Ontario Announces 2,500 Megawatts of Renewable Energy Deals

from TreeHugger.com
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada

Canada's most populous province has been signing deals left and right since it increased its feed-in tariffs (the danger is now arguably that they're too generous, and this could lead to a backlash from rate-payers). The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has recently announced deals for 184 new projects, mostly wind, solar, run-of-river hydro, and landfill gas capture.

OPA writes: "The 184 projects announced today will generate enough energy to power 600,000 homes. Located in communities across the province, the total 694 Feed-in Tariff (FIT) contract offers announced to date will create 20,000 direct and indirect green jobs and attract about $9 billion in private sector investment, as well as investment in new Ontario-based manufacturing."

This adds up to about 2,500 megawatts of nameplate capacity, though the actual production factor should be lower than that. For wind and solar it usually falls in the 20-35% range, and for hydro it's usually higher than that (there are many factors)....Read the full story on TreeHugger

Expanding CPP most effective means of pension reform: report

OTTAWA, April 14, 2010 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - Expanding the Canada Pension Plan would be the most effective way to ensure all Canadian have adequate retirement incomes, says a new report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

The report, by pension expert and CCPA Research Associate Monica Townson, provides an analysis of the options for expanding the CPP in order to address Canada's pension difficulties.

"There is now widespread concern that unless changes are made, a significant number of workers will reach retirement age without sufficient income to support themselves," says Townson.

"Only 38% of workers have a workplace pension plan and private savings through RRSPs are woefully inadequate. The average amount held in RRSPs by those aged 55-64 is estimated at about $55,000."

In comparison with other countries, Canada's public pension programs provide relatively low replacement rates, covering incomes up to the level of the average economy-wide wage. Comparable programs in other OECD countries cover income levels up to almost double the average wage in those countries.

The CPP is seen as secure, reliable, cost-effective, and well managed. It covers virtually all Canadian workers, whether employed or self-employed, full-time or part-time; it is fully portable when workers change jobs; it is indexed for inflation; and it accommodates the different work patterns of women.

"Expanding the CPP, whether by increasing the replacement rate or increasing the level of covered earnings, or both, would address the issue of coverage, security of benefits, and low cost of administration - all the key objectives of pension reform," Townson concludes.

Options for Pension Reform: Expanding the Canada Pension Plan is the final report in a series on pension reform released by the CCPA. What Can We Do About Pensions?, provides an overview of the issue and A Stronger Foundation: Pension Reform and Old Age Security examines the Old Age Security system. All three reports are available on the CCPA website: http://policyalternatives.ca

Attention Canadian Boaters - Get the Card or risk $250 Fines this boating season!

OTTAWA, April 14, 2010 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - As boaters across Canada prepare to start their boating season, law enforcement officers across the country prepare to hand out hefty fines of no less than $250 to an estimated 6 million boaters in Canada who still don't have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

After a 10 year federal law phase in period, the deadline for all Canadian boat operators to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card arrived last fall. This boating season marks the first year where ALL boaters in the country, regardless of age, need an Operator Card, commonly referred to as a boating license, or they risk expensive fines if caught without it.

"Boaters who have waited to the last minute, can still get certified and be legal in time for boating season by taking the exam online at www.BoaterExam.com that is open for business 24/7," says Robert Dupel, spokesperson for BoaterExam.com.

To get the card, boaters must pass a 36 question, multiple-choice exam with a 75% passing grade, a temporary card can be printed immediately upon passing, the permanent card is mailed and is good-for-life.

Boaters may also take a safe boating classroom course where they will learn the boating basics and also get certified upon passing the exam. A complete listing of upcoming courses across Canada is available online at www.BoaterExam.com

Common misconceptions about this law are that children must be 16 yrs to get certified and that seniors over 65 yrs don't require the card. This law applies to boaters of all ages; there are no age exemptions or minimum age to get certified. Others think that you don't need the card if your motor is less than 10 horsepower, but in fact it's needed to operate any size motor, even an electric motor on a canoe for example.

Boaters who have lost their Card can also check with BoaterExam.com to verify their name is on file and obtain a replacement Card before they get out on the water. "BoaterExam.com's national database of boaters, the largest in the country, is the first place boaters should look if they have lost their card," says Dupel.


BoaterExam.com is a Transport Canada Accredited Course Provider, the largest course provider in the country and offers boaters various ways to get certified; online, in class or home study in both official languages. For more information visit their Official site www.BoaterExam.com or call their Boating Safety Info Line Toll Free 1-866-688-2628, open from 9am to midnight EST daily.

Exciting season of Doors Open Ontario events ahead!

Doors Open Guelph is the first event of the season on April 24th

TORONTO, April 8, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - Now entering its ninth season, Doors Open Ontario 2010 kicks off April 24 with an event in Guelph. This year, visitors will have the chance to explore heritage buildings, natural spaces, architectural showpieces and community landmarks at 55 community events across the province.

