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The Niagara Republic

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  1. Ontario Broadcasting Corporation Parliament Hands Down Several Important Pieces of Legislation OTTAWA - Currently working on a comprehensive social welfare bill as well as a universal healthcare bill, Parliament handed down two bills signed into law regarding social issues within Ontario. Below, the two are highlighted. Equal Marriage Act The Equal Marriage Act is landmark legislation pertaining mainly to marriage certification for homosexual marriages. The law provides for federal recognition of same-sex marriages, though does not specify that recognition at the republic level. However, none of the republics currently have marriage laws for themselves, allowing the Equal Marriage Act to apply to all citizens in the country. This in effect, fully legalizes same-sex marriage throughout the nation and includes provisions that define a marriage as between two people, providing the same benefits to both heterosexual and homosexual unions. Marijuana Legalization Act The Marijuana Legalization Act takes the decriminalization of marijuana and expands it to full legalization. It also provides for forms of licensing for the production and sale of the plant. The provisions laid out construct a system almost identical to the sale and production of alcohol. Constraints have also been put on consumption in the sense that operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of THC will be considered driving while intoxicated. Laws regarding DUI, DWI, minor in possession and public drunkeness have been expanded by the act to include both alcohol and marijuana, making the laws previously applied to alcohol also being applied to marijuana consumption. The only exception being that the legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol will remain at 19, while the purchasing and consumption age for marijuana will be 21.
  2. Private, in the office of the Prime Minister As PM Hudson was going through some papers about the logistics of a national park system, Minister of Foreign Affairs Henry Thomas and Minister of Defense Robert Penner walked through the door. Hudson removed his feet from his desk and sat up, tossing the folder he was reading on the desk's surface. "Minister's, thank you for taking time from your other projects to meet with me, have a seat." "Thank you, Prime Minister," replied Minister Thomas as he sat on one of the couches arrayed before the Prime Minister's desk. Minister Penner nodded and took a seat in a chair. "I'm sure you are both aware of why you are here, the situation in Western Canada." "Yes sir," replied Penner. "What are your thoughts on the matter, and what can we do to help?" "It isn't an entirely pressing concern. What's taking place is thousands of miles away. A Japanese incursion is slightly unsettling, but I must admit I am not aware of any possible connections the old Albertan Domain could have shared with them. Of course, the situation requires no invlovlement from us and I can't even say which side would be better suited to handle. What I do know is that the Americans have shown a desire to influence the areas of Canada, and have done so in agreeable fashion, but the result of their diplomatic meeting with Tianxia and Japan isn't really our concern. In fact what I wanted to meet with you over was more of a tangent off of this situation that directly related. Minister Penner, can you give me a report on the formation of the military?" "It's coming along smoothly, Prime Minister," Penner replied, "After the opening of recruiting, we are nearing 100,000 recruits, with more coming every day. I expect we will reach our departmental goal of 120,000 soon. Training has already begun on the first recruit classes and factories have begun to produce tanks. We are contracting aerospace companies on the construction of our fighters and bombers. The special forces will be formed once enough recruits have graduated, at which point we can hand select candidates." "Very good, thank you Minister Penner. It's a rather large force for our nation in practical terms, but if there are volunteers for their country, we will accept," the Prime Minister answered. "Minister Thomas, what is your expert opinion on the situation in Western Canada, from a foreign affairs standpoint?" Thomas sighed placidly, "Well, Prime Minister, we don't have an official view on the matter. Of course we won't be interfering even in a diplomatic sense, we have neither the means nor I think the political desire even to, but better to discuss such matters." "I agree," replied Hudson, "How are our other efforts going?" "We have sent out feelers for diplomacy, our main goals now are to secure a consistent deal for passage through the St. Lawrence to the Atlantic. This would normalize our domestic markets on a number of goods, and indirectly certain services, which would be a great stabilizing force for our economy, especially in its nubile state." "Yes, yes. But I'm interested in your personal opinion on the first matter as well. Both of yours." Hudson looked to Penner to answer first, which he did, "I myself, I would rather North American lands be administered by North American governments. This incursion is very disconcerting to me personally." "And you, Minister Thomas?" Sighing again, Thomas replied, "If we were in any more position to matter on the subject I would find it a lot more troubling. I would say the Commonwealth's requisition of Saskatchewan for protectorate status provides a buffer to any Japanese influence this far East anyway." Hudson continued to push, "I am asking...for your personal opinion Minister. I appointed you to your post for your diplomatic skills, as well as your personal judgement. Now, I would appreaciate knowing what you think." "Of course, Prime Minister. I apologize," Thomas replied contritely, "I would feel more comfortable if the American Commonwealth were charged with administration of the territories. We know about them, we have had more diplomatic engagement with them, though simply by virtue of them granting us sovereignty, we are just in the dark on how the Japanese work or how to treat with them at the current time." "Well, simply looking at the current state of affairs, there are many colonies in the Americas in possession of foreign powers," Hudson said, almost directed at himself, "Another would not be, I think, in the best interest of the North American peoples. I'm not elected to be Prime Minister of the whole damn continent however, so maybe I shouldn't focus so much on this. The powers that be will sort this out, and we will continue to look after our own people. I'll take your opinions under advisement in case future situations are more pertinent. Thank you gentlemen."
