St. Catharines Standard, Aug 12, 2012
I read the article in the St. Catharines Standard On Friday Aug 10 and would like to provide you the following information that may be of value to understanding the meeting reported “on Monday Aug 13 that Pillitteri Estates Winery is hosting a round table discussion on allowing wineries to discuss issues related to the LCBO with MPP Agriculture critic, Ernie Hardeman”. Approximately 20 invited participants will be allotted 2-3 minutes each to express their opinions and it is to be a closed meeting.
Pillitteri Estates agreed to host the meeting as we believe that providing information to all elected officials regarding the positive economic benefits of local VQA wines is invaluable for VQA wine growth. Pillitteri Estates Winery July 4 toured and hosted Minister of Agriculture Ted McMeekin and a group of senior OMAFRA policy advisors for a 3 hour visit to discuss a wide range of issues including greater market access for VQA wines. I believe we all need to work together to obtain growth for VQA wines within Ontario and within the LCBO system. This is needed even more so with a minority government. The importance of growing VQA wines, according to the KPMG study, is that VQA wines provide over $12.56 a litre value add to the economy, Value add is beyond taxation benefits. In a previous study by KPMG the amount for imports is $.67. Going local is an economic benefit to the economy. Blended wines have a value add proportionate to their Ontario content.
For this meeting Pillitteri Estates spokesperson and participant will be myself, Jamie Slingerland, and I hope that the amount of time for each participant will be sufficient to educate Mr. Hardeman on the need for greater access for VQA wines within the LCBO system.
What is important to note is that there has been a rapid growth of Ontario of VQA Estate Wineries over the last number of years that have 2 places to sell their wines either the winery front door or the LCBO. The LCBO is really trying hard for us, but the system simply cannot handle the huge increase in Ontario wineries and SKUs, and their big box distribution system cannot accommodate smaller producers. Vintages cannot handle small producers either – you can’t build anything when you get one 200- case order every 2 years.
According to another study by Grant Thorton, in brief, Ontario is significantly proportionately below the per capita amount of stores than most other provinces. That Ontario could support additional full sized wine stores in a parallel retail system that could only be owned by individuals independent of chains or large wineries. Further, that the cost of building a new store would not be borne by the taxpayer, have no effect union jobs, be trade legal as it would be open to all wines, would not decrease LCBO revenues while still generating additional tax revenue, store owners would be able to generate a profit, Ontario VQA wineries could sell significantly more wines as they could do direct delivery as Ontario wineries can warehouse their own product and imports have to go through the LCBO warehousing system. So far provincial government officials are reviewing this proposal and have never said no but this proposal would require another political party to support a minority government with this type of legislation. The important thing is that everyone tries to work together to increase the market access for Ontario VQA wines.
The 2009 VQA wine strategy that the provincial government initiated has been very beneficial for the growth of VQA wines and needs to continue but in addition something else is needed. The Grant Thorton study is worth consideration considering the absence of any alternate study that could significantly boost VQA wine sales and yet be still trade legal.
Jamie Slingerland Director of Viticulture Pillitteri Estates Winery www.pillitteri.com
MEDIA RELEASE
“Through the Voices of Beads” Iroquois Beadwork Exhibit Coming to Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation
For Immediate Release: August 13, 2012
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is pleased to present O'h ya'h ohdiwena goh: "Through the Voices of Beads" a new exhibit at the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation. The exhibit which is on loan from Royal Ontario Museum will run from September 8 to November 4, 2012.
The Iroquois originally adorned their animal skin clothing with porcupine quills and, when they began trading with Europeans, they transferred their skills to cloth and threaded beads. Yet they retained the same imagery that they had always used, imagery that represented their beliefs, values, and legends. Indeed, bead workers have played a vital role in preserving Iroquois beliefs over the centuries.
One of the goals of this exhibition is to reveal the meanings expressed in Iroquois beadwork, meanings that remain embedded in Iroquois culture to this day. A second goal is to show that this art, like the Iroquois people themselves, still thrives. The exhibition consists of about 20 pieces from ROM collections, both historical and contemporary, and about 10 works from the collection of Iroquois beadwork artist Samuel Thomas.
Several of the latter, including two complete outfits, are unusual in that they were created in a collaborative effort by several teams of people across Ontario, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, working under Thomas’s guidance. Most of them had no previous experience in bead working. The intent of the project was to demonstrate that traditional Iroquois teachings can be of great value to the modern world. These teachings include love, compassion, a good mind, and the ability to work together with others as one.
The exhibits’ run will feature a number of special events. A special opening night will take place on Friday, September 7th. Beginning at 6:00 PM visitors can take a self-guided tour of the exhibit and enjoy refreshments. Then at 7:00 PM we are pleased to announce that Dr. Trudy Nicks, Senior Curator of Ethnohistory at the ROM and Samuel Thomas, master bead artist and co-curator will share insights into Iroquois Beadwork. Admission to this event is $8.00 per person.
