Jan Mowbray's Blog

Canadian-made - going, going, gone!

2012-02-05T10:26:00.000-08:00

There is an interesting column in today's Toronto Star by Martin Cohn
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1126357--cohn-how-canada-let-caterpillar-strip-a-plant-clean?bn=1http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1126357--cohn-how-canada-let-caterpillar-strip-a-plant-clean?bn=1

This didn't start with Caterpillar and certainly won't end there. Sunworthy Wallcoverings of Brampton, one of the very very few profitable wallpaper manufacturers was bought out by an American company. They took all the money out of it, stripped and gutted the facility, left it bankrupt....another manufacturing company lost in the abyss. Although there was no government money involved, many many local jobs were lost, employee pensions lost their value, etc..

I appreciate that the Sunworthy case is a bit different given the government dollars poured into the one (Caterpillar) and not the other but it's part of the overall picture of Canada's loss of manufacturing structure, making us more and more dependent on other countries, whose best interests don't include those of Canadians.

Voting in Canada – or lack thereof!

2012-01-29T05:49:00.000-08:00

I read a comment that said our vote is our weapon. So why aren’t more people using that weapon, a weapon that is free (our ancestors already having fought for our right to vote), and takes only a few minutes to wield, instead of letting others speak for them? To say, “my vote doesn’t matter”, is only an excuse not to vote.

Some of the non-voter turnout is due to a lack of engagement by the community, in the community – people are more transient than years ago. Residing in an area for only 2-4 years, they don’t get to know who their representatives are, or who is running, what the issues are, etc. Others just aren’t engaged in community matters: they don't feel anyone is listening, so they don't reach out.

I was elected to VP Membership for Halton Federal Liberal Association on December 8, 2011: my goal is to increase membership in the riding. Liberals have less than three years to get better organized at the grass roots level, to “engage” the community, create better reasons to “wield those weapons”.

We need to create a dynamic organization, one that lets people know their voices are being heard and that their voices really matter. I would be interested in people’s constructive ideas and suggestions about rebuilding membership.

Halton Federal Liberal Association

2011-12-09T17:03:00.000-08:00

Annual General Meeting and Elections - Dec. 8th - Fogolars Golf Club, Lower Base Line, Milton.

I am excited to report that I was the successful candidate for V.P. Membership. I am really looking forward to this next phase.

The caliber of the candidate list was excellent - it's a shame that there have to be 'winners' and 'losers'. It's my fervent hope that we will all come together for the good of the party and its members.

Halton Federal Liberal Association

2011-12-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

The HFLA elections to the board are coming up this week - Dec 8. I'm running for the position of V.P. Membership.

There are a lot of Liberals out there but they're not engaged. Not surprising given the lack of direction within the party. We must engage people at the grass roots level - really listen, give them a reason to believe that what they have to say is important. And that feeling must be funneled up throughout the entire organization.

If you are a Liberal member as of 5pm, December 1, please come out to the Annual General Meeting.
DATE OF MEETING: Thursday, December 8, 2011
STARTING TIME: 7:00 PM
ADDRESS: Fogolars Country Club
2026 Lower Base Line Milton, ON L6M 4E8

THE IMPORTANCE OF UPLOADING ON COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

2011-10-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

At a recent Halton Health and Social Services Committee meeting (September 27, 2011), Mayor Rob Burton of Oakville brought attention to the issue of uploading of provincial costs for social services and other services that may be affected by the upcoming Ontario provincial election. Community Development Halton shares these concerns, as we feel that provincial programs should be paid for by a progressive income tax system instead being borne by the regressive property tax base. We share with you an open letter prepared by Mayor Burton that clarifies this issue. We urge all Halton residents to reflect on these concerns.

Joey Edwardh,

Executive Director

Ontario voters are faced with a very important issue in the Provincial election being held on October 6th. Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak has refused to commit to the 2008 agreement between the provincial government and Ontario municipalities to upload (transfer back to the Province of Ontario) social services and other costs, resulting in significant relief to property taxes. Mr. Hudak told Mayors who complained that he would make changes to wage arbitration rules for essential service providers that would be worth more.

When Halton Region financial staff did the math, they concluded that there will be an almost $12 million hole in the Region of Halton’s 2012 Budget after the provincial election, if the Progressive Conservatives win and continue to refuse to commit to the 2008 agreement. Every program and service stands to suffer.

Halton taxpayers benefit from uploading ten times as much as they could from any altering of arbitration rules. If uploading stops, we will have higher property taxes or serious program cuts. It’s that simple.

By far the biggest component of the amounts that the current provincial government will upload from Halton taxpayers, $11.7 million a year, is the so-called “pooling” contribution from local taxpayers to the City of Toronto for its social housing and welfare costs. Another $6.1 million a year is for the costs of provincial welfare and court security costs, for a total of $17.8 million a year to be lifted from the burden on Halton property taxpayers. The Oakville share is $7.5 million a year.

In Halton, payrolls that are subject to arbitration are: police, fire, emergency and long term care. Oakville’s share of these payrolls totals $72 million. Bargaining has been coming in lately in a range under 3%. If arbitration changes led to a 1% lower wage increase in all essential services payrolls, Oakville’s share of that change would be worth only $720,000 to our property taxpayers. The uploading of $7.5 million a year from Oakville taxpayers is worth more than ten times this PC arbitration promise.

The Progressive Conservative Leader, Tim Hudak, should match the commitment given by the Liberal, NDP and Green parties to continue the shift of Toronto welfare and social housing costs and provincial welfare and court costs from local property taxpayers to the Province.

Duncan Foot, president of the Halton Region Police Association, said his members would hate to see local taxpayers caught between a decision to cut essential service workers or raise taxes unacceptably high. “Attacking the pay of essential employees such as police, fire, emergency and long term care workers who have no right to strike is unfair and short-sighted.”

Carmen Santoro, president of the Oakville Professional Fire Fighters Association, said that the arbitration rules already require arbitrators to consider the ability of the municipality to pay salary increases: “The current system, ironically brought in under the Harris government, contains criteria for the arbitrators whereby they must consider the local municipalities ability to pay,” Santoro pointed out.

The PCs, who say they need to find ways of paying for their platform promises, have already proposed a new downloading of costs to municipal property taxes, this time for the cost of hazardous waste disposal, which means a property tax increase of almost $300 million for Ontarians.

Provincial uploading puts those costs more on provincial income taxes, which are shared among many people and businesses and not paid by many seniors and others on low or fixed incomes.

These PC proposals will hurt people who can least afford it. The timetable that the Province of Ontario and Association of Municipalities of Ontario agreed to for uploading has given us a stable, long-term basis out to 2018 for municipal finances as we deal with controlling the costs of growth. The uploading agreement put us on a sound, business-like foundation.

It’s amazing that PC leader Tim Hudak thinks that it’s okay to rip up an agreement with municipalities. Governing is about reliable partnership agreements and fairness for property taxpayers.

Sincerely,

Mayor Rob Burton, BA, MS

Head of Council & CEO

Controversy over tax credit for employers of immigrants

2011-09-25T07:01:00.000-07:00

Mr Hudak has decried this as an unfair affirmative action program for “foreign workers”. If McGuinty is pandering to the immigrant vote, who is Hudak pandering to in using the term "foreign workers'? Mr Hudak’s unbecoming and divisive statements are xenophobic to say the least, and unworthy of a real leader.