  3. Official Declaration of the Formation of the Ontario Combined Armed Forces OTTAWA - Prime Minister Hudson, along with Minister of Defense Robert Penner, announced the formation and formalization of the Ontario Combined Armed Forces, to be the combined military forces of the United Republics of Ontario. The Ontario Combined Armed Forces is reported to be comprised of the Ontario Defense Force, the standing ground army, and the Ontario Air Force (OAF). Plans for a naval force have been put on hold for the time being as other issues are considered with the formation of the nation. It has been determined that conscription will not be utilized and that the Ontario Combined Armed Forces (OCAF), headed by the Combined Armed Forces Command (CAFCOM), will be a fully volunteer, professional armed force. There is currently no legislation for a potential draft on the table, and it is expected that such legislation will not be coming in the foreseeable future. Also note that, as voted upon in the pleibiscites on sovereignty, the military is under civilian control, with the Office of Prime Minister holding the title and powers of Commander in Chief. *CLASSIFIED* List of Current Assets Ontario Defense Force Headquarters: Ottawa, St. Lawrence Republic, URO Largest Base: Fort Niagara, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Republic, URO (75,306) Total Standing Soldier Count: 122,336 Standard Issue Weapon: M16 Family of assault rifles Total Tank Force: 350 Specialization of platoons and creation of special operations branches forthcoming. Ontario Air Force Headquarters: Ottawa, St. Lawrence Republic, URO Air Field: Fort Niagara Air Field, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Republic, URO Main Fighter Model: F-15E Strike Eagle Fighter Squadrons: 15 Main Strategic Bomber: B-1 Lancer Strategic Bomber Squadrons: 5 Addition of more specialized and varied aircraft to be discussed at a later date.
  4. Ontario National Fixtures, Institutions and Industries Toronto National University Location: Toronto, TM, Ontario Toronto National University is the premier site for higher education in the United Republics. Federally funded, this university recruits and brings in the best available professors and researchers to offer the best education in the nation. While all programs at TNU are considered top tier, the major programs with the most undergraduate students are Ecology, Medicine and Finance. University of Ottawa Location: Ottawa, SL, Ontario The University of Ottawa is second only to the Toronto National University in academic prestige and is generally considered a top tier university. It is officially bilingual and its most prestigious majors are Ecology, Business Management and Political Science. York University Location: Toronto, TM, Ontario York University prides itself on its specialized approach. Its offered programs are more narrow, but York feels that means they can provide deeper breadths of knowledge in those focuses. Its preeminent programs include Architecture, Business Administration and Finance. Niagara Technical Institute Location: St. Catharine, NI, Ontario. The Niagara Institute of Technology is the most prestigious technical institute in the United Republics and is well respected in the disciplines it focuses on. Its main programs include Physics, Engineering and Computer Sciences. Ontario National Center of Medicine Location: Ottawa, SL, Ontario The Ontario National Center of Medicine is the highest and most prestigious center for medical research in the nation. It is the main site for research on cures for diseases, new treatments and therapies, and identifying new pathogens or conditions. The ONCM also takes on patients, especially in severe or rare cases. St. Catharine General Hospital Location: St. Catharine, NI, Ontario St. Catharine General Hospital is the pre-eminent healthcare center in the Republic of Niagara and is seen as a hub for healthcare in the southern portion of the United Republics. St. Catharine's boasts cutting edge medical technology and physicians who are among the leaders in their fields. St. Catharine's is also the site of a large health and wellness institute that sponsors campaigns in the community to promote healthy lifestyles, as well as providing services to improve the community's ability to increase their own quality of life. Toronto General Hospital Location: Toronto, TM, Ontario Toronto General is the biggest hospital in the URO based on patient and service volume. It serves the Toronto metropolitan area and its extended service area includes most of the central portion of the nation. Like St. Catharine's it provides health and wellness programs for the area. Toronto General also partners with Toronto National University to train the next generation's medical personnel. Toronto Harbour Location: Toronto, TM, Ontario The Toronto Harbour is the largest harbor in Ontario by all metrics and is the heart for trade in the United Republics. It lies on Lake Ontario and can serve the whole world, whether that be to the other Great Lakes or up through the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic and the world beyond. Niagara National Bank Headquarters Location: St. Catharine, NI, Ontario Niagara National Bank is headquartered in St. Catharine, the Republic of Niagara and has branches servicing the entirety of the United Republics of Ontario. It is the largest bank in Ontario and is a provider of local services as well as larger, international financial services.
