November 8, 2005 Agenda
ORDERS OF THE DA Y
FOR TUESDA Y: NOVEMBER 89 2005 - 9:00 A.M.
PAGE # ORDER
1 st Meeting Called to Order
2nd Adoption of Minutes - for the meeting of October 25, 2005
3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations
DELEGATIONS:
2 9:00 a.m. Dave McAdams, President, St. Thomas Elgin Tourist Association,
Discussion on the Role of the Tourist Association Executive
Director (Attached)
9:15 a.m. Dave Phillips, Town Crier Annual Activities Report (Attached)
Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council"
Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff
Council Correspondence - see attached
1) Items for Consideration
2) Items for Information (Consent Agenda)
OTHER BUSINESS
1) Statementsllnquiries by Members
2) Notice of Motion
3) Matters of Urgency
9th In-Camera Items (see separate agenda)
10th Recess
11 th Motion to Rise and Report
12th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole
57-59 13th Consideration of By-Laws
14th ADJOURNMENT
3
5th
4-24 6th
7th
25-42
43-56
8th
LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED
Dates to Remember:
November 26/05 4th Annual County Employees Christmas Party - St. Anne's Centre
Cocktails 6:00 - Dinner at 7:00 P.M. - Tickets $30.00 per person
St. Thomas - Elgin Tourist Association
October 13, 2005
Warden Jim McIntyre and Members of County Council
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl
OCT 1 3 ?CJ5
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Dear Warden McIntyre,
Re: St. Thomas - Elgin Tourist Association - Executive Director
I am writing on behalf of the Tourist Association to ask CoUncil for their consideration in accepting the
position of Executive Director for St. Thomas and Elgin County as a permanent position in the County's
operating budget.
This role is currently in its final year as a grant position and the past four years have proven that there is
a definite ongoing need for this position within Elgin County and St. Thomas. As a community we have
made significant gains in tourism and the scale of the projects and programs that we are now able to
entertain has increased beyond expectations. Several projects such as the Premier Ranked Destination
project and the Tourism Inc., seminar series will require at least a year to complete and it will be critical
to maintain a consistent management approach, an approach the Executive Director provides.
This role has received an extremely positive reception from community groups, committees and
associations in the County and the City. Many new and renewed projects have been undertaken which
would not have been possible with only the services of a volunteer board. The Executive Director
provides a stable point of contact.
Elgin County and St. Thomas are getting noticed as shown by interest from travel writers and bus tour
companies. Growing partnerships with the Healthy at Heart Elgin, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority,
Elgin Community Futures Development Corporation and local event groups are creating new
promotional ideas and activities that benefit the area.
I would appreciate the opportunity to attend the next Council meeting to have the opportunity to discuss
this position with members of County Council and I am confident ongoing support for this role is
forthcoming. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to a favourable reply.
Sincerely,
~~~
81. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association
P.O. Box 22042, 545 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 6A1 Telephone: (519) 631-8188 Fax: (519) 631-3836
Website: www.elgintourist.com Email: friends@elgintourist.com
FROM:
DATE:
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
Dave Phillips, Town Crier
November 8, 2005
SUBJECT: TOWN CRIER ANNUAL ACTIVITIES
The following is the list of appearances that I have made and am scheduled to make as
Town Crier for the year 2005:
December 25/04 - 80th Birthday Cry - Graham - Dutton
January 26/05 - Robbie Burns' Day - S1. Joseph's Psychiatric Hospital, S1. Thomas
March 13 - Easter Seal Telethon - Memorial Arena, St Thomas (given wrong date)
March 31 - King's College Western University - Psychology Class
April 2 - Easter Seal Telethon - Memorial Arena, St Thomas (right date)
April 24 - Mount Brydges - Cancer Research fundraiser
May 8 - Veterans' Celebration - Candle placement South Park, S1. Thomas
May 12 - Bayham Historical Society - guest speaker
June 10 - Open EMS Station - S1. Thomas
June 10 - Open Rosy Rhubarb - Shedden
June 11 - Rosy Rhubarb all day - Shedden
June 12 - Rosy Rhubarb all day - Shedden
June 16 - OPP Crime Prevention - Dutton Community Center
June 18 - Greet last passenger train to Dutton - Dutton Crossing
June 22 - Opened Thamesville Credit Union - Dutton Branch
July 1 - Port Burwell - Canada Day
July 1 - Dutton - Canada Day
July 2 - Steam Train run to Ridgetown and back - Dutton Crossing
July 16 - Took Greetings to Thorold for Competition - 2 Cry event
August 15 - met Bike America group traveling Wardsville to Port Burwell leg
August 21 - Edison Museum - Veterans' Recognition Day - presented with
Veterans' Pin from Port Burwell Canadian Legion
- Watermelon Festival - Straffordville
- Open accessible picnic area - Port Burwell
- Bobier Villa County History Tea - Dutton
- Greet bus from Carson Tours Calgary - Dutton
- presented pins to Knights of Valor - Wallacetown
- Wallacetown Fair Parade - Wallacetown
- Remembrance Day evening parade - Dutton
- Santa Claus Parade - Dutton
- Dickens Parade - Port Stanley
August 27
September 3
September 14
September 29
September 30
October 2
November 10
November 19
December 2
Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Phillips,
Elgin's Town Crier.
REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF
November 8. 2005
Staff Reports - (ATTACHED)
5
6
.~
11
Director of Homes - Elgin Manor - Dowler Karn Collection
Director of Engineering Services - Bridge Weight Restriction
Ambulance and Emergency Management Coordinator - Correspondence from
Aboutown Medical Transfer
Manager of Administrative Services - Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
14
Chief Administrative Officer - OMERS Devolution/AMO Correspondence from the
Office of the President (Briefing Kit available upon request)
4
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM:
Melissa Lewis, Elgin Manor
Director of Senior Services
DATE:
October 28, 2005
SUBJECT:
Dowler Karn Collection
INTRODUCTION:
A staff member of Elgin Manor has brought to our attention that Dowler
Karn is in the process of preparing a collection of memorabilia. The
collection will reflect the years of service this business has provided in our
community and will be placed on display in their St. Thomas location.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION:
During "The Home Where the Heart Is" capital campaign for the new Elgin
Manor, Dowler Karn became a Guardian Circle partner with a pledge of
$10,000.
We would like to take this opportunity to demonstrate to Dowler Karn our
ongoing appreciation for their support to our organization and to the
residents of Elgin Manor during our redevelopment. Staff have suggested
that we provide a photo of the Activation Room bearing their donor plaque,
in order that Dowler Karn may place this on display.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the report entitled Dowler Karn Collection be received and filed.
Respectfully Submitted
Mark G. B
Chief Administrative Officer
~~
Melissa Lewis, Elgin Ma~
Director of Senior Services
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Clayton Watters, Director of Engineering Services
DATE: October 27, 2005
SUBJECT: Bridge Weight Restrictions
INTRODUCTION
The County of Elgin is required to re-evaluate the condition of weight restricted structures
every two (2) years as per the Ontario Highway Bridge Design Code.
DISCUSSION
The County of Elgin has six (6) structures that have weight restrictions. There are two on
County Roads, namely, Meeks Bridge and King George Lift Bridge (See Schedule No.1).
The remaining four bridges are on local roads, Fulton, Jamestown, Vienna and Gillets (See
Schedule No.2).
Byrne Engineering was retained to analyze the lift bridge to review the weight restrictions.
The present load rating (13 tonnes, 18 tonnes and 23 tonnes) meets the requirements
CSA 56.00 Bridge Design Code.
Spriet Associates was retained to complete the analysis of the five other weight-restricted
structures. All five of the structures can retain the same postings but Jamestown Bridge
requires repairs within 2 years in order to keep the 2 tonne weight limit. The repairs that
are required for the bridge are the replacement of each stringer for the span that is in
contact with the abutment plus one floor beam. In order to complete that task, the wood
deck at the end span will be removed. One new floor beam and new steel stringers will
then be installed along with a new wood deck. The bridge will be temporarily closed for
the duration of the project. The cost for these temporary measures is estimated at
$25,000 and will be completed in about fourteen days. The bridge is in our capital
program to replace the existing structure with a temporary modular bridge at an estimated
cost of $300,000. If the temporary repairs are completed, the modular proposal will be
delayed for years or until it is needed.
CONCLUSION
The County of Elgin bridge weight by-law is required to be updated bi-annually as per the
Ontario Bridge Code. Five County bridges (King George IV, Meeks, Fulton, Vienna, and
Gillets) can retain the current limit posting with no remedial action. Jamestown requires
action within two years to keep its current limit posting or it will be closed.
RECOMMENDATION
That no vehicle or any class thereof, whether empty or loaded shall be operated over any
bridge designated on Schedules No. 1 and No. 2 forming part of this by-law with a weight
in excess of the weight limited prescribed in the schedule for such bridge and that this by-
law become effective until November 8, 2007; and
That this by-law become effective once the weight postings have been posted; and
That By-Law No. 03-36 be repealed.
RESPECTFULL Y SUBMITTED
rMJ%
CLAYTON WATTERS
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING
MARK
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
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FROM:
Larysa Andrusiak, Ambulance and Emergency Management (
DATE: October 5, 2005
SUBJECT: Correspondence from Aboutown Medical Transfers
INTRODUCTION:
Correspondence was received from Aboutown Medical Transfers. They indicated they
would be pleased to offer "non-emergency, stable, patient transfer services, at a much
lower cost than EMS Ambulance operators can offer".
This report is regarding the above correspondence.
DISCUSSION:
At this time the process of dispatching ambulances is clearly articulated within the
Ambulance Act and Regulations.
Ambulances are dispatched by the Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC)
which is operated by the Ministry. The Regulations under the Ambulance Act provide
direction that employers shall ensure that paramedics follow every direction or instruction
issued by a communications officer with respect to the assignment of calls to ambulances.
Once a call is made to a CACC, operational policies are followed in determining the
urgency level and code of a call. An ambulance is dispatched according to that criteria.
Hospitals and Long Term Care Facilities however, may contract with private operators
such as Aboutown Medical Transfers for non-emergency transports.
There are some issues to consider. Private, non-emergency patient transport services are
not regulated and there are no minimum standards that must be met. Taxis and
community specialized transit are controlled by municipal by-laws. Volunteer drivers are
accountable to their host organizations. Private medical transport companies appear to be
the only ones operating outside some regulatory framework. .
There is the question of what criteria are used and that the criteria be used consistently to
determine when non-emergency transport is appropriate. Patient safety and the risk of a
patient's medical condition deteriorating during transport are concerns, as well as the
potential liability associated with the decision to use private medical non-emergency
transport.
There is also a cost associated with their use which must be paid by the facility or by the
patient.
The benefit is the more timely and efficient transport of non-emergency transfers and
freeing ambulance resources to be used for emergency calls. There have been numerous
requests for the Ministry to deal with this issue appropriately. Currently, Dr. Chris Mazza
has been tasked by the Ministry with providing leadership and a strategic plan to address
the issue of non-emergency transport including the private sector.