We’re talking about well-educated people, these immigrants who came to Canada; full of professional ambitions and who, in a great many cases, have had to settle for menial work, if any, and a mundane existence.

In pursuing their careers, they found the doors to full employment in their fields slammed shut once they arrived in Canada: their English isn’t good enough, they don’t have Canadian work experience, etc. As a member of the board of the Halton Multicultural Council, I’ve heard a great many of their stories.

Immigrants who have been in Canada five years or less are more than twice as likely to be unemployed than their Canadian-born counterparts. But recent immigrants with master’s degrees or higher are more than five times as likely not to have jobs. And, recent immigrants are more likely to be harder hit by a recession.

A board of trade report last year estimated the province loses billions in potential GDP thanks to underutilized skills.

The Conference Board of Canada is on record as saying that immigration is necessary for Canada’s future economic growth, and that recognizing foreign learning and credentials would add $3.4 to $5.0 billion to the Canadian economy every year .

John Tory, former leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and former honorary chair of Career Bridge has said that small and medium sized businesses would benefit from the human assets that immigrants bring and the immense contribution they would make to their growth and success (Jermy, Diane. “The business case for hiring skilled immigrants”. Globe and Mail. September 25, 2009).

The Conservatives propose a modest training program for new Canadians, providing a small tax credit for language training worth up to $400 per employee. There are already many hundreds of these courses available throughout the province. But the resistance to hiring goes beyond language.

Until we start “turning off the tap” (reducing immigration), or finding a way to ensure immigrants have Canadian validation before they arrive in Canada, Mr McGuinty’s employment tax incentive program will help.

It is clear that there is some discrimination among employers in hiring. At least McGuinty is addressing problem.

Doors Open Milton

2011-05-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

May 28 - 10am to 4pm. Free event.

Take a step back into Milton's history... Doors Open Milton is your passport into our past.

Free train rides at the Halton Railway Museum;
check out the Old Harrop House;
4 rare old barns at Country Heritage Park;
beekeeping at Stonehaven Farms,
or the Old Alexander Farmhouse at the Halton Region Museum at Kelso
take a walk through historic Milton; and lots more.

A brochure is needed at some sites - Download a brochure at www.doorsopenmilton.ca
Volunteers needed as site Ambassadors. Qualifies for volunteers hours for students.

Is this government the best we can aspire to?

2011-03-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

As a Halton Federal Liberal Candidate, I oppose a PMO's office that has almost total control of Parliament; that keeps the public in the dark - reference the secret border agreement, and untendered contracts, as with the F-35’s.

I do not approve of lowering corporate taxes ever further even when Canada is already amongst the lowest in the world. And I especially don't support lowering taxes when we're in a deficit situation. The lost revenue means having to get the money elsewhere to cover the gap - what programs will suffer as a result? There is no proof anywhere that cutting Corporate taxes creates jobs. Take a look at Ireland - the situation the people find themselves in there.

The safety nets of our parents and grandparents are so thin as to be almost transparent. My immediate action would be to push for the GIS to be a one-time application. A great may seniors don't realize they must apply annually.

I do not support building super jails - let's do something about the root causes of what puts people in jail. 1 in 10 people live in poverty (3.4million Canadians, 800,000 of whom are children). The majority of people in prison come from below the poverty line. Don't interpret the following to suggest in any way that all Canadians living below the poverty line resort to crime but statistics show that 10% of Canadians live below the poverty line but nearly 100% of prison inmates come from that 10%. All costs considered, Canada spends $147,000 per federal prisoner each year. It would take $12,000 to $20,000 annually to bring a person above the poverty line. This would represent a saving to taxpayers of $127,000 per federal prisoner each year!

Many existing programs, instead of helping, hold people down. A Liberal government will provide the leadership in the federal government that is absent now.

Immigrants. As a Halton Multicultural Council board member, I've heard stories that would make you weep. The Conservative government has made some needed reforms but they have deprived newcomers of the family support they need to integrate successfully, they've off-loaded responsibility for immigration, and given Canada a harsher, more forbidding face (Toronto Star, Editorial, Sat, Feb 19 – The Conservative Record - Immigrants see a harsher Canada).

Getting the Canadian work experience and accreditation for overseas’ credentials is something I will work toward.

A Conservative MP wrote to his Minister asking that his government write a letter to the Egyptian government to express outrage at the religious persecution of Egyptian Coptics. 40 Liberals MPs signed his letter in support but he's heard nothing from the minister yet.
Geoffrey Stevens asked in his Opinion column (Guelph Mercury, Mon, Feb 7, 2011):

Is a Harper government the best that Canadians can aspire to?
Are we satisfied with a government that preaches accountability, then (prorogues) Parliament rather than face opposition questions?
A government that has no foreign policy beyond what it borrows from Washington?
A government that can’t win a United Nations Security Council seat that would have been a slam dunk in years gone by?

I say No, No, No, and No. We can do better, we must.
I am contesting the Halton Federal Liberal nomination because I care too much to just to sit by. I want better for Canada, Ontario and Halton. I want Canadians to have hope for the future.

Renewing Democracy in Canada

2011-03-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

A Liberal government will renew democracy in Canada by:

    * Making open government our default position for releasing information to the public;
    * Holding a weekly People’s Question Period to allow Canadians to directly engage the prime minister and cabinet ministers with unfiltered questions;
    * Limiting the prime minister’s power to prorogue Parliament;
    * Reducing the size of the Prime Minister’s Office and returning to cabinet government; and
    * Respecting the independence of watchdogs, boards and commissions.

It’s time to fight for our democracy.

Canada and F-35 strike fighters

2011-03-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

What the Canadian Government is NOT telling us about the TRUE cost of the F-35 Strike Fighters

http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/defencewatch/archive/2011/02/21/no-reason-for-canada-to-rush-into-f-35-joint-strike-fighter-purchase-says-u-s-defence-analyst.aspx

--What they will cost, what Canada will get for that money, and whether we should be wating. There are a lot of unknowns.

Canadian census being dismantled?

2011-03-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting article about the Canadian Census...

During the course of the Post-1901 Census campaign, then opposition Conservative MPs, including now Prime Minister Stephen Harper voiced support for public access to historic Census records. That support in fact, was part of an official Conservative party program. In the past year however, the Conservative government has taken steps that leaves one wondering whether or not there will be any Census records left to view in 92 years.

Read the rest of the article: http://globalgenealogy.com/globalgazette/gazgw/gazgw-0128.htm.

Policy prioritizing session

2011-02-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

I attended the Liberal Party Policy Prioritization session this weekend. All Ontario ridings sent representatives - I was one of the Halton delegates. The event took place at Richmond Hills Sheraton Convention Centre at Hwy 7 & Leslie.

There were 70 resolutions up for debate, discussion, (friendly)amendments, and voting - to keep the policy on the list, or remove it. At the end of the second day, the delegates had to vote their top 10.

I don't know the results yet as I had to leave before voting was complete.

I mentioned above that friendly amendments were entertained: these policies had all been worked on and for several months beforehand and voted on by the individual ridings. Policy authors were invited to blend or amend their policies before the session but no amendment could change the intent of the written policy.

Join the riding association. Contributing to the policy-making process is one way that ordinary citizens can get involved in the democratic process. Consultation and inclusiveness is part of what Liberalism is all about. I found the whole process very interesting.

I will contest Halton Federal Liberal Nomination

2011-02-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

After a great deal of consultation, I have decided to contest the nomination for the Halton Federal Liberal riding.