Seven of the events in 2010 are new. Ajax, Burlington, Clarington, Georgina, Haliburton, Pembroke, and South Bruce Peninsula have all joined the program. Another highlight to watch for again this season is the binational event in Niagara, featuring sites in both Ontario and Western New York.

Below is a Doors Open Ontario 2010 calendar, listing the participating communities and event dates. For more information, visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca.

Each year, hundreds of historic buildings, places of worship, museums and heritage gardens - some of which are rarely accessible to the public - open free of charge as part of Doors Open Ontario. Since the program began in 2002, over three million visits have been made to heritage sites during community events.

Sponsors of Doors Open Ontario 2010 include: The Globe and Mail, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation and all the participating communities.


Doors Open Ontario is a program of the Ontario Heritage Trust. The Trust also coordinates Trails Open Ontario, with support from the Government of Ontario. Information on this year's Trails Open Ontario events will be available soon at www.heritagetrust.on.ca.


The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage for present and future generations.

Doors Open Ontario 2010 Calendar of Events


- Guelph April 24

MAY
- Whitby May 1
- Hamilton May 1-2
- Chatham-Kent May 8
- Brockville-Thousand Islands May 29
- Milton May 29
- Orillia May 29-30
- Toronto May 29-30

JUNE
- Whitchurch-Stouffville June 5
- Huronia June 5-6
- Ottawa June 5-6
- Owen Sound June 5-6
- Clarington (NEW) June 6
- Smiths Falls June 6
- Richmond Hill June 12
- Burlington (NEW) June 12-13
- Kingston June 19
- Haliburton (NEW) June 19-20
- Muskoka June 25-27
- Fergus-Elora June 26
- Oxford June 26

JULY

- Hills of Headwaters July 10

AUGUST

- Aurora August 21
- Markham August 28

SEPTEMBER

- Georgina (NEW) September 11
- Mississippi Mills September 11
- Thunder Bay September 11
- Timmins September 11
- Cornwall-Seaway Valley September 11-12
- Meaford September 11-12
- Kawartha Lakes September 12
- Ajax (NEW) September 18
- Greater Sudbury September 18
- Haldimand County September 18
- Mississauga September 18
- Newmarket September 18
- Pembroke (NEW) September 18
- Waterloo Region September 18
- London September 18-19
- South Bruce Peninsula (NEW) September 18-19
- Barrie September 19
- Brant September 25
- Peterborough September 25
- Walkerton and District September 25
- Oakville September 25-26
- Oshawa September 25-26
- Seaforth and District September 25-26
- Windsor September 26

OCTOBER

- Port Stanley-Sparta October 2
- Gananoque October 2-3
- St. Thomas October 2-3
- Vaughan October 2-3
- Kincardine October 16-17
- Niagara (Ontario and Western New York) October 16-17
- Huron County October 23-24

Threadworks 2010: Trees

A travelling juried textile art exhibition

Discover the art of creative needlework at one of the finest juried textile exhibitions in Ontario; Threadworks 2010 showcases textile art from artists across Canada. Opening on April 24, Wellington County Museum & Archives is proud to host and support this special project of the Ontario Network of Needleworkers.

Held every three years, the 2010 theme “Trees” will showcase a range of interpretive works of the highest technical and artistic quality. Entries are as varied and spectacular as the techniques and material used to create them; ranging from dramatic wall hangings to small three dimensional sculptures. Each provokes a wide range of interpretations while exploring the theme and taking the viewer on a journey of discovery; from the subtle, to the very personal, humorous or the more serious environmental issues. Threadworks provides a wealth of opportunities for the young and old to embrace the experience of textile art at its best. With over 200 works submitted, only 65 pieces are chosen by the jurors, award-winning textile artists and academics Dianne Gibson, Judith Dingle and Susan Burke.

2010 JURY

Dianne Gibson is a mixed media artist, currently exploring heavily textured surfaces. She teaches and exhibits regularly and her work has been featured in several publications. Currently living in Fonthill, Ontario, she is an active member of Connections Fibre Artists and the Ontario Network of Needleworkers.

Judith Dingle has exhibited throughout the world for many institutions and has won many awards for her quilts and textile constructions. She is a full time
textile artist, a respected teacher and lecturer and maintains a studio in Toronto.

Susan Burke was hired to restore the historic Joseph Schneider Haus in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1979. She stayed on to develop the facility as a community museum and is the current Manager/Curator. With her special interest and expertise in historic textiles, she has assembled an impressive collection of Germanic woven, embroidered and quilted textiles there. Ms. Burke has been curator of the Grand National Quilt Show since its inception.