Mark your calendar and plan to participate in a special workshop activity of Saturday, November 3rd from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Participants will make an Iroquois beaded bird coin purse. The fee for this event is $36 per person which includes all supplies. Hand sewing skills are required and participants will need to bring a lunch.
Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is located at 3192 Sixth Ave., Jordan. The Centre for Conservation is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5.75 for adults and $4.25 for Children/Seniors and includes access to the conservation area. For further information call 905-562-5235 or visit www.ballsfalls.ca -30-
Contact: Andrea Wilson Program Assistant 905-562-5235 ext. 23; email [email protected]
This exhibition is organized and circulated by the Royal Ontario Museum through its Travelling Exhibits Department. The Royal Ontario Museum’s Travelling Exhibition Program is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, government of Ontario, and the Department of Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada. Page 1 of 3
AMO breaking news (1) re policing update communicate to: hdowd 08/10/2012 09:09 AM Hide Details From:
To:
August 9, 2012
TO THE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION OF THE CLERK AND COUNCIL
Policing Update
Since we last updated you, the OPP Costing Project Team has completed its work and the Future of Policing Advisory Committee’s Terms of Reference work progresses. Here is what you need to know:
AMO - OPP Costing Project Team:
As previously reported, AMO staff, senior municipal officials and Ontario Police Service Board Association staff have been meeting regularly over the past months with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The project team was established to advise the OPP on how they could provide and/or improve the transparency and accountability of municipal costs in communities policed by the OPP.
On August 7, 2012, the OPP Commissioner, Chris Lewis, released the document “Understanding Ontario Provincial Police Municipal Policing Costs”. It can be found at http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=13 . It is an OPP document that was prepared to provide municipal governments with a comprehensive understanding of how their municipal policing costs are calculated and recovered.
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This was a major undertaking and significant step by the OPP. This information will allow municipal governments who have a service arrangement with the OPP, or are considering such an arrangement to be better informed in their discussions with their OPP Detachment Commander and the OPP Municipal Policing Bureau. This project was about greater transparency on the OPP recovery formula schedules and associated information. The rising cost of policing, whether municipal or OPP services, was not part of the project. Matters related to the rising cost of policing are being considered in the work of the Future of Policing Advisory Committee.
AMO participation on the Future of Policing Advisory Committee (FPAC):
This is our second update on the Committee’s work. The MCSCS established this stakeholder advisory committee to look at policing activities and re-examine what is core policing and what is not. It will recommend to the Ministry changes to legislation, regulations, policy matters and strategic direction. The Advisory Committee consists of a majority of employer representatives and service providers and includes employee representatives. The Police Services Act and the associated regulations that set out among other matters, policing standards have not been reviewed since the late 1990s.
The Committee has had two meetings to date and will meet again in the fall. AMO is represented on this Committee by President Gary McNamara.
FPAC has established four working groups that will investigate changes to achieve a sustainable model for future policing – whether OPP contract or municipal own forces. AMO has appointed senior municipal staff representatives to each of the working groups which are:
• Crime Prevention; • Law Enforcement and Assistance to Victims of Crime; • Emergency Response and Public Order Maintenance; and • Administration and Infrastructure.
Each of these four Working Groups is tasked with considering the following within their topics:
• How the outcomes of each of the core police services are currently measured and/or should be measured and how outcomes are communicated to the public; • Core duties, roles and responsibilities and accountability of police services and police services boards; • How police services are currently delivered and how alternatives to service delivery by police, civilians, and other public safety/community wellness providers may be implemented; and • The current legislative/regulatory and policy framework to determine what change may be necessary to achieve a sustainable model for the future of policing.
The AMO appointed municipal staff members represent the geographical diversity of contract policing and municipal forces. Each working group reports to the Advisory Committee and will review police services through the lens of efficiency, transformation, innovation/technology and integration – criteria that we hope will have a positive impact on service delivery and cost.
AMO will continue to update members on the progress of the Future of Policing Advisory
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Committee as milestones are achieved.
In concert with all the policing costs work being done, it is important to note that AMO’s active advocacy on pension contribution rates and changes to Ontario’s arbitration system, if contained in upcoming legislation, could have a significant impact on the cost of policing services.
Contact: Monika Turner, AMO Director of Policy, at [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE AMO Breaking News will be broadcast to the member municipality's council, administrator and clerk. Recipients of the AMO broadcasts are free to redistribute the AMO broadcasts to other municipal staff as required. We have decided to not add other staff to these broadcast lists in order to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the management of our various broadcast lists.