Going for the nomination was so far off my radar, I had to take a step back when people began asking me to run after Deborah Gillis stepped aside. After consultation with many people I trust and respect, I said yes. It is a huge step but I feel it is the right one.

What I bring to the job:

Communications has always been my strong point and will always be a priority. I’ve had many notes of thanks for the communications I employed over my seven years as a Milton councillor
I have been very involved in the community for many years, so I understand the needs of the community.
I am a hard worker
I research all sides of an issue because I don’t feel anybody has a lock on all the good ideas.

It's a fact that many people don’t care for the party leader, however, the credibility of the party would be irreparably damaged if the party was to endure yet another leadership change this soon. It’s time for grass roots Liberals to stand up and be counted, to pull the party together, to draw strength from one another.

I hope to have community support for my nomination, a process which has three steps:

Getting the green light as a viable candidate - filling in a 35-page nomination package, which includes getting the signatures of 30 members in good standing, and obtaining police and credit checks.
In concert with the first step: selling Liberal memberships ($10). The more memberships sold, the more viable the candidate. It’s a matter of getting 20 people to sell 10 memberships, and those people selling 10 memberships, and so on. Rather like a pyramid, really.
The 3^rd step is getting as many of those same people to attend the riding nomination meeting when it’s called – expected to be sooner, rather than later.

It's purely a numbers game. I hope to have the support of the community.

Save Our Local Economy

2011-01-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

An excellent website is Rurban Fringe, which this week contains a must-read article.

Save Our Local Economy

What are three local businesses you would hate to lose from our community? Got them in your mind? Great. Okay, now commit to spending $50 in those three places each month. Ta-da!! You’re saving our local economy!

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It is … and all it takes is you.
A growing movement called the 3/50 project is making it even easier for residents to help their communities and invest in local economies. Not only does this movement provide a reminder that local stores offer local benefits (e.g. unique products, services and donations to local charities, schools, and sports clubs), research shows that dollars spent at home, tend to stay at home.

The tension for residents today is the reality of the economy vs. the need to support local businesses.
On the one hand, people are concerned about continuing to have a job and being able to pay the mortgage … yet on the the other hand, virtually everyone spends $150 on some combination of goods and services.

The question is … where can you spend those dollars so that they will have the most impact?
I’d answer that you should choose to spend your money in those places that you would hate to see disappear … or they may.

The 3/50 project

3 What three independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Stop in. Say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around.
50 If half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion* in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 the population did that!
68 For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68* returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43* stays here. Spend it online and nothing come home.
*U.S. figures but the results would have a comparative impact on the Canadian economy.

1 The number of people it takes to start the trend...you!
Pick 3. Spend 50. Save our local economy.

I support the 3/50 project … and challenge you to do the same.

Milton Public Library

2010-11-19T06:10:00.000-08:00

November 17, 2010. I attended my last Library Board meeting as a council appointee last night. During my 7 years on the board there was tremendous growth in library usage. For those who think the library might be in danger of becoming an anachronism, nothing could be farther from the truth.

The library is a community gathering place with 282,779 visits recorded this year. Whether to borrow books, use the internet, participate in conversation circles, programs, workshops, do homework, special events, the library is an integral part of the community.

It’s amazing that library staff has been able to keep up. That they have is a clear tribute to their dedication. From the 90’s when there was one full time employee (FTE) per 9000 people, today we have one FTE per 22,000 people. And the Milton Library provides the fewest open hours of any comparable library in the GTA.

The frustration as a board member was in supporting the public’s wishes for increased hours of operation – only to see those hours cut during budget deliberations.

Given the number of councillors who campaigned this election to keep the Bruce Street Library open while promising a minimal tax increase, it will be interesting to see what happens during December’s budget deliberations. Anything is possible with unlimited money.

A little background on the Bruce Street location versus the new one on Main Street….
The decision to close the Bruce Street Library was made around 1999. I was a member of Community Services Advisory Committee (CSAC) when we were presented with choosing the best of 3 possible sites for the proposed new Main Library. It wasn’t a question of where to move the library – it had already been narrowed down to three sites. CSAC members chose the Milton Hydro site as the best option. Oh, how different the answer would have been had the question been framed differently.

My thanks go to the dedicated and professional staff in the Milton Public Library System.

Thank a Vet - Buy a Poppy

2010-11-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

At the mall today there was an elderly ex-service man selling poppies. We see them everywhere at this time of year but it got me thinking about the reason he’s selling poppies.

Our veterans, who fought so hard, often in extremely harsh conditions, and now very elderly, stand on corners and shop doorways every November hoping people will buy a poppy, many of which have been assembled by veterans themselves. The poppy sales help support their fellow veterans in need of assistance.

Buying and wearing a poppy gives us all an opportunity to feel good about supporting our service men and women but it occurred to me we should be doing a better job of looking after these survivors, that they shouldn’t have to do the job themselves. I urge everyone to give generously to the next vet selling poppies.

I'm out but far from down

2010-11-03T04:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who voted for me in the 2010 municipal election - those who saw an opportunity for real change, real representation at the local and regional level.

I am honoured by your support and the fact that 2976 people believed in me and while we didn’t win this election, 2014 will be here before we know it. I may be out but I am far from down.

My hope for the next 3 years...

That people will be really observant of what our elected representatives are really doing for us and our community. Let's rely on our own observations, on the facts, and not base our assessment on campaign claims and literature alone. Truth and integrity must find their way back to politics at all levels of our government.

My two terms as local councillor were extremely interesting and rewarding years. The workload was huge and diverse given the many complexities pressing on Milton; and I met many amazing people. Being involved in over 20 committees, boards and organizations, I was totally committed to the community – and will continue to be. I am passionate about serving this community.

This is the third election campaign during which I repeatedly heard the same complaint: people don’t feel they’re being heard, that there is a lack of information available to them.

People would like information delivered to them on a timely basis, they want to be involved, even if only on a limited basis – or at the very least, they want an awareness of the issues before decisions are rendered.

For several years, I have maintained an information-based website, as well as an extensive email list by which I’ve kept ward 3 residents apprised of issues. I’ve received many expressions of appreciation for that effort. At the same time, I have been the beneficiary of some good input. Together we can, and have, accomplished a lot.

A friend asked if I ever met any cranky people when I was out door knocking. The fact is, a couple of people may have started out that way but if one listens – really listens, you find out they’ve been frustrated by ‘the system’, that no one was listening to them. By taking the time to listen, a lot of problems and frustrations with the political system can be eased or avoided.

From the many conversations I had with people across wards 2, 3, 4 & 5, I remain convinced that we need to do a better job of REAL public consultation – the rolled-up-sleeves/sit-down-at-the-same-table/let’s-discuss-the-issues kind of public consultation. Not what has been passing for public consultation – you show up at a meeting, make your comments, and that’s it. No discussion. As I have said many times, I don’t believe councillors or staff have a lock on all the good ideas and for myself I appreciated the input.

The number one topic while door knocking? Road issues.

· Traffic,
· Gridlock,
· Parking,
· Speeding, and
· Road safety in general
And synchronizing traffic lights resonated with everyone with whom I spoke. Why haven't our regional reps been able to accomplish this no-cost effort in all these years?