  5. The Republics of the Union Republics act much like provinces or states in other nations. However, while there is no legislation on the matter, by convention they are looked at to be in free association with one another and general tradition and convention usually grant them a certain amount of freedom in the creation of localized law. The Republic of St. Claire Capital: Windsor Official Languages: English Demonym: St. Clairian Postal Code: SC The Huron Republic Capital: Kitchener Official Languages: None (English de facto) Demonym: Huroner Postal Code: HN The Republic of Niagara Capital: St. Catharines Official Languages: English Demonym: Niagaran Postal Code: NI The Toronto Metropolitan Republic Capital: Toronto Official Languages: English, French Demonym: Torontonian Postal Code: TM The Republic of St. George's Bay Capital: Peterborough Official Languages: English, French Demonym: St. Georgian Postal Code: GB The St. Lawrence Republic Capital: Ottawa Official Languages: English, French Demonym: St. Lawrencian Postal Code: SL
  6. Reserved, UNITED REPUBLICS OF ONTARIO COMBINED ARMED FORCES
  7. The United Republics of Ontario Flag: Coat of Arms: Map: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Motto: Loyal She Began, Loyal She Remains Anthem: A Place to Stande, A Place to Grow Capital: Ottawa Largest City: Toronto ------------------------- Official Languages: None (English, de facto) Demonym: Ontarian Government Type: Federal Parliamentary Republic Prime Minister: Franklin Hudson Legislature: Parliament Lower House: House of Commons Upper House: Senate Establishment: February 5, 20XX ------------------------- Area: 139,931 km2 Population: 12,118,805 Currency: Canadian Dollar ($) (CAD) Time Zone: EST (UTC-5) Drives on the: Right Internet TLD: .on ------------------------- National Animal: Black Bear National Flower: White Trillium National Tree: Eastern White Pine National Bird: Great Northern Loon ------------------------- Brief Description The United Republics of Ontario (called Ontario for short) is a nation comprised of the union of 6 smaller republics inhabiting the region of Southern Ontario. Socially, the nation is Social Libertarian with a large emphasis on individual freedom, while economically the nation runs a mixed economy. Ontario's main economic sectors are manufacturing, finance and the service sector. Increasingly, tourism is seen as a major industry in the area, while timber from the Northwest region of the nation is still a large natural resource. Most agriculture takes place in the Southwest, where the population is less dense and growing seasons are slightly longer.
