Tag Archives: Press Release

River Water Levels Are Favorite Discussion Among Ontario Paddlers

SUP- Stand up paddling is a popular sport along the Grand River system. image: grandriverrafting.ca

Is the water level in the river going to be okay for canoeing or kayaking on any given weekend?

This is a common question that people call the GRCA to ask. It is also an important question. Usually what  they mean is ” will there  be enough water?”, but occasionally, there is actually way too much water for most people to canoe or paddle safely.

Fly fishermen too need to check river levels so they are safe and don’t get swept off their feet by a strong current.

An angler will likely move to a different area rather than take a chance. As an organization, the GRCA does not make recommendations as to appropriate water flows for recreational activities along the Grand River and its tributaries because there are many variables to consider. Some people have the expertise and training to enjoy high flows that could be fatal to inexperienced and ill equipped paddlers.

Very low flows make for slow going as there may not be enough water for the canoe to float and it may need to be pulled to deeper water at certain times. A skilled paddler will be able to read the water to find the deepest water and will have fewer problems. Some people have a bad day if they have to step out of their boat even once, while others are more tolerant of low flows. That is why there is no definitive answer to this question.

Appropriate water levels are a favorite discussion among paddlers. Those who paddle regularly have their own personal chart, whether it is in their head or on a spreadsheet.

Checking flow information

Many avid river recreation enthusiasts in Southern Ontario bookmark the River Data section of the GRCA’s website and check it when trip planning. This is one of the most visited sections on the GRCA’s website and provides hourly updates on river flows from 39 gauges on the Grand and eight tributaries. Some gauge information is also posted on an Environment Canada website that includes rivers in other parts of Canada, but the GRCA site has data for more gauges from this
watershed.

The main chart here is called the Flow Summary.

Recreational users should pay attention to the column headed “flow.” This one is measured in cubic metres per second or cms. If the rate is 10 cms, that means that 10,000 litres of water is moving past the flow gauge each second at this part of the river. The cms gets bigger as the river moves towards Lake Erie. There are huge changes in river flow due to seasons, weather, ice jams and dam operation.

Compare this to the “summer lowflow” which is the average flow during the dry summer months and you will see in relative terms how much water is flowing down the river. Following this Flow Summary is a list of sections of the rivers and tributaries with graphs. For example, one of the most popular sections of the river for a day trip, Cambridge to Paris, a paddler would check the Galt gauge on the “Middle Grand River“section. The graph will tell you if the level is going up, down, or holding steady. Occasionally a flow gauge does not operate and the information can be inaccurate, so the information is provisional. There is also a River Flow Information line that is updated regularly and can be reached at 519-621-2763, ext. 2511.

Photo by Judi Thompson

Outfitter information

There are several local outfitters in the area and they have cut off levels, when they stop canoe rentals. Canoeing the Grand in Kitchener has a safety section on their website with a five step rating chart for paddling. This scale  goes from “Excellent” to “No Go” with five levels, depending on the paddler’s age, skill, expertise and river conditions.

Grand River flow rates chart

When river flows skyrocket

As the graph above shows, the Grand River may not give much warning of a sudden increase in river flows, which is why the GRCA must sometimes issue high water safety warnings to the public. This is the flow information from the week of May 2 to 9 from a few years ago. Note that it shows heavy rain on Thursday night May 3 in the northern part of the watershed meant flows ballooned from 8 cms to 120 cms within a couple of hours, as the data from Marsville shows. The GRCA issued a warning after the storm. The rainwater gushed down the river and by the afternoon of Friday May 4, flows were dropping at Marsville but skyrocketing at West Montrose. By Saturday May 5, the river flows in Brantford were extreme and then they peaked at York on the southern Grand on Sunday.
A final important note, Dams can make the impact of a rainstorm less severe but they don’t eliminate flooding or high flows.

For the Silo ,Janet Baine, GRCA Communications Specialist

Province Expanding Student Nutrition Program

Ontario Lunch Breakfast Nutrition Program
Ontario is expanding and enhancing its Student Nutrition Program so that 56,000 more children and youth will get the nutritional boost they need to succeed at school.

The province is making an initial investment of $32 million over the next three years as part of its five year plan to enhance the Student Nutrition Program. Under the new plan, 340 new breakfast programs will be established in elementary and secondary schools that need it most across Ontario. The program will also be expanded to on-reserve First Nations schools, beginning in northern Ontario.

The Student Nutrition Program provides nutritious breakfasts, snacks and lunches to support healthy development so school children are better prepared to learn.

Expanding the Student Nutrition Program is part of Ontario’s plan to break down barriers for low income Ontarians and address the effects of poverty. By promoting student success, it is also part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow by focussing on Ontario’s greatest strength – its people and strategic partnerships.

QUICK FACTS

*   During the 2012-13 school year, over 695,000 school-age children and youth
benefited from more than 4,200 breakfast, lunch and snack programs.
*   Eligible schools are identified based upon socioeconomic data and academic
performance.
*   The Healthy Kids Panel Report “No Time to Wait” highlighted the importance of
school nutrition programs.

LEARN MORE

*   Ontario’s Student Nutrition
Program<http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/schoolsnacks/index.aspx>
*   Student Nutrition Program Nutrition Guidelines
<http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/schoolsnacks/nutrition_guidelines.aspx>
*   Ontario’s Action Plan for Health
Care<http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/ecfa/healthy_change/>

QUOTES

“Nutritious snacks and meals are critical to the success of every child. We want Ontario’s children to reach their full potential, and this investment is one more way we are helping our children succeed.”
— Teresa Piruzza, Minister of Children and Youth Services

“Expanding the nutrition program is an important Ontario initiative to help our students excel. It is critical that our children benefit from a healthy lifestyle and are offered every opportunity to be at their best.”
— Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance

Eat Right Ontario

 

 

Sweet Greens

Ontario Wants To Intro Financial Accountability Officer

Liberals Financial Accountability OfficerThe Ontario government will introduce legislation to establish a Financial Accountability Officer, an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly. Ontario is the first province in Canada to introduce this oversight measure.

If the legislation is passed, the Financial Accountability Officer would provide independent analysis to all MPPs about the state of the province’s finances, including the Ontario Budget, as well as trends in the provincial and national economies. In addition, at the request of a legislative committee or an MPP, other types of research could be provided by the officer, including the financial cost or benefit to the province of any public bill. The Financial Accountability Officer could also be asked to review and estimate the financial cost or benefit to the province of any proposal that relates to a matter over which the Legislature has jurisdiction, such as the establishment of a new program.

Increasing financial openness is part of the government’s plan to work collaboratively, attract investment, create jobs and help people in their everyday lives.

“We are proposing the creation of a Financial Accountability Officer to further
enhance the openness and transparency of government.  This would also include the
financial assessment of any public bill brought forward to the Legislature by an
MPP.  The work undertaken by this independent officer will help better inform the
house on possible financial impacts of a proposed bill and increase information
available to Ontarians.”
– Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance

“We are fulfilling our commitments with the introduction of the Financial
Accountability Officer Act. I look forward to working with the opposition to pass
this Bill and other important legislation that we will be debating this fall.
Ontarians want to see minority government working, and I’m optimistic we’ll be able
to make progress in the Legislature.”

– John Milloy, Government House Leader

QUICK FACTS

§  The Financial Accountability Officer would be selected by a panel consisting of
one member from each recognized party, chaired by the Speaker of the Assembly who is
a non-voting member.
§  The Financial Accountability Officer would produce an annual report on or before
July 31 of each year.
§  The establishment of a Financial Accountability Officer builds on previous
government actions to enhance accountability and transparency, such as the Fiscal
Transparency and Accountability Act, 2004.

LEARN MORE

Read the 2013 Ontario Budget http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ontariobudgets/2013/
Disponible en français

British Columbia Elects First Green Party Legislature Member

Andrew Weaver
Andrew Weaver

GPO Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner made the following statement on the election of BC’s first Green MLA:

“I want to congratulate Green Party candidate Andrew Weaver for his historic victory in yesterday’s BC election. Andrew is the first Green ever elected in a provincial legislature in Canada.

Once again BC voters have made history two years after electing Elizabeth May as Canada’s first Green MP. I am happy and excited for Andrew and everyone pushing for a sustainable future.

I know Andrew will seize this moment to be a voice for change in BC, and he will work tirelessly serving his constituents in Oak Bay-Gordon Head.

I also want to commend Leader Jane Sterk and all BC Green candidates for a strong campaign. The Green movement in Canada is growing stronger. Mr. Weaver’s election is an inspiration for the Green Party of Ontario. GPO members are already working hard to bring change to Ontario by electing our first Green MPP to Queen’s Park.”  For the Silo, Becky Smit.

Ontario government wants to strengthen rules for Debt Settlement Services

OntarioGovRegulationIcon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ontario is taking steps to provide vulnerable consumers with protection against unfair business practices of some companies that offer debt settlement services.