CONCLUSION:
Correspondence from Aboutown Medical Transfer offering non-emergency patient transfer
services is appreciated. There are some issues to consider. The Ministry of Health and
Long Term Care is in the process of actively addressing the issue of non-emergency
transport. Staff should be directed to respond to Aboutown thanking them for their
correspondence and wishing them every success and indicating that at the current time
pending Ministry action regarding non-emergency transport, Elgin-St. Thomas EMS
ambulances are bound to respond to calls as instructed by the London Central Ambulance
Communication Centre.
RECOMMENDATION:
That staff be directed to prepare a response to correspondence from Aboutown Medical
Transfer as per the above report.
Respectfully Submitted
Approved for Submission
~~Ch~~
Larys Andrusiak
Ambulance and Emergency
Management Coordinator
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~~S~::~~t~ o~~~~~'~l~~::) ~:~:~~:7~;(~7ri~:::1:;/~:., P.O. Box 1889, London, ont~nifb~;~~~~1j ,\!,. \,,/. .'
Chatha:m Station: 545 Grand Avenue East, Chatham, Ontario, N7L 3Z2
Brantford Station: 27 Copernicus Boulevard, Unit 6, Brantford, Ontario, N3P IN4
St. Thomas Station: 614 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5P lC8
London Station: 17 York Street, P.O. Box 2033, London, Ontario, N6A 5J4
Members of Elgin County Council
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St Thomas Ontario N5R 5V1
September 20, 2005
Dear Members of Elgin County Council:
After reading about your discussions regarding the use of EMS Ambulances for non-emergency calls
(Codes 1 and 2). in the September 14th, 2005 edition of the S1. Thomas Times-Journal. we would like to
take this opportunity to introduce ourselves to you as a possible solution.
Aboutown Transportation Limited has been serving Southwestern Ontario since 1947. Currently
Aboutown Transit Inc. is the bus provider for the S1. Thomas Conventional Transit and Para Transit
systems. Aboutown Medical Transfer is the carrier of choice for the S1. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital
for non-emergency patient transfers. Our S1. Thomas medical division was formerly known as Emerald
Medical Services. Our Medical Director is Dr. Amit Shah. Chief of Emergency Medicine at S1. Thomas-
Elgin General Hospital.
Aboutown Medical Transfer also operates under contract for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and the
Brant Community Healthcare System (formerly under the name of TransCare Medical Transportation).
We are a growing and progressive transportation company. with a mission of continuous improvement to
meet the needs of clients in our communities.
We would be pleased to offer you non-emergency. stable, patient transfer services, at a much lower cost
than EMS Ambulance operators can offer. Our crews and vehicles are dedicated to the comfortable and
safe transportation of patients. We are not an emergency service. and therefore do not have the expense
of equipping for emergency response situations (Codes 3 and 4). Our vehicles are equipped and our
crews trained to handle on-board situations that may arise when transporting Code 1 and 2 patients thus
. allowing your EMS Ambulances to concentrat~ on the Code 3 and 4 emergency calls they were. intended
to handle. and funded to handle by the Province.
We look forward to serving the transportation needs of the patients of Elgin County in a cost efficient
manner. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the numbers listed below.
Sin~
Jamie Donnelly ~
Director of Operations &
Chief Operating Officer
The Aboutown Group of Companies
Cc: Mayor Jeff Kohler. City of S1. Thomas
From the Desk of Jarnie Do,meHy, Director of Operations~ The Aboutown Group
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM:
Sandra Heffren
DATE:
October 31 , 2005
SUBJECT: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Introduction:
A new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 became effective during the
summer under which standards will be developed for elimin'ating accessibility barriers over
the next 20 years. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act will also remain in effect until standards
are developed.
Discussion:
In addition to requirements of the ODA, an Accessibility Standards Advisory Council will be
struck and Standards Development Committees will be formed. The Standards Development
Committees will review accessibility barriers that have a major impact on daily living, broken
down into groups, and make recommendations on elimination of barriers to the Accessibility
Standards Advisory Committee. The Accessibility Standards Advisory Committee will, in
turn, make recommendations to the Province, and the Province will legislate regulations to
municipalities and private enterprise on barrier elimination. Groups of standards will be
developed to eliminate barriers within 1-5 year time frames to make Ontario barrier free within
20 years. There may be different regulations developed for different organizations. The first
two standards to be developed will be for Customer Service and Transportation. The
Province is seeking membership for these first two committees from persons with disabilities,
industries or sectors, government ministries, and professionals. Formation of other
committees will be announced in the future. It is unknown when we will see the first set of
standards.
Conclusion:
Staff will keep Council updated as Standards for barrier elimination are developed.
Recommendation:
That the report entitled "Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act" be received and filed.
Respectfully Submitted
S<ffJ.
San He ,
Deputy Clerk.
Mark G. Mc ,
Administrative Officer.
From: accessibility@mci.gov.on.ca [mailto:accessibility@mci.gov .on .ca]
Sent: Tue 10/18/2005 9:08 AM
Subject: Minister's Letter attached
October 17, 2005
Dear Friends:
I am pleased to let you know that the McGuinty government is continuing to move forward with
implementing our landmark Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, by beginning
work on the accessibility standards that will make Ontario a world leader in improving accessibility
for people with disabilities.
Clear accessibility standards will make it possible for people with disabilities to participate more
fully in the social and economic life of the province. All proposed accessibility standards will be
developed by committees that will include people with disabilities or their representatives,
representatives of industries or sectors, government ministries and professionals with relevant
expertise.
We will be developing standards to eliminate barriers that have a major impact on daily living for
people with disabilities. Some of the standards may be common to all sectors in Ontario, such as
those for customer service, built environment, employment, information and communications.
Additional standards will be developed that may be unique to a specific sector, such as
transportation.
We are beginning work this fall on the first two standards to be developed: customer service and
transportation.
The development of effective accessibility standards will depend greatly on input from
organizations such as yours. This is an opportunity for your organization to have a voice in the
implementation of this new legislation.
I am hoping that you will help us reach out to members of your organization or sector who may be
interested in serving on a standards development committee. I have included an article on the new
legislation and the recruitment process that can be posted on your website or published in your
newsletter.
Recruitment is now open for the first committees. The application deadline for the customer service
and transportation committees is November 10, 2005. Application deadlines for other committees
will be announced in the future.
Application forms and terms of reference are available on the Accessibility Ontario website at
www.mcss.qov.on.ca/accessibilitv/index.html. For additional information, or for application
packages in alternate formats, please call 1-888-520-5828 or TTY 1-888-335-6611.
Thank you for your assistance with this important initiative. I know that together we will create an
accessible Ontario, where our quality of life and our economy benefit from the contribution of
everyone.
Sincerely,
Orginal signed by the Minister
Sandra Pupatello
Enclosure
Article for Stakeholder websites/newsletters - SDC Recruitment
Ontario Setting the Standard for Accessibility
You can playa part in creating an accessible Ontario
Whether it's accessible routes and entrances into buildings, lower counter heights at cash
registers, large print menus in restaurants or training for staff to serve customers with
learning disabilities, you can help usher in a new era of accessibility in Ontario.
The Ontario government is now recruiting members for committees that will develop
standards to improve accessibility under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
(AODA).
The AODA is poised to make Ontario a world leader in improving accessibility for people with
disabilities. Standards will make it possible for people with disabilities to participate fully in the
social and economic life of the province.
The new act will see government working hand-in-hand with the disability community and
the private and public sectors to jointly develop proposed standards to be achieved in
stages of five years or less, leading to a fully accessible Ontario in 20 years. Standards will
be set in both the public and private sectors to address the full range of disabilities,
including physical, sensory, mental health, developmental and learning.
The first two standards development committees will be customer service and
transportation.
Access to customer service, whether in the public or private sector, is essential to daily
living for all people with disabilities. Accessible transportation is critical to daily living for
people with disabilities so they can get to work, to school or to the doctor.
Members of the committees will include people with disabilities or their representatives,
representatives of industries or sectors, government ministries, and professionals with
relevant experience.
Recruiting is now open for the first two committees. The application deadline is November
10, 2005. Application deadlines for other committees will be announced in the future.
Application forms and terms of reference are available on the Accessibility Ontario website
at: www.mcss.qov.on.ca/accessibilitv/index.html. Additional information and application
packages in alternate formats are available by calling 1-888-520-5828 or toll-free TTY 1-
888-335-6611 .
- 30-
1
OMERS DEVOLUTION
BACKGROUND
2
MORE BACKGROUND
THE GOOD
3
THE BAD
ISSUES
4
ISSUES CONTINUED
MORE ISSUES
5
ISSUES
ISSUES CONTINUED
6
STILL MORE ISSUES
THE UGLY
7
MORE UGLY
CONCLUSION
8
RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
CONTINUED
9
MORE
RECOMMENDATIONS
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
October 24, 2005
To: Head of Council and
Head of Administration
OCT 2 6 2~05
Dear AMO Member:
All Ontario municipalities are strongly encouraged to meet with their local Provincial MPPs and ratepayers to
.. inform them about our shared concerns regarding Bill 206, An Act to Revise the Ontario Municipal
Retirement System Act, which was introduced June 1, 2005. AMO is distributing the attached Briefing Kit to
assist you in this effort. Even if you are not an OMERS municipal employer, this Bill could have future
repercussions related to benefits of employees/employers in other pension plans.
This "devolution" bill is intended to eliminate the Province's sponsorship of OMERS and establish a
Sponsors Corporation made up solely of employee and employer group representatives. It also promotes
the introduction of mandatory and binding arbitrated supplementary benefit plans that municipal employers
could not afford without significant property tax increases. Unions have campaigned vigorously for the
provisions of this Bill, which would provide great advantages in future collective bargaining.
Employers groups have tremendous concerns about this Bill and it is urgent that it be amended to protect
the best interests of employees, retirees, employers, communities, taxpayers and Ontario's economy. The
Province is rushing to reform one of Canada's most important pension funds without appropriate due
diligence or the fullest understanding of the potential repercussions of its proposed changes. Costing
analysis that we have asked and received from OMERS has only reinforced these concerns.
The OMERS pension plan is one of Canada's largest and the Ontario Government has a strong interest in
ensuring its strength and viability. With $36 Billion in net investment assets, it is roughly equal to 8% of
Ontario's GDP. In addition to protecting the future well being of its employee members, thousands of retired
Ontario public servants depend on it as their primary source of income. It is also a prominent investor, which
contributes to the economic fortunes of the Province and Ontario's future prosperity.
The Briefing Kit contains material to assist the efforts of municipal officials to make sure as employers,
municipal government concerns about the Bill are clearly understood by MPPs and ratepayers.