In my survey “Your Priorities”, road issues were again at the top of the list:

· Inconsistent speeds/speeding,
· Need for traffic calming,
· Traffic issues generally,
· Road safety,
· Bike and pedestrian safety, or lack thereof.
· And the lack of trails connectivity was raised more than once.

As a member of the Trails Advisory Committee we were told that most trails would eventually connect - when developments in those areas are complete. Years into the future in some cases. However, what about people using the trails today? If we want to get people out of their cars, they need that connectivity now.

Speeding issues: Drivers cut through our neighbourhoods to avoid gridlock on arterial roads. The result is higher speeds and more volume on local roads. Just ask the people who live on Woodward, off Martin Street. I suspect those living on Scott, south off Main St might feel the same, judging by the number of people I see pouring off Main St.

The same complaint applies across the rural area. Drivers speed well over the limit; don’t bother slowing down for anything, whether walkers with children or pets, people on horses, cyclists. There are no sidewalks, no shoulders on the road, often the only place to bail out is the ditch – and more than a few people have ended up there. The irony is that people move to the rural area for safety reasons only to find out it isn’t safe to walk the rural roads.

A promised traffic calming report never did not come to fruition. I hope it will be a priority of the new council. Given the new councillors with young families, I expect it might be.

One thing to note, over 50% of speeders are local residents themselves – so by slowing down we can cut speeding problems by over half. A no-cost program! How often do we have control of our own destiny? We build better cars and better roads but it’s the driver attitude which must be changed.

I have been involved in road safety since 1998 and will continue my efforts.

Other priorities cited:

The downtown business core:

– Maintaining the current 4 story cap in the downtown core;

– Implementing urban design controls to maintain the downtown character;

– Encouraging local business expansion and thus increase employment;

– Improve trails and parks connectivity to shopping and employment; and

– The hospital.

The hospital factored in several mentions with an almost total lack of support for a surtax for the hospital. Several suggested that we tell the province “no hospital expansion, no population expansion!”

With regard to the downtown business core, a low cost facade improvement program implemented with tax incentives could help give us something like Niagara-on-the-Lake or Unionville. We need to be proactive about preserving and enhancing our downtown core before it's too late. Tax incentives provide a net gain to the town by improving property values.

For a good example of preserving the integrity of a building for a modern business, take a look at Peggy's of Milton, 184 Main Street East.

Thanks, Milton, for all the support. I will always be available, always be involved in our community, always be working to preserve the best of Milton.

Election Day is here

2010-10-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Election day is finally here! I've met so many fine people, worked with so many wonderful volunteers, knocked on so many doors, and walked so many miles during this run up to the election.
Hello everyone,
We can't know what the outcome of today's election will be but I wanted to thank you now, from the bottom of my heart, for all the support accorded me in the run up to this election.
Thank you for believing in my candidacy for Local & Regional Councillor and for coming forward to offer support in so many many different ways:

I consulted with a vast number of people along the way. Thank you all for taking the time, giving me the benefit of your knowledge, your advice and encouragement;
Thank you to the dozens of volunteers who gave so much of their time to drive me in the rural area, door-knocking in the urban area, and for stuffing mailboxes;
Thank you to the many requests for sign placements and to all those who helped place those signs - and thank you to those who will remove them on the day after the election;
Thanks to Mary for coordinating the volunteers and the schedule. What a load off my mind.
Thanks to Shauna for the electronic newsletters, and other help;
Thank you for the many hundreds of volunteer hours in order to do all the above;
Thank you for the many emails and phone calls of encouragement;
Thank you to Tim for some outstanding help;
Thanks to Toni for making me look good in print, for her strategic thinking;
Thanks to Ginny and Michelle for the outstanding election signs, and the brochure work;
I even have thanks for the one guy who said he would never vote for me even if I was the only person on the ballot - it helps to keep one's feet on the ground;-)
Thank you for the financial contributions from so many different quarters;
Thanks for other miscellaneous help that doesn't fit in any of the above categories but which, nevertheless, was invaluable;
and special thanks to my husband, my steady support at home even while fighting cancer, now just recovering from successful surgery on Friday, in time to come home for the election party, win or lose, this evening. And thanks for all for the good wishes for his speedy recovery. We've been blessed.

Thank you for the faith you showed in me over the last 7 years. We got the job done because we worked together to resolve issues.
It's been a great road to walk and I've met many wonderful people. What a privilege it is to be in my shoes!
Thank you one and all.
Jan

Results of My Councillor Performance Survey

2010-09-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

I asked people in Ward 3, along with other Miltonians for whom I’ve worked over the years, to rate my performance as their public representative to Milton Council.

I believe I am the only Councillor who has ever done anything like this. And to me, that is true accountability. And I hope their ratings will be more helpful in telling you how I will represent you, than campaign promises.

The summary report from my 2010 Performance Survey is now available. Please read it if you really want to understand what kind of representation you can expect from me.

The bottom line on my performance? Over 90% of people rated the quality of my overall representation as an 8/10 or better, where a “10/10” is “the best representation we could ask for”.

The people also gave me very high ratings on effectiveness and consultation with the public which are pivotal to me.

Read the report and you’ll see why 99% of decided voters have either already decided to send me to represent them at the Regional/Local Councils or are confident they are very likely to.

2010-08-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

There are probably hundreds of community groups, all wanting, and needing, new members. But how to go about it? This article just appeared in Rurban Fringe - an excellent website.

Kick-Start a Community Group

Posted on | May 6, 2010

Most well-intentioned community group efforts fail.

They fail because they try to get all the stakeholders they can into a room to forge bonds that may or may not exist. They fail because they don’t take into account those that have agendas. They fail because those agendas conflict, becoming arguments. They fail because those not interested in arguing, quit.

You can’t start a group effort by starting big.

People need to identify with the purpose of the community group and with one another.

Start small. Model knowledge-sharing and positive networking behaviours yourself … what do you have to give to the community? Identify and invite community influencers and advocates. Watch people interact. Assist folks in really getting to know one another … informal coffee dates or anything involving food is good for this. Ask people what they would like to give and get.

While difficult – there’s no road map for building relationships – this work will steadily build trust, buy-in and support for the community … and trust is the glue that binds communities together.

Build the bandwagon. Once it’s rolling, you may be surprised at how many other people want to jump on.
-30-

Inviting people to a first meeting where coffee and food is served is an excellent idea. Doesn't have to be anything more than cookies with the coffee but it will create a more relaxed atmosphere, to help establish those bonds, which will make people want to come back, a reason for giving up one's time.

Asking people what they would like to give and get is a good point. There has to be some benefit in volunteering - whether it makes you feel good, you feel useful, something that makes you want to go back.

Once in a while we get on committees that provide no satisfaction, no thanks offered, no acknowledgment of your contribution. Those committees are when we should take the opportunity to say NO more. There are a great many committees who will value our participation.

Now having said all that, the Nassagaweya Community Consultation Committee is looking for new members. The committee acts as a liaison between Town, Region, police and the community. We hold public information meeting twice yearly, publish an annual newsletter, operate the Rural Watch system, run the annual Roadside Cleanup, and a whole lot more.

Come to the meeting September 1 (first Wednesday of each month), 7pm at the Nassagaweya Community Centre. Come and have coffee and cookies with us, find out what we're about and how you can help.