As part of the province’s continuing commitment to strengthen consumer protection, the Ontario government intends to introduce legislation that, if passed, would impose new rules for debt settlement services, including:

 Banning companies from charging upfront fees for debt settlement services.

 Limiting the total amount of fees consumers are charged.

 Requiring clear, easy to understand contracts.

 Establishing a 10-day cooling-off period, providing consumers more time to consider their agreements.

 Allowing the licenses of non-compliant companies to be revoked.

These proposed reforms would help protect the rights of consumers and are part of the new Ontario government’s commitment to building a strong economy and a fair, safe and informed marketplace.

QUOTES

“Ontario consumers need to have confidence that they’re getting what they pay for when purchasing debt settlement services. We’re going to introduce legislation that would protect some of our most vulnerable consumers from being taken advantage of, at a time when they need the most help.”

— Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Consumer Services MPP Pickering-Scarborough-East

 

“Ontarians work hard for their money. Why just give it away to a company that is going to take your up-front fee but not actually settle with your creditors? I’m pleased the Ontario government is strengthening protections for consumers looking for help from debt settlement companies”

— Gail Vaz-Oxlade, financial writer and host of “Til Debt Do Us Part”

QUICK FACTS

 Ontario is joining other provinces like Alberta and Manitoba that regulated companies offering debt settlement services.

 There are currently 22 companies and 38 credit counselling providers offering debt settlement services in Ontario.

 The average consumer debt in Ontario is more than $25,000 per person.

LEARN MORE

Read more about how the Ontario government protects consumers who use companies that offer debt settlement services. www.sse.on.gov.ca

Protect yourself against scams and fraud.

 

ontario.ca/consumer services

Disponible en français

Grand Erie Schoolboard innovates with Parenting and Family Literacy Centres

Brantford ON – Grand Erie is excited to offer, for the first time, two Parenting and Family Literacy Centres (PFLCs) at Major Ballachey and Princess Elizabeth elementary schools in Brantford. These centres are places where parents and children can come to play and learn together, families can be introduced to the school system, and children can prepare for Kindergarten.

“We know that a parent is the child’s first and most important teacher,” said Brenda Blancher, Superintendent of Education. “The Parenting and Family Literacy Centres will help prepare children in these school communities for starting school and encourage families to be a part of their children’s learning.”

PFLCs are programs for parents and children of preschool age – from babies to age six. The program offers play-based learning activities that focus on the development of the child and an early love of reading and math. Children’s early learning and development are supported through play while the foundations are laid for a successful transition to school.

On behalf of the Trustees, Chair Rita Collver said she is pleased the Board will offer two centres serving parents and children in the school communities of Major Ballachey and Princess Elizabeth. Trustees advocated for a Parenting and Family Literacy Centre in Grand Erie since the Government of Ontario introduced the initiative in 2007. “Children and parents will engage in play-based learning activities that include music, story time, reading and counting,” said Collver. “Research shows that early childhood education and parent engagement help improve student achievement once children start attending school.”

The sites will be ready for parents and children early in the new year. There is no pre-registration needed and the centres are free for all families.
For more information about Parenting and Family Literacy Centres, visit the Parent Tab at www.granderie.ca

Canada’s New ePassport Contains Biometric Chip?

Canada states that new ePassports do not contain biometric data but the ICAO (see supplemental) set standards for passports internationally and do require biometric data. “..1.3 ICAO’s adoption of a blueprint for Biometric ID in MRTDs in May 2003, after extensive
work undertaken since 1997, represents an important step forward in machine- assisted identity
confirmation. This involved the selection of facial recognition as the globally interoperable biometric
FAL/12-WP/83 – 2 –
technology, in combination with contactless IC chips for data storage in a logical data structure (LDS),
using a modified public key infrastructure (PKI) scheme to prevent unauthorized alteration…” from http://www.icao.int/Meetings/FAL12/Documents/fal12wp083_en.pdf
Gatineau, Québec, October 26, 2012 – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced that Canada’s new ePassport will be full of iconic images that will make Canadian passports more attractive and more secure.

“The new ePassport will be more reflective and representative of who we are as Canadians,” said Baird during an event at the newly renamed Canadian Museum of History. “These images showcase Canada’s history and the building of our great nation while adding essential new security features for the 21st Century.”

The new images will also serve to keep the Canadian passport one of the world’s most secure travel documents. The complexity of the images is – first and foremost – a security feature that makes the passport more difficult to counterfeit.

“Our government is tremendously proud of Canada’s rich history. We urge all Canadians to learn more about the events and people that shaped Canada and the great sacrifices made to secure our freedom,” added Baird.

A look at the inside of the new Canadian ePassports image courtesy of ppt.gc.ca

Countries around the world review their passport designs and security features periodically to stay steps ahead of counterfeiters. The new-look ePassport will help facilitate legitimate trade and safe, secure travel which, in turn, helps create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians.

The first 5-year ePassports will be issued in select locations during the first quarter of 2013. Production will ramp up through the spring resulting in the full availability of both a 5- and 10- year ePassport in early summer.

For a look at [ more of ] the images included in the new ePassport, please visit the new section on Passport Canada’s website, which features images and descriptions of the new passport design: www.pptc.gc.ca/eppt/photos.aspx?lang=eng.

Supplemental- International Civil Aviation Organization sets standards for ePassports. Standards require biometric data

Canada follows UK 2010 lead with new ePassport http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/press-releases/new-uk-passport-unveiled

UK ePassports do contain biometric data: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4776562.stm

Toronto Star reports that the new Canadian ePassports will no longer be made in Canada but will be subcontracted to a Netherlands firm

Liberals: Ontario remains on track to eliminate deficit by 2017-18

“20th Century Limited Train on Tracks” by Alfred Eisenstaedt

The deficit projection for the current fiscal year has improved by more than $400 million from the 2012 Budget forecast to $14.4 billion. The province remains on track to meet the 2012 Budget deficit targets in 2013-14 and 2014–15 and for the deficit to be eliminated by 2017–18.

Ontario is projecting growth in real gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.0 per cent in 2012, 1.9 per cent in 2013, 2.3 per cent in 2014 and 2.4 per cent in 2015.

As of September 2012, Ontario employment was 356,000 net new jobs above its recessionary low in June 2009. Ontario is expected to create nearly 350,000 net new jobs by 2015, reducing the unemployment rate to 6.8 per cent from a high of 9.4 per cent in June 2009.

The fiscal plan provides no funding for incremental compensation increases for new collective agreements. The government is currently consulting on draft legislation that proposes to freeze compensation for executives and managers across the Ontario Public Service, and the Broader Public Sector (BPS) who are eligible for performance pay. It also proposes to ensure future BPS collective agreements are consistent with the province’s goals to eliminate the deficit and protect jobs and public services. The proposed draft legislation would support avoiding increased spending in the BPS of $2.8 billion over three years and help to protect roughly 55,000 public sector jobs.

QUOTE

“Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty, Ontario is ahead of its targets for lowering the deficit for the fourth year in a row. We will work with anyone who is willing to work with us to meet the objectives of eliminating the deficit and protecting jobs and public services.”
— Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance

QUICK FACTS

• The 2012–13 revenue projection of $113,019 million is $445 million above the 2012 Budget outlook, largely reflecting a higher estimated 2011–12 tax base. Consistent with the government’s continued effort toward managing the growth in expenses, total expense for 2012–13 has decreased by $3.7 million compared to the 2012 Budget plan.

• Robust business capital investment, a rebound in net trade and increased consumer spending will be key contributors to growth. Over the past two years, business investment spending on plant and equipment has risen by more than 22 per cent, or
$11.1 billion.

• In the 2011–2012 Public Accounts of Ontario, the government announced the deficit for 2011–12 was $13.0 billion, marking the third consecutive year in which the province has improved on its fiscal projections. This result is also 47 per cent lower than the 2009–10 deficit of $24.7 billion forecast in the fall of 2009, at the depth of the global recession.

• The government has brought together business, labour and public sector leaders to form the Jobs and Prosperity Council. Reporting to the Premier, and headed by RBC President and CEO Gordon Nixon, the council will explore additional opportunities in the next few months for a path to sustainable growth that will also help inform the 2013 Ontario Budget.
• The 2012 Budget extended the pay freeze for MPPs by a further two years — for a total of five years.

LEARN MORE

Read Ontario’s Mid-Year Update on Economic and Fiscal Performance for 2012–13.

Read the Ontario Economic Accounts — Second Quarter of 2012

Read a Long Term Plan for Public Sector Compensation.

Read the McGuinty government’s announcement on freezing salaries for Ontario Public Service Managers.

Read the 2012 Ontario Budget.

Read about the strong actions the McGuinty government took in the 2012 Budget to reduce the deficit further.