It contains:
· A template cover letter that each municipal employer can use to contact local MPPs
· A briefing deck of slides with accompanying speaking notes (OMERS Devolution, the Need to Protect
Public Interest)
· An AMO Alert on OMERS dated September 21, 2005, (Understanding Bill 206 - Proposed
OMERSReforms)
· A comparison of BiII206's proposals to other pension plans, also prepared for AMO by Hicks Morley
· A series of technical questions submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that remain
largely unanswered at the time of mailing
· Minister Gerretsen's October 4, 2005 letter in response to AMO's technical questions
· A sample ruling that demonstrates the shortcomings of arbitration, even from the same arbitrator
· A Municipal Finance Officers Association Costing Template (based on the OMERS hypothetical
example) that each municipality can use to estimate the potential costs for supplemental pension plans
that Bill 206 promotes - you should ensure your impacts are shared with MPP and ratepayers
· A Briefing Note on the Bill that was prepared for AMO by its legal counsel, Hicks Morley.
· OMERS comments and questions on Bill 206 submitted to the Minister.
.../2
393 University Ave., Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6
tel: (416) 971-9856 · toll free: 1-877-426-6527 · fax: (416) 971-6191 . email: amo@amo.municom.com
-2-
Municipal officials are encouraged to meet with their local MPPs and ratepayers to discuss this Bill as soon
as possible and to share the enclosed information and the impacts.
Furthermore, we must ensure that MPPs understand just what they are voting should this Bill proceed. The
OMERS pension fund is extremely complex and at this point, our confidence is not strong that the
government recognizes or appreciates the many repercussions of the proposed legislation, particularly with
respect to collective bargaining, dispute resolution, property taxes and provincial costs. AMO has made it
clear to the Minister that it is imperative that the Province provides employer groups credible answers to the
many technical questions that AMO has submitted. Employers cannot provide an informed response to Bill
206 without this information. AMO had hoped a response would be available to share with municipal
employers before this Kit was sent to you. Should it be received, we will immediately advise you.
OMERS has also submitted comments and questions to the government for clarification on a number of
matters before it can make an informed commentary on the Bill as well. It is expected that OMERS will
inform its employer and employee groups of its position prior to the Standing Committee Hearings.
This Bill is proceeding to hearings as a First Reading Bill, which gives the government, added flexibility to
make changes. The Bill was recently referred to the Legislature's Standing Committee on General
Government for hearings. The Committee will hold public hearings on Bill 206 on November 14, 16,21 and
23,2005 in Toronto.
AMO will be providing members with additional information in early November to assist with the development
of municipal submissions to the Committee.
Municipalities or municipal organizations, such as AMO wishing to make an oral presentation on Bill 206
should contact the Committee Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9, 2005. Those who do not
wish to make an oral presentation but wish to comment on the Bill may send written submissions to the
Committee Clerk at the address below by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 24, 2005.
Tonia Grannum, Clerk
Room 1405, Whitney Block, Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario, M7A 1A2
Telephone (416) 325-3519, Facsimile (416) 325-3505.
If you have questions about this package and its provisions, please contact Brian Rosborough, AMO's
Director of Policy, at 416-971-9856. In addition, municipal officials are encouraged to inform AMO about the
meetings that they have had with MPPs on this important issue.
Yours truly,
~a:~'e-/
Roger Anderson
President
Letter to MPP - Template
(Date)
Dear (Name), MPP for (Riding):
Thank you for investing time to consider municipal concerns about Bill 206, An Act to Revise the
Ontario Municipal Retirement System Act, which was introduced June 1,2005.
Municipalities are concerned that the Province is rushing to reform one of Canada's most important
pension funds without a reas,onable understanding of the potential repercussions and without sufficient
regard to the best interests of employees, retirees, employers, communities, taxpayers or Ontario's
economy.
While the "devolution" proposed in Bill 206 would eliminate the Province's governance role in
OMERS, it retains a strong interest in ensuring that the Fund is strong and viable.
OMERS is one of Canada's largest pension plans. With $36 Billion in net investment assets, it is
roughly equal to 8% of Ontario's GDP. In addition to protecting the future well being of its employee
members, thousands of retired Ontario public servants depend on it as their primary source of income.
It is also a prominent investor, which contributes to the economic fortunes of the Province and
Ontario's future prosperity.
Given the magnitude and implications of this legislation, due diligence is required to ensure the plan
remains viable, that benefits are affordable, and that taxpayers' best interests are protected. As it is
written, we believe that Bill 206 could cost employers, employees and taxpayers dearly in the years
and decades to come.
On behalf of our shared constituents, our employees and retirees, and with the full support of our
municipal peers across the Ontario, I ask that you to ensure that the government has done its
homework before proceeding with the devolution of OMERS. Specifically, we ask that you request
actuarial analysis regarding the potential cost ofthe proposals within Bill 206, that you call for
adequate due diligence to protect the long term financial stability of the OMERS Pension Plan, and
that you ask the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing how public interest will be protected in the
future ifthe Bill continues to rest on simple majority and mandated and binding arbitration. Before the
Province withdraws from OMERS, the legislation and the transition must be right given the
importance of OMERS to employees and the provincial economy.
Sincerely,
Mayor/Councillor/CAO
CORRESPONDENCE - NOVEMBER 8. 2005
Items for Consideration
1. Joanne Erickson, Secretary, Yarmouth Glen Women's Institute, with some
suggestions for changes to the proposal of the new site of the Elgin County Museum.
(ATTACHED)
2. AMO Member Communication ALERT, 1) OMERS - Bill 206 Information Status
Update and Sample Municipal Resolutions; 2) Building Code Statute Law
Amendment Act, 2002. (ATTACHED)
3. Township of Coleman, with a resolution to petition the Ministry of Natural Resources
and the Provincial Government to ensure that none of our natural resources (wood)
be sold and directed to other provinces. (ATTACHED)
4. Deborah Bourque, President, Canadian Union of Postal Workers, with a resolution
requesting support to stop closure of a mail sorting locations, to consult with
stakeholders when making changes to the Canada Post network and to expand and
improve the public postal network. (ATTACHED)
5. Inky Mark, M.P., Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette, Manitoba, with a resolution and
petition requesting support for the Private Member's Bill "Heritage Hunting and
Fishing Protection Act". (ATTACHED)
OCT 1 9 2005
45560 Edgeware Line
R.R.8
S1. Thomas, ON
N 5P 3 T3
September 12, 2005
Cathy Bishop, Chief Librarian
The Municipality of Central Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
S1. Thomas, ON
N5R 5V1
Dear Ms. Bishop:
This is in regard to plans for the new site of the Elgin County Pioneer
Museum in which ,Women's Institutesand L O.D.E. Chapters were asked to respond witp.
suggestions pursuant to the General AdvisoryConunittee meeting September 6th.
For your consideration, Yarmouth Glen Women's Institute Branch
herein make some changes to your proposal.
Firstly, the branch members feel it most important to have a kitchen on
the fourth floor.
Since the mus~um is located in Central Elgin, it would be most
important to keep on display the Dr. Duncombe and Colonel Talbot rooms, as well as the
map of Elgin County which is located on the wall at the present site. These items are all
pyrtip.ent to the City of St. Thomas and Central Elgin and we feel they should remain in
tlwnew museum and not be moved to any of the other local museums. Since a sister
ll1~t~mte branch, North Yarmouth, incorporated and put together the beautiful dining
rnpm:'it would be great to keep this intact as well. We members of Yarmouth Glen agrlie
~hi;\:t the proposed display area should be enlarged.
location.
, , . ..
When the nluseum is open two 'full time paid staff should peon
- 2 -
We ask that you take into consideration the above ideas in finalizing your
plans for the new Museum site.
Sincerely,
~~
Joanne Erickson, Secretary
Yarmouth Glen Women's Institute
Cc: Elgin County Pioneer Museum, Attn: Georgia Sifton
Elgin County Pioneer Museum Executive Committee, Attn: Mary Clutterbuck
Elgin County Pioneer Museum Advisory Committee, Attn: Faye Thorn
Elgin County District Women's Institute, Attn: Pauline Lindsay
'0 Elgin County Council, Attn: Mark McDonald (N.B. Please add to your Agenda)
Member Communication
1m'
r'......... Association of
\ . Municipalities
....... ..' ..' of Ontario
rt
393 University Avenue. Suite 1701
Toronto, ON M5G 1E6
Tel: (416) 971-9856' fax: (416) 971-6191
email: amo@amo.on.ca
To the immediate attention of the Clerk and Council
October 26, 2005 - Alert 05/078
OMERS - Bill 206 INFORMATION
STATUS UPDATE AND SAMPLE MUNICIPAL RESOLUTION
(All 382 Municipal Governments that are OMERS Employers
should read this Alert immediately)
Issue:
The Standing Committee on General Government intends to hold public hearings on Bill 206, An
Act to revise the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act, on November 14, 16,21,
and 23, 2005 in Toronto. Members are encouraged to make submissions to the Committee.
In addition to participating in Standing Committee hearings, members are encouraged to pass a
resolution expressing concerns with provision in Bill 206. A sample resolution is attached.
Background:
Our review of Bill 206 raises significant issues sufficient to question whether the Government has
shown an appropriate commitment to protect the best interests of employees, retirees,
employers, communities, taxpayers and Ontario's economy. AMO has requested, but not yet
received, technical information from the Province in order to make a fully informed and reasoned
response to the Bill.
Municipalities or municipal organizations wishing to make an oral or written presentation on Bill
206 should contact the Committee Clerk before November 9, 2005:
Tonia Grannum, Clerk
Room 1405, Whitney Block, Queen's Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A2
Phone: (416) 325 - 3519
Fax: (416) 325 - 3505
A copy of the Bill is linked to this Alert. Key elements of AMO's submission to the Standing
Committee on Bill 206 will be made available to members prior to November 9, 2005.
A package of additional information on Bill 206, including materials intended to assist members
with analysis and local advocacy on Bill 206 will be delivered to members within the next few
days.
.. ./2
-2-
Municipal Assistance Needed: Attached is a model resolution that every municipality, which is an
OMERS employer, is asked to pass quickly and forward to Minister Gerretsen and their local
MPP(s).
Model Resolution Re: Bill 206:
WHEREAS the provincial Standing Committee on General Government is currently debating Bill 206, An
Act to revise the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act; and
WHEREAS the OMERS pension fund is currently equal to. approximately 8% of Ontario's annual GDP;
and
WHEREAS the OMERS pension fund serves approximately 900 employers and 355,000 diverse
employee groups including: current and former employees of municipal governments; school boards;
libraries; police and fire departments; children's aid societies; and, electricity distribution companies; and
WHEREAS Ontario's municipalities and their employees depend on the prudent management of the $36
Billion plan and to ensure that employees and employers are paying for benefits they can afford; and
WHEREAS OMERS employer and employee members are facing an increase in OMERS contributions in
2006 of approximately 9% as a result of a significant deficit in the OMERS fund; and
WHEREAS the Bill includes significant, potentially costly and unnecessary changes to the governance
structure of OMERS including a Sponsors Corporation structured to be governed by arbitration; and
WHEREAS the Bill would permit the creation of expensive supplementary plans to provide optional
enhanced benefits that will impose new collective bargaining obligations on municipalities, the operating
costs of which cannot yet be fully assessed; and
WHEREAS the Province has a responsibility to study the potential impact of the changes it is proposing
and to share the results with employers and employee groups; and (
WHEREAS AMO and others have urged the government to consider the potential implications of Bill 206
and to ensure the proposed policy changes protect the interests of employers, employees and taxpayers;
and
WHEREAS the Government is moving in haste with a Bill, which in its current form raises significant
technical, public policy and economic issues;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT (Name of municipality) does not support Bill 206, and requests
the that the Government of Ontario reconsider the advisability of proceeding with Bill 206 in its current
form; and
FURTHER IT BE RESOLVED THAT (Name of Local MPP), the Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, and the Association
of Municipalities of Ontario be advised that this Council does not support proposed changes to the
OMERS pension fund contained in Bill 206.