  8. Prime Minister Hudson Makes First Official Address Since Taking Office As reported by OBC Prime Minister Hudson took the podium in the official press room. Behind him hung the official national flag and coat of arms, reclaimed from the traditional Ontario provincial symbols. He cleared his throat as he leaned forward to the podium and spoke, "It is my priviledge to address you for the first time officially as your Prime Minister. I will be ever thankful that you, the people of the United Republics of Ontario, have selected me to take on this tremendous responsibility. I promise you, I will treat it as such. A tremendous responsibility, to each and every citizen of this wonderful national community. I'd like to take a moment to highlight my short-term, intermediate and long term goals, if you have me for that long." Hudson and the crowd chuckled at this momentarily before the PM continued, "Short term, our goals are rather clear. Forming and filling out our government structure and functions. Our armed forces and police as well as other service providers such as the hospitals and firefighters and many others have done a wonderful job of keeping the power on as we make our transition. Our goal is to supplement and integrate their service into the new federal government so that our national structure can be complete and proper. As we speak, my cabinet is hard at work coordinating these efforts and I assure you that as soon as I'm done addressing you I will be diving into the same work myself." It was already late, 9:00 p.m. EST when the speech began. Hudson appeared to be a little tired, and tired he was, but he was a devoted individual and he spoke true. "Now I'd like to talk about our intermediate goals. We have formed these with polling information in mind. Surveys were conducted as to the populace's wishes and we have constructed an action plan to achieve what we feel is in the best interest and according to your wishes, Ontario. Key among these will be the establishment of a national parks system to safeguard our natural resources and wonders, the creation of a social welfare system to provide for our suffering brothers and sisters, as well as developing a universal healthcare system. I'd like to take this opportunity to say that accomplishing these goals won't be easy. There are many considerations. Public disagreement, budgetary concerns and infrastructural ability. I do believe, however, that these can all be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time and to your satisfaction, citizens of Ontario, and I look forward to striving towards them." "My cabinet and I are still formulating our long term goals. These are more conceptual and ongoing goals. Raising our nation's international profile, increasing trade and opportunity, quality of life, things that we will never stop working to improve." --- Excerpt from Prime Minister Hudson's Speech Aimed at the International Community "I would like to now address the international community. Many of you who come across this speech will probably wonder about how our nation will be run. What are our political values and ideals? I think I can speak for the consensus view of this government and our citizenry that we highly value individual freedoms. In this way, you could classify our governmental policy in places as Social Libertarianism. We do not commit to a full level of Libertarianism as our populace has expressed their wishes for more social welfare programs and tighter business regulates. There is a growing adage in this government however, 'As long as what you do does not endanger others, or infringe upon their rights, you should be free to do as you see fit.' Of course, reality is always more complicated than ideals would like, but this is where this administration and government anchors itself on social issues and matters." "Economically, we believe in a semi-capitalist approach, we simply believe in regulation to ensure that proper methods are used, both in reference to businesses dealing with each other and in businesses' relations with the labor force. The citizenry of the Republics also believe in strong social welfare programs and that will be a major focus for my administration going forward. I would also like to note that the people of this nation pride themselves on being economically conscious and we will also be focusing on forming a partnership with nature and protecting the environment we live in." "I do hope to engage with many of you in the near future. We seek to form connections and partnerships that will hopefully prove mutually beneficial for each other and to foster international cooperation and comradery. To the people of Ontario, and to the people of the World, take care and good night. Thank you."
  9. Ottawa Named United Republics of Ontario Capital As reported by OBC The Peace Tower, which will house the Senate and House of Commons in Ottawa, Ontario. The final result of the inaugural election ballots is for the location of the nation's federal capital. Ottawa was selected with 85% of the popular vote, challenged only by Toronto which garnered the remaining 15%. While Toronto is by far the largest population center in the new nation, also with the highest profile, Ottawa was seemingly chosen for its historical value and its possession of many pre-existing government buildings and facilities. Prime Minister Hudson Announces His Cabinet Ministers As promised, PM Hudson announced his selections for his cabinet ministers sooner rather than later to "Start the process of normalization and get the wheels of Ontario turning." Here follows an examination of his choices: Henry Thomas - Minister of Foreign Affairs Political Party: Social Progressive Party Primary Directive: Direct contact with foreign officials and dictation of policy pertaining to affairs and situations outside the URO's national borders. Stated Primary Goal: To increase the URO's international profile, mainly by engaging in beneficial political and trade partnerships with other North American nations. General (Retired) Robert Penner - Minister of Defense Political Party: N/A - United Republics of Ontario Defense Force Primary Directive: To oversee the organization and coordination of the URO Combined Armed Forces. Stated Primary Goal: To begin the development of the URO Combined Armed Forces. Jonathan Porter - Minister of Education Political Party: Labor Party Primary Directive: To oversee national public education at all levels, and set national educational standards. Stated Primary Goal: To develop the national educational infrastructure and improve the quality of higher education. Katherine Holtby - Minister of Commerce and Labor Political Party- Liberal Party of Ontario Primary Directive: To oversee and regulate the national economy and business related concerns (labor laws, investments, business regulations, etc.). Stated Primary Goal: To create standards for labor while balancing increased investment opportunities. Diane Kimball - Minister of Agriculture, Ecology and Natural Resources Political Party: Social Progressive Party Primary Directive: To develop and protect the URO's natural resources and environment, as well as oversee agricultural regulation. Stated Primary Goal: To develop a national parks and protected lands system. Michael Arbor M.D. - Minister of Public Health Political Party: Social Progressive Party Primary Directive: To oversee and regulate the national healthcare system as well as health and wellness programs. Stated Primary Goal: The development of a universal healthcare system. Daniel Hibbert - Minister of Justice Political Party: Independent Conservative Party Primary Directive: Oversight and regulation of the URO's Justice System and programs related to crime prevention and rehabilitation. Stated Primary Goal: The development of a comprehensive crime prevention strategy. Patrice Julien - Minster of Cultural and Governmental Affairs Political Party: Social Progressive Party Primary Directive: Oversight and regulation of social welfare, social rights and cultural programs. Stated Primary Goal: To create a comprehensive social welfare program.
