Citizen journalists or reporters Ursula Keuper-Bennett and Donald Barber, Mississauga Inquiry

Opening comments: More at the end.

More about the reporter - Louie Rosella

My records show this article was first called - 'Layers' of land deal under scrutiny - later changed to - 'Layers' of land deal probed.

Then lots of text from the story was removed.

In both case the “Lawyer Peter Downard of Fasken Martineau as a friend of the court, is a leading media lawyer and commentator on journalism in the digital media.” and he is not even noted! This is history happening in Mississauga people and it is not being reported.

The names & picture of Mississauga's Citizen journalists are removed from the Missing News report.
It was noted to the Inquiry that I am the oldest reporting Internet reporter in Mississauga.

This Hearing is taking place because I videoed a Hearing in the past and posted it on YouTube.

This Hearing was just for Citizen journalists and that means it cost taxpayers something and still it not reported.

There was an Apr. 8, front page story in the Missing News about Citizen journalists and a call for them to come out to state their case - no follow-up of that in the paper.

The Judge even made a very strong pea to us to supply all the documents we have - that is respect, more then from the Missing News.

This is the article first posted on the Internet
Apr. 12, 2010

This is the article as printed in the News PAPER
Apr. 14, 2010 - Front page

'Layers' of land deal under scrutiny

Citizen journalists.
Citizen journalists Ursula Keuper-Bennett (left) and Donald Barber
were heard by Justice Douglas Cunningham
at the Mississauga Judicial Inquiry Monday. Staff photo by Fred Loek

The controversial City Centre land deal involving Mayor Hazel McCallion and her son is expected to consume the bulk of the much-anticipated Mississauga judicial inquiry proceedings.

In addressing a Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. courtroom on the status of the inquiry, which is slated to begin May 17 and last some 40 days, Commission Counsel William McDowell said this morning the sheer volume of information and documents surrounding the land deal has made it a complex probe.
As such, it has required further investigation.

"There are layers to the (land deal) issue that are leading us to further areas of investigation," he told court, without getting into specifics.

McDowell added that the inquiry investigation is moving along, with "90 per cent of the documents" obtained and 25 witnesses interviewed.

The $2.5-million inquiry will, among other undertakings, probe conflict of interest allegations against the mayor, and Peter McCallion’s role in a $14.4-million failed bid by World Class Developments Ltd. to purchase a 3.5-hectare parcel of land owned by the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System.

WCD hoped to build a hotel and convention centre on the land in the City Centre. The deal eventually fell through.

(The deal involved private meetings between Mayor McCallion, the developer and OMERS, while zoning of the land was still before Council. OMERS subsequently sold the land to the City of Mississauga, which, in turn, leased it to Sheridan College).

The inquiry will also look into an agreement that made OMERS a 10 per cent shareholder in Enersource in 2000 and granted the company unusual veto power. The City owns 90 per cent of the hydro utility.

The Enersource portion of the inquiry will take about six days, McDowell said, with the remainder reserved for the land deal.

Meanwhile, inquiry commissioner Douglas Cunningham has yet to decide whether he'll recommend to the City that Peter McCallion receive more taxpayer dollars to pay his inquiry-related legal bills.

Both Peter McCallion's lawyer, Brian Gover, and McDowell agreed that the City should provide more funding to McCallion, which would allow him to fully participate in the inquiry.

Cunningham ruled earlier that McCallion must submit a sworn affidavit detailing his financial situation. Following that, the commissioner said, he'll make his decision.

The City will decide whether to accept, reject or modify Cunningham's recommendations.

Peter McCallion has already been granted up to $100,000 by the City to help offset legal costs.

In court documents and affidavits, McCallion said that without more funding, he'll be unable to fully participate in the inquiry. Documents don't specify how much additional funding he's requesting.

Mayor McCallion, her son, the City, Enersource and OMERS, which owns Square One Shopping Centre, will all be represented at the hearings.

Cunningham will also rule in the coming days on whether to let "citizen journalists" Donald Barber and Ursula Keuper-Bennett film and photograph proceedings.

Both made their cases today, arguing freedom of expression.

'Layers' of land deal probed

William C. McDowell

The controversial City Centre land deal involving Mayor Hazel McCallion and her son is expected to consume the bulk of the much-anticipated Mississauga judicial inquiry proceedings.