DISCLAIMER This is the final version of AMO document. AMO assumes no responsibility for any discrepancies that may have been transmitted with the electronic version. The printed versions of the documents stand as the official record.
file://C:\Documents and Settings\hdowd\Local Settings\Temp\notes2E0D11\~web4947.htm 8/10/2012 To: "Carrie Enns"
From: [email protected] Date: August 14, 2012 4:50:24 PM EDT To: [email protected] Subject: AMO breaking news re AMO submission on Bill 206
August 14, 2012
To the immediate attention of Clerks and Council:
AMO MAKES SUBMISSION TO THE BILL 206 MANDATORY REVIEW
The OMERS Review Act provides for a scoped review of the governance provisions of Bill 206 by the end of 2012. Bill 206 devolved the sponsorship responsibilities from the Province to the OMERS plan employer and employee sponsors in 2006. Details on the terms of reference for the review are available at http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page9860.aspx.
The AMO/MEPCO submission was presented today to Bill 206 Reviewer, Tony Dean. The submission is available on the MEPCO website at www.mepco.ca. It supports the existing bi-cameral governance structure (Sponsors Corporation and Administration Corporation) and makes several recommendations on strengthening the role of the Sponsors Corporation Board and to provide some clarification on certain functions of the Boards. Dean’s timeline for completing the stakeholder consultation process is early September, followed by an assessment of the submissions and a report to Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Kathleen Wynne by the end of the year, as required by legislation.
Contact: Pat Vanini, Executive Director, [email protected] or 416-971-9856 ext.316. Bruce Mcleod, AMO Staff, [email protected] or 416-971-9856 ext.350.
PLEASE NOTE AMO Breaking News will be broadcast to the municipality's administrator, clerk and elected officials. Recipients of the AMO broadcasts are free to redistribute the AMO broadcasts to other municipal staff or elected officials as required.
DISCLAIMER These are final versions of AMO documents. AMO assumes no responsibility for any discrepancies that may have been transmitted with the electronic version. The printed versions of the documents stand as the official record. AMO Watch File - August 16, 2012 Page 1 of 2
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August 16, 2012
In This Issue - AMO has a new website! - Version 2.0 of the Feed-In Tariff program launched. - AMO now has a year-round mobile app. - AMO Conference Program at a Glance now online. - Collaborate. Innovate. Discover. Fall Symposium preview now available. - OMKN showcases leading municipal practices at AMO Conference. - AMO’s Economic Development Task Force – Update. - Career opportunities with Warwick Township and City of Greater Sudbury.
Guest Column AMO’s website has been redesigned to serve you better. All AMO information is now easier to find, use and share.
Provincial Matters The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has released updated documents and rules for Version 2.0 of the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program to contract for renewable energy generation. For more information, visit the OPA website.
Eye on AMO/LAS Events AMO online registration for the AMO Annual Conference is now closed. Registrations are still being accepted via fax or email. To download an AMO Conference registration form, please click here.
AMOmobile is your Association in the palm of your hand. Designed with Members in mind the app is available now for download from the Android Marketplace, the Apple Store and Blackberry App World. Download today and get connected.
Download a PDF version of the AMO Conference program at a glance and start to build your conference experience.
The 2012 Counties, Regions & Single Tier Symposium brings exciting speakers and timely sessions that will encourage delegates to “Collaborate. Innovate. Discover.” Sessions cover topics such as aging, the arts, immigration, diversity, social innovation and more.
Ontario Municipal Knowledge Network (OMKN) Key Ontario municipal practices on Parks and Recreation Customer Satisfaction, the Ending of Social Housing Agreements and Municipal Succession Management Planning will be profiled at AMO Conference workshops/Trade Show.
Municipal Matters AMO’s Economic Development Task Force met on August 7, 2012 and received presentations from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, the Timmins Economic Development Corporation, and the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association. The full summary of the meeting and the presentations are available on AMO’s website.
Career Opportunities Deputy Clerk / Deputy Administrator - Township of Warwick. Applicants are asked to submit their application by Friday, August 31, 2012 to: Fred Galloway, F.J. Galloway Associates Inc., Suite 203-350 Oxford St. W., London, ON N6H 1T3, Email: [email protected]. file://C:\Documents and Settings\cenns\Local Settings\Temp\notes013656\~web1995.htm 8/16/2012 AMO Watch File - August 16, 2012 Page 2 of 2
Plans Examiner/Customer Service Representative - City of Greater Sudbury. Qualified candidates should submit their resumes in confidence by Monday, September 10, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. Please ensure to clearly indicate the competition number (EO12-407) on your resume.
About AMO AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario's 444 municipal governments. AMO supports strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario's and Canada's political system. Follow @AMOPolicy on Twitter!
AMO Contacts AMO Watch File Team Conferences/Events Policy and Funding Programs LAS Local Authority Services Limited MEPCO Municipal Employer Pension Centre of Ontario OMKN Ontario Municipal Knowledge Network Media Inquiries Tel: 416.729.5425 Municipal Wire, Career/Employment and Council Resolution Distributions
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file://C:\Documents and Settings\cenns\Local Settings\Temp\notes013656\~web1995.htm 8/16/2012