Read the

Addendum to the 2012 Ontario Budget: Report on Expense Management Measures.

.

www.ontario.ca/finance-news
Disponible en français

Ontario Greens say government failing in climate change driven water protection and conservation

Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller. The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario is the province’s independent environmental watchdog. Appointed by the Legislative Assembly, the ECO is tasked with monitoring and reporting on compliance with the Environmental Bill of Rights, and the government’s success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in achieving greater energy conservation in Ontario.

Queen’s Park – The McGuinty Liberals have consistently failed to deliver simple policies and programs to protect and conserve our environment. These failures negatively affect our economy, communities and well being.

A [Sept 25,2012] report from the Environment Commissioner of Ontario cites many examples of how the government has failed to provide adequate water protection programs, monitor wild life populations and protect public health from industrial dust pollution. Ontario needs water protection and conservation programs to deal with the more extreme weather events caused by climate change.

We saw the importance of this first hand with this summer’s drought. Not having proper water supply affects our ability to grow food, our health and the productivity of industry.

The government’s failure to invest a relatively small amount in monitoring wildlife threatens forestry, one of Ontario’s most important industries. It is short sighted and irresponsible to not have a functioning wildlife monitoring program in place.

The government’s failure to provide responsible environmental protection directly affects our health. One of the most obvious examples is the government’s inaction on complaints related to industrial dust pollution. Ontario can do better. We must do better. Getting back in touch with environmental issues is important for our health, economy and quality of life. For the Silo by the Green Party of Ontario

Supplemental- http://www.eco.on.ca/ 

 

Our PRINT edition powered by our friends at King’s Flower and Garden Centre, Simcoe, Ontario

 

Green Party- merging public & separate school systems would save Ontario $1,300,000,000 pr year

Delegates at yesterdays Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario general meeting in Toronto- voted in favour of funding secular (non-religious) schools image:ETFO/The Silo

KITCHENER-WATERLOO – Green Party of Ontario candidate Dr. Stacey Danckert was joined by Leader Mike Schreiner in Kitchener to outline the Green Party’s plan to strengthen Ontario’s school system by ending wasteful duplication in the public and Catholic boards.
“With the issue of school cuts dominating these by-elections, the choice for voters is clear,” says Schreiner. “Prioritize high-quality education for all children or protect the interests that want special funding for one religion at the exclusion of all others. Only the Green Party will fight to improve our children’s education with a fair and equitable school system.”
At the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) general meeting in Toronto yesterday members voted in favour of a motion that would see public funding of public education in Ontario be limited to secular [ non-religious-based CP ] schools. Only the GPO is calling for a public commission to study merging the Catholic and public systems.
Ontario is the only province that provides full public funding for a single faith while providing no funding for other faith-based schools. As a result the UN Human Rights Committee has censured Canada in 1999 and 2005 for the discrimination in Ontario’s school system. “McGuinty has repeatedly slammed the door on talking about this issue. Instead he continues to ram the Liberals’ political agenda down the throats of parents and teachers,” continued Schreiner. “Ourchildren deserve a fair and equitable system regardless of their faith or sexual orientation.”
Recently Catholic Schools have come under fire for discouraging Gay Straight Alliances, student-run clubs that promote tolerance for diversity. “The McGuinty Liberals are quick to place the burden on teachers and have failed to recognize how wasteful our system is,” added Danckert.
A study prepared by William J. Phillips, Past-President of The Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods of Ontario Inc. estimates savings from merging the school boards of $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion per year. “It’s time to demand a better solution for our children and this province’s future,” added Dancket. “As your first Green MPP in Queen’s Park I will not let the other parties evade this issue any longer.” For the Silo by Green Party of Ontario PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8

Ontario Greens- partisan bickering brought province to “another election” edge

GPO- We almost had a Summer election (yikes!)
Ontario needs responsible leadership and instead we’re seeing partisan bickering, brinkmanship and flip-flopping from Queen’s Park politicians. Bringing us twice to the edge of another election only seven months after the last one is not responsible governance. I want to see the political establishment at Queen’s Park focus on solutions for the very real problems facing Ontarians. The people of Ontario do not want a summer election, and I welcome the cooperation that has averted one.However, the GPO remains concerned about the erosion of transparency, accountability, and public participation represented by the omnibus budget bill. Although we are pleased that our call to preserve the Endangered Species Act was answered, the budget bill still weakens environmental protections and opens the door to privatization of public services without proper oversight.

The GPO is disappointed that the parties at Queen’s Park slammed the door on an open, public discussion about merging the Catholic and public school boards. Before cutting essential services and closing schools, Ontarians need to talk about moving to a more equitable and financially responsible education system. The GPO remains opposed to the government’s misguided priority to spend a billion dollars on subsidies for wasteful electricity consumption, instead of a full-funding increase for Ontario’s most vulnerable children and investments in programs that help people save money by saving energy.

I believe minority government can work if the political establishment at Queen’s Park can put the public’s interests before their own partisan interests. The focus needs to be on long-term solutions instead of political as usual.” GPO Leader Mike Schreiner

Sent to the Silo by Jaymini Bhikha (O) 416-977-7476 (C) 416-275-8573 [1] jbhikha@gpo.ca  Green Party of Ontario PO Box 1132Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada

Unlike Quebec and United States, Ontario has no transportation budget $ for cycling infrastructure

Still from the classic Queen song- Bicycle Race

Toronto – GPO leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the McGuinty
governmentto dedicate1% of the transportation infrastructure budget
to cycling and another 1% for pedestrians. Sustainable infrastructure
is a sound investment that will help people choose healthy
transportation options.

[The song  featured is by Mercury and was supposedly inspired by his observing a leg of Tour de France. It starts with a chorus unaccompanied by instruments. The chorus is followed by two verses connected with a bridge, both followed by a chorus. Around the middle of the song there is a solo played with numerous bicycle bells. During the live performances, it was often played by the audience who specially brought the bells for this purpose. The song has a very unusual chord progression with numerous modulations, a change of meter (from 4/4 to 3/4) in the bridge, and the multitracked vocal and guitar harmonies.

The video for the song became scandalously famous for featuring 65 naked women, all professional models, racing at Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium. It was filmed by Dennis de Vallance. The group rented the stadium and several dozen bikes for one day for filming the scene; however, when the renting company became aware of the way their bikes were used, they requested the group to purchase all the bicycle seats. The original video uses special effects to hide the nudity.

“Bicycle Race “é um single da banda de rock inglesa QUEEN. Foi lançado em 1978, no álbum JAZZ e escrito pelo vocalista da Queen FREDDIE MERCURY. Ela foi lançada como um duplo lado-A única juntamente com a canção” Fat Bottomed Girls “. A canção é notável por seu vídeo com uma corrida de bicicleta com mulheres nuas em Wimbledon Stadium, que foi editado ou mesmo proibido em vários países. A canção tem uma progressão de acordes muito incomum com modulações diversas, uma mudança de metro (de 4 / 4-6 / 8) na ponte, e os vocais multipista e harmonias de guitarra.

A canção foi escrita por MERCURY e foi supostamente inspirado por sua observação de uma perna do Tour de France. Ela começa com um coro acompanhados por instrumentos. O coro é seguido por dois versos conectado com uma ponte, ambos seguido por um coro. Ao meio da música há um solo com sinos de bicicleta numerosos. Durante as apresentações ao vivo, muitas vezes era tocado pelo público, que levavam os sinos especialmente para esta finalidade.

O vídeo para a canção tornou-se famoso por escandalosamente com 65 mulheres nuas, todas as modelos profissionais, competindo em Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium. Foi filmado por Dennis de Vallance. O grupo alugou o estádio e várias dezenas de bicicletas durante um dia para filmar a cena,. Porém, quando a empresa que alugou tomou conhecimento da forma como as suas bicicletas foram usados​​, eles pediram ao grupo para adquirir todos os assentos das bicicletas, o vídeo original usa efeitos especiais para esconder a nudez.  Courtesy of http://www.youtube.com/user/lcsRamone CP ]

 


“If Premier McGuinty can find $1 billion dollars to build his
‘people’s highway,’ why can’t he find a few million dollars to make
streets safe for people?” asks Schreiner.

Today marks the launch of Bike Month in the City of Toronto. Cycling
plays an important role in the health of our citizens, strengthening
our local economies and our general quality of life.

Quebec spends $200 million on cycling infrastructure and earns $135
million each year from bicycle tourism alone. The US dedicates 1.6% of
its transportation budget for states to invest in cycling
infrastructure. Ontario has no dedicated funding to support cycling or
pedestrian infrastructure.

“Ontario needs infrastructure if we are serious about making our
streets and roads safe,” says Schreiner. “A small investment to
support cycling will reap big rewards — combating gridlock, reducing
health care costs and supporting local businesses.”

