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The Citizen, 2004-05-27, Page 4Looking Back Through the Years PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2004. Between last week's provincial budget and the ongoing federal election campaign (which already seems like it's gone on too long), you're sure to hear plenty about medicare in the next while. Amid all the bluster, however, it's wise to try to remember why Canadians chosd to support a government-provided medicare program in the first place. As every year goes by there are fewer people to remember what it was like before medicare was put in place in the 1960s. Those were days when a serious medical problem could mean a family was in debt for years. They were days when those short on money might not go to the doctor or the hospital because they, feared the expense they might incur. The diminishing number of people who can remember those times makes it easier for people to forget what we've got, and look longingly south of the border to where taxes are less because the government doesn't provide health care, but millions of people with no insurance coverage have the same fears we once had. Yet there's also something about health c;.re that turns medicare into an act of patriotism. almost to the point of fanaticism. Despite problems with the system we have, many people object to any attempt to change it, worrying it is the thin edge of the wedge of privatization. There would seem to be two basic reasons for a publicly-supported health care system. On one hand, people should not be hesitant to seek medical attention if they fear something is wrong. Aside from the personal health and comfort of the individual, society has a stake in keeping people healthy. Early treatment can save money in the long run and we don't want people delaying getting medical attention for themselves or their children for fear of expense. The second basic of public health care is that people should be • protected from catastrophic expense, the kind that can endanger a family's future. As medical expenses increase, that danger is even greater than in the past for families to face crippling debt. Those are the necessities of health care. How we deliver that care is less important. There are those who say private companies can provide expensive services such as MRI scanners, and theoretically they could, except in the long run, the public is going to pay for the financing and operation of those scanners anyway. Strangely, those who would object to the government going in debt to buy equipment have no objection to private companies borrowing to buy equipment and having the government pay them back, plus a profit for the service. As the rhetoric heats up, let's remember why we need a strong medicare system.— KR Letter to the editor Editorials Opinions Medicare: the bottom line Publisher, Keith Roulston Editor, Bonnie Gropp Advertising, Jamie Peters and Alicia deBoer The Citizen is published 50 times a year in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $30.00/year ($28.04 + $1.96 G.S.T.) in Canada; $80.00/year in U.S.A. and $100/year in other foreign countries. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited. Advertising Deadlines: Monday, 2 p.m. - Brussels; Monday, 4 p.m. - Blyth. PUBLICATIONS MAII, AGREEMENT NO. 40050141 PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM REGISTRATION NO. 09244 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. PO BOX 152 BRUSSELS ON NOG 1H0 email: norhuron@scsinternet.com We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP) toward our mailing costs. Member of the Ontario Press Council MfgatINM We are not responsible for unsolicited newsscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are Copyright P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, Ont. NOM 1H0 Phone 523-4792 FAX 5239140 ocna ENA E-mail norhuron@scsinternet.com Website www.norinhuron.on.ca The Citizen PO. Box 152, BRUSSELS, Ont. NOG 1H0 Phone 887-9114 FAX 887-9021 6,„ THE EDITOR, Farmers do much more than simply produce food. They help to preserve the environment, protect our natural resources and create jobs in rural communities. In short, farmers are the backbone of the Canadian economy. It is not an overstatement to suggest .that agriculture is a business like any other business. They need predictability and financial support to prosper and, when agriculture prospers, all parts of rural Canada will share in that success. The new Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) Program was announced on April 7. With a budget of $255 million over five years - or $51 million annually - it will enable Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector to seize new opportunities. The ACAAF is the successor to the Canadian Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) Fund. The new federal funding program will continue to support the goals of the Agricultural Policy Framework but with a broader and more forward- looking mandate. It will, for example, have the flexibility to allocate funds where the need is greatest and deliver initiatives not only at the national level, but also at the multi-regional and regional levels. Players within the sector will remain responsible for formulating and implementing the various projects. In addition to the above, the ACAAF also looks at the long term and is being funded accordingly. The new program will contribute proactively to mapping out strategic directions for the sector. It will also expand the sector's