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca
For more information, contact 416-971-9856: Pat Vanini, Executive Director, at ext. 316 or
Brian Rosborough, Director of Policy at ext. 318
Member Communication
S'(tt.)
OC1 2. \3 '20~S
L.. DfJ' .' .(:... " Association of
.' \.. (~:;":" ) Municip~lities
l"ttL ---.,./ of Ontano
Alert
393 University Avenue, Suite 1701
Toronto, ON M5G 1E6
Tel: (416) 971-9856. fax: (416) 971-6191
email: amo@amo.on.ca
To the immediate attention of the Clerk and Council
October 3, 2005 - Alert 05/073
Building Code Statute Law Amendment Act, 2002
Issue: Outstanding elements of Bill 124 relating to building code knowledge and insurance
requirements come into effect January 1, 2006. The Ontario Association of Architects and the
Professional Engineers of Ontario have initiated a letter-writing campaign. in an attempt to
exempt their professions from the'requirements of Bill 124. This could result in a greater
incidence of errors in building permit submissions and increased municipal liability since the
submissions of architects and engineers would not need to be insured.
Background:
Municipal building officials have long reported a significant incidence of errors in building permit
submissions prepared by architects and professional engineers. These errors increase both
permit review times and municipal liability. Further, architects are required to only carry
$250,000 in liability insurance, and engineers need not carry insurance where their client
chooses to waive it. In Ontario's joint and several liability regime, under- and uninsured
designers significantly increase municipal liability exposure.
These issues were addressed by the Building Regulatory Reform Advisory Group (BRRAG) in
2000, which recommended improved Code knowledge and liability insurance for all designers.
The BRRAG report represented a general consensus of building industry stakeholders on ways
to increase public safety, streamline the building permit process and increase accountability.
Changes under the Building Code Act (Bill 124) require that effective January 1, 2006, all
designers submitting designs for the purposes of obtaining building permits and building
officials be qualified/registered by the Province. The Act allows the Province to exempt
architects and engineers who have met parallel qualification and insurance requirements
developed by their associations and approved by the Province.
Following the introduction of Bill 124, the governing councils of both OAA and PEO agreed to
implement systems to ensure their architects and professional engineers possessed knowledge
of the Building Code and had minimum levels of liability insurance recommended in the BRRAG
report. In March 2005, OAA entered into an MOU with the Province on a parallel qualification
and insurance system. However, both associations have recently retracted these commitments
and have been actively campaigning to be fully exempted from these recommendations.
· The OAA recently circulated a sample letter to their members and asked that the letter
be sent to their local MPPs requesting that the MPPs urge Municipal Affairs Minister
Gerretsen to completely exempt architects.
· The PEO has recently sent a number of letters to Minister Gerretsen and the Attorney
General, suggesting legal restraints and mobilizing their 70,000 members in support of
their self-regulatory role.
.. ./2
S(~)
-2-
Municipal impacts of exempting professional designers from Bill 124:
· Quality of submissions for building permits will not improve, delaying the availability of
building permits;
· Increased demand from technologists and other designers to be similarly exempted;
· Increase the municipal liability exposure if building officials remain the only provincially
qualified building practitioners because they would-be held to a higher duty of care;
· Increased municipal liability exposure since designer liability insurance would not be
mandatory .
Action:
AMO suggests that Municipal Councils pass resolutions containing the following principles and
forward them to their local MPPs, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the
Attorney General:
· Strongly objecting to the request of architects and engineers for exemption from Bill 124
· Requesting that the Building Advisory Council (BAC) to be set up in January 2006 address
the following issues regarding liability recommended by BRRAG but omitted in Bill 124:
· Improved Code knowledge for builders/contractors,
· Provisions for builder liability insurance for non-residential builders, and
· Longer liability insurance periods for designers
· That BAC review the other recommendations of BRRAG there were omitted in Bill 124,
which will create a more equitable building regulatory system in Ontario.
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca
For more information, contact: Sherri Hanley, AMO Senior Policy Advisor, at 416-971-9856 extension 315
JOHN ROWSWELL, M.Eng., P.Eng., P.E.
MAYOR
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF SAULT STE,~ MARIE
2005 10 17
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
393 University Ave., Suite 1701
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1E6
Attention: ROCler Anderson. President
Dear Mr. Anderson,
Subiect: BuildinCl Code Statute Law Amendment Act 2002 - AMO Alert 05/073. October3rd. 2005.
As a professional engineer, the above alert is offensive. Bill 124 is an unnecessary act that has been
forced upon the building industry by building officials who are not working co-operatively with
engineers, architects and the building industry.
It was not the building code officials that built this province; it was the engineers and architects. These
same professionals have a code of ethics that places public safety as paramount and further, Bill 124
will only raise construction costs across the province.
Municipalities should talk to their local engineers and architects prior to endorsing the above alert.
Further, I believe you will find that municipalities are well served by local engineers and architects, and
Bill 124 is just unnecessary red tape.
j2'UIY'
John Rowswell,
Mayor
-
cc: All Municipalities in Ontario
~4-
rr~~-
CIVIC CENTRE' P.O. BOX 580 . SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO P6A 5N1 . (705) 759-5344 . FAX (705) 541-7171
THE CORPORA nON OF THE TOWNSHIP OF COLEMAN
10 Prospect Avenue, Box 40,
Cobalt, Ontario, POl lCO.
Phone (705) 679-8833
Fax (705) 679-8300
toc@nt1.sympatico.ca
To the Municipalities of the Province of Ontario:
Please be advised that council for the Township of Coleman at its meeting of October 7, 2005
passed the following resolution:
WHEREAS Northern Ontario mills are closing at an alarming rate;
AND WHEREAS Northern Ontario is losing employment in the forest industry through various
mill closures;
AND WHEREAS our youth is migrating South because of the lack of job opportunities;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Coleman Township petition the Ministry of Natural Resources and
the Provincial Government to ensure that none of our natural resources (wood) be sold and
directed to other provinces.
AND FURTHER THAT this resolution be circulated to all municipalities within Ontario for
support.
October, 2005
OCT 3 1 2005
To the Mayor and Council
RE:. Canada Post closing post offices and plants
I understand that maintaining and improving infrastructure which promotes community economic
development is a central concern of municipal governments. I am writing to let you know that a
key element of your infrastructure is once again at risk - the public post office.
As you may recall, the federal government and post office management tried to close down
thousands of public post offices in the late 80s and early 90s. They were stopped in their tracks
by public outrage and an election defeat in 1993, but only after about 1,500 rural and 100 urban
offices had closed.
In 1994, the newly elected Liberal government announced a moratorium on post office closures
in rural and small towns. Municipal councils in all parts of the country played an important role
in giving voice to the broad public opposition that produced this moratorium. It appears that
municipal councils will have to once again take action. Canada Post is once more closing post
offices and other facilities.
Canada Post is reviewing its national network and has announced plans to close a mail processing
plant in Quebec City as the very first step in its review. This plant closure will undermine service
and the local economy by destroying 302 jobs in Quebec City. We are concerned that the
corporation may close other parts of its network in the course of its review.
The corporation has already permanently or temporarily closed almost 50 rural post offices since
2001, in spite of a moratorium on closures in rural and small towns.
To deal with the public outcry over these closures, John McCallum, the minister responsible for
Canada Post, recently made a statement claiming that the federal government's commitment to
the moratorium on rural post office closures "remains unwavering."
However, in the very same statement, Minister McCallum admits that some closures may be
unavoidable. He says that Canada Post will contact his office about any closure and that his staff
will then inform the member of Parliament in the area. There is a vague assurance that Canada
...cUPDSCFP&W:225
Post will work with "local officials" to see if a post office can be reopened. Not the public. Not
municipalities. Not postal unions. Not major stakeholders. Just local officials.
This is a far cry from the government's original commitment. When the Liberal government
announced the moratorium, it said "As long as this Government is in power, no rural or small
town post office will close." (Source: Minister Responsible for Canada Post Corporation,
February 18, 1994)
It promised not to make any changes to this policy without first undergoing "a full and
comprehensive consultation with Postal Service Customer Councils." The government said,
"The people will decide."
As you may know, Postal Services Customer Councils no longer exist. There is no clear process
for "full and comprehensive consultation." Neither the people nor the municipalities are deciding
on what happens to their post offices.
Our public post office needs a uniform and democratic process for making changes to its network
of offices, outlets and plants. The public and postal workers need to be part of this process in both
rural and urban areas.
If you agree, please consider passing the attached resolution. Your support for this resolution will
help your community keep public postal service and jobs, protect the local economy and affirm
that democracy is alive and well at the municipal level.
Yours truly,
~~
Deborah Bourque
President
Canadian Union of Postal Workers
Encl.
c.c.: National Executive Board
Regional Education and Organization Officers
National Union Representatives
Specialists
DB/bk cope 225
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-\ ~.....,-"-,~~---=_~~_<-__'^^"___,....,,~____..-'-,~,...,_~d 10lV U ~uy'U.t) tG...~~i~ iluG.; ;L.(! ~Ul..k" :L;:Cl:ti~!tJ;jJ ,,~,~-_._~_.....~--~~-""..._~~--~~-~~-,---~...,.-'-'
-rl If.lIA ~rJ:'P!)I'lJIJ .,.,1:
POST OFFICE AND PLANT CLOSURES
WHEREAS Canada Post is reviewing its entire postal network and has announced plans to close
a mail sorting plant in Quebec City as the very first step in its review.
WHEREAS the government appears to support Canada Post's plan to close the plant in Quebec
City, beginning in December 2005, which would eliminate 302 jobs.
WHEREAS the government is allowing Canada Post to close rural post offices in spite of a
moratorium on post office closures in rural and small towns.
WHEREAS our public postal network connects communities throughout this vast land, helping
us to overcome differences and distances.
WHEREAS our public postal network plays a key role in our social and economic life by
providing jobs and the infrastructure that healthy communities need to thrive and businesses need
to grow.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT (NAME OF MUNICIPALITY) write to John McCallum, the
Minister Responsible for Canada Post and request that the federal government instruct Canada
Post:
1. to stop the closure of the mail sorting plant in Quebec City and proposed closures in other
locations.