Two Danish studies showed that when 1% of car drivers switched to
riding bicycles, health care costs were reduced by 1%. Copenhagen
saves $300 per person per year on health costs because almost 80
percent of its population bikes regularly. Cycling and walking
projects create 11-14 jobs per $1 million spent, compared to just
seven jobs created per $1 million spent on highway projects. These and
other studies show that Ontario cannot afford not to invest in cycling
infrastructure.

The GPO’s 1% percent solution would create two funds for
municipalities to access the dollars they need for cycling and
pedestrian infrastructure. By doing so, Ontario would finally
recognize that cycling and walking are important forms of
transportation for growing numbers of Ontarians.

“We need a Complete Streets Act in Ontario to ensure that our streets
are safe for all users: cars, trucks, bikes, pedestrians, wheeled
mobility devices, and transit users” says Trinity-Spadina candidate
and GPO critic for transportation Tim Grant.

Jaymini Bhikha
(O) 416-977-7476
(C) 416-275-8573 [1]
jbhikha@gpo.ca

For the Silo by Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Ontario Green Party still championing merging of public and Catholic school boards

Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the Liberal government to establish public input on the possibility of a public school and seperate school board merger. Several other provinces including Quebec have already ended the two-tier system of publicly funded schools based on religion.

May 15th Queen’s Park GPO leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the Liberal government to establish a public commission to explore merging the public and Catholic school boards. “The Liberals have a clear choice,” says Schreiner. “Prioritize high-quality education for all kids or protect the entrenched interests that want special funding for one religion at the exclusion of all others.”

With schools facing financial and social pressures, the GPO believes now is the time to engage public discussion on modernizing Ontario’s education system.

The GPO believes inaction is failing our kids. At a time when parents across the province are rallying to prevent school closures, the Toronto District School Board is considering cuts to cafeterias, educators, mental health professionals, and support staff. Further, Catholic Trustees are opposing student efforts to stop bullying with Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs. Ontario can no longer turn a blind eye to wasteful duplication that compromises quality education and fails to protect at-risk youth.

“The Green Party has the courage to confront social and financial realities,” says education critic and Parry Sound-Muskoka candidate Matt Richter. “Greens want to end expensive duplication and promote an equitable education system where every religion is respected, and no religion is privileged.”

Both Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador modernized their outdated denominational school systems in the 1990’s. The days of needing to publicly fund Catholic schools to protect a minority religion from discrimination or assimilation are long past.

The GPO believes there is no longer justification for maintaining a separate school system when we face cuts to essential services. The government has never studied the costs of a separate system. However, the Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods of Ontario estimates savings of $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion.

The GPO encourages Premier McGuinty to follow his own advice: “If we’re going to bring about more improvement in publicly-funded schools, it is regressive to contemplate segregating our children according to their faith,” McGuinty said. “I want our kids to continue coming together.”

The GPO supports a unified public education system with French and English school boards that prioritize helping all our diverse students meet their full potential.

For The Silo by  Jaymini Bhikha (O) 416-977-7476 (C) 416-275-8573  jbhikha@gpo.ca
Green Party of Ontario  PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada

13% Of All Working Ontarians Are Public Sector Employees

13% of all adult Ontarians are public sector workers- accounting for over half of Ontario government spending

Let’s find alternatives to layoffs and program cuts. On May 16th, I introduced my Private Members Bill titled: An Act to address Ontario’s debt through alternatives to public sector layoffs and government program cuts while reducing the fiscal pressure on the people of Ontario who are having trouble paying their bills. This legislation offers options for tackling runaway spending that has us staring down the barrel of a $411.4 billion debt.

[ More on private member’s bills- http://www.revparl.ca/english/issue.asp?art=348&param=91 CP ]

Servicing this debt impairs the ability of Ontario to function and has led to levels of taxation that restrict the ability of businesses to compete, and of individuals to survive financially.

There are over one million public sector employees in Ontario  [ according to statistics in one recent study by the CMAJ http://www.cmaj.ca/content/178/11/1441.abstract ,  in 2007 the estimated adult population of Ontario was 7,996,653 which means 1/8 adult Ontarians or 13% of all adult Ontarians are a public sector employee, a staggering statistic CP ]- 70 per cent unionized compared to 15 per cent in the private sector. Labour costs account for over half of Ontario government spending. This spending sees public sector workers receiving higher compensation – wages, benefits, pensions… – than their private sector counterparts. The total amount paid to the public sector has jumped by 46 per cent since 2003.

My bill aims to take legislative steps address this trend, recognizing the Drummond report https://www.thesilo.ca/the-next-day-ontario-receives-drummond-commission-suggestions-on-public-service-reforms/  advice, “one recommendation that crosses all sectors is the need for prolonged moderation of growth in public-sector total compensation”. While the McGuinty team continues to dodge and weave through credit downgrades, flagging job numbers, and mounting debt, the truth is that unless the province gets its house in order, there will be no alternative but continued cuts to government programs and continued layoffs resulting in a lower level of service for all of us.

To limit the need for such extreme and harsh solutions, I feel the Government of Ontario needs to act immediately to limit compensation paid to employees in the public sector. At the same time, as spelled out in my bill, government must continue to recognize its legal duty to consult fully with those employees and their bargaining agents, and to negotiate with them constructively and in good faith.
My bill [if passed CP ] would amend the Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Act, 1993 to:

1. indicate government’s responsibility and objectives to fully engage, consult and conduct genuine and constructive negotiations with public sector workers on legislative changes to collective bargaining and compensation
2. link the total compensation package to the rate of Ontario’s real GDP economic growth per capita
3. allow for public sector furlough i.e. days off without pay. It’s important to note that between 2007 and 2009, over half the states have imposed mandatory furlough for their public sector employees
4. allow change in public sector pensions to defined contribution from defined benefit. Here as well, at least forty states have enacted significant changes to their public sector pension plans
5. limit length of public sector collective agreements to one year, after which wages are frozen until a new contract is settled, until budget is balanced
6. introduce a comprehensive and transparent benchmarking system for compensation, which would include a costing of the full compensation package, including benefits, pensions and moving through seniority grids
7. mandate stricter criteria for compensation awards in researching private vs. public comparables – achieved through a provincial wage board.

I look forward to providing more details as we approach debate of my bill June 7th  For The Silo by Toby Barrett, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP

New flirting concept FlipMe empowers Women to ‘make the first move’

 

Rachel DeAlto- flirting expert and brain behind the concept of FlipMe

May15, 2012– Introducing FlipMe, LLC—a revolutionary new way for women to flirt without providing their personal information, but before we get to that, Rachel DeAlto (flirting expert and the mastermind of FlipMe) offers her  Top 5 Flirting Tips for Men: 1) Make the Approach – Flirting from afar should last about 1 minute. Take the initiative and start a conversation – even “Hi” works! 2) Play it Cool – Women definitely want to know you are interested, but we don’t want to feel like the last woman on Earth. Let us know you like us, but play a little cat and mouse along the way. 3) Pay Attention – It’s easy to get distracted, but try to give your full attention when you are just starting to get to know her. Listen to what she is saying and ask follow-up questions. 4) Stay Humble – You may be super successful and drive a fancy car, but don’t boast – it is a complete turn off. Let her figure it out on her own, and be impressed by your down to earth style. 5) Go Solo – We know you love your friends, and one day we might too! Until then, keep your boisterous buddies at bay while we get our flirt on.

Rachel DeAlto  is a seasoned expert who has been featured on several television shows and programs and regularly teaches courses on flirting at The Learning Annex, America’s leading adult education center.

Radio show: www.webtalkradio.net/shows/the-naked-truth-about-dating/

What is FlipMe?

FlipMe Revolutionizes “How to Date” Rules & the Online Dating Scene and this popular flirting tool empowers Women to channel their inner coquette & make the first move.

How does it work?

– Give a prospective love interest a card with a sweet, sassy or sexy statement

– Log into your profile to see if he has responded

– Upon a response, connect and become intrigued with the new form of flirting

About FlipMe:

What FlipMe really is, is a philosophy. It’s here to say – let’s have fun again, and be confident. Get out there, meet people and make a connection. It’s breaking the ice made easy. You take charge of your dating life by giving your sassy, flirtatious side the perfect sidekick. FlipMe brings a casual confidence to meeting newpeople by offering a clever way to say “hi.” This stylish accessory is a simple and intriguing way to break the ice and let someone know you’re interested without divulging your personal details. When you purchase a pack, you get 30 cards, each with a unique code that lets the lucky recipient view your profile and send you messages. No one gets access unless you give them a card, and no one gets to see your personal information. It’s a safe, secure way to put the fun back in flirting.  http://flipme.com/index.php

Katherine Fleischman for The Silo

Ontario Energy Board/Green Party – Rising electricity costs due to Nuclear; not so much Wind/Solar

A few examples of the fantastic Cooling Tower art found at: http://weburbanist.com Did you know Cooling Towers (the nuclear style) predate nuclear power?