capacity to identify and respond to current and emerging issues, and there will be an emphasis on 'forging new strategic alliances within the sector. The ACAAF will also establish "collective outcomes" as a key objective of the new program. Collective outcome projects are aimed at areas in which greater industry collaboration will be encouraged to maximize benefits to the sector. By undertaking collective outcome projects, the 14 industry-lead provincial and territorial councils will have the opportunity to further increase available funding. The $25 million in funding available under CARD will increase to $27.3 million under ACAAF, and could go as high as $31.7 million annually when the collective outcomes are factored in. ACAAF is based on a three-pillar approach that will allow it to remain in step with changing conditions in the agriculture sector: industry-led solutions to emerging issues; capturing market opportunities by advancing research results; and sharing information to advance the sector. Applications are now being accepted for national project proposals and must be submitted by May 31st, 2004. For further details, go to www.agr.gc.ca/acaaf Sincerely, Paul Steckle, MP Huron-Bruce. May 28, 1952 An Empire Day musical program was presented by students from the Brussels Public School to family and friends. A special meeting was held at St. John's Anglican Church in Brussels to honour Rev. John Kerr and his wife, who were leaving for the new charge at Alvinston and In- wood. Glenn Oliver of Brussels had the highest aggregate score in the swine club and took home top honours at the annual Huron County 4-H Achievement Day livestock judging. May 29, 1969 Myra McNair of Brussels, graduated from St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in Kitchener. Bonnie Uhler of Walton graduated from Victoria Hospital School of Nursing and received an award for general proficiency in obstetrical nursing. Alison Elliott of Bluevale was also a member of the graduating class. Wilmar Wein of Crediton, clerk- treasurer of Stephen Twp., was elected president of the Huron County Municipal Officers Association. Grade 7 students from Brussels Public School held a successful rummage sale in the Export Packer building and raised $150 towards an excursion trip to Midland and Collingwood. May 31, 1972 The members of the Brussels Women's Institute branch made a quilt for the upcoming celebration. The quilt had the names of 1,010 people from various organizations throughout the community. Huron County councillors took a tour through Domtar's salt mines. Joyce Taylor of F. E. Madill Secondary School, attended the WOSSA in Sarnia. She placed fifth in the hurdle class and sixth in the long jump. The youth and recreation branch of the department of education in co--operation with the Royal Canatian Legion, began a track and field program aimed at athletes aged 10 to 15. About 138 area 4-H members took part in the Huron livestock and field crop _ judging competition in Seaforth. David Huether of Brussels, received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from the University of Guelph. Nearly 400 people gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of Knox Presbyterian Church in Ethel. May 28, 1989 The Belgrave WI held its 75th anniversary. The Blyth Festival started rehearsals for its 12th season. More than 300 youngsters signed up for swimming registration at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. Rhonda Scrimgeour of Blyth, graduated from the culinary course at Conestoga College. Due to the system that the Huron County Board of Education devised, which entailed the switching around of principals in the board's jurisdiction, local principals were leaving their current schools. Bill Stevenson from East Wawanosh Public School was replaced by Ken Scott from Brussels Public School. Grey Twp. principal Jim Axtmann went to Brussels Public School. Deborah Gosling of Blyth graduated with honours from the Ridgetown College of Agriculture Technology with a diploma in Agricultural Laboratory Techno- logy. May 25, 1994 Former Stratford Festival media manager, Keith Courtney was welcomed by the staff at the Blyth Festival as he became the new publicity director. Joanne King of Brussels received the Citizenship award for her never- ending ability to give to her community despite personal trials. Deb and Fred Hakkers provided some light entertainment for shoppers at the Blyth United Church garage sale as they dressed up as clowns and handed out bal- loons. The Blyth Legion team dart throwers earned the title of Overall Dominion Champions in Cal- gary. Mark Marquis made a presentation on behalf of a group of Colborne Twp. residents whose properties were part of the C4 candidate landfill site. The group prepared a brief outlining reasons why the site should be eliminated from the list of 11 candidate sites. OPP Const. John Marshall visited Hullett Central Public School to instruct the pre-kindergarten students on the various rules for bus safety. June 2, 1999 Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty made a campaign stop at a Huron County farm with provincial candidate Ross Lamont. Mrs. Hulley's Grade 7/8 class from Blyth Public School put in some hard labour as they planted a peace garden as part of a school board project. , For the third year in a . row, Dyzmitry Baranouski enjoyed fresh air, healthy food and freedom in Canada as he stayed with Neil, Donna and Joel Hemingway to minimize the effects of .the Chernobyl disaster.