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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1995-04-26, Page 18PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1995. 4-H program prepares youth for tomorrow The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow and the 4-H program is committed to preparing them for that very important role. Fifty-seven senior 4-H members from across Canada, including Ann Uhler from Brussels, gathered in Ottawa, March 31 - April 6 to explore the theme "Youth Can Make a Difference" and learn about Canada's political process and where and how they fit in. This year's program featured a number of new elements and a more focused approach. Confer- ence delegates were assisted throughout the week by a guest facilitator, former Progressive Conservative MP Arnold Malone, as they learned about the intricacies of political debating, the operation of lobby groups, the elections process and much more. The tour of the Supreme Court of Canada featured a special address this year from Supreme Court Judge, The Honourable Mr. Justice Frank Lacobucci. Delegates also had the opportunity to share the experiences of some of their peers when they met with a group of youth representatives who have been politically active. Each segment of the conference was designed to build upon the theme and sessions employed hands on activities such as electing political leaders, joining parties, forming lobby groups etc. The week of preparations culminated in an actual mock debate on the controversial Fire Arms Control Bill. Canadian 4-H Council Program Manager, Judy Gallant, explains that this year's new and innovative approach ''allowed delegates to actually put what they had learned into practise and truly learn to do by doing". Seminar participants of course enjoyed traditional activities such as touring the Parliament Build- ings, a viewing of Question Period and joining MPs from their home ridings for the Parliamentary Luncheon. Delegates were also presented with their Certificates of Canadian Citizenship at a ceremony presided over by Greg Joy, silver medalist in the high jump at the 1976 Olympic Games. The success of any 4-H event is largely due to the generous fmancial assistance provided by its sponsors. Numerous companies and organizations support National 4-H Citizenship Seminar. Major supporters of the 1995 conference included: Department of Canadian Heritage, Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada, Air Canada Inc., CP Rail System, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. It was the support of the Masonic Foundation of Ontario under the delegate sponsorship program which allowed Ms Uhler to attend this year's conference. Canadian 4-H Council officials join the delegates in thanking the 1995 program sponsors for their valuable support and their continuing commitment to the 4-H movement and Canada's rural youth. NATIONAL 4H CITIZENSHIP SEMINAR OLLO'-E ATI H TO NNETF T e ture Senior 4-H members gathered in Ottawa from March 31 to April 6 to explore how youth can make a difference. They learned about the political process, and where and how they fit into the country. From left: Allan Munro, Perth; Lucy Emmott, Powassan; Stacey Stewart, Thunder Bay; Sandra Emmott, Paris; Ann Uhler, Brussels; Kiane Jaggassar, the Ontari 4-H council rep, Maxville and Hugh Hunter, Smith Falls. OFA opposes Bell's rate hikes Bell Canada's recently announced plans to seek increases for monthly rural telephone rates and to charge for local calls, has left the Ontario Federation of Agriculture "furious", says OFA President Roger George. "Communication services in many areas of rural Ontario are archaic and outdated, yet Bell Telephone has the audacity to suggest we should pay more for less. If they really want to even out payment for services, then let's see them put 'party lines' in urban areas. That would be equality," he said. A project in the township of West Wawanosh worth $99,000 has been approved under the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works program, Huron-Bruce MP Paul Steckle, Huron MPP Paul Klopp and Reeve Robert Hallam announced April 5. Funding will be used to construct a trunk storm sewer outlet for the village of Dungannon, which will alleviate current flooding problems and allow for future improvements to the local sewer system. Work is scheduled to start inAugust and should be completed by October. This project will create an estimated 46 person-weeks of employment. "The co-operation of the three levels of government in providing these funds to alleviate drainage problems in Dungannon will now allow future development in the hamlet and improve the health and Hying standards of its residents," said Mr. Hallam. Canada/Ontario Infrastructure George went on to point out that many farm operations can not even equip their office with something as simple as fax machines because the phone service is to obsolete. "Ontario does not just revolve around the urban centres. Rural quality of life and rural jobs depend on a communication infrastruc- ture." What Bell Telephone has not considered in its financial calculations, is the amount of money rural residents spend on long distance calling. "In the Works is a $2.1 billion shared-cost program designed to create jobs through local priority projects which will improve the province's infrastructure and therefore its competitive position. Canada, Ontario and local partners are each contributing one-third of the program funding. The program, which is expected to create up to 37,000 direct and indirect jobs, is a positive example of the federal, provincial and local levels of government working co- operatively to foster economic development and growth. Fight fat prejudice. Helping a child to accept his body is very important. A fat child who accepts his body still has to live in a world that hates it. The fight against fat prejudice begins by examining our attitudes towards weight. Are we judging people on the basis of their size and shape? country, it's not uncommon for your neighbour across the road to be in a long distance calling area," said George, "let alone your closest equipment dealer, feed store, or your bank manager. Long distance payments rural residents make to Bell more than subsidizes the current monthly rate." The OFA will seek status before the CRTC hearing to vigorously oppose Bell's proposal. In addition, the OFA is encouraging all rural resident to contract the CRTC, their members of parliament, Bell Canada, and their municipal councils. "The message is simple," said George. "Left to Bell, rural Ontario residents will be nothing short of road kill on the information highway." W. Wawanosh receives infrastructure grant a Oak 4thezer/ 4atal 01)1 beamed cou 7411, Slaw Ma? MB IR n FOR SA Helpful hands It takes many hands for a big project like cleaning the Cranbrook Community Hall and this year local residents decided to pitch in to get the job done. Saturday, Lyn Housser was one of a group of locals who came armed with buckets and brooms to wipe out the dust and dirt. Previously the work had been done by the Hall Board members, but this year residents felt they'd like to help out. 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