Ontario Energy Board report reveals nuclear causing rising electricity rates. “We need an honest discussion about rising electricity prices in Ontario. The misleading rhetoric blaming green energy for rising electrical rates is a disservice to the people of Ontario. According to the Ontario Energy Board, since 2006, 45% of the increase in our electricity costs are from subsidies for the nuclear industry, while only 6% are due to subsidies for green energy.

This will only get worse if the McGuinty Liberals proceed with their $33 billion nuclear spending spree. We still have not paid off the $19.8 billion debt from our last nuclear fiasco.  The bottom line is that the cheapest and greenest kilowatt is the one we save. We have to stop burning money and deliver a long-term energy plan that prioritizes energy efficiency programs.

The stakes are too high to have politically partisan rhetoric derail an adult conversation about our energy future. We need to protect our pocketbooks with an honest look at the causes of rising electrical rates.”
The full OEB report is available here-  OEB MSP green report [ It’s not a ‘light’ read at 106 pages but it’s quite detailed CP ]

Jaymini Bhikha
 Cell: 416-275-8573
 Office: 416-977-7476
 jbhikha@gpo.ca
Green Party of Ontario  PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada

Supplemental: http://weburbanist.com/2010/07/18/nuclear-coverup-10-cool-examples-of-cooling-tower-art/?ref=search

http://pcgladiator.blogspot.ca/2009/04/largest-cooling-towers.html

Ontario Greens: Liberal budget excludes public input on important environmental protections

Don't they want to listen anymore? The Green Party of Ontario believe that the recently passed budget bill " muzzles public input onchanges to important environmental protections."

[Ontario]Liberals have voted to pass a budget that muzzles public input on changes to important environmental protections. With these changes buried in the budget bill (Bill 55), the government has in effect exempted them from the public participation process normally required by law.

The Ontario Legislature at Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario Canada

“The GPO is all in favour of working together, and we applaud the cooperation that has averted another election. But it’s wrong for the Liberal government to use the budget bill to silence public input on changes to environmental protections,” says GPO leader Mike Schreiner. “The public has a right to comment on legislation that protects Ontario’s natural legacy.”

The GPO is calling on the Liberals to remove changes to laws prescribed under the Environmental Bill of Rights from Bill 55 before final passage. Greens oppose using omnibus legislation to avoid the mandatory 30-day public comment period.

“Changes to environmental protections have no place in a budget bill,” says Schreiner. “Solving a financial deficit by creating an ecological one isn’t sound management or good leadership. It’s time for the Liberals to do the right thing and address changes to environmental laws separately from the budget.”

Jaymini Bhikha (Office) 416-977-7476  (Cell) 416-275-8573  jbhikha@gpo.ca

Green Party of Ontario  PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada

Supplemental-

 

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – April 19, 2012) – The Quetico Foundation is deeply concerned that the Ontario Government’s omnibus budget bill will impact Ontario endangered species and parks. Significant amendments to dozens of important pieces of legislation are contained within Bill 55, Strong Action for Ontario Act. These changes being proposed, without consultation, include serious modifications to the Endangered Species Act, 2006 (ESA) that allow for exemptions, and to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 (PPCRA) that threaten and weaken the process for preparation and review of park management plans. These modifications have no relevance to budget matters!

The Foundation is concerned that Bill 55 both weakens crucial global initiatives to preserve biodiversity and relieves government of its duties with respect to proper management of our Ontario Parks.

Further, inclusion of multiple legislative amendments in a budget bill disregards the process that normally opens such changes to public consultation. The standard process of the posting of changes on the Environmental Registry has been ignored.

The Foundation urges Ontarians to demand that the proposed endangered species and parks legislation amendments to the PPCRA and the ESA, along with a number of other Acts that fall under the Environmental Bill of Rights, be removed from Bill 55. Citizens need to insist that due process be followed and that any proposed amendments be posted on the Environmental Registry and be open to public discussion in accordance with the normal government process.

About The Quetico Foundation:

The Quetico Foundation was formed as a not-for-profit organization in 1954 with a mandate to protect the wilderness values and ecological integrity of Quetico Provincial Park and other wilderness areas in Ontario for the benefit of future generations.

www.queticofoundation.org

ESA/PPCRA BACKGROUNDER

Bill 55: The proposed changes are enabled in Schedule 69 of Bill 55, Strong Action for Ontario Act, “to enact and amend various Acts”. (Specific changes to the ESA are in schedule 19, and to the PPCRA are in Schedule 58): http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet=&BillID=2600

ESA: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_07e06_e.htm

PPCRA: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_06p12_e.htm

EBR: The Environmental Registry is available at: http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/

The Quetico Foundation: The Text of the letter that the Foundation sent to the Ontario Minister of Finance, The Honourable Dwight Duncan, is available at: http://www.queticofoundation.org/pdf/2012_budget.pdf

The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario has issued a report criticizing the procedure being used to amend the ESA and the PPCRA acts. See: http://www.eco.on.ca/blog/2012/04/02/the-omni-budget-surprise/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-omni-budget-surprise

The Green Party position on this legislation is at: http://www.gpo.ca/blog/2012-04-11/budget-bill-threatens-environmental-protections-transparent-and-accountable-governme

ORA: Ontario Rivers Alliance’s position on this issue can be found at: http://ontarioriversalliance.ca/strong-arm-tactics-to-take-away-protection-for-our-environment-and-endangered-species-press-release/

Law Firm: The Toronto based law firm, Iler Campbell’s opinion on this issue can be found at: http://www.ilercampbell.com/blog/

Green Party of Ontario: “NDP prioritizes energy companies over low-income families”

"The NDP's proposal to subsidize home heating fuel rather than supporting our most vulnerable children through full funding of the Ontario Child Benefit reflects misguided priorities," says Green Party of Ontario (GPO) leader Mike Schreiner

On April 3rd, NDP leader Andrea Horwath introduced the first of their budget proposals, taking HST off of home heating costs. “The NDP’s proposal to subsidize home heating fuel rather than supporting our most vulnerable children through full funding of the Ontario Child Benefit reflects misguided priorities,” says Green Party of Ontario (GPO) leader Mike Schreiner. “Subsidizing energy consumption increases pollution and benefits big home owners the most –generally the wealthy consume the most energy.”

“This is bad economic, social and environmental policy, driven by political expediency,” adds Schreiner. “The NDP’s proposal is a job creation strategy for Alberta oil and natural gas companies, not Ontario businesses.”

The GPO prefers to support lower-income families, social assistance recipients, and energy conservation ahead of subsidizing energy waste.
With this in mind, the GPO advocates eliminating the misleadingly-named Clean Energy Benefit, which supports the wasteful consumption of electricity, clean or dirty. Canceling it would save $975 million.
Here’s how we’d advise investing those savings, while still balancing the budget:

* $220 million for an energy rebate program targeted to lower-income families and seniors.          * $600 million for an energy-efficiency building retrofit program to help homeowners, tenants and small business save money by saving energy.          * $90 million to fund a full increase in the Ontario Child Benefit.

* $65 million to avoid freezing social assistance rates.
It’s not too late to put our financial, social and environmental future ahead of cynical politics. Environmentally and socially-concerned, fiscally-responsible voters should demand that Horwath’s NDP rethink such short-sighted budget demands. Read the GPO open letter to Premier McGuinty with our proposals for budget amendments www.gpo.ca

Jaymini Bhikha (Office) 416-977-7476 (Cell) 416-275-8573  jbhikha@gpo.ca
Sent from Green Party of Ontario PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada

Green Party of Ontario offers ‘big ticket savings’ Budget eg: One School System

Though some provinces provide a variation of funding to independent, religious schools, Ontario is the only province to exclusively fund a Catholic school system for its students.

“Ontario’s financial future is at risk, and Premier McGuinty lacks the will to make the hard, long-term decisions we need,” says GPO Finance critic Kevin O’Donnell. “He’s already passed over obvious, big ticket savings. In contrast, our budget priorities don’t shy away from the realities facing Ontarians.”

The GPO believes eliminating the deficit requires challenging the status quo in the province’s biggest budget categories: education, energy, health care, and bringing our tax system into the 21st century.
ONE SCHOOL SYSTEM: The GPO believes there is a better solution than laying off thousands of critical classroom aids and blocking students who need a fifth year to get help. The Liberal government should do the obvious — eliminate massive and costly duplication by merging the best of the Catholic and public school systems into a one French/English public system. The result benefits everyone –a high quality, financially responsible, and equitable education system.