Giant Hogweed

2010-07-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

More on Giant Hogweed from OMAFRA...
Giant hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum (which has been documented in Ontario since 1949) is distinguished by its huge size, its very large, compound leaf blades, its tall, thick, hollow, often sharply roughened stems, and its large flat-topped compound inflorescence with white flowers and large, flat fruits with prominent dark-coloured oil tubes. Flowering inflorescences are often heavily infested by aphids. Please see the following webpage from WeedInfo.ca for additional information: http://www.weedinfo.ca/weed.php?w=HERMZ

Ministry staff is aware of the significance of giant hogweed from a human health and invasiveness perspective. OMAFRA is working with the University of Guelph and several municipalities across the province to identify best management practices for giant hogweed

Giant Hogweed identification videos are now located on the OMAFRA website home page as well as at the following links:

* http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/insects/weeds.html
* http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/giant_hogweed.htm

What do to if you suspect giant hogweed:

1. Have the suspected plant properly identified. (Over half of the submissions that OMAFRA receives is from clients claiming they have Giant Hogweed, and are not Giant Hogweed.)
* Proper identification can be obtained by submitting a photo via www.weedinfo.ca

2. Once confirmed, send the location of the sighting to:
* Invasive Species Tracking System that is coordinated in part by the Ministry of Natural Resources. It can be found at http://www.comap.ca/its/
* your local municipality to inform them of the sighting

3. Landowner’s can purchase glyphosate products (i.e. Roundup) to control weeds that are poisonous to the touch, such as poison ivy, wild parsnip and giant hogweed. Homeowner’s and municipalities that are concerned about Giant Hogweed and wish to manage the plant do not need a noxious weed designation to do so.

* Please note: Giant hogweed can be a serious health hazard for humans. Its watery, clear sap contains photosensitizing compounds (furanocoumarins), which, when in contact with human skin and in combination with UV radiation, can cause burning. Content varies depending on plant part, but contact should be avoided at all times.

If you have been exposed to this plant, if is often suggested that you wash affected area immediately, avoid direct exposure to sunlight and seek medical advice.

Ontario Truck Driving Championships 2010

2010-07-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

The Ontario Truck Driving Championships 2010 has gone down in the history books as another successful event.

The weather was very cooperative but just barely for Friday. I was chairing the Mayor's Reception which was to flow indoors and out. After checking Google weather maps I gave the go ahead at 3:30 to keep to our original arrangements. It was very humid but no more rain.

Troy's Diner did an excellent job on the reception food and was an great help with the arrangements. The evening went really well, although Penny Rabishaw, president of the Ontario Truck Driving Championships, didn't make it to the reception. Her first grandchild was born that same evening!

Saturday was a brilliant day for the championships which took place at Mohawk Racetrack. And what a show it was - 2 women took top honours. I will post a link for the winners when they are available.

Mohawk Racetrack personnel provided an excellent meal. Jim Kenzie was great as the emcee - Great job, Jim! It was a nice evening, enjoyed by all.

It takes over 60 volunteers to work the various components of the event - Click here for pictures of some of the volunteers. There are no paid employees, it`s all volunteers administrators as well.

Giant Hogweed

2010-07-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

Avoid this dangerous weed - it can be hazardous to your health. It's in Milton and surrounding areas. It can cause blindness, either temporarily or permanently.
Hogweed is regulated as a federal noxious weed by the U.S. Government, but not so in Ontario.

Click here for a picture.

Toxic, invasive weed hits eastern Ontario
Thu Jul 8, 4:35 PM

OTTAWA (CBC) - Biologists and health officials in eastern Ontario are scrambling to contain an invasive plant that can cause blindness and severe burns.

heracleum mantegazzianum, or giant hogweed, is a poisonous plant most recently found growing in Renfrew County, west of Ottawa.

"The concern is it's a very poisonous plant, in the sense that if you get any of the sap from this plant on your skin, it can cause severe blistering and very bad burns," said Jeff Muzzi, manager of forestry services for Renfrew County.

"If you should happen to get the sap in your eyes, it can blind you either temporarily or permanently."

He said the burns can cause permanent scarring and any areas affected will be sensitive to sunlight for many years.

"It [exposure] could be inadvertent," Muzzi said.

"You might not even know it's here, [just] walk into it and happen to break a leaf. The next thing you know, you've got these nasty burns."

He said it can take up to 48 hours after exposure for symptoms to appear.

This is the first time giant hogweed has appeared in Renfrew County, Muzzi said, though it has been found in the western provinces and southwestern Ontario.

"It spreads primarily by seeds," he said.

"Seeds can be carried by vehicles, by people, by winds it could be a bird. It could be any reason at all and I think every plant will produce something to the tune of 500,000 seeds, so the spread potential is pretty big."

The plant can grow up to six metres tall, with leaves as big as 1.5 metres across. It is identified by large purple blotches or striping on its stem.

To stop giant hogweed from spreading further, crews in Renfrew County are embarking on a weed-whacking campaign.

Officials also plan to send out brochures warning residents how to spot giant hogweed. Anyone who sees one of the plants is asked to contact their municipality.

Women's Health Strategy

2010-06-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

I attended Ontario’s first ever Women’s Health Strategy Conference. It was Wow, so empowering and so enlightening. It was hosted by Community Development Halton and ECHO:
Improving Women’s Health in Ontario. Tuesday, June 22, 2010.

Women of Ontario – some facts
Ontario’s women are:

Growing (in population, not size)
Older
Diverse
Urban
More likely to live in lower income groups than men, with the largest group being those 65 and older

More women than men work in the healthcare sector, which sees many job losses.

Women of Halton:

Make up 51% of the population (or 225,000 persons).
In upper management, earn 71% of what men earn even with comparable education, degrees, etc.
On average, earn 51cents compared to the dollar earned by men.

Halton population facts:

25% are immigrants
13% are women of colour
13.7% are 65 or older
82% of lone parent families are female headed
And 22% of lone parent, female-headed families live in poverty
9.1% of all women (or 20,600) in Halton are low income

Women’s health issues are different from men’s…
• For instance, women’s lung cancer is more commonly found in the later stages. Men’s tend to grow in the bronchial tubes; he coughs, brings up blood… an obvious warning sign.
Women’s lung cancer grows in deeper tissue with little warning sign. Knowing this can shift screening methods.
• Chronic care beds have been reduced, impacting on women as most of those moved out of chronic care beds are women, and therefore most of those waiting for, or denied access to, long-term care are women. And for the most part, they are women who cannot afford to privately pay for supplementary care.

Although the Government lists long-term care as one of its programs targeted at women, no evidence can be found that shows women’s particular concerns, or differences among women, are taken into account. This is the case despite research demonstrating dramatic differences in, for example, heart disease, lung cancer and breast cancer not only between women and men but also among women from different ethnic backgrounds.

• More women than men are caregivers. Caregivers are stressed due to a shortage of support systems. For instance, there is no stroke rehab in Milton, caregivers must take the patient to Oakville, adding to stress of the caregiver.

Immigrant women face their own challenges.

South Asians are less likely to access cancer screening;
They are uncomfortable talking about problems;
They prefer women doctors especially for gynaecological exams
They believe in a holistic approach to health, that social support, personal health practices and socio-economic factors are the most important factors affecting their health.

Social circumstances can be a barrier to good health for women: poor housing, low income, lack of childcare, etc. The minimum wage keeps people poor.
Life circumstances can also impact on health: poverty, housing, education, violence, race, ethnicity, gender, etc. Health is affected by many factors and certain groups of women are at high risk.