2. to consult with the public, postal unions and other major stakeholders to develop a
uniform and democratic process for making changes to the Canada Post's network.
3. to maintain, expand and improve our public postal network.
MAILING INFORMATION
Please send your letter and resolution to: John, McCallum, Minister Responsible for Canada Post,
Connaught Building, 7th Floor South, 555 MacKenzie Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, KIA OL5
Please send copies of your letter and resolution to:
1. Deborah Bourque, President, Canadian Union of Postal Workers, 377 Bank Street,
Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1 Y3
2. Your member of Parliament. You can get your MP's name, phone number and address by
calling 1-800463-6868 (at no charge).
3. Moya Greene, President of Canada Post, 2701 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, KIA
OBI
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact George Floresco, 3rd National Vice-President, Canadian Union of Postal Workers,
377 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P lY3, (613) 263-7230 (extension 7900)
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~
OTTAWA OFFlCE:
TEL: (613) 992-3176
FAX: (613) 992-0930
HOUSE OF COMMONS
OTTAWA, ON Kl A OA6
E-MAIL: marki@parl.gc.ca
CENTRAL RIDING OFFICE:
TEL: (204) 622-INKY (4659)
FAX: (204) 622-4654
E-MAIL: inkymark@mts.net
HOUSE OF COMMONS
CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES
OTTAWA
INKY MARK, M.P.
DAUPHIN - SWAN RIVER - MARQUETTE, MANITOBA
"Accountable to You"
OTTAWA, 25 October 2005
OC1 2. 1 2n05
Dear Mayor/Reeve and Members of Council:
RE: Heritaae Huntina and Fishina Protection Act
Government programs have eroded the rights of Canadians to hunt -and fish.
Responding to this, I have tabled a Private Member's Bill to protect recreational hunting
and fishing rights for all Canadians.
Hunting and fishing is a right given to aboriginals for sustenance. History shows that our
first non-aboriginal pioneers and settlers also depended on these activities for
sustenance.
These activities contribute billions to our national economy. It is time to protect hunting
and fishing as a part of Canadian heritage so that all Canadians can take part in these
two activities without fear that they will be legislated out of existence in the future.
My Private Member's Bill called the Heritage Hunting and Fishing Protection Act will
ensure that the rights of present and future Canadians to enjoy these activities are
protected in law. Canadians deserve to have their heritage protected.
I am writing to ask for your support in this initiative. Enclosed is a sample resolution for
council's consideration and a petition form to collect signatures supporting this
legislation. Please return these as soon as possible along with your comments or
suggestions, postage free to: Inky Mark, MP, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A
OA6.
We must protect our traditional right to hunt and fish. With your help, this will be
possible.
Thank you very much for your assistance.
Sincerely,
~
Inky Mark, M.P.
Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette
ATT.
SAMPLE RESOLUTION
Subject: Heritage Hunting and Fishing Protection Act, Bill C-39l
WHEREAS legislation governing inland fisheries is within the jurisdiction
of the federal government;
AND WHEREAS aboriginal people have long relied on hunting and fishing
to satisfy their food needs, and have certain rights to hunt and fish that are
protected by the Constitution of Canada;
AND WHEREAS non-aboriginal settlers and pioneers in Canada also
depended on hunting and fishing for food;
AND WHEREAS hunting and fishing are part of Canada's national
heritage;
AND WHEREAS millions of Canadians participate in and enjoy hunting
and fishing;
AND WHEREAS hunting and fishing contribute significantly to the
national economy;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the
request that the Government
of Canada enact Private Members Bill C39l, the Heritage Hunting and
Fishing Protection Act to protect in Canada the right to hunt and fish. No
law of Canada shall be construed or applied so as to deprive a person of this
right and the Minister of Canadian Heritage shall enter into discussions with
the provinces with a view to securing on behalf of all Canadians their
continued right to hunt and fish, subject only to any reasonable limits as may
be established by law.
C-391
First Session, Thirty-eighth Parliament,
53-54 Elizabeth II, 2004-2005
HOUSE OF COMMONS OF CANADA
BILL C-391
An Act to recognize and protect Canada's hunting and
fishing heritage
First reading, May 13, 2005
MR. MARK
381008
C-391
Premiere session, trente-huitieme legislature,
53-54 Elizabeth II, 2004-2005
CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES DU CANADA
PROJET DE LOI C-391
Loi reconnaissant et protegeant Ie patrimoine canadien
en matiere de chasse et de peche
Premiere lecture Ie 13 mai 2005
M. MARK
SUMMARY
The purpose of this enactment is to protect Canada's hunting and
fishing heritage for all Canadians.
All parliamentary publications are available on the
Parliamentary Internet Parlementaire
at the following address:
http://www.parl.gc.ca
SOMMAIRE
Le texte a pour objet de proteger Ie patrimoine canadien en matiere de
chasse et de peche pour tous les Canadiens.
Toutes les publications parIementaires sont disponibles sur Ie
reseau electronique << Parliamentary Internet Parlementaire ))
a I' adresse suivante :
http://www.parl.gc.ca
1 st Session, 38th Parliament,
53-54 Elizabeth II, 2004-2005
HOUSE OF COMMONS OF CANADA
BILL C-391
An Act to recognize and protect Canada's
hunting and fishing heritage
Preamble
WHEREAS legislation governing inland
fisheries is within the jurisdiction of the federal
government;
WHEREAS aboriginal people have long relied
on hunting and fishing to satisfy their food 5
needs, and have certain rights to hunt ~nd fish
that are protected by the Constitution of
Canada;
WHEREAS non-aboriginal settlers and
pioneers in Canada also depended on hunting 10
and fishing for food;
WHEREAS hunting and fishing are part of
Canada's national heritage;
WHEREAS millions of Canadians participate
in and enjoy hunting and fishing;
AND
contribute
WHEREAS hunting
significantly to
and
the
fishing
national
economy;
Now, THEREFORE, Her Majesty, by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate and 20
House of Commons of Canada, enacts as
follows:
Short title
1. This Act may be cited as the Heritage
Hunting and Fishing Protection Act.
Declaration
2. (1) It is declared that there exists and shall 25
continue to exist in Canada the right to fish,
subject only to any reasonable limits as may be
established by law.
381008
1 re session, 38e legislature,
53-54 Elizabeth II, 2004-2005
CHAMBREDES COMMUNESDU CANADA
PROJET DE LOI C-391
Loi reconnaissant et protegeant Ie patrimoine
canadien en matiere de chasse et de peche
Attendu : Preambule
15
que les lois regissant la peche interieute
relevent de la competence du gouvemement
federal;
que les peuples autochtones ont recours 5
depuis longtemps a la chasse et a la peche
pour satisfaire leurs besoins alimentaires et
qu'ils possedent certains droits de chasse et
de peche proteges par la Constitution du
Canada; 10
que les colons et pionniers non autochtones
du Canada dependaient egalement de la
chasse et de la peche pour se nourrir;
que la chasse et la peche font partie du
patrimoine national du Canada; 15
que des millions de Canadiens s'adonnent a
la chasse et a la peche avec agrement;
que la chasse et la peche apportent une
contribution appreciable a l'economie
canadienne, 20
Sa Majeste, sur l'avis et avec Ie consentement
du Senat et de la Chambre des communes du
Canada, edicte :
1. Titre abrege : Loi sur la protection de la
chasse et la peche patrimoniales. 25
2. (1) II est declare que Ie droit de pecher
existe et continuera d'exister au Canada, sous
reserve seulement des limites raisonnables
etablies par la loi.
Titre abrege
Declaration
2
Protection of
right
Negotiations
with provinces
Heritage Hunting and Fishing Protection
(2) No law of Canada shall be construed or
applied so as to deprive a person of the right
declared in subsection (1).
3. The Minister of Canadian Heritage shall
enter into discussions with the provinces with a
view to securing on behalf of all Canadians
their continued right to hunt, subject only to
any reasonable limits as may be established by
law.
Published under authority oithe Speaker oithe House of Commons
Available from:
Publishing and Depository Services
PWGSC, Ottawa, ON KIA ass
(2) Aucune loi du Canada ne peut avoir pour
effet de priver une personne du droit vise au
paragraphe (1).
3. Le ministre du Patrimoine canadien doit
5 engager des discussions avec les provinces en
vue d'assurer it tous les Canadiens Ie maintien
de leur droit de chasse, sous reserve seulement
des limites raisonnables etablies par la loi.
53-54 ELIZ. II
Protection du
droit de poche
Negociation
avec les
5 provinces
Publie avec I'autorisation du president de la Chambre des communes
En vente:
Les Editions et Services de depot
TPSGC, Ottawa (Ontario) KIA ass
CORRESPONDENCE - NOVEMBER 8. 2005
Items for Information (Consent AQenda)
1. Hon. Steve Peters, M.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to
the Honourable Gerry Phillips, Minister of Government Services, concerning the
changes to the regulations for charitable gaming pertaining to municipal museums
and libraries to conduct charitable lotteries. (ATTACHED)
2. Roger. Anderson, President, Ass,?ciation of Municipalities of Ontario, with update Re:
Ontario's $3 Billion Provincial Municipal Fiscal Gap. (ATTACHED)
3. St. Thomas-Elgin General, Hospital Media Release - October 27,2005, STEGH
Takes Further Steps to Balance Budget. (ATTACHED)
4. Premier Dalton McGuinty, acknowledging Council's resolution concerning eligibility of
lottery licensing for municipal museums and public libraries.
5. Kyle Kruger, Administrator, Municipality of Bayham, with information concerning Port
Burwell Harbour and the potential development of a commercial ferry service.
(ATTACHED)
6. Tena Michiels, Deputy Clerk, Township of Southwold, with a resolution and copy of
correspondence concerning rural public transportation. (ATTACHED)
7. Dr. Christopher Mazza, Strategic Lead, Provincial Transport Medicine Systems,
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, acknowledging the County's position on non-
emergency transport. (ATTACHED)
8. Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus/Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus: 1) Pay Your
Ambulance Bills Province - Wardens Demand - 2) Provincial Plan to Enrich
Municipal Pensions Will Boost Property Taxes, Counties Warn. (ATTACHED)
~
........
Ontario
Steve Peters, M.P.P.
Elgin - Middlesex - London
c.".,.." p_.'
October 14, 2005
017'"7 1 a 'In05
; t: ' J ' ; I....'~"..... . '.
\.t,>t; , . ':"~"",,,-,'_
Honourable Gerry Phillips
Minister of Government Services
Ferguson Block, 1ih Floor
77 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, ON M7A 1N3
Dear Minister:
Please find enclosed resolutions from the County of Elgin and the Municipality of
Bayham that support the original resolution from the City of Port Colbome that calls
upon our government to change the regulations for charitable gaming to permit the
licensing of municipal museums and libraries for these entities to use the proceeds from
lotteries to continue to enhance the services that they offer.