STOP BORROWING BILLIONS TO SUBSIDIZE WASTEFUL ENERGY CONSUMPTION: Ontario cannot afford to borrow $1.2 billion to subsidize pollution and electricity bills with the misleadingly named ‘Clean Energy Benefit’. Instead, we should help lower-income families with the rising cost of living by raising the Ontario Child Benefit as planned at a much lower cost of $90 million. It makes more sense to help businesses and households save money by increasing energy efficiency — a strategy that’s cheaper, stimulates job creation and ultimately boosts government revenue. The government must not cave in to the NDP/Conservative HST Coalition that would borrow more money to subsidize pollution.

INVEST IN ILLNESS PREVENTION: Ontario’s current “sick care” system focused predominantly on hospital treatment is unsustainable. We need to invest more in illness prevention within home and community care settings. This budget must commit at least .5% of healthcare spending to prevention, raise taxes on cigarettes and commit 2% of the transportation budget to infrastructure for human powered mobility — serving both our community health and environmental objectives.

EFFICIENT AND FAIR TAX REFORM: The GPO calls for the elimination of unsustainable corporate tax cuts and a commitment to forming a public commission on the reform and modernization of Ontario’s tax system. We support a tax system that generates the funds necessary for required public services while creating jobs that enrich our natural wealth and our communities.

“It’s time for politicians to stop punting problems to our kids,” says GPO leader Mike Schreiner. “Now is the time to put politics aside and tackle head on these big ticket items in order to balance the books efficiently and fairly.”

CONTACT: Jaymini Bhikha Cell: 416-275-8573 Office: 416-977-7476 jbhikha@gpo.ca
Green Party of Ontario PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada

Green Party of Ontario: “Conservative Kill-Green Energy Bill will damage economy and environment”

TORONTO: Green Party of Ontario (GPO) leader Mike Schreiner is calling on MPPs to vote against Tim Hudak’s bill to nuke the province’s long-term, green energy strategy.

“Mr. Hudak’s willingness to sacrifice homegrown green jobs in a politically expedient attempt to exploit fears over rising energy prices is just bad economics,” says Schreiner. “I want him to look farmers and small business owners in the eye and explain how he wants to kill their businesses and their chance to earn income producing pollution-free electricity.”

Mr. Hudak’s Bill 42  [this Bill was defeated on second readinghttp://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet&BillID=2587 CP ] , being considered in the legislature today [ March 22nd CP ] , would abolish the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program. The FIT program provides stable fixed-rate, long-term contracts to green energy producers.

“Let’s not kill the FIT program, but fix it so that it better benefits communities,” says Schreiner. “The GPO will continue to push for a community-based green energy program with local ownership, decision-making and benefits.”

Although Conservatives claim that green energy is causing prices to rise, the reality is this — most cost increases are due to infrastructure upgrades and nuclear cost overruns. The Liberal and Conservative support for new nuclear will drive up costs far more than FIT contracts for green energy.

“The establishment parties are completely out of touch with the true causes of rising electricity prices,” says Schreiner. “Energy efficiency, combined heat and power, hydro imports from Quebec, and a diverse mix of other renewables provide our most flexible, low cost options.”

Jaymini Bhikha Cell: 416-275-8573 Office: 416-977-7476 jbhikha@gpo.ca

Ontario Lottery & Gaming Report To Government Pushed For Modernization

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) developed a powerful analytic tool to provide instant access to billions of lottery transactions dating back to 1999. Dubbed the Data Analytic and Retrieval Technology (DART), OLG developed the solution in six months for about CAN$1.1 million (U.S.$1.15 million) with Microsoft and HP supporting technologies—a sharp contrast to the three-to-five years and more than $10 million needed with other BI solutions evaluated by OLG. Searches that used to take weeks can now be done in seconds. With the DART tool, OLG can identify play patterns to confirm legitimate winners and identify potentially fraudulent behavior and claims. DART builds on other OLG antifraud and player protection initiatives, delivering on the organization's pledge to better inform and protect those who play its games and lotteries.

OLG to Modernize Gaming- New Strategic Direction Will Create Jobs, Support Schools and Hospitals The Ontario government has received a report from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) that proposes modernization of the system, an increase in its revenues by more than $1 billion a year, and the creation of 2,300 net new jobs in the gaming industry and nearly 4,000 additional jobs in the hospitality and retail sectors by 2017-18.

With internet-based gaming growing, a higher Canadian dollar and U.S. border communities building their own gaming sites, our gaming system has to change. These reforms will modernize gaming in Ontario by allowing safe, responsible access to gaming opportunities.

The government has directed the OLG to implement a number of the proposals:

 Reconfigure the number of gaming sites and tailor the types of gaming activities made available at each site
 Launch multi-lane sales of lottery tickets at major retail outlets, including grocery stores
 Increase operational efficiencies by expanding the role of the private sector
 Stop annual payments to the horse racing industry by ending the Slots at Racetracks program on March 31, 2013, and allowing slot facilities to be located more strategically
 Implement a new fee model for municipalities hosting gaming sites; and
 Allow one new casino in the GTA, subject to an OLG business case and municipal approval.

The government will also enhance its responsible gambling programming. http://knowyourlimit.ca/PDF/Policies_and_Programs_ENG.pdf

These initiatives will allow OLG to meet the demands of a changing gaming marketplace.

QUOTES

“We are focused, more than ever, on balancing the budget while continuing to provide the best education and health care in the world. Modernizing OLG’s operations and business model is an example of how we are ensuring our assets are delivering the greatest value to taxpayers.”
Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance

QUICK FACTS

 OLG is the biggest non-tax revenue generating Crown agency in Ontario, and the largest gaming organization – and jurisdiction – in North America, with 27 gaming sites and 10,000 lottery points of sale.
 In July 2010, the government directed OLG to undertake a review of its land-based gaming operations and lottery distribution network, to see how revenue from these could be optimized. The government’s plan to transform how OLG does business is a result of this review.
 Eight million people in Ontario play lotteries at least once every year, and 2.7 million Ontarians went to an OLG gaming site at least once last year.
 OLG generated $2 billion in net revenue for the province in 2010-11.
 Since 1975, OLG lotteries, and OLG Slots and Casinos have generated more than $28 billion for Ontario.
 Since 1998, OLG has provided nearly $3.7 billion to horseracing in Ontario through the Slots-at-Racetracks program. This year’s payment is estimated to be $345 million. That’s more than is spent on road safety or water safety. It’s also enough money to pay for more than two million house calls from doctors, nine million hours of home care or 27,800 hip or knee replacement surgeries.
 Provincial proceeds from gaming activities help support key government services, including health care and education.
 Ontario spends nearly $50 million annually on problem gambling treatment, prevention and research – more than any other jurisdiction in North America.

LEARN MORE
Read about the changes OLG is making to lottery and gaming in Ontario http://www.olg.ca/assets/documents/media/backgrounder_gaming.pdf
Learn more about OLG’s customers http://www.olg.ca/assets/documents/media/backgrounder_customers.pdf
See how revenue generated by OLG goes to help all Ontarians http://www.olg.ca/assets/documents/media/backgrounder_why_gaming_is_important.pdf
See how the OLG promotes responsible gambling.http://www.knowyourlimit.ca/

 

FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES CALL:
1-800-337-7222
www.ontario.ca/finance-news Disponible en français

SUPPLEMENTAL- retail lottery fraud-the ‘switching of lottery tickets’ was a problem in the past and the OLG has developed new innovations to combat fraud-

Ontario’s Greens push for public interest first in tackling the deficit eg: Merge all school systems

The Ontario Green's feel that merging all provincial school systems is a long-term solution to tackling the deficit by reducing redundancies.

Toronto, ON – “Putting the public interest before vested interests is the most equitable and efficient way to eliminate Ontario’s record deficit,” says Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner.  Eliminating the deficit requires tackling vested interests in the province’s biggest budget categories: education, energy and health care, as well as bringing our tax system into the 21st century. The Green Party is putting forward long-term solutions to tackle the deficit:

ONE SCHOOL SYSTEM
Ontario must merge the Catholic and public school systems into a single French and English public system to build a high quality, financially responsible, and equitable education system. Two school systems is an obvious source of duplication in the Ontario budget. Ontario also has a financial and social obligation to end the discrimination that results from funding only one religious school system. [ http://www.oneschoolsystem.org/ CP ]
STOP BORROWING BILLIONS TO SUBSIDIZE THE WASTEFUL USE OF ENERGY
Ontario cannot afford to borrow 1 billion dollars each year to reduce electricity bills by a few dollars each month. The province should not play a shell game with our money for a program that benefits the wealthiest the most. The misleadingly named Clean Energy Benefit should be scrapped and replaced with a targeted rebate program for low income families and seniors who need the help the most. Such a rebate would be more effective at a much lower cost.  We all save money with programs that help people save energy.
IT’S HEALTHY OUTCOMES THAT MATTER
Ontario must move from a sick care system focused on hospitals to a home and community care system focused on illness prevention. Funding priorities should focus on healthy outcomes and providing people the continuum of care they need to maintain health and treat illness at the lowest cost to the public purse.