All these factors impinge on women’s health. We need increasing access to improve women`s health. We need social and community-level change and support. We need to invest in prevention and social determinants of health.

These women are our sisters, mothers, daughters, nieces, cousins– they could be us. The Region of Halton and Milton in particular, statistically speaking, is considered a wealthy community but statistics often hide harsh realities.

The hospital situation is under stress. The province is in the unusual guardianship role; the system is under pressure from growth, funding, etc.

LHINs
LHINs are an added cost to service delivery –an extra layer of expensive bureaucracy.

Halton Healthcare CEO John Oliver told me at council Monday, June 28, that they argued for keeping all Halton together in one LHIN but the province put Burlington in with Hamilton, then lumped Milton, Halton Hills and Oakville in with Mississauga. The entire population of the 3 municipalities amounts to a mere 30% of Mississauga’s population. This break -up of the region weakens our case at the regional council table and healthcare IS a responsibility of the Region. That's why we have the Halton Chief Medical Officer.

The Milton Hospital has not increased in size since 1987 when the community was a fraction of the 90,000 now calling Milton home.

Even if Milton taxpayers cough up the money, approval to build must come from the Minister of Health & Long Term care. But, approvals are not going forward despite Milton being the fastest growing municipality with all the associated pressures of growth. I won’t get into the double taxation issue - that’s the topic of another blog: http://janmowbrayblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/milton-hospital-expansion.html

Why are we hosting G8/G20?

2010-06-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

I question why we felt we could do it for $200million, only to find out the real figure is over $1BILLION;

I question why, in this hi-tech digital age, these leaders think they have to have this meeting face to face;

I question why there isn’t a limit on the number of people in each entourage – unlimited family members, staff, hangers on, etc. all at the expense of the host country!

I question why it’s necessary to meet face-to-face when any decisions or actions arising from the meetings will in fact have been decided by the bureaucrats either before or after the fact;

I question why Deerhurst was considered an appropriate place to hold sessions, only to decide later on that we would create a fortress in downtown Toronto, and create hardships for downtown businesses;

I question why it was necessary to spend $10million on North Bay Airport, THEN decide everyone will use Toronto Airport;

I question who did the planning, who is making the decisions;

And I question why we can’t afford to do more for our marginalized population when we can turn around so easily and justify spending One BILLION dollars for three days of meetings. Describing it as a “meeting” may be a rather simplistic way of looking at it but that’s what it boils down to.

Milton Hospital Expansion

2010-05-25T10:56:00.001-07:00

Most people know that Milton is still the fastest growing community in Canada. And there are probably only a few who aren't aware that the Milton District Hospital is under-served, under-funded, and too small to serve a community which now sits at 90,000.

Despite awareness programs and a petition to the provincial government whose job it is to fund hospitals, we have yet to see any funds come to Milton for hospital expansion.

The province's share of hospital capital costs is 90%, conditional upon the hospital's commitment to the other 10% plus 100% of costs for beds and equipment. Millions and millions of dollars.

A motion came to the May council meeting asking town staff to look for alternative ways to fund the necessary funding shortfall. That report is due at the June 28 council meeting.

I look forward to hearing what my fellow councillors and the public have to say but initial feedback from the community on this matter is concerning me.

Milton Hospital doesn't serve Miltonians exclusively. Some people are referred from Halton Hills, some from Oakville, some from outlying areas.

Given that hospital care is provided regionally through Halton Healthcare Services, any proposed surtax should also be regional in nature. It stands to reason that the matter should be dealt with by Halton Regional Council rather than Milton Council.

This is a matter for which I will push hard at Regional Council when I am elected Regional Councillor this fall.

Let me know your thoughts.
Jan

Milton and Multiculturalism

2010-05-22T04:24:00.000-07:00

Further to the topic of the infamous Notice of Motion, there is little I can add to what Mike Grimwood has said below.
Although a probable mis-attribution, the Motion quotes Edmund Burke (more likely Leo Tolstoy in his book "War and Peace"), as saying "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing". If we sweep this under the rug, if don't speak to it, this evil will triumph.

I was born in New Zealand and to think that the country of my birth was lumped in as a moral and political cesspool offended me deeply. I know my feelings are shared by other New Canadians, one of whom said he was sickened when he read that Motion. He couldn't even discuss it with his wife, he had her read it for herself.

When I, and others, became citizens of Canada, we took the following oath: "I swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen."

I am proud to be a Canadian, and I am proud to be have been elected to serve my community, the residents of the Town of Milton.

Milton and Multiculturalism

2010-05-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

To get some background on this issue, it's important to read a proposed Notice of Motion which came to council May 16 and which was subsequently declared Out of Order by the mayor. Click here for the link.
Mike Grimwood was one of two registered delegates, who, due to the mayor's ruling was unable to speak. I have been given permission to print his presentation here. His is first, then Joanna Matthews'. She is Executive Director, Halton Multicultural Council.

Delegation to Council, May 17, 2010
Re: Councillor day’s Notice of Motion
I understand that this Notice of Motion is not being voted on today, but may be considered for the September 27th Council meeting. I believe the impetus and content of the motion is sufficiently unfriendly and important, that an immediate response is required.
In my considered opinion, the spirit which animates this notice of motion, as evidenced in the correspondence accompanying it, is abhorrent; the notion and intent of the motion itself is odious and offensive, and the rationale behind the motion, if one is so generous as to give it that credence, is so deeply flawed that it is without any merit whatsoever.

The motion attacks a fundamental democratic right enshrined in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedom – “Every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of members of the House of Commons or of a legislative assembly” .

Canadian citizens can vote without threat of coercion or exclusion by the state or political factions or politicians themselves – this is one of the greatest strengths of Canadian democracy, and it cannot be abandoned, ignored or brushed aside, which, as I see it, this motion demanding.

The loyalty of Canadians to their Parliamentary democracy is not displayed through the cheap political trick of a signed piece of paper – simply coming out to vote shows that people believe in the Canadian Parliamentary system and are loyal to Canada’s principles. This motion suggests we should be putting more barriers and hindrances to this expression of support and loyalty. What absolute rot!

By happenstance, I am now reading a book from Milton’s public library – The Pursuit of Glory, Europe 1648-1815, by Tim Blanning (Viking). I had come upon a section dealing with the reaction of European craft guilds to changes in Europe in the 18th century, and when I read the correspondence which accompanies this reprehensible notice of motion, that section came back to me with references made in this correspondence:
“many (guilds) were showing all the negative conservatism of a vested interest overtaken by events: dogged devotion to old techniques (an “oath of loyalty” perhaps?), suspicion of innovation “kangaroo courts known as human rights commissions” perhaps?), resentment of competition (“native sentencing circles” perhaps?) and xenophobia (“multiculturalism”, perhaps?). They were particularly determined to confine guild membership to “their kind of people”.

I leave it you to determine if you find parallels between the 18th century and now.

Much as this motion and the accompanying correspondence disgust me, though, I’m glad it has been brought forward. Certainly, I have a better understanding of the author and his views of Canada and Parliamentary democracy, voting rights and the second freedom enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Certainly, it is better to bring these issues to the fore, rather than letting them fester like maggots in a wound. As the onetime president of the University of Chicago opined – “ A civilization in which there is not a continuous controversy about the important issues is on the way to totalitarianism and death”.