The resolutions also call on our government to lobby the federal government to make
legislative amendments to the Criminal Code to exempt public museums and libraries
from the general prohibition to conduct charitable lotteries.
Minister, I would appreciate your reviewing this matter and responding directly to the
County of Elgin and the Municipality of Bayham.
As always, thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
&.\::-
Steve Peters, M.P.P.
Elgin-Middlesex -London
Cc: Ms. Sandra J. Heffren, Deputy Clerk, County of Elgin
Mrs. Lynda Millard, Clerk, Municipality of Bayham
Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Culture
542 Talbot Street, St. Thomas. ON N5P 1 C4
'I' - (519) 631-0666 Toll free - 1-800-265-7638 F - (519) 6.11-947K TTY - (519) 6.11-9904 E - speters.l11pp.co@liberal.ola.OI'g
W'WW.stevepeters.com
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
,
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
October 14, 2005
To: All Heads of Council
Re: Ontario's $3 Billion Provincial Municipal Fiscal Gap
As you know, AMO has always been clear in its opposition to the downloading forced upon
municipal governments by the previous Provincial Government. We have-consistently held that
it would undermine the fiscal sustainability of municipalities in every part of Ontario. The harm
caused by current provincial-municipal cost sharing arrangements is now too great for the
Province to ignore.
With less than two years left in this government's term, there still is noviable plan to ensure that
Ontario municipalities have a financially sustainable future. Ontario needs a plan of action that
over time begins to reduce the provincial reliance on municipal property taxes - a plan that will
upload provincial program costs back to where they belong.
At this year's AMO Conference we distributed a flyer developed by AMO - "Ontario's $3 Billion
Provincial Municipal Fiscal Gap... Needs A Solution" and a wallet card with additional
messages about the $3 billion gap. The response from members to these documents has been
very strong. For example, in an update on municipal finance issues, North Bay demonstrated
that their property taxpayers contributed more than $15 million as part of that $3 billion gap.
Halton Region issued a press release calling for an exit strategy to the use of property taxes to
fund provincial social services, which in 2004 cost Halton property taxpayers $88 million. In
some municipalities, the brochure and wallet card are being used by councillors to inform
ratepayer and business groups of the challenge that the $3 billion gap presents for investment
in roads, and transit and other cores municipal services and to also have these community
groups support the call for an action plan.
I am pleased to make additional copies available to you as a resource in outlining the issue.
The wallet cards are intended for Councillors' use, and the flyers can be reproduced and
distributed according to your Council's needs. Please make the time and opportunity to discuss
the flyers with ratepayers and others in your community who may be concerned about why
Ontario has the highest municipal property taxes in Canada. They will be helpful as you enter
into the 2006 budget cycle and as re-assessment notices are delivered. The flyer is also
available on the AMO website www.amo.on.ca and can be downloaded to produce additional
copies, or for electronic distribution.
.. ./2
393 University Ave., Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6
tel: (416) 971-9856 · toll free: 1-877-426-6527 · fax: (416) 971-6191 · email:amo@amo.municom.com
-2-
AMO has been actively promoting the need for a plan of action, one that is realistic and one that
we know will have to reflect the province's own fiscal realities. We just need the Premier and
the Finance Minister to say, yes, let's sit down, let's work out a plan and plan for its execution.
I ask that you send a similar message and to make sure that your community understands the
significance of this.
Yours truly,
Roger Anderson
President
Provincial
Program
. .
When will the Govemment of Ontario r . '. .
year from municipal govemments h rt ecogmze that ~klng $3 billion a
When will the province commit redu~ins our ~mmumties?
municipal property tax reven ? g Its reliance on $3 billion a year of
Wh ues.
-Jill will the province fulfill its com .
more fiscally sustainable? mltment to help municipalities become
When will this govemment commit to worki .
unloading the costs of provincial health dng ~Ith AMO on a plan to begin
an Social services programs?
t. . . t
Public Health
Ambulance
Social Assistance
Senior Services
Child Care
Social Housing
266.4
312.7
1,330.9
242.5
.193.4
879.7
Total 3,225.6
.6. ~_Association of
am. Municipalities of Ontario
~ St. Thomas-Elgin
~ ~,:~::=,lfO~=:~i~
Media Release
October 27, 2005
STEGH Takes Further Steps to Balance Budg~t
St. Thomas, ON - St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) continues to take steps to
reduce costs to comply with the government's balanced budget expectations for Ontario
hospitals. In a plan submitted to Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
(MoHL TC) on October 12, 2005 STEGH outlines strategies to reduce its costs by $3 million
over the next two years.
"Our goal," observes Dr. Tom Faulds, Chief of Staff and a hospital board member, "is to
continue to sustain STEGH as a full service community hospital that can support and
attract skilled clinical professionals." These steps move the hospital closer to a balanced
budget with minimal impact on services provided to the community.
However, in addition to $2 million in cost reductions identified last fall in its first balanced
budget plan, the most recent submission will not balance the STEGH budget. The size of
this financial problem places STEGH among 15 Ontario hospitals currently meeting with a
special Ministry team. Hospital management met on October 19th with the team to discuss
the current financial position and cost reduction plans and will continue to meet over the
next few weeks.
"We are working in good faith with the Ministry team," states STEGH Board Chair Marian
Millman, "And we share their expectation to somehow balance our budget and end the
burden of year-over-year operating deficits."
Explaining how STEGH was able to identify an additional $3 million in cost reduction Paul
Collins, STEGH President and CEO said, "We have learned about steps that other Ontario
hospitals have taken, especially their increasing reliance on care providers in the
community, and we have included a number of these new strategies in our planning."
The most recent proposed cost reduction strategies include:
. A consolidation of the hospital's medical beds currently located on the 4th and 5th
floors into one 40 bed medical care unit.
. A review of the hospital's surqical suite and ambulatory care services to address
potential efficiencies.
· A reduction in administrative support and manaqement which will be evaluated by an
external review.
· A commitment to reduce overtime by 25% in the next year.
. Expanded partnership with the Elqin Community Care Access Centre (ECCAC)
where they assume the hospital discharge planning and diabetes counselling roles.
In addition, they would expand their support to the Emergency Department to help
avoid some hospital admissions, and work with the hospital to improve care
management for those with chronic diseases who have frequent hospital
admissions.
· A conversion of some hospital beds at STEGH to temporary lonq-term care beds to
accommodate patients who are waiting in a hospital bed for long-term care
placement.
· Decision reqardinq the continued provision of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Our unit is not officially designated by the MoHL TC and therefore is not funded.
Documented support from professionals and hospitals in the region for official
designation and funding for the STEGH NICU has been submitted, but a Ministry
decision is now required.
Some strategies, including the expanded role of the ECCAC, the conversion to long term
care beds and any change to the NICU designation require Ministry approval if the hospital
is to proceed.
"Most of the cost savings will come from a reduced payroll," says Collins, "But we expect to
minimize, if not avoid, layoffs by providing opportunities such as voluntary early retirement
and voluntary separation packages."
The provincial government passed legislation (Bill 8) in June 2004 requiring all Ontario
hospitals to balance their budgets by March 31,2006.
-30-
For more information contact:
Cathy Fox, Communications and Public Relations Specialist
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
(519) 631-2030 Ext. 2191, cfox@steqh.on.ca
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto, Ontario
M7 A 1 A 1
Le Premier ministre
de l'Ontario
Edifice de l'Assemblee legislative
Queen's Park
Toronto (Ontario)
M7 A 1 A 1
~
....."
Ontario
The Premier
of Ontario
October 21, 2005
OCT 2 8 2005
Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren
Deputy Clerk
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, Ontario
N5R 5V1
Dear Mrs. Heffren:
Thank you for your letter providing me with a copy of council's resolution regarding the
eligibility of lottery licensing for municipal museums and public libraries. I appreciate
your keeping me informed of council's activities.
As this issue farls under the jurisdiction of the Honourable Gerry Phillips, Minister of
Government Services, I have sent him a copy of council's resolution. I trust that the
minister will also take council's views into consideration.
Thank you again for the information.
Yours truly,
{2qff~
Dalton McGuinty
Premier
c: Jhe HOhQurable Gerry Phillips
,Ci
@
Municipality of
Bayham
0.11 ~,,-"
1JOl'tllnity Is ~o
P.O. Box 160,9344 Plank Road,
Straffordville, Ontario NO] 1 YO
Tel: (519) 866-5521 · Fax: (519) 866-3884
emai1: bayham@bayham.on.ca
OCl 2 8 2005
f;::~ t;;nii,j
bJ.iL!!:1't0l6!'il
'n F~~f;'~'~'~{"
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14drll~ iu VAl\:;.
October 25, 2005
Warden Jim McIntyre
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St Thomas Ontario
N5R 5Vl
Dear Sir:
Re: Port Burwell Harbour - Potential International Ferry Service
As you may be aware, the Port Burwell Harbour, currently owned by Fisheries and
Oceans Canada, is within the Municipality of Bayham. Bayham Municipal Council has
been examining various options to redevelop the harbour in order to revitalize the Port
Burwell and area economy. Various studies, negotiations with Small Craft Harbours, and
local input have been pursued for a number of years to find such opportunities.
The Municipality has recently been approached regarding the possible development of a
commercial ferry service between Port Burwell and an American port. Bayham
Municipal Council has sincere interest in the use of Port Burwell Harbour to provide such
a service. Weare keenly interested in pursuing this development, as we foresee
substantial economic benefits for the whole region.
In order for this type of project to proceed, the Municipality will need to work in
partnership with a number of agencies, including other local municipalities, federal and
provincial ministries, and the private sector.
We look forward to working with you to secure this service. If you have any questions or
require anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Y ourh ly
~~I ~ef C.
Ad i istrato
p.c. oe~ontana, .P.
Joe Preston, .P.
Steve Peters, M.P.P.
TiIlsonburg Mayor Stephen Molnar
Woodstock Mayor Michael Harding
TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHWOLD
35663 Fingal Line
Fingal, ON NOL 1 KO
Phone: (519) 769-2010
Fax: (519) 769-2837
Email: twsouth@execulink.com
October 26, 2005
OCT
d'"'; ')
tb ,j
,;)n5
~_ ;.911J
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
81. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1
To Whom It May Concern:
Please be advised that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Southwold at
its regular Council meeting held on October 24th, 2005 passed the following resolution:
"THA T the Letter be received and filed;
AND THAT a copy be forwarded to the County of Elgin for
consideration. II
Please contact the Township if you require any further information.
Y01 truly,
~.m'~
Tena Michiels
Deputy Clerk
Cc: Middlemarch Women's Institute
Ene!.
Southwold Township Council
35663 Fingal Line
Fingal, Ont. NOL IKO
() cl < -:2LI/ Of"
8"[a)
"ovvnship
of Southwald
OCT 1 3 2005
l lII:1
I
<--------------------
Middlemarch Women's Institute
38649 Fingal Line,
St. Thomas, ON
October 5,2005.