In addressing a Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. courtroom on the status of the inquiry, which is slated to begin May 17 and last some 40 days, Commission Counsel William McDowell said this morning the sheer volume of information and documents surrounding the land deal has made it a complex probe.
As such, it has required further investigation.

"There are layers to the (land deal) issue that are leading us to further areas of investigation," he told court, without getting into specifics.

McDowell added that the inquiry investigation is moving along, with "90 per cent of the documents" obtained and 25 witnesses interviewed.

The $2.5-million inquiry will, among other undertakings, probe conflict of interest allegations against the mayor, and Peter McCallion’s role in a $14.4-million failed bid by World Class Developments Ltd. to purchase a 3.5-hectare parcel of land owned by the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System.

Inquiry probing land deal

WCD hoped to build a hotel and convention centre on the land in the City Centre. The deal eventually fell through.

(The deal involved private meetings between Mayor McCallion, the developer and OMERS, while zoning of the land was still before Council. OMERS subsequently sold the land to the City of Mississauga, which, in turn, leased it to Sheridan College).

The inquiry will also look into an agreement that made OMERS a 10 per cent shareholder in Enersource in 2000 and granted the company unusual veto power. The City owns 90 per cent of the hydro utility.

The title of this article has changed maybe some words in it. MOST importantly, when it was printed in the paper, all references to citizen journalists and who they are, is removed. A very historical moment is now a non-event by Missing news. Thank You BIG Sister.

Mr. McDowell revealed "There are layers to the (land deal) issue that are leading us to further areas of investigation," he told court, without getting into specifics."

But yeah, it'd be safe to say that only 1 in 20 Mississaugans REALLY know McCallion Incorporated. And you likely do too but are havin' a terrific ride.

Mantis, you wrote to Barber, " It's good for the comedy value - like where you consider getting smoked with only 1 in 20 voters supporting you as a victory!" Actually both Mr. Barber and I don't interpret 1 in 20 voters as "support" but rather that they GET IT. As in KNOW what's going on at the City. You REALLY need to read Tom Urbaniak’s book, Her Worship: Hazel McCallion and the Development of Mississauga. I'm now on the part about Councillor Prentice and Urbaniak's profiled her to perfection as well. I've nailed her for being a sycophant, Urbaniak's got her as "most vocally deferential" to the mayor on a wide range of issues" and my personal favourite, "Prentice had proven to be an unflinching McCallion loyalist". (I'm now at the part where McCallion saves Prentice in the 1991 elections against challenger Peter Fonseca. And I have got GREAT video of Prentice to match Urbaniak's two statements! (Right now I'm only on page 165). But yeah, it'd be safe to say that only 1 in 20 Mississaugans REALLY know McCall

I told you who I am Barber...I'm a voter. I'm a taxpayer. I'm a businessman and unlike you, I'm a realist. I realize without a shadow of a doubt that you'll never be mayor. You are opposed by some 95% of Mississaugans and you're a prennial fringe candidate. Nothing more. Do you really think anyone who matters (voters and taxpayers) are going to pay the least bit of attention to your "citizen reporting"???? Do you think anyone other than your fellow tinfoil hat wearers actually visits your wacky and outlandish webpage? It's good for the comedy value - like where you consider getting smoked with only 1 in 20 voters supporting you as a victory!

Hazel got us good all those decades, didn't she Mr. Urbaniak? And thank you for your paragraph on Councillor Frank Dale. Get this. He's Chair of the City's Violence/Vandalism policy and the citizen's voice on that committee. HAHAHAHAHA. And what's funnier? You know your paragraph about Katie Mahoney and her non-role in protecting Mississauga's heritage buildings while she was chair of the Heritage Committee? You know what's worse? Watching that same person co-chair to "protect" youth! Yeah, co-chair of the Peel Youth Violence Prevention Network! HAHAHAHAHhaha. Can't decide who's worse, Saito or Mahoney. (But am only mid-through your book so maybe you can help tip that scale)

Apologies. There's another explanation for Mantis/ConcernedResident besides that AUTHORITARIAN mentality (where McCallion would draw both votes and rabid support), Mantis/ConcernedResident may also simply be someone who knows we're right but is a municipal employee doin' jes' fine dupin' the Public and doesn't want the Ride to end. It was Tony who referred to the "criminals at City Hall". I've referred to municipalities are being little more than white collar crime. When you read Urbaniak's book, his rigorous research shows how that's done. Refers to McCallion as Machievellian and when you read between the lines you see it's not that she'd led Mississaugans but that her and "her people" MANIPULATED them. Expect more this Election.