The notion to impose a totalitarian measure such as a mandatory oath of loyalty as a condition of voting eligibility is an important issue, and, no matter that I believe it is a reprehensible, odious and anti-democratic suggestion, it needs to be debated, if only to reaffirm the pre-eminence of democratic principles in Canadian governance.

So too should there be debate on our judicial system. We have seen the current federal government adopt a “lex regia” approach, as expounded in the code of Justinian – “quod principi placuit, legis habet vigorem” – the will of the prince has the force of law. The current government clearly, to my mind, believes it has the force of law in its hands, rather than Parliament, and believes its ideology should be paramount. This is another matter which goes right to the heart of Canadian Parliamentary democracy, and though I totally disagree with the government, and am committed to the pre-eminence of Parliament, freedom of opinion takes precedence, and the matter should be debated.

The suggestion though, that countries such as the United States, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea, Poland, countries which are our allies in the war against terror, and every other democratic country in the world, are “cesspools” is not something for debate. The suggestion that the citizens of these countries – citizens of many who are fighting against terrorism on behalf of Canadians as well as their own country-people – are the dregs and sewage of humanity is grotesque and appalling. It is greatly reminiscent of the spirit of the Nazi superior Aryan race credo – a worthless, unfounded credo which one would have hoped had been confined forever to the dustbins of history. Sadly, this spirit has been resurrected – it is an infamy, and it should be treated with absolute contempt and dismissed back to oblivion and opprobrium.

Michael Grimwood
Milton, Ontario

And here is Joanna Matthews' presentation...

My name is Joanna Matthews and I am the Executive Director of a charitable organization whose mission is to enable every individual regardless of race or ethnic origin to participate as full and active members of this community by fostering mutual respect and understanding. We are a full service settlement organization and we assist newcomers who choose Halton as their home.

When I first worked for the Halton Multicultural Council, my job was to provide anti-discrimination workshops within the Region of Halton Schools. As an icebreaker activity, I would always ask the children to stand and then be seated only when the scenario applied to their family. We would start with anyone who was born outside of Canada…please have a seat…next anyone whose parents were born outside Canada, take a seat…next grandparents, great grandparents…and so on until only those who were native Canadian, our aboriginal people were left standing. This activity established for all that at some time in their family’s history they had been a newcomer to this land.

Our last Canadian Census demonstrated that Canada is more dependent than ever on immigration, as we are not repopulating ourselves at a rate that will sustain the population growth needed for our economic development. Knowing this we see the evolution of our country’s history that moves from a selective or exclusive immigration policy to a more inclusive immigration policy.

To this end, Canada also ensured that all Canadians were recognized for their uniqueness and cultural diversity. During the 1970s, Multiculturalism was introduced as a way to recognize this growing cultural diversity. This became entrenched into official policy in Canada’s Constitution Act 1982.

In 1988, Canada further protected Cultural Diversity through the Preservation and Enhancements known as the Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1988). It acknowledges the rights of all ethnic groups in Canada to preserve and share their unique cultural heritage. It also guarantees equal opportunity for Canadians of all origins.

Many of us here today know someone from any number of ethnic groups, faith communities, countries of origin, genders, sexual orientations that work hard, play by the rules, are good family people, are faithful and law-abiding good citizens of Canada.

Many of us here today know someone from any number of ethnic groups, faith communities, countries of origin, genders, sexual orientations who are deceitful, do not play by the rules, are unethical and hurtful.

Many of us here today hold bias and prejudice in our hearts. Some is based on our experiences, what we have heard from others or from the media, but it is the broad sweeping brush that paints an entire group of people in one light that becomes problematic for Milton. In addition, it is a person who is in a position of power, such as you, town councillors, who have a duty to be rational, reasonable, fair and just in the face of fear mongering that could become problematic for Milton.

This statement of Request presented here today is unnecessary because it already exists. It is called the Oath of Citizenship and it is a legally binding oral and written contract intended to ensure that new Canadian citizens promise to obey the laws and customs of their new country, fulfill their duties as citizens, and recognize the authority of the monarch and the personification of various entities and concepts.

It states…..
I swear / affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to her Majesty “Queen Elizabeth” Queen of Canada, her Heirs and successors and I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfill my duties as a Canadian Citizen.

Many schools and communities in Canada host citizenship ceremonies allowing present day Canadians the opportunity to reaffirm their own commitment to Canada, while new Canadians take theirs for the first time. With that said, I respectfully request that Council not move this item forward.

Thank you,
Joanna Matthews

At the council table - May 10, 2010

2010-05-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

On the council agenda last night:
• Official Plan Review.
• Boyne Survey Secondary Plan.
• Intensification Study
• Staff and council salary increase

Official Plan will go to council June 14 for ratification and forwarding on to the Region for approval. However, they can do nothing with it until such as the province approves the Region’s Official Plan Amendment (ROPA 38). So, until that time we live with our current existing plan.

Boyne Survey draft secondary plan, basically still a concept plan, was approved. This will bring a further 50,000 people to Milton. This plan has been in our future for 10 years now. Still to come: financial reports, staging/phasing arrangements, sub-watershed reports, etc., before a shovel ever goes in the ground – expected in spring of 2013 – providing there are no OMB appeals to hold things up.

Intensification Study follow-up report provided more detail on a number of issues. The addition of public art in the public realm; Urban Design Guidelines; density and height bonusing; pre-zoning (the ability to do so, so newcomers will know what is in store on neighbouring properties); height of new buildings on the north side of Main Street (near Thompson) and the stepping back of multi-storey buildings from the street to create a better relationship between one-two storey buildings across the road.

The Staff and Salary increase report proposed a 2% across the board for non-unionized employees and council. For councillors it amounted to $43.33 per month. Milton council is the lowest paid in the GTA .

There are some who say council shouldn’t vote for it’s own pay increase but as I’ve said before, under the municipal act council is responsible for every single action of the town. There is no one else who can vote for a councillor increase except the voter at election time.

As to employees, reviews are annual, and with an across the board increase of 2% it’s barely covering the cost of living increase. Town employees are not unionized and if we let them slip compared to other towns/cities, we stand to lose the ground we have. Our employees are well-trained and well regarded by other municipalities. I had no problem supporting the 2% increase. There are two unions at the town – IBEW (2.5% increase effective March) and Fire (3%, also effective March), I think it makes little sense to withhold an increase to the rest of Milton’s permanent and part time employees.

back to council increases – there was a public group assigned a number of years ago to address council pay because council dragged so far behind other comparable municipalities. It was out of that committee that was the current format of increases geared to town staff annual increase came to be.
In an election year, you can expect anything to happen. And it does. And it did.

We met from 6:30pm yesterday and I got home at 11:30. We covered a lot of ground.

Library Chat

2010-05-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Let ‘s talk about the library.

With shovels already in the ground, the subject of the Bruce Street Library closing has received a lot of press.

There are two aspects to the concerns expressed by the public:
1. The perceived closing of ‘another’ service in the Downtown Milton area; and
2. It is a blow for seniors dependent on the library being in the neighbourhood.
3. I could add, speaking for north rural residents, the new location will be even further away for them.

With respect to “another” service leaving the downtown area, many link the library to Quality Greens’ closing. These are two distinct issues. One private (Quality Greens) and the other public – the library. While I’m on the subject, I would have preferred an A & E Centre/Central Library complex to be closer to the town hall creating a true civic centre, something that would have brought people downtown instead of sending them east.

Regardless, the writing on the wall was writ by the council sitting prior to the 2003 elections. While the disposition of the current library property has yet to be determined, it will be the subject of public consultations, which will begin shortly.