Mayor McIntyre and Council,
The Middlemarch Women's Institute wish to express their concern over the lack of public
transportation in Our municipality. Many residents must depend on the good will of others to
travel to appointments, to work or school or even for shopping in the city. A bus traveling a
regular route would provide people with independence without forcing them to move into the
city. ~
...
We are constantly reminded to conserve energy, yet people are choosing to live in the villages of
our township and require transportation to and from St. Thomas. Public transportation would
allow people greater access to jobs of their choice, the ability to arrange appointments at their
own convenience, and to participate in extramural sports and activities at the various locations in
St. Thomas.
Since Elgin Manor no longer has its own bus, and para transit does not come into the township,
public transportation could give residents the independence of finding their own way to visit
friends in the hospital etc. Also employees could enjoy the benefit oflow cost transportation.
Residents wishing to travel to London or more distant cities would be able to make bus
connections in St. Thomas. This would apply to students at Western, Fanshawe or Lester B.
Pearson School for the Arts, who wish to come home for the weekend.
\
Senior residents would be able to maintain their independence while continuing to live in
Southwold. These people have often lived their whole lives in the county and wish to continue
living among their friends and family but are unable to drive and don't wish to impose on others
for their transportation needs.
Please give this matter sincere consideration and let us know how we can assist you to promote
this concept.
Yours truly,
Marion Tufford
Luella Monteith
Ministry of He~lth
~nd Long-Term C~re
Ministere de I~ S~nte
et des Soins de longue duree
~ Ontario
Acute Services Division
Division des services en matiere de soins actifs
5th Floor, Hepburn Block
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7 A 1R3
Edifice Hepburn, 5 etage
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1R3
Telephone: (416) 212-7970
Facsimile: (416) 314-5914
Telephone: (416) 212-7970
Telecopieur: (416) 314-5914
OCl 27 2nOS
OCT 24 2005
1.,., t'!~~
~n \\',,",~,
fli'i'l~'M~~1
James Mcintyre, Warden
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas ON N5R 5V1
Dear Mr. Mcintyre:
Thank you for your letter of September 13, 2005 concerning non-emergency transport.
As you expressed, as part of my mandate, I will be looking at options to develop a more
efficient and effective non-emergency transport system. Your council's opinion that EMS
resources should not be used to transport Code 1 and 2 patients is also noted, and will be
taken in consideration while working on a number of issues dealing with patient transport.
Again, thank you for writing.
Sincerely,
~)~
f Dr. Christopher Mazza
Strategic Lead
Provincial Transport Medicine Systems
c. Mary Kardos Burton
Assistant Deputy Minister, Acute Services Division
EaslHn ()nIJrio VVdrd()n< Callcus
WESTERN ONT ARIOW ARDENS' CAUCUS
Warden Michael Raymond, Chair (2005)
For immediate release
Pay your Ambulance Bills Province
-Wardens Demand-
Lindsay (November 1, 2005)- Heads oftwo groups that together represent close to four
million rural residents in Ontario today called on the McGuinty Government to pay its
half of the bill for land ambulance service that municipalities have already paid.
"Enough is enough," said Michael Raymond, head ofthe Western Ontario Wardens'
Caucus, after a joint meeting of his group and the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus. "We
can't put up with the Province's delaying tactics any longer. They owe municipalities,
including the 28 counties and single-tier municipalities we represent, $312 million.
Because they have shortchanged us, our property taxpayers are paying far more than they
should."
Bob Sweet, head of the eastern wardens' group, noted that "when responsibility for land
ambulance service was downloaded to our municipalities, it was supposed to be funded
50% by property taxpayers and 50% by the provincial government. Today our taxpayers
are picking up closer to 70% of the costs. The Province has continued to retreat from the
partnership, and this is putting too much pressure on our ratepayers."
Elgin County Warden James McIntyre, said that it was important to remember that this
unequal bill is only part of a $3 billion shortfall in provincial funding for services like
public health, social assistance and social housing, as well as land ambulances that
municipalities deliver on behalf of the Province. "Property taxpayers are being asked to
shoulder this shortfall and, frankly, their ability to do so is reaching the breaking point.
We fully support the Association of Municipalities of Ontario in their drive to correct this
situation."
Warden Raymond noted that "Mr. McGuinty's campaign to reduce the $23 billion gap in
funding from the federal government to Ontario is no different that AMO's attempts to
get the Province to pay Ontario municipalities the $3 billion it owes us. Our taxpayers are
starting to see this and to ask the question: When are you going to fix your own house,
Mr. Premier?"
"Both Warden Raymond and I along with our caucuses are prepared to work alongside
and support AMO to achieve results," said Warden Sweet.
The two caucuses together represent 28 counties and single-tier rural municipalities
across Southern Ontario.
-30-
For more information contact:
Robert Sweet,
Warden Renfrew County - Chair EOWC
(613)735-7288
Michael Raymond,
Warden Essex County - Chair WOWC
-(519) 776-6441
James McIntyre
Warden, Elgin County
(519) 631-1460
WESTERN ONTARIO WARDENS' CAUCUS
Warden Michael Raymond, Chair (2005)
[,Jstan Onldrio Wi,inl"ns' Caucus
PROVINCIAL PLAN TO ENRICH MUNICIPAL PENSIONS
WILL BOOST PROPERTY TAXES, COUNTIES WARN
Lindsay (November 1, 2005)- New and more costly pension benefits for municipal
employees planned by the Province will push up property taxes dramatically, two groups
representing Ontario's counties warned today.
Bob Sweet, Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus, and Michael Raymond, Chair
of the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus, expressed their concern after a joint meeting of
the two groups, urging the Province to withdraw the planned increases.
"If the McGuinty government charges ahead with Bill 206, property taxes will
skyrocket," Sweet said. "The bill would change the Ontario Municipal Employees
Retirement Pension Plan to allow rich new pension benefits - and the employers,
including the rural communities we represent, will have to pick up the tab."
Warden Raymond added that "we don't have the slightest idea why they are moving
ahead on this legislation. Municipalities haven't asked for it. When we're recruiting, we
certainly don't see any evidence that the current set-up discourages good people from
applying."
Raymond added that the wardens in the two caucuses, who together represent the 28
counties and single-tier municipalities along with the nearly four million citizens across
Ontario, are extremely unhappy "and we know that this change will make our taxpayers
unhappy, too. Adding new pension benefits won't improve municipal services like
ambulance, fire, police or long-term care. It will just raise our costs, and the taxpayers
will see that on their property taxes."
Elgin County Warden James McIntyre, agreed that the new bill would add significant
costs. "Our analysis shows that this Bill, if passed, could lead to a tax increase in the first
year of upwards of $ 130,000, depending on which supplemental plans get activated. And
this is just for County services. That doesn't include what the local municipalities will
have to incur. We are simply not prepared to accept the Government's pension plans for
our employees."
The wardens are calling on the Province to significantly change Bill 206 to protect
against the costly pension benefit improvements it would allow.
For More Information Contact:
Robert Sweet (613) 735-7288 or
Warden Renfrew County - Chair EOWC
Michael Raymond (519)776-4455 or
Warden Essex County - Chair WOWC
James McIntyre
Warden, Elgin County (519) 631-1460
-30-
5 15:41
11! 137121313
15197522345
COTRAC FORD
PAGE 01! 131
~tuo~
.~
11/07/2885 12:48
151'37522345
""'UIKi4..... rU['<.LI
Thames Valley Invites Public Input on the
Spendin.g oCprojected Surplus an.d Contingency
Funds
The Thames Valley District School Board invites written. i,nput from school coun~ils, e~p.l?yee
groups, principals and the community at large on schoollITlprovements and learnmg pnonties
that could be applied to $5.1 million in projected 2004- 05 Board surplus and 2005-06
contingency funds.
Trustees are in the process of preparing a list of initiatives that will receive initial discussion at a
meeting of Committee of the Whole on November 8. A final decision on a list of approved
projects will not be made until a Regular Meeting ofthe Board to be held on November 22. All
approved projects will be included in the Thames Valley Board's 2005-06 budget.
Time is short, but Trustees have expressed a strong interest in both advising and gathering
wt:itten input from as wide a variety of school and communjty audiences as possible. Interested
respondents should use the attached form to outline and describe their initiative or to provide
support for initiatives that are listed below. Formal background and appendices may be attached.
"Trustees are interested in hearing responses that enhance student leaming and bring clear
advantage to schools and school communities," said Trustee Graham Hart, Chair of the Board of
Trustees. '~Excel1ent financial planning and monitoring of funds by this Board has provided us
with a unique opportunity."
Completed responses should be ernailed to s.christie@tvdsb.oI}.ca or faxed to Sharron Christie at
4~2-.2256. ~':'-~~S have e~ressed a preference to receive written initiatives. by November 7 but
wIll accept Ullhatlves up untd November 16.
Responses should describe either:
.
A precise school improvement or leaming initiative proposal/plan
The enhanced learning opportunity for schools or students;
Resources required and estimated cost of implementation;
Long term benefits created for our school system;
As well as suppO~1 for any initiative already contributed.
.
.
.
.
In preparation for the November 8 Committee of the Whole meeting Trustees have revJewea a
11/07/2005 12:48
15197522345
COTRAC FORD
PAGE 02
preliminary list of projects for consideration. They include:
. Additional funds for data collection/analysis and information technology
. Additional library resources for the 129 school libraries that did not benefit from the
special funding for library resources in rural schools
. Additional administrators for elementary and/or secondary schools
. Funding for recruitmen4 training and assessment of potential school of administrators
. Future support for Partnerships for Excellence schools
. Suspending or ending fee charges for attendance at Board outdoor environmental centres
. Establish a contingency ftmd to address unanticipated needs that emerge during the 2005-
06 budget year.
Trustees have added additional initiatives including:
.
$400,000 to encourage school-based initiatives which sustain student leaming over a
period of time and improve conditions for student learning at the school/site level.
$70,000 to designate two Educational Assistants to West Elgin Student Training
internship program for 2005/06.
$35,000 toward hiring a pool supervisorllifeguard for the swimming pool at H.B. Beal SS
$500,000 in additional funds to upgrade computer hardware acroSS the system
$251000 to support Trustee professional development
$90,000 to expand the Oxford County school facilities of the Oxford Technical Training
Centre in Woodstock
$360,000-$400,000 to addxess the issue of mental health at the school level within the
Thames Valley community
..
.
..
..
.
II
Trustee Graham Hart, Chair
ThamJ;;s Valley District School Board
"
....
. / .j. P - < lit-I, LJUi}/ftISSt6J0
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__. 11/07/2005 12: 48 15197522345
COTRAC FORD
PAGE 03
Thames Valley District School Board
Invites Public Input on the Spending
of Projected Surplus and
EltX ~ y~ Contingency FundS:
-:
The undersigned requests consideration for the following proposal in the Thames VaU~ 1l."i1"JY1' trA
District School Board's 2005-2006 budgetary process. 'Ykt:::1tS c Sa n " I ~n~..J..)