Formed in 1983, The Ontario Network of Needleworkers includes 1200 members and 23 guilds. The organization continues to share, promote and encourage the art of needlework in local communities across the Province through exhibitions, educational resources and intergenerational sharing of ideas, skills and love of the craft.

Please join them at the opening reception and awards ceremony on Sunday, May 2nd from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, at the Wellington County Museum & Archives. All are welcome to attend. The exhibit runs until June 13, 2010.

Wellington County Museum & Archives is located on Wellington Road #18 between Fergus & Elora and it is opened weekdays - 9:30am to 4:30pm and weekends & holidays - 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

For more information please visit their website at www.wcm.on.ca or phone 519-846-0916.

McGuinty government to slash funding for local pharmacy services

Cuts will limit access for seniors and chronically ill patients


TORONTO, April 7, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - Pharmacists across Ontario expressed alarm for their patients given the McGuinty government's plan to slash funding for pharmacy services. The massive funding cuts, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars per year, will put community health care services at risk, and directly contradict the government's promises to make new health services more convenient and accessible through pharmacies. Pharmacists in Ontario fear their ability to be available to their patients will be severely reduced.

"I'm deeply concerned that these cuts will have a severe impact on front-line health care delivery across Ontario," said Donnie Edwards, a pharmacist in Port Colborne. "Patients need to receive quick, helpful, and in-depth assistance from their local pharmacist - especially elderly patients and those with chronic conditions. By cutting millions of dollars in pharmacy funding, the McGuinty government is reducing access to this essential healthcare resource."

Observers predict the latest round of cuts will force pharmacies to reduce operating hours and one-on-one patient consultations. In some locations, pharmacies are expected to close due to the anticipated funding gap. Extended wait times for pharmacy services will become the norm, much like those experienced for emergency services, medical specialists and other essential medical services.

"For neighbourhood pharmacies, the government's cuts will mean reduced hours of operation, less staff, and fewer patient services," said Ben Shenouda, a community pharmacist in Brampton and president of the Independent Pharmacists Association of Ontario. "Health care cuts hurt patients - and this multi-million-dollar cut will hurt a lot of vulnerable patients across the province. Pharmacists will fight hard to stop this cut, on behalf of the thousands of patients we treat every day."

About Ontario's Community Pharmacies


The Ontario's Community Pharmacies coalition is the unified voice of community pharmacy in Ontario, representing independent owner-operated stores, "banner" groups of independently-owned stores that work together, as well as large and small pharmacy chains. The coalition is supported by the associations and organizations that represent both the profession and the neighbourhood business of pharmacy, including the Ontario Pharmacists' Association, the Independent Pharmacists of Ontario, the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores and the Ontario Chain Drug Association.

Ontario Dental Association calls for help for the frail elderly

Special Report on seniors highlights link between poor oral health and disease


TORONTO, April 6, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - In the Ontario Dental Association's (ODA) Special Report, Oral Health and Aging: Addressing Issues and Providing Solutions, released today, the dentists of the province connected poor oral health to heart disease, pneumonia and increased complications from diabetes, while calling for change to assist the frail elderly.

"We need to take care of the elderly, those who cannot care for themselves," says ODA President Dr. Ira Kirshen. "Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in Long-term Care (LTC) facilities, and we can help prevent it by ensuring frail seniors have access to good oral health care. This is serious. We need to help."

The Special Report outlines that poor oral health is connected to several diseases including: respiratory infections (pneumonia), cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes), diabetes complications, malnutrition, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Special Report provides recommendations for government and assistance to the public on how to alleviate the dangers of developing disease from poor oral health.

Recommendations for government include enshrining oral and dental care as a "required program through regulation," ensuring all seniors in LTC facilities have access to:

- Examination by a dentist, both upon admission and every year
afterwards. This would focus on prevention of disease and an
individual oral health-care plan could be developed accordingly.
- A permanent space for a health-care/wellness room for in-house
services by dentists equipped with a dental chair. This would mean
patients would not need to be transferred to other locations for
service, decreasing the cost of transfers to hospitals and private
dental offices.
- Twice daily oral health care (brushing of teeth and flossing) for
those unable to manage their own care with clear standards for those
providing this service.
- A long-term care support staff worker who is trained on the
importance of daily oral health care and equipped to provide that
care.


The ODA is also calling on government to launch an education campaign to increase public awareness about the relationship between oral health and overall health and to conduct an economic analysis on the financial burden created by untreated oral disease among the frail elderly on the health-care system.

"We are asking government to help us care for the frail elderly," states Dr. Kirshen. "That's why the ODA is launching this Special Report and providing materials on our website to get things started right away. Caregivers, seniors and all Ontarians can go to our site and download information on how to help on a daily basis. This is important. We all need to do our part."

For more information about the Special Report, the downloadable materials or the ODA, please visit www.youroralhealth.ca.