed up to work on the Fundraising Sub-committee, and let me tell you that has kept me hopping! The nine people that I am working with on the committee have been great especially Don Edwards who is the Chair of the sub-committee that I am working on. I am loving every minute of it and the support coming in is very humbling. We have raised around $20,000.00 so far, but still have quite a way to go. It looks like the committee may need to raise around $100,000.00. We will have a solid goal around May 21st when all of the applications are in.

Bob Lidddycoat, editor of the Dunnville Chronicle asked me to cover council meetings for the paper when Karen Best announced that she was leaving. May 4th was my first "official" council meeting as a reporter. Deadlines are another thing when the paper comes out on a Wednesday. I was up most of the night Monday writing.

I was able to meet my "first official deadline". But let me tell you I wondered what the hell did I get myself into here? When the paper came out on Wednesday and I read my articles I was quite proud of myself, as I accomplished what I thought I could never do, and that was write articles that spoke only of the "facts" with no personal "opinions"!

I have been a "blogger" for the past two years and I can tell you that writing for a paper is totally different than blogging!

As a reporter for Council Meetings, I am to report the "facts" with no "opinions". Although I have always said that I blogged the facts about council, I have learned very quickly that "blogging and reporting" are as different as "black and white".

Maybe if I am lucky Bob will allow me do an "Opinion Piece". I am already working on one about my experiences so far with the paper, council, staff and some residents of Dunnville that have commented on my new position with the Chronicle.

So for the past two months I have not blogged much. Believe me it's not because I don't have anything to say, there just seems to not be enough hours in the day.

It is nice that I was asked the questions from those of you that enjoyed my sometimes "colourful" articles.

Thanks for asking!