School improvement or learning initiative; :5u8~ tS5/J tJ / trrr tIC f/1f!t.-"11r.
_ \~ ~ UCA-JlD10A:C (\5515T1l tJT f1U!X!Jf11rJ.'!",
_ FOte =;:;Hb l1{~5.T P(<t)GRfIm
~: ') ~e::3~ E: ft. <;;'lIPP6Rr ~ sru))OJ1S
__ JrL_V,- ~/B/LIZ~~7~
Describe enhWlced learning opportunity for students and sch.ools:
\' SUPpb~-r FOr::. S"-ru:DOJ15 It\) CJJmrnuJJlT'I
;S~tJa)L ._
J-.. I fY\eRO vet l [frgJ Pt.1 EtJ VI Ro N r() [/Sf R>e
H S' ~
3>1e . I QJ/ PJ -
Resources required and estimated cost of implementation: I y;;t:5J1tL Y
1_1- 2. 6JMIVl.\:Ill1ctST to
~CR~Fb E: A. smP::IN(]
.~ rj)mro rrmFJJT'yJ L/BfJfe'l STfJPfiNQ.
Long term benefits created for our schools I students:
{I/Rt:A-T1N~ J .:t2LU51 JlC { 514 ,oj2{)~TJ VC
~~~'~ ElJ VI fu0 rnt.-7Jf5 ~
LL 5 oJT5 ov:: Tl-lC sB
-Submitted by; -=$f\i ?-i;~0T ('5112 -:-f6;)-OW02
School cOOlmunity repre!i[tro-- ~ ClG 1 tJ~-[lIfi~lti
Date presented: N D V. 1-,;2c0:5 t/2'.o L z:!Zj FBi L
FftK 5/9-%:J:-c93-I6 ftoPDSf1LS nrt'fJCHe1) P.2
WEs5CalAnc.i l@gTo,I1't/f jAlTACHrYJl:l\JI:5 - 2-
to PAGtS TDIAL
11/87/2005 12:48
15197622345
COTRAC FORD
PAGE 84
2.
The West Elgin Second.n.ry Scbool Council is very ple3Sed to heat that the TBDSB i5 facing a huge
budget surplus and urges the Trustees and administration to implement strategies to help correct some of
the inequities for students in the oUtTent funding fonnula-
Thames Valley belieV&s that large or small, all schools should have toe resources they n~ed
to deliver the highest possible level of education to their communities. (June 4. 2003)
It is QUT recomme.ndation that student needs be the prlQrity in directing the. spettding of ~ surplus
fUtids. We request that the board give consideration to two specific area!l of concern to assist in the
support and enTichment of student learnmg.
L Educationll1 Assi5tant~: As moved by' Trustee Stevenson: We re.commend that tbe board allot
$70,000 to provide two Educational Assistants to support the students in the WEST PrograID. We
wish to 'ldVoc3te for adequate support staff to ensure the continued success of our program for special
needs and at-risk students at West Elgin.
The Wildcat EOlploytnent Skills Training Program was initially designed when our allotment of
Educational Assistants was 2.5. Although. some of the students who qualified for intensive support no
longer attend or do not currently qualifY for the S8.l):Je level of support, the design of the prognn:n and the
special needs of all students who are currently enrolled in the program does require more support than is
currctrtly available at the school. Additionally, in vic-w of the overwhehiUng success of the pl'ogram for our
highes.t needs students (please see Highlights-Attachment 1) the staff, with sufficient Educational
Assistants, would like to expand the program to help support the success of at-risk diploma bound students.
Further, recent changes tQ the criteria for providing intensive support have significantly disadvantaged
many special needs students and the full-service schools that educate them. Most special needs students
benefit fromlllore individual assistance and many need closer supervision to be successful. To support the
need5 of some of our most vulnerable students: We recommend tbat tbe board reinstate the E.A.
support that has been reduced by bu.dget cuts and changes to the Special Edu~ation criteria for
intensive (iUpport, aD.d consider tbe increased use or E.A. SlWl10rt as It cost-effective way to support tbe
learning of all higher needs stu.dents at thei.... bome schools. (Cost estimated at $35,000 per Educational
Assistant. )
1. Library Staff: As noted in the board's submission to the Rural Education Strategy (looe 4, 2003). the
funding formula does not allow for full-time library stafftng at smaller schools. Libraries at those schools
are closed at certain times during the school day. This deficit causes a disadv<mtage for students from
smaller schools whQ cannot access library resources in their spare periods to do research, or obtain
materials to supplement learning. This lack of equal opportUnity at their home school is exacerbated by the
fact that rural students have less :in the way of conununity resources and reduced accessibility due to
geography. To illustrate; our school is currently staffed for only 2.4 periods a day, and would require a .33
staff to be open for the whole day at a cost of$19,800. (Cost would vary at different schools by the amonnt
of the deficit to full-time funding.)
When the province provided supplementary funding to buy material resources fol' libraries at smaller
schools, it was in au. attempt to conect a flaw in the funding formula which does not provide equal
resources to .li\mlries when money is allotted on a per-student basis. For e~ple, a school of 1000
students does not need twice the libJ31y resources Of staff of a school of 500. (1)lease see the Ministry
response te: staffing of libraries - attachmept 2.) ~ ~chool library must be adequately stQcked and
staffed to etlsure a fail' and supportive II!4nrtng e"virt);lment for all students. We urge the :Board to use
aU the funds necessary 10 ensure full day acceSS to school libraries for aU students of tbe TVDS.R
Thank you for the opportunity to shwe our concerns, and for your consideration of QUI'
recommendations for' investing the budget surplus in support of students of the Thames Valley.
Submitted by the West Elgin Secondary School Council - November 7, 2005
Jattachmen~
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WEST Program Hiahliahts:
Just over 2 years ago, the Board offered secondary school communities the
opportunity to develop Workplace Internship Programs for special needs
students, and, rising to the challenge, the West Elgin Staff and community made
huge investments of time, money and resources to develop what has become a
phenomenally successful Wildcat Employment Skills Training Program - WEST.
In those years~ we have not been allotted more teaching or support staff
than funded based on our enrolment numbers.
More than 40 employers and community volunteers have opened their
workplaces, hearts and wallets in support of the program developed by our staff
in partnership with local employers. For example, one local business has
invested $5000.00 each year for the 2 years the program has been running as
well as accepting students on job placements and participating in identifying
priorities in the development of the curriculum.
In total, over the two years, employers have opened their workplaces for 4150
placement days of 2 hours each to train and mentor students in work skills. This
translates to about 10,305 volunteer hours just related to planning and providing
work placements. A conservative estimate of other volunteer hours spent.
developing and providing program to the students is about 5040 over the first two
years, for a total of 15,345 hours lor about $1131533.00 of value if calculated at
minimum wage. Other financial and donations-in-kind are conservatively
estimated at $21,600.00 over the same two-year period. Our Wellness Centre
also helps to provide support and services at the school for students. Our
community thinks these young people are worth investing infl!
It makes sense to the community and the students to keep these students at their
home school. The Board saves in transportation costs and the students are able
to participate in all aspects of school life. The success rate for our WEST
students has been higher than that at specialized (congregated) schools and
have every hope that this success will continue. They have access to the
support and role modelling provided in the community setting.
In the junior division (grades 9 & 10) 20 students attended either 3 or 55-week
workplace rotations in the mornings as well as earning all possible Essential
Level courses (4 each) for a total of 80 credits earned by 20 of our highest needs
junior students. They also earned a total of 55 Open and Applied Level courses
in the afternoons with the support of the educational' assistants and learning
resource teacher.
This year 9 of the junior students moved into the applied level grade 10 and 11
program and 24 students are registered for the grade 9 to 12 WEST Program -
12 new grade 9 students, 5 grade 10, 3 grade 11 and 4 grade 12 students. The
10, 11 and 12 students are being taught in one split class.
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There are many reasons for the success of the program - not the least of which is
the sense of mutual responsibility developed when students see the willingness
of the community to help them learn the life skills they will need to be good
citizens.
In the Senior program students who had dropped out of school returned to learn
some of the skills offered in the program, and one of our most challenged
students is now employed at a dayeare.
The classroom curriculum is geared to teaching the hard and soft skills the
employers want in the workplace - as identified by the employers - and meeting
provincial guidelines. The students are integrated in regular programs in the
afternoons maintaining relationships with their peers. The students are getting a
valuable taste of different employment sectors in their first years of high school.
The employers are accepting of their limitations while helping to build on the
strengths of the students - it is education in the workplace not free labour.
The job coach is imperative in helping students apply the skills to the
workplaces. Much of the coaching. reinforcing. correcting and mentoring occurs
while transporting students to and from work placements, and continues with the
support provided in their integrated afternoon classes.
We would like to be able expand the program to include high risk (behavioural
and academically challenged) diploma bound students but current staffing levels
do not even allow for the continuation of the current program. Two or 3 E.A.'s
would more appropriately support the program as it is designed.
West Elgin Secondary is in a period of incres$ina enrolment! and the numbers
of identified special needs students is also increasing. Our total school enrolment
has increased significantly from last year - by well over 10% to almost 600- and
is still increasing. Our allotment of Educational Assistants has been reduced
from 2.5 at the beginning of the program to 0.5 at the present time.
The program has been showcased at the board table. and shared with other
schools and visiting dignitaries. There is every reason to be proud of the
program and to commit to supporting it for the future of our students and as a
model for other fuJI-service school communities.
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~ Q..o.v .I. V.I L<Ii
fJ1T ~
PI
WESSCouncil
from:
To:
Sent:
Attach:
Subject:
<LNS@edu.gov.on.ca>
<wesscouncil@gto.net>
August 31, 20053:01 PM
imageOQ1.jpg
Funding school Libraries
The literacy and NUn18racy
Secretariat .
Le S8crelari~.t de la Iitleratle
at de la numaratie
~Ontario
Ministry or Education
Ministers de I'~ducation
900 Bay Street
Mowat Block, 10th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 1L2
Telephone; (416)325-9955
Facsimile: (416)325-8565
900. nJe Bay
Ediflce Mowat, 10e etage
Toronto ON M7A 1L2
T$l~phone; (418)325-9965
T lllecopieur: (416)325-8565
August 31,2005
Ms. Tracy Grant
RR#2
Dutton ON NOL 1JO
wesscouncil@gto.net
Dear Ms Grant,
Thank you for your enquiry of June 1, 2005 regarding the funding of school libraries and
librarians. Recognizing the importance of school libraries, funding was announced on May 17,
2005 for the provision of new resource materials for those libraries, both elementary and
secondary. There were no dedicated funds announced for staffing libraries. There is provision
for staffing considerations in the school board's general budget. The allocation of staffing
dollars is a local school board decision-
Thank you for sharing your concerns and for your continued interest in maintaining the critical
role libraries can play in supporting students.
Sincerely,
Avis E. Glaze
Chief Student Achievement Officer
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