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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2015-07-08, Page 44 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, July 8, 2015 L2ILLI,LL 1 www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com ikon Expositor PUBLISHED WEEKLY — EST. 1860 P.O. Box 69, 8 Main Street Seaforth Ontario NOK 1 WO phone: 519-527-0240 fax: 519-527-2858 www.seaforthhuronexpositor E POSTMEDIA NEIL CLIFFORD Advertising Director neil.clifford@sunmedia.ca DIANNE MCGRATH Front Office seaforth.classifieds@sunmedia.ca MARIE DAVID Group Advertising Director Grey Bruce Huron Division 519 376-2250 ext. 514301 or 510 364-2001 ext. 531024 SUBSCRIPTION RATES 1 YEAR $50.00 (47.62+2.38 GST) 2YEAR $95.00 (90.48+4.52 GST) SENIORS 60 WEEKS $50.00 (47.62+2.38 GST) 120 WEEKS $95.00 (90.48+4.52 GST) Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064683 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 69 Seaforth ON NOK 1 WO For any non -deliveries or delivery concerns: phone: 519-527-0240 Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities. Canada editorial Golden years can mix with financial dross As Canadians, our life expectancy, while not up there with those of a few other countries, is much bet- ter than most -- about 81.25 years. We enjoy relatively affluent living and gen- erally have access to quality health-care and medicines. But we are beginning to witness a trend that was predictable. As baby boomers hit the so- called golden age, the increase in life expec- tancy and a penchant for buying now and pay- ing later have become a way of doing business at home as well as at the shop. In short, life savings are quickly dying more quickly than we are. In the past five years, according to Statistics Canada, bankruptcy among seniors has increased by almost 21%, accounting for more than 10% of all bankruptcies. That number is shock- ing yet not surprising. We are fast approaching the point when 50% of those hitting the retiring line are still in debt, depending on income supplements, home equity and CPP to survive. The Bank of Canada points its finger at con- sumer debt as the root of the problem, forcing many seniors to rely on so-called payday, high - interest loans, or dipping into their equity through such avenues as reverse mortgages to make ends meet. Hardly the ideal retire- ment plan. Sadly, this trend can be blamed at least in part on our desire for things we don't need. The appeal of large lines of credit and low-inter- est, no -down payment loans or buying options are just too much for some to resist. Fast for- ward to the time when the piper must be paid, and we have a huge problem on our hands. Senior citizens should be one of our most valu- able treasures, responsi- ble in many ways for the fine living we all enjoy, having made sacrifices in building a solid Can- ada, many by fighting for our freedom and democracy. It is the responsibility of all of us to help stop the trend by making sure our senior and soon-to-be senior friends and family have sound financial plan- ning advice, are not being scammed and can get the debt relief they require. As the old adage goes, you can be young and poor, but you can't be old and poor. Let's all do a better job of making sure Canadi- ans' golden years are not tarnished by the unrea- sonable worship of free gold. — Fred Rinne letters to the editor SWEAR members appeal for community donations to cover legal fees Dear Editor: On May 28, the Court of Appeal for Ontario denied leave to appeal to the Drennans, Dixons, Ryans and the Kroeplins, in respect of their Charter Challenge to the current legislation for the approval of wind turbine projects. This brought an end to this particu- lar challenge. However, much impor- tant work was done and information gathered during this process. The County of Lambton and fourteen groups from across the province intervened at Divisional Court this past November to support the Char- ter Challenge and consolidate the fight. Ironically, in their decision in late 2014, Divisional Court acknowl- edged that there is a strong public interest component here. All of this will be used by others going forward. Things are percolating across this province on this front, and the Char- ter Challenge may well rise again. In the meantime, the appellants in this challenge are now faced with paying court costs to the wind com- panies. The costs are considerably less than what was requested by the wind companies (the court reduced the amounts) but are, nevertheless, significant. We would like to thank everyone who supported the Charter Chal- lenge by actions, financially and/or in spirit. Support was strong and continuous. At this time we are ask- ing sking you to please consider finan- cially supporting the appellants with their court costs. Their fight was a community fight and we can, and should, help them with this part. If you would like to make a contri- bution, please make your cheque payable to SWEAR - c/o Dave Hem- ingway, RR2 Bayfield, ON NOM 1GO. Online Donors can go to the SWEAR website: www.swearon- tario.wix.com/swearontario and hit the "DONATE" button. All contributions go directly to legal challenge costs. You may be able to use your contribution as a business expense; Check with your accountant or business adviser. Thank you. Dave Hemingway, President Anita Frayne, Secretary/Treasurer On Behalf of SWEAR A reflection on Canadian values, culture, politics and change To the Editor: Canada Day is always a special day to reflect on the goodness that is bestowed upon those of us who, either by birthright or by choice, are most fortunate to be able to say, "I am a Canadian:' I have been a Canadian since 1975, and I regularly count my blessings on becoming a Canadian. Being a Canadian is not something that we should ever take for granted. As our national anthem states, "We stand on guard for thee." As I watched the Canada Day cel- ebrations on CBC unfold, I savoured the words of Canada's Governor General David Johnston when he said, "The country we dream of won't build itself." There are a myriad of ways, big and small, whereby each and every one of us can help to build the Canada of which we dream. The Prime Minister of Canada has one of the most powerful and most responsible building roles that any Canadian could ever apply for. As our govemor general addressed the joy- ous gathering of thousands on Parlia- ment Hill, I pondered whether Mr. Harper was having any misgivings about the most radical ways in which he has changed Canada's values in the nine years of his iron -fisted rule. His silencing and firing of federal scien- tists, his abdication of responsibility as the chief custodian of the water we drink, the air that we breathe and the earth which grows our food, together with his disregard and disrespect for democracy, are but three of the many deep scars that he has forced upon tra- ditional Canadian values; scars which will take years or decades for future politicians to remove. Before we go to the polls in Octo- ber, it is important that Canadians reflect on the damage that Mr. Harper has inflicted upon our Canadian cul- ture and values during his term as prime minister of one of the most amazing countries in the world. Yours sincerely, Jim Hollingworth Goderich SEAFORTH HURON EXPOSITOR — HOURS OF OPERATION MONDAY: 9:00 - 5:00 • TUESDAY: - CLOSED • WEDNESDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • THURSDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • FRIDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • SATURDAY & SUNDAY: - CLOSED ADVERTISING DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 2:00 • PHONE 519-527-0240 • FAX: 519-527-2858 www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com