  10. Inaugural Parliamentary Elections in the URO As reported by OBC After the conclusion of voting and subsequent tallying, the results are in. In the House of Commons, the lower house, the Social Progessive Party captured a majority of the 140 seats with 90. They were followed by the Labor Party (20), the Independent Conservative Party (15) and the Liberal Party of Ontario (15) respectively. The Senate broke down similarly. Out of 30 Senate seats, the breakdown goes as follows: Social Progressives (18), Labor (6), Independent Conservatives (4), and Liberals (2). The results show a strong lean towards the Social Progressive Party, who many in the fledgling nation associate strongly with the push for sovereignty. The party does share strong ties with the independence movement and originated from a union of various political groups who sponsored the social campaign and organization. Franklin Hudson Elected by Popular Vote to the Office of the Prime Minister Newly elected Prime Minister Franklin Hudson attending the URO's announcement of sovereignty. Newly elected Prime Minister Franklin Hudson is a figure well known to the people of Southern Ontario, but perhaps not to any international audiences. Seen as a major cog in the Sovereignty Movement, Hudson was essentially the face and voice for the push for independence. The candidate of the Social Progressive Party, he won the popular vote in landslide fashion. To our international audiences, he is known domestically for his strong resolve, fair approach and calm demeanor. Many were drawn to his causes in the past because of his willingness to reach across the table and work with opposition, himself being quoted as saying "When you are working on a project or venture that affects those of a community, I always felt that it was only right to include all views on the issue at hand. Whether it is a political movement over the scope of a forming nation or something as simple as a community parks initiative, you cannot dictate terms because you have a position of influence, even when granted to you by the majority of the community. You need to build consensus and work to make as many people as comfortable as you can. You can never satisfy everyone, but the act of striving to help as many as you can is important in itself." At points, Hudson's platforms were overshadowed by his past achievements in the Sovereignty movement, but it is expected that he will work towards ecological protection projects, creating competent social welfare programs and evaluating the current state of healthcare. All of these of course are secondary concerns to other matters, in his words, "These are the objectives my office would work towards if elected. But these would come second to establishing the nation and its varying levels of government, so that we could provide the best quality of life we could to our citizens as it is necessary now, then work to improve it every day." Prime Minister Hudson is expected to name his cabinet at a later time undecided.
  11. OOC: I have lurked here for a bit before creating the CN nation I have, so I'm going to try set this up sorta how I've seen it done. IC: DECLARATION OF SOVEREIGNTY FOR THE UNITED REPUBLICS OF ONTARIO As reported by the OBC (Ontario Broadcasting Corporation) After a series of referendums and plebiscites the denizens of Southern Ontario have voted to form an independent nation. Involved in the plebiscites and developed by the committee in charge, the population decided upon a Federal Parlimentary Republic, formed out of several federated republics. Based on other poll questions, platforms have been established for the newly formed political parties which will contend for seats in Parliment. Voting on the parlimentary candidates will commence later in the evening, with the Prime Minister being named after the conclusion of the parlimentary elections. Along with this came a formal declaration of sovereignty for those territories that voted to join together into the newly independent nation. The formal designation of the new nation will be the United Republics of Ontario. Coverage of the elections will continue later this evening.
  12. Just one note, thanks to MGL by the way, but could it be named Ontario instead of Niagara? Thanks.
  13. I know, I just didn't know if anyone else would recognize the Upper Canada term off the bat. Thanks for the info, I will try to get in touch with him.
  14. Hi, I'm new here and was wondering if I could claim the areas of Ontario, Canada that include Ottawa southward through Toronto and up to the borders with *the United States. I could not tell if this was part of the protectorate or not, the label is up in the Yukon and it is not listed in the Current Protectorates section. If so, could it be named Niagara? Better explained, I would be requesting the red and green sections on this map:
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