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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1976-11-04, Page 7By JACK RIDDELL MPP Huron-Middlesex The Ontario Legislature reconvened for the fall session on Tuesday, October 26, with a number of Ministers making lengthy statements explaining bills to be introduced later in the day. Some of the more significant announcements dealt with family law, farm income stabilization, a delay in moving to market value assessment as a basis for property taxation, and an agreement entered into between Reed Paper and the Provincial Government concerning forestry rights over a vast area of Nor- thwestern Ontario. The Farm Stabilization Bill which was introduced by the Government on the opening day incorporated many of the amendments made by the Opposition Members to the Bill which was defeated in the spring session, The Minister of Agriculture responded to Opposition demands to bring in legislation to provide a volun- tary, contributory plan covering all commodities. The new legislation is hinged to the Federal Stabilization Plan, which guarantees farmers up to 90 percent of the average of the last five years' prices on certain named commodities. Other commodities under the Federal Plan can be designated for a price guarantee of up to 90 per- cent in any one year pending the decision of the Federal Govern- ment after taking into con- sideration the existing market price and the effect that the price would have on producers and future production. Under the proposed legislation Date set for achievement The 29th Annual Huron County 4-H Achievement Night will be held in, the Central Huron Secondary School in Clinton, on Friday, November 5th, commencing at 8:00 p.m. All Huron County 4-H Agri- cultural club members who completed a project in 1976 will receive their awards on this occasion, as well as those who have received special trophies and awards for their 1976 4-H club work. Everyone who has an inter- est in the 4-H Programme is invited to attend the Achieve- ment Night. 14. " Farm bill introduced in legislature Tirnes-Advocate, November 4, 1976 Poe ? McCann. Const. Ltd. DASHWQOD, ONT, Pre-Cast Concrete Steps and Porches and Ornamental Railings 1111411;111111 "Ai ki ati 1 rale. Your Authorized Dealer a DIAL 237-3381 41, i U STEP NIT er - mai The bill comprises five parts, each dealing with distinct though related subject areas, Part One deals with the division of family assets between the spouses where the marriage breakdown occurs. The basic rule in that is that family assets will be divided equally between the spouses. Family assets which comprise property owned by either or both spouses, the things that a family use together as a family, would be shared equally by the spouses" on a marriage break-down regardless who had bought the property and irrespective of which spouse held legal title. Part two concerns the obligations of spouses to support each other and their children, whether born within or outside of marriage, and of children to support their parents in ac- cordance with the needs and capacity of each party, This part also creates a limited obligation of one common law spouse to support the other. Where two persons lived together as if married, one person frequently becomes dependent on the other, especially if there is a child of the union. If one of these two people is no longer self-sufficient, it is reasonable to look to the other to assist in restoring him or her to financial independence. Mr, McMurtry said it was more desirable to place a support obligation on common law spouses than have a large number of persons, who are living common law, looking to public welfare for support, A common law spouse can claim support only after at least two years cohabitation, Part three of the Family Reform Act, 1976, provides rules for insuring that the matrimonial home is not dealt with by one spouse so as to deprive the other or the children of a home, This part provides security for the members of the family by requiring that both spouses join in any sale or mortgage of the matrimonial home. The family's right to shelter is protected against the unilateral act of either husband or wife. Provision is also made for either spouse to obtain an order to exclusive possession of the home and its contents, where financial support alone would be' inadequate. Part Four of the Bill permits spouses to enter into com- prehensive marriage contracts covering their respective rights to property, support, custody and education of children and any other matters arising during their marriage or on an eventual marriage breakdown, A marriage contract could prevail over any of the provisions of the Act except where it limited a spouse's rights in the Matrimonial home or reduced a spouse to dependence on welfare or included provisions contrary to the best interests of the children of the marriage, The last part of the Bill, Mr, MclVlurtry said, contains many amendments to statute and abrogations of the common law consequential upon the previous four parts. Part V abolishes the last vestiges of the inferior status in law of the married woman and completes the work begun in the Family Law Reform Act, 1975. The Family Law Reform Act of 1975 is incorporated as part of this Act. Mr. McMurtry advised that his Ministry has prepared a pam- phlet and an information booklet explaining the bill and these documents will be distributed freely as widely as possible across the Province. —r\-, ) Lf this system for ceilings is ideal for lowering high ceilings, hiding water and heating pipes, ductwork, etc. The panels lift in and out easily for access to any above ceiling plumbing or wiring. The steel grid system is easy to install and has a baked white enamel finish. 8' Main Beam p2@ ea 8' Wall Angle GO ea 4' Cross Tee 02 ea. 2' Cross Tee .7 )rea, 3 73 no?, Fr..,Li i LiV\ -l")7'4"1 ic\g'24 A [L Lr The Franklin is an enchanting beauty that enhances the decor of any room. With the doors open, you have a bright and cheerful fireplace. With the doors closed, heating efficiency improves considerably; the heavy cast iron frame then retains the heat and gently radiates it into the room. The Franklin uses wood, coal or charcoal and features functional damper control. 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Panel all of a oom or feature a wall — either way you'll save at Saveway. the Province will add another five percent on to the Federal Plan guaranteeing 95 percent on named commodities under the Federal Plan which must be supported to a level of at least 90 percent. But for any commodity that is not covered to the 90 percent level by Ottawa, the Ontario Plan will simply add another five percent of the last five years' average market price of that commodity to the prevailing market price. For all commodities the Ontario Plan supports the difference between 90 percent of the five year average price and 95 percent of the 5 year average price. This is satisfactory for coint modi ties named under the Federal Stabilization Plan but it is extremely punishing for commodities not covered by the Federal Plan, As critic of the Agriculture Ministry for the Liberal Party, I feel that in the absence of a Federal Plan the Provincial Plan should provide full protection. Another weakness in the bill is the method of indexing for ad- justing payments to keep up with the inflation. The cost used for indexing in accordance with the bill are cash cost and in my opinion the indexing system should cover all production costs. This could include a return for the farmer's labour and in- vestment. There is also the danger in this bill that the support level on named commodities under the Federal Plan is too rigid. The Bill states that the support level must be 95 percent of the five year average price adjusted for changes in some input costs. In some commodities where over production is feared, producers may not want a support level that is that high. All in all we in the Liberal Party are pleased that the program is to be voluntary and that farmers are to contribute. Apart from the support level for unnamed or und.esignated commodities under the Federal Plan we are pleased that all commodities are to be covered and that there is provision for consulation with farm organizations and an opportunity for the Federal Government to share the cost. As I indicated previously I would like to see some amend- ments to the bill and if approved then I feel we have taken a major step forward in bringing some kind of stability to the agriculture industry in Ontario and the assurance to the consumer of an adequate supply of high quality food at reasonable prices. When-introducing the Family Law Reform Act, 1976, the Attorney . General, the Honourable Roy McMurtry said that the existing common and statute law has failed to keep pace with the challenges. of modern family life. He said that the new Bill sweeps away the ramshackle structures of the law governing matrimonial property and support obiligations in a marriage breakdown situation. in the security of the family home and abolishes the ancient right of dower, PIONEER SX- 450 AM-FM STEREO RECEIVER MUSIC'S PRICE $229 RETAIL 249.95 The Pioneer SX-450 receiver is ideal for aver- age size listening rooms and can be the heart of a modest priced, good sounding system. Provisions for two sets of speakers, phono, micophone, auxiliary and tape recorder. Come in fora listen. • Power 15 watts RMS per channel • Distortion less than 0.5% • FM sensitivity 2.0 • Warranty two years AtIONIN: 16 Ontario Street, Stratford 2;1.2960