To Watcher, You write, "Does any one know who about this Mantis Dude is - woman, man, boy, girl. Thinking it is a woman likes the idea of eating her mates head, give the comments and clearly a lonely person." Matters not the gender --irrelevant to me. And highly doubtlful h/she's a "lonely person". The "Friends of Hazel" mentality --exalting in strong leadership uber-alles has faaaaaaaaaaaaar too much company. Suspect strong strong "Christian" background. But could be any religion. Or not. All you need understand is that Mantis (and ConcernedResident) are AUTHORITARIANS. (Read Robert Altemeyer)

To ConcernedResident --soooooooooooooooooooooo many opinions. And offer ZERI FACTS

ConcernedResident, you write, 'Can you grasp that concept, Uatu? There are many out there that do not see eye to eye with you. But, when you think you are always correct, I know you find the concept that someone disagrees with you hard to believe. Then you pull the schoolyard bully act out to defame the person." Oh the battlecry of the feeble, superstitious mind. Oh yee with zero facts/research. You know both Uatu and I are disgusted with morons who base their opinions on the opinions of others --or worse, what they read in the newspapers or watch on TV "News". Tell you what. Here's your cure. Read, Tom Urbaniak's Book, Her Worship: Hazel McCallion and the Development of Mississauga (Paperback). Unless you do that you resemble the multitudes who brought Hitler to power back in the late 20's. Exalting in a strong leader that Germany clearly needed. Only difference between you and them is --DEGREE.

You wrote, " All Canadians Muse The people who quite rightfully chased Barber around council chambers and then pitched him out were Canadians too." The people who chased Barber around council chambers are quasi-fascists, Mantis. Who prior the very times they were chasing him around were violating privacy laws with their video surveillance cameras, had no public complaints system in place (despite rigorous claims to the contrary) and if you saw what they do to kids --no, wait. You'd support that.

You wrote, ' Why do you get so bent out of shape? Because someone "disagreed" or found a comment "offensive". Good Lord! are you that full of yourself? Who honestly cares?" Actually, it's not about being "full of ourselves" but rather that the moron-coward with the click is "full of" crap. And of course worse. H/she is surely One who fluffs MYTHissauga. Simple lesson. You can agree or disagree with opinions or issues. You cannot agree/disagree with a FACT that I uploaded a new video anymore than you can agree/disagree that Mississauga News just posted a new article. It's not about being full of ourselves but rather disgusted that we have to share the planet with something that stupid. (This has been a Public Service Announcement)

Apr 12, 2010, in the City of Mississauga was a historical day in Canadian legal history. The Ontario legal community by way of the Mississauga Judicial Inquiry - a public Inquiry - the issue of Citizen journalists or reporters rights at a government Hearing - the Rights of Internet reporters, when compared to mainstream media. In the changing world two and only two Mississauga’s stepped forward to champion this new media and both were over 50! Truth is stranger than fiction. Don B, The Democratic Reporter is the longest known independent Internet reporter in Mississauga and was the youth candidate in the 2006, for the Mayor’s seat. Not her real seat but the City one. Does the media cover the real story, no. The two who spoke both agreed, can’t trust established media and given the way they covered this, who should?

Does any one know who about this Mantis Dude is - woman, man, boy, girl. Thinking it is a woman likes the idea of eating her mates head, give the comments and clearly a lonely person.

Offensive 1

Can you grasp that concept, Uatu? There are many out there that do not see eye to eye with you. But, when you think you are always correct, I know you find the concept that someone disagrees with you hard to believe. Then you pull the schoolyard bully act out to defame the person.

Since you can't understand how funny it is that someone disagrees with a simple announcement of something that actually happened, let me give a simple example even you can grasp. The Muse posts that the sun came up this morning. Someone clicks disagree. Tell me that's not moronic.

I'm a voter, a tax payer and someone who unlike you Barberites understands and accepts REALITY. Barber is way to far out in left field to be anything except a fringe Candidate in this city.

The people who quite rightfully chased Barber around council chambers and then pitched him out were Canadians too. So are the 95% of Mississauga residents who don't support Barber.