Ontario’s current orientation to treating sickness is costly and unsustainable. We can do better by keeping people out of hospital in the first place. This starts with a funding formula that pays doctors for promoting health, not the quantity of services they provide. We need to empower all health professionals to operate at their full scope of practice.
BRING OUR TAXES INTO THE 21ST CENTURY
The Green party believes the government made a serious mistake in establishing a commission that only addresses government expenditures. We also need a modern tax system that provides sufficient revenues to deliver public services. We need an equitable and efficient tax system that enriches quality of life and encourages job creation without damaging our natural capital. The government should cancel corporate tax cuts that we can’t afford. The Green Party calls on the McGuinty government to form a public commission on the reform and modernization of Ontario’s tax system.

CONCLUSION
“It’s time for politicians to stop punting problems to our kids,” says Schreiner. “The Green Party commends the Drummond Commission for tackling some tough issues. Now the government needs to engage the public in implementing solutions.”

Media Contact:  Becky Smit  Cell: 647-830-6486  Office: 416-977-7476 beckysmit@gpo.ca

Sent from Green Party of Ontario PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada

ON Green’s ask “Why our energy consumption is 50% higher per person than similar geography and climate New York State?”

Greens: Ontarians tipping the energy usage scale

LACK OF FOCUS ON ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY COSTING ONTARIO MONEY Toronto, Ontario -The Ontario government has wasted taxpayer money by not prioritizing energy conservation. Neglecting energy conservation costs the province money, increases utility bills and misses out on creating thousands of new jobs.

“The Liberal government is burning our money by failing to deliver efficient solutions that reduce energy demand,” says Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner. “The cheapest kilowatt is the one that is never created. We can tackle rising energy prices by helping people save money by using saving energy.”

Today, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario confirmed that the government has failed to make energy conservation and efficiency a priority. Ontario has a huge opportunity to eliminate waste and reduce demand. New York state has similar geography and climate to Ontario, yet our energy consumption per person is 50% higher.

Instead of focusing on energy efficiency, all of the parties at Queen’s Park want to swipe the provincial credit card to offer short term subsidies that mostly benefit the biggest energy users. It’s irresponsible to mortgage our children’s future for a band-aid solution that drives up provincial debt, doesn’t create jobs and won’t provide long term relief.

“Instead of spending billions on cancelling gas plant contracts, the money could be spent on helping Ontarians conserve energy,” said Schreiner. “The Liberal government has shown a lack of leadership by failing to instruct Ontario’s energy bureaucracy to approve all cost-effective energy efficiency and conservation programs that are proposed by municipal electric utilities and local distribution companies.”

Earlier this year Queen’s Park politicians quietly allowed a popular and successful program that helped people save money by using less energy expire. The Home Energy Savings Program created good, local jobs in Ontario and permanently lowered energy bills.

The Green Party is calling for a Green Building Program to help tenants, home owners, and businesses save money by using less energy. This program will:

* Save rate-payers money on their utility bills permanently
* Save the province money by reducing the need for costly new generation
* Create good local jobs and make our businesses more competitive
* Provide rebates for those who need help the most: low income, seniors on fixed income and residents of remote communities
* Reduce pollution and preserve our environment

Media Contact:
Becky Smit Cell: 647-830-6486 Office: 416-977-7476 beckysmit@gpo.ca

Sent from Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Barrett: Ministry of Community and Social Services has not established acceptable standards of service

image courtesy: http://forwearemany.wordpress.com/

Lack of COMSOC oversight means more wasted tax dollars… …and less for program spending – MPP Barrett QUEEN’S PARK – Ministry of Community and Social Services Critic Toby Barrett is concerned with the Auditor General’s finding that the Ministry continues to allow supportive services agencies to operate without adequate oversight.

“Many of the concerns…of this program 15 years ago have still not been satisfactorily addressed,” Barrett quoted from the Auditor General report during debate in the Legislature. “This has obviously been going on for 15 years, in particular over the last eight years. And as the auditor reports, it will take several years before many of the issues we identify in this report can be effectively addressed. This report from the Auditor General is not good.”

In the 2011 Annual Report Silo Direct Link to Auditor General 2011 Annual Report Website , the Auditor General points to a number of issues with the Minister of Community and Social Services:

* In half the cases reviewed in the audit, agencies didn’t have supporting documentation to adequately show a person’s eligibility or needs. As a result, the agencies couldn’t demonstrate, and the Ministry couldn’t assess, whether the person was receiving the appropriate level of service.

* The Ministry has not established acceptable standards of service, or the necessary processes to properly monitor the quality of services provided.

* Annual funding of agencies is based primarily on what they got in the past rather than what they currently need, something that worsens any funding inequities that may previously have existed. As well, some hourly service costs appeared excessive, and the cost per hour for similar services that agencies were paying varied widely across the province.

* The Ministry does not know how many people are on waiting lists for agency-based supportive services and so cannot reliably assess unmet service needs.

“Without proper oversight, there is a very real possibility that we are sending taxpayers’ money down the drain,” noted Barrett. “During the tough economic times we are enduring it is incumbent on government to ensure that we are getting value for the fewer dollars we have to distribute – more wasted tax dollars means less for the essential programming that Ontario residents have paid for, and less for the services our less fortunate depend upon.”

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

Ontario Green Party: ON must reign in deficit spending

Ontario Green Party wants the province to reign in deficit spending

ONTARIO SET TO LOSE ON NDP – CONSERVATIVE HST ALLIANCE Toronto – The NDP-Conservative HST alliance to borrow $350 million is an opportunistic ploy that will reward big energy users – often the wealthiest – and drive up provincial debt.

“Ontario needs to provide help for seniors, low-income families and remote communities. *orig. release date 11/23/11*

The NDP-Conservative alliance does the opposite,” said Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario. “Instead of a regressive tax cut, a better plan would use refundable tax credits or energy rebates to provide targeted relief for folks who need it most.”

Ontario must reign in its deficit spending. The NDP-Conservative proposal will force Ontario to borrow an additional $350 million per year to subsidize home heating bills, on top of the Liberals borrowing $1.2 billion per year to subsidize electricity prices. These subsidies add to Ontario’s $18,000 per-person debt, do not create jobs and do not result in long term energy affordability.

“Ontarians deserve to be rewarded for their efforts to conserve, not be forced to pay big energy users,” said Schreiner. “We need programs that help people save money by saving energy.”

Earlier this year Queen’s Park politicians quietly allowed a popular and successful program that helped people save money by using less energy expire. The Home Energy Savings Program created good, local jobs in Ontario and permanently lowered
energy bills.

The Green Party is calling for a Green Building Program to help tenants, home owners, and businesses save money by using less energy. This program will:

* Save rate-payers money on their utility bills permanently
* Save the province money by reducing the need for costly new generation
* Create good local jobs
* Reduce pollution and preserve our environment

Media Contact:
Becky Smit Cell: 647-830-6486 Office: 416-977-7476
beckysmit@gpo.ca

Sent from Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

ON Greens – MPP’s Political Games Are Killing Ontario Jobs

Comic courtesy of www.diberardo.com **The Silo encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote

Toronto , ON – The Liberals, NDP and Conservatives are playing shell games with taxpayer money, increasing Ontario’s debt and killing jobs. Green party leader Mike Schreiner has a simple reminder for the political insiders at Queen’s Park: the best solutions for Ontario’s economy are sustainable, low-cost programs that create jobs, eliminate waste and preserve our natural heritage. The Green party recommends three courses of action for the short fall session.

1. STOP REWARDING WASTE: START HELPING PEOPLE SAVE MONEY BY SAVING ENERGY

The NDP and Conservatives propose to borrow $350 million to remove the provincial portion of the HST from home heating bills. At a time when many are calling for more equity, the NDP and Conservatives propose to do the opposite: reward big energy users – the wealthiest 1% – the most. This approach will increase Ontario’s debt – already at $18,000 per person – and is a job creation strategy for Alberta natural gas producers, not for Ontario. With the Liberals already borrowing $1.2 billion per year to subsidize electricity prices, the Green Party is pushing for a responsible program to address the challenge of rising energy prices. A financially sound plan will provide refundable tax credits or energy rebates for low-income families and remote communities. This targets financial relief for those who most need it, and delivers these benefits at a lower cost without encouraging waste. The Green Party is also calling for the restoration of the Home Energy Savings Program to help people save money by using less energy. Providing tax credits or rebates for energy efficient renovations and products will create good, local jobs in Ontario now and permanently lower energy bills.