Many people favour, at the very minimum, a library pick up/drop off site in the area. This will entail a cost: will council support that cost? Given there has been no support from this council or previous ones, to even extend the hours of operation, in fact, the library board was forced to cut costs by closing the Beaty Branch at 8pm, it remains to be seen what a new council will do. Using volunteers is not an option as Library staff is unionized.

Justifications for moving out of Bruce Street, are:
• Insufficient parking
• Insufficient room for programs
• Inefficient and costly building maintenance
• too close to the new central library for effective service to the public, over-servicing one area
• Lack of accessibility – a huge consideration and cost given the imposition of new provincial legislation.

Some people have suggested the Bruce Street site be used for a new Seniors’ Centre but with over 800 members, and programs running daily, I doubt very much that there would be sufficient room.

We will have to await the consultant’s findings. In the meantime, let's chat.

Building new schools in Milton

2010-05-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

Posted on February 13th, 2010, by Jan at http://www.janmowbray.ca/

School lands. School lands are set aside by the town through the planning exercise – so many per expected population per area. There are quite a few planned. Schools are planned next to parks and trails for the benefit of children and the neighbourhood at large.

All lands are privately owned, most likely by a developer. The school board negotiates the purchase of the lands from the developer. The province will not build any new schools until the current ones are at capacity (or overcrowded), and have the required enrollment for a new school.

It’s the school board's job to force the issue. From my understanding the Halton School Board has a done a good job in that regard as several schools are set to be built in Milton.

The province has a per capita dollar amount for schools. To any suggestion that the town buy the land and hand it over to the school board makes no sense. Taxpayers already pay an education tax (a big portion of our property tax bill) and to expect the town of Milton to raise tax money to buy land to hand over to the school boards wouldn’t lower the education tax – it would result in a double tax whammy - and wouldn't result in a new school anyway until after the enrollment requirement is met.

Halton Youth Empowerment Conference

2010-04-30T06:37:00.000-07:00

It's Your Voice, April 29, 2010
I attended the "Halton Youth Empowerment Conference" at the Holiday Inn on Sth Service Rd, Burlington. Excellent attendance of teens from all over Halton. They were divided into 3 groups, with each group rotating through three workshops.

Topics:

Influencing Public Policy: identifying the problem, and taking the appropriate steps to effect public policy.
Me to We - Advocacy Plan. Me to We is a new kind of social enterprise for people who want to help change the world with their daily choices.
HRYAC (Halton Region Youth Advisory Committee) Youth Voice. A series of questions were asked of the group of 23 on a variety of social issues

Because of an earlier meeting I missed the Me to We session but sat in for the other two.
In Influencing Public Policy, I though there might have been more emphasis on engaging municipal council but there was good discussion. I'm just not sure of the session's relevance to most of the teens present.

I was there to hear what teens had to say, so I found the next session, Youth Voice, especially interesting. A series of statistics on teen social issues was shown on the screen. Questions and opinions were asked of the workshop attendees whose responses was given via small wireless keypads to ensure their anonymity. There was excellent group discussion on each segment.

The biggest concern by far? Drugs and alcohol. I thought it might have been weight or other social issues but that was the top concern. Bullying is also an issue. Milton teens continue to see a lack of things to do, or places to go in our town.

The workshop/breakout sessions were all conducted by teens, for teens, with a few adults sitting in. Well run, well done. I'm glad I had the opportunity to attend.

Milton Audit Compliance Committee

2010-04-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Town of Milton is seeking individuals to serve on a Municipal Election Compliance Audit
Committee.

In accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (MEA), Town of Milton Council is required to strike a Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee (MECAC) to consider compliance audit applications with regard to candidates’ financial statements filed under Section 81 of the MEA for the 2010 election. Compliance audit applications can be made by an elector who is entitled to vote in an election and who believes on reasonable grounds that a candidate running for the election to Milton Council has contravened a provision of the MEA relating to election campaign finances.

The purpose of the committee is to review applications for a compliance audit and determine
whether the application should be granted or rejected, within 30 days of receiving the application.

If the committee grants the application, then it would appoint an auditor to conduct the audit of a
candidate’s election campaign finances. If the audit concludes that the candidate has contravened
a provision of the MEA related to finances, the Committee may commence a legal proceeding
against the candidate. If the audit concludes there was no contravention, the Committee may
determine whether there were reasonable grounds for the application. If there were not, Council is entitled to recover costs from the applicant.

Committee members should possess an in-depth knowledge of the campaign finance rules of the
MEA so they can make independent decisions on the merits of the applications. As the committee will operate as a quasi-judicial committee, prior experience on a committee, task force or tribunal would also be an asset.

This is a paid position on a per meeting basis.

Interested individuals should submit a confidential letter of interest including background and
qualifications to the Town Clerk at the Town of Milton, Town Clerk’s Division, 150 Mary Street,
Milton, Ontario, L9T 6Z5, or at townclerk@milton.ca. Individuals can also apply in person at the
aforementioned location; office hours are from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.

For more information on the Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee, visit www.milton.ca or contact 905-878-7252 ext. 2131.

More women in politics

2010-04-27T10:31:00.001-07:00

At last night's council meeting there was a Notice of Motion around the issue of needing more women in politics to reflect the 50/50 ratio of men to women in our population.

One of the male councillors objected to the clause that said that the town would strive to address barriers that impede women's participation in our communities. He went on to say that he doesn't believe there are any barriers.

Well, that statement raised my hackles. A question raised on my Facebook page speaks to the lack of involvement by the new residents to town - why aren't they getting involved in the community? We're a community so dependent on volunteers that our tax rate would skyrocket without those volunteers.

I asked of this councillor: how about the lack of affordable daycare for many? how about the responsibility of raising children which usually falls on the woman's shoulders? the single parent with children?

I'm not saying that men don't share in that responsibility but it's the woman who physically USUALLY looks after the house, the children, the meals, etc. along with a full time job in a great many instances.

An entreé to politics is via community volunteering - groups, committees, organizations. The members of these groups are participating in the raising of other people's kids - helping in the schools, sports, Guides and Scouts, fundraising groups, and countless other groups. Do those people, who send their kids out to events and activities, realize that the volunteers at these events are just as busy as those other parents?

Somehow, we have to "strive to remove those barriers that are an impediment to women's participation in the community and in politics". We need a balance throughout the community - on committees, on council and in our parliaments.

We can't just sit back and wait. We all have to get involved; help each other, teach and learn from each other.
Winston Churchill said: "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give".

Welcome to my blog

2010-04-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

Running for election in 2010 is a lot different than it was in 2003 and 2006, notwithstanding the fact that I'm running for a higher post - Local AND Regional Councillor.

What makes this election different is that I've expanded my website, I'm LinkedIn, I have a FaceBook page and FaceBook Fan page (please register as a fan), I'm 'Twitter'ing and have a separate Blog page. This page here.

The newspapers don't deliver across Milton which leaves huge gaps in the information chain. And neither does Milton have its own radio or TV stations so the advantage of all these bits of Social Media is that it creates an avenue through which I am able to reach out into the community.

For several years, I've used my website and email list to keep people apprised of issues in ward 3. This blog and the other social media pieces will help me reach further into the Milton community - particularly the new north wards which consist of wards 2, 4, 3 & 5.
I invite you to visit my website, and send me any questions you might have.