Because someone "disagreed" or found a comment "offensive". Good Lord! are you that full of yourself? Who honestly cares? Then you turn around and insult them. Keep up the bully act Uatu.

I mean can you imagine? Posting "Disagree" to a comment just letting people know that my presentation/transcript to the Judicial Inquiry was now at mississaugawatch? I'm reminded of the McCarthy era. You know. That part about You've done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?" It's the kind of question you ask when you already know the answer.

AHAHAHAHAHA! Another idiot disagrees with the Muse's simple note of posting a video! Hey turkey, whoever you are, are you trying to tell us she lied about it? The video is really there you know, at least in the real world as opposed to your fantasy. Show your face, coward, tell us WHY you disagreed. (Won't happen, I know, this comment will be marked "Offensive" by the brainless until it's gone.)

Video: MISSISSAUGA JUDICIAL INQUIRY presentation: Citizen-Bloggers can be BETTER than Traditional Media (9:37 min) at: http://tinyurl.com/y8nd3vx

Mantis: that’s a harsh and contemptuous comment on Mr. Barber, a community activist, environmental advocate, civic politician and a journalist. What are you? A paid agent of those criminals at City Hall, or a just an insensitive Rat!

Mantis, you wrote, "I wonder how long it'll take that idiot Barber to act up and get thrown out just like he did at City Hall!" Won't happen. From what I've seen of the people running the Inquiry, there'll all decent folk. You know... Canadians.

You weren't the youth candidate Barber, as usual, you were the FRINGE candidate. You're out there on the fringes where few voters dare to go. That's why you perpetually receive support in the single digits.

The article says I was “arguing freedom of expression”. Never used the words, more like don’t trust mainstream media they created Hazel and now this Inquiry has to deal with it. This hearing was a result of my videos on YouTube and standing up for Citizen journalists or reporters rights, I was not the youth candidate in the 2006 election for nothing, you know. Have to check out Hazel video - The Mississauga COUGAR Strikes Again

Unbelievable - it is like we weren’t even there if it not for the picture, would our names even be used?

The whole reason for this Hearing was to deal with Citizen journalists or reporters - that’s it and what kind of reports do we get, every thing else. A historical moment in Mississauga, lost by self-censorship of the media as I am in their bad books. Well, we did go on about how the Missing News doesn’t report the facts etc. How about this for an example - a “Lawyer Peter Downard of Fasken Martineau as a friend of the court, is a leading media lawyer and commentator on journalism in the digital media.” and he is not even noted! This is history happening in Mississauga people and it is not being reported. The Judge even made a very strong pea to us to supply all the documents we have - that is respect, more then from the Missing News.

This article will go as support for my submission to Commissioner Cunningham (thanks, guys!)

I'd also said this to the court this morning about the "media" in MYTHissauga. "The Past, Commissioner Cunningham, is proof that Mississauga accredited media do not respect history enough to be Guardians of the Truth." This article is actually terrific timing because I can use IT as a second example of me saying, "It's truly preposterous to call what we're blighted with here in MYTHissauga "media". And nationally, we're not that well-served either. Where are the Edward R. Murrows? Frankly, today's Murrows are more likely to be citizen-Bloggers filing Freedom of Information than hailing from the Toronto Stars or National Posts. That's why I was forced into blogging—the vast yawning soulless gap between what's shovelled to citizenry by accredited media and the Reality." Fact is, I never mentioned Freedom of Expression ONCE! (And I can just imagine what Rogers *SNORK* Cable 10 is... never mind, not worth pondering over.

Quote, "Both made their cases today, arguing freedom of expression." Nope. I made a case that (quoting from my script) "For the record, there are no media in MYTHissauga. And please spell that capital M. Y. T. H. and lower-case 'issauga'" and "We don't have a television station in MYTHissauga. Citizens are merely inflicted with a way that the City has found to funnel its 'Trust, Quality, Excellence' Party Line straight into our living rooms." As for the Missing News I said, "As for MYTHissauga's only newspaper? Coverage of City Hall is a joke." and then used as proof Joe Chin's article, "Youth not out of control, report says". I also said, that "It certainly would be unique should Truth be allowed some room to skate inside the borders of this municipality. Truth is not just a Stranger in MYTHissauga. Truth is smothered at birth—smothered by committee, and by what passes for media around here." On the bright side, I now have another article to use as an example of "accredited media" protecting the MYTH.