2. REVISE THE FIT REVIEW PROCESS TO PROTECT LOCAL JOBS

The Liberal’s FIT Program Review is killing jobs and bankrupting local businesses. Though the review was planned, no notice was given that contracts would be frozen for the duration of the FIT review. In fact, the freeze was back-dated to all applications submitted after August 31st – two months before the review was announced. Local entrepeneurs are now facing at least four months of uncertainty, cash-flow issues
and lay-offs. The Green Party is calling on the government to be fair and process submissions before October 31st, and pre-approve new submissions for microFIT and community power projects during the review process at the new lower prices. These simple actions will prevent unnecessary bankruptcies and job losses while moving forward with lower FIT pricing. Our local businesses benefit from a consistent and predictable policy process. The structure of the current review has created unpredictability that is costing Ontario jobs. The Green Party supports a responsible FIT program review and will continue to push the government to lower FIT prices as technology advances.

3. KEEP GOVERNMENT PROMISES TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES, CLEAN WATER AND FARMLAND

Under threat of an election, the Liberals promised to conduct an Environmental Assessment for the Melancthon mega-quarry, and to review the _Aggregate Resources Act_ (_ARA_). The Green Party is committed to standing with local communities to hold the government accountable on these promises, and is demanding that the government proceed with the most rigorous terms of reference for a full Environmental Assessment for the Melancthon mega-quarry. The Green Party is calling on the government to plug the loopholes that allow projects like the mega-quarry to threaten our water and farmland. This requires an immediate revision of the _ARA_ to mandate a full Environmental Assessment for aggregate applications that meet the Ministry of Natural Resource’s definition of a mega quarry. The government must also proceed now with a comprehensive review of the _ARA_. Government has a responsibility to ensure safe communities and to protect our air, water and food sources. Vigilance is required to ensure the government fulfils their promises and responsibilities on the Melancthon mega-quarry.

To set up interviews-media inquiries, please contact Jaymini Bhikha at:
(c) 416-275-8573  (o) 416-977-7476
(e) jbhikha@gpo.ca Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Ont. Liberals – Our Province Second Only To California For Foreign Direct Investment

Today Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Brad Duguid announced that Ontario is partnering with companies for projects that will help create 550 new jobs and protect 1,056 existing jobs for families. The province is supporting company investments which will create new jobs for families, help spur growth and strengthen local economies.  These new jobs build upon the 97,700 net new jobs that have already been created in Ontario so far this year alone.

Ontario Helps Create Jobs
McGuinty Government Partners With Companies To Strengthen The Economy
NEWS October 27, 2011

Ontario is partnering with companies for projects that will help create 550 new jobs and protect 1,056 existing jobs for families.  The province is supporting company investments which will create new jobs for families, help spur growth and strengthen local economies.  These new jobs build upon the 97,700 net new jobs that have already been created in Ontario so far this year alone.
In the face of global economic uncertainty, Ontario continues to provide strong and stable business conditions which are helping companies create jobs with new
investments across the province. Partnering with local businesses and supporting business is part of the McGuinty government’s plan
Silo Direct Link to Ontario Government Budgets Website  in moving forward to create and support new and existing jobs across the province.

QUOTES
“The foundation of Ontario’s economy is our skilled workers and innovative companies.  Our government will continue its proactive approach to partner with business and industry. We will invest strategically to help companies grow, create jobs and help Ontario progress in this period of economic uncertainty.”
– Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation
QUICK FACTS
*                     Since October 2003, Ontario has created 524,100 new jobs.

*                     In 2010, Ontario was named a top destination for foreign direct investment in North America, second only to California. The province attracted a total of 127 Foreign Direct Investment projects, which created more than 11,200 jobs.

*                     In June of this year, Ontario created more jobs than the rest of Canada and the United States combined.

*                     KPMG calculates that Ontario has an 11.3 per cent cost advantage for research and development relative to the United States.

*                     As a result of the tax changes implemented in Ontario, taxes on business investment were cut in half, making Ontario more competitive and encouraging business growth.

LEARN MORE

Read Ontario’s Progress Report 2011
Silo Direct Link to Ontario Governments Progress Report Website Check out government-funded programs and services.

Visit the Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation’s Silo Direct Link to Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation Website  website for comprehensive economic and trade news, including a toolkit for businesses.
Andrew Block, Minister Duguid’s Office, 416-276-0511
Neil Trotter, Communications Branch, 416-325-6716
Silo Direct Link to Ontario Governments Economy News Website

Disponible en français
NOUVELLES
Ministère du Développement économique et de l’Innovation

L’Ontario contribue à la création d’emplois
Le gouvernement McGuinty fait équipe avec des entreprises pour renforcer l’économie
NOUVELLES                                                                           Le 27 octobre 2011

L’Ontario fait équipe avec des entreprises en vue de réaliser des projets qui permettront de créer 550 nouveaux emplois et de protéger 1 056 emplois existants
pour les familles. La province aide les entreprises à faire des investissements qui créeront de nouveaux emplois pour les familles, stimuleront la croissance et renforceront les économies locales. Ces nouveaux emplois s’ajoutent aux quelque 97 700 nouveaux emplois nets qui ont déjà été créés en Ontario depuis le début de l’année.
Alors que la situation économique mondiale est incertaine, l’Ontario continue d’offrir aux entreprises un environnement solide et stable qui les aide à créer des
emplois en faisant de nouveaux investissements dans toute la province. Faire équipe avec des entreprises locales et donner du soutien aux entreprises sont
deux éléments du plan du gouvernement McGuinty de créer de nouveaux emplois et de maintenir les emplois existants dans la province.
www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ontariobudgets/2011/index.html
CITATION
« Les travailleurs spécialisés et les entreprises innovantes constituent le fondement de l’économie ontarienne. Notre gouvernement maintiendra sa démarche
proactive en faisant équipe avec les entreprises et l’industrie. Nous ferons des investissements stratégiques pour aider les entreprises à prendre de l’expansion, à
créer des emplois et à contribuer à la croissance de l’Ontario en cette période d’incertitude économique. »

– Brad Duguid, ministre du Développement économique et de l’Innovation

FAITS EN BREF
*                     Depuis octobre 2003, l’Ontario a créé 524 100 nouveaux emplois.

*                     En 2010, la province de l’Ontario figurait au deuxième rang des principales destinations pour les investissements directs étrangers en Amérique
du Nord, après la Californie. La province a attiré au total 127 projets d’investissement direct étranger qui ont créé plus de 11 200 emplois.

*                     En juin, l’Ontario a créé plus d’emplois que le reste du Canada et les États-Unis combinés.

*                     D’après KPMG, l’Ontario dispose d’un avantage de 11,3 % au niveau des coûts par rapport aux États-Unis en matière de recherche-développement.

*                     Par suite des modifications fiscales apportées en Ontario, les impôts sur les investissements des entreprises ont été réduits de moitié, ce qui rend la province plus compétitive et favorise la croissance des entreprises.
POUR EN SAVOIR DAVANTAGE
Consultez le Rapport d’étape 2011
http://www.ontario.ca/fr/initiatives/ProgressReport2011/ONT05_039201.html  de l’Ontario.
Renseignez-vous sur les programmes et services financés par le gouvernement http://www.ontario.ca/fr/business_program/index.htm  destinés aux entreprises
ontariennes.
Visitez le site Web du ministère du Développement économique et de l’Innovation http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/fr/home_fr.jsp  pour obtenir des
nouvelles détaillées sur l’économie et le commerce, ainsi qu’une trousse destinée
aux entreprises.

Andrew Block, bureau du ministre Duguid, 416 276-0511
Neil Trotter, Direction des communications, 416 325-6716
www.ontario.ca/economie-nouvelles

Ontario Green Party Vows To Protect Our Water


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GREEN PARTY LEADER LOOKS AHEAD; COMMITS TO PROMOTING CHANGE DURING MINORITY GOVERNMENT

Toronto – The Green Party of Ontario promises to continue to promote positive change during this minority session of government.
“I am proud of the Green Party’s campaign. The historic gains we made in terms of volunteers, membership and fundraising are accomplishments that build for the future,” said Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario.
“I’m disappointed, but not discouraged by the outcome of the election,” said Schreiner. This election saw the lowest voter turnout in Ontario’s history, and created a minority government.

“We’ve established a solid foundation for the Green Party to grow. The policies articulated in our platform are what Ontario needs, and our organization grows stronger by the day. Unfortunately, vote totals don’t always reflect the strength of a party. I am especially committed to strengthening our democracy by re-engaging the people who didn’t vote this time.”
The Green Party will continue to promote solutions that move the province forward toward a sustainable future for ourselves, our children and future generations. “Our campaign focused on key issues that won’t go away. We will continue to challenge the old parties on tackling tough challenges including local job creation; climate change; access to healthy local food; and responsible government that protects our water, preserves our farmland and puts the needs of our communities ahead of special interests,” says Schreiner.

Contact:

Becky Smit
Green Party of Ontario
(c) 647-830-6486
(o) 416-977-7476
(e) beckysmit@gpo.ca Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada