Government Affairs are now being handled by the Executive Director with direction and guidance from the Executive Committee. There will be times where dedicated Ad Hoc Committees are formed to address specific items and opportunities such as the current Ad Hoc Committee for First Nations liaison.
Chair: John McMullen
Members:
Doug Carr
Rob Moos
Peter Koetsier
Bill Steiss
See Our Current Issues & Priorities
GBA Primer With Hydro Rates ever increasing in Ontario and particularly in rural locations where there are long transmission distances, some people are considering going off the grid. To this end we are providing the following information and advice as well as some contact information for solar specialists along the Bay. The reason we have not included information on wind power is the potential ongoing maintenance of these (moving parts) in remote locations. Some of the specialists that we list are also knowledgeable on wind power and can provide their advice in this regard. Off-grid...
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Our primary concern is that changes do not compromise the protection of Species at Risk (SARs) by relaxing regulations to favour industry and development, but instead focus on improving the Act and its regulations to assist SAR recovery, and deal with the shortfalls in implementation that have been evident since enaction in 1971. Georgian Bay is home to numerous SARs, so this matter is important to all of us. - GBA submission on 10 year review of the Endangered Species Act - Mar 4 2019Download
We are pleased to report that funding for the Lake Partner Program is safe for the time-being. Read our letter to the Minister and his response.
The Ford Government is reviewing some of the regional governments, including the District of Muskoka, which includes the Township of Georgian Bay. GBA will be discussing this move with our coastal municipalities and developing an appropriate strategy. See: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/01/15/doug-ford-government-announces-review-of-regional-governments.html
This comprehensive article from Dave Seglins at CBC follows a productive exchange of information between the Key River Area Association, GBA, and the CBC since July. It will assist GBA’s efforts to ensure that the MNRF investigation is full, complete and determines the true cause of the fire and those responsible. Read the article here….
GBA joins others in calling for Ford to reconsider. The role of the ECO is vital for holding polluters to account, and preserving the rights of Ontario citizens under our Environmental Bill of Rights. Read here our letter to Premier Ford…
Our Ontario Environmental Commissioner, Dianne Saxe, has just posted her 2018 environmental report which challenges the Ford Government to take urgent action on a number of fronts, but, in particular, municipal sewage overflows. Read a report on it here… And the full report can be downloaded here…
View this publication from one of GBA’s many partners that helps to protect the Great Lakes here..
Next spring GBA will be posting details of all the Powwows along Georgian Bay. They are fun, informative and open to all, so if you are interested, but unsure of what going to a PowWow is like, or would like to know more about PowWows, read here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/powwow-new-brunswick-oromocto-dances-drumming-1.4780744 The GBA First Nations Liaison Committee would like to hear from you on any stories or activities with your First Nation neighbours that you would like to share – please send to Anne Stewart, Chair at astewart.anne@gmail.com
On October 4th, 2018 Rupert Kindersley, Executive Director of the GBA was gifted with a shell, bead and leather piece by Marilyn Capreol, Shawanaga First Nation Elder. The ceremony was part of a visit to the French River area to commence the first pictograph reproduction for the French River Visitors' Centre “Talking Rocks” project. He is being assisted by Isaac Narisco Weber, the First Nations artist commissioned to replicate the pictograph that was visited. For more information please see https://georgianbay.ca/gotb/french-river-pictograph-project/
Ontario Municipal Election October 22, 2018 Suggested Questions - Prospective Candidates - Mayors/Reeves & Councilors We encourage all GBA members to question prospective municipal candidates for the upcoming Ontario municipal elections on their commitment to protecting Georgian Bay, providing the local services that you need and maintaining strong financial controls. Often your local community (cottage) association will interview candidates and make recommendations to their membership, but you may have the opportunity to ask questions directly yourself. Accordingly, we have put together a number of suggested questions which we would ask you to consider: The population of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is projected to grow by 41% from the current 7 million to 9.8 million by 2
This update on the law governing not-for-profit corporations is relevant to all GBA member associations that are incorporated entities under Ontario law. After a series of delays, the Government of Ontario has announced that the new Not-for-profit Corporations Act (passed way back in 2010) is scheduled to be proclaimed in force in January 2020. Not-for-profit corporations will have 3 years after the date of proclamation to come into compliance with the new Act. Meanwhile, the Ontario Corporations Act remains the legislation that applies to not-for-profit corporations incorporated in Ontario. It is recommended that Ontario not-for-profit corporations wait until the Act is proclaimed before making any associated changes to their by-laws, because the regulations under the new Act have n
Ontario Election June 7, 2018. Suggested Questions for MPP Candidates We encourage all GBA members to question prospective MPP candidates for the upcoming Ontario elections on their commitment to protecting the Great Lakes. In particular their intentions with regard to a range of issues that affect the Georgian Bay. This is best done at all candidates meetings in your riding, but other meetings, or approaches by individual candidates also provide an opportunity to raise these matters. Accordingly, we have put together a number of suggested questions which we would ask you to consider: The Great Lakes represent the largest natural heritage feature in Ontario and provide trillions of dollars in economic value to the Province, not to mention safe, reliable drinking water for the ma
