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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2000-11-22, Page 6S -TMS IIIMON EXPOOlTO11, IbtrewMor 22, WOO Federal election Kelly says more can be done for farmers Sy Tim Cumming Godarkh Signal -Sher kW' Progressive Conservative candidate Ken Kelly says the Canadian government can do more for farmers. Kelly said he doesn't believe Canada's government can fund farmers to the same level as subsidies in the United States but he said more can be done to level the playing field. "Can Canada 'do the same for farming as the United States? I'm not .sure we want to ... can Canada give a better standard of living for our farmers? 1 believe we can." Kelly is a familiar face in farm politics. He served as vice president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture from 1994 to 1999. The federal candidate in the ridings of Huron -Bruce says he is a lifelong Conservative but he said he tried to remain non-partisan during his many years serving at the executive level of farm organizations. He has never run in a federal or provincial election. He said this is something he has wanted to do for a long time. "I've always wanted to do this," the Paisley -area farmer said in an interview, while campaigning in Goderich. "Now's the time ... if you don't like the way the ball game is going you. either step up to bat or quit whining." He speaks with enthusiasm about the Progressive Conservative (PC) platform. He says he "went off like a Roman Candle:' .when he read the party's policy. • . That platform includes, said Kelly, -badly-needed farm income supports and support for "continued, responsible research and development in the GMO (genetically—modified. organisms) industry" with monitoring and labelling. The -genetically-altered foods have potential positive impacts for the consumer but, said Kelly, there also have to be informed choices by consumers and a discussion of the ethics behind some biotechnology.. The PCs strongly support .supply management, ' the candidate said. The Progressive Conservative Party is in favour, said Kelly, ' . of "responsible reductions in income taxes." • The Tories wotikj eliminate the national debt in. 25 years, he said. A Progressive Conservative government would support reseatch and .development- and post- secondary training. • • "We still want to invest in income-producing activities, he said. ' The PCs would cut some, tai es but it would also support social programs, he said. ' "We have set aside a good amount -to devote to our social responsibilities:" • The government should restore money. that Kellysaid • the Liberals took out of the health care system. "I'm not at all interested in a:two-tier system " he said ."We want to restore the health care and education funding that .the Liberal government cut in half." The Progressive Conservative Party believes in some gun control. said Kelly. but it would eliminate the requirement for Iong=gun . registration in rural and northern Canada. • People are disappointed with the Liberal government. according.to•Kelly. hut he says they want an alternative they can trust. He says the Liberals talked about getting rid of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) but did neither. "They talked about a better society for Canadians and they cut (health and education)." Leadership is one of_the main issues in the current federal election, according to Kelly. The Progressive Conservative Party leader. former -prime minister Joe Clark. is a -statesman. said Kelly. See PC, Page 12 Huron residents don't benefit from tax cuts says NDP candidate Christine Kemp By Susan Hundertmark Expositor Staff Huron -Bruce NDP candidate Christine Kemp says she's worried that voters will be lured by .political parties promising tax cuts in next week's federal election. "There won't be too many people in our riding that will be getting tax cuts of any significance. And,.I don't know if -people realize the magnitude of the expense .of services they'll have to. pay for if social services keep being• cut to pay for those tax cuts," she says. • While the New Democrat Party proposes raising the -level of a tax-exempt income to 515,000 'a year and doubling child tax credits to 54.200. Kemp -says the NDP is "adamant that tax cuts should go to the people who need it most rather than corporations - and millionaires. She points to the average • Huron County wage of 522,000 a year, saying, "I disagree that the proposed tax cuts (by other parties) would put money back in our pockets.:People who would get the big tax cuts are not living in our riding." During • her time campaigning for the upcoming federal 'election Nov. '27. Kemp says she's most often heard health care as the top concern for Huron - Bruce, followed by agriculture. She. says the NDP plans to increase federal funding for medicare, stop two-tier health care, create a national $1.2 billion home care plan and create a national S2.3 billion pharmacare plan. that would add pharmaceuticals to medicare. "In our riding. doctors and nurses are 'begging for something to be done about at part-time jobs and have to work two jobs to make a full- time wage," she says. Kemp says the NDP plans -to support farmers by upping subsidies to international levels with an increase of S1.I billion annually, providing meaningful disaster assistance after severe weather and remaining committed to supply management. - "Farmers feel they've been abandoned by both the provincial. and federal governments but the Huron - Bruce area is such a productive one that _we.bave. .. to invest in it to .keep it successful in the international market place. All of us eat their products. and if we had to import what we eat, we'd have a pretty big wake-up call." she says. She says the NDP believes income through capital gains should be taxed, except in the case of family farms and small businesses. "Family farms and small businesses are usually only sold once and that's their retirement savings plan. But. the Liberals and others are planning to lower capital gains taxes, so some executives paid with stock options will be able to have some. income that 'is not taxed," she says. - Kemp says the question of how all the NDP programs will be paid for'at the same time as the national debt is one that is always asked of her. ' She says the NDP has a plan to pay off .the national debt, "but not at the expense of the immense social debt incurred by the Liberals." "So much money is going to corporations and corporate welfare that money needs to staffing. Nurses ate among be redistributed- Rain is like the most burnt-out in our capital. If . it's 'evenly society. Most of them work distributed. everyone benefits. But. •when -capital pools in certain spots. it's at the. expense of parts of society," she says.. • Kemp says she was recently reminded how women's issues still need tobe fought- for aftera recent ali-candidates meeting . when she—was heckled by the crowd for saying that women have rights. "That ' experience reaffirmed why .1 was there Seaforth Community Hospital Announces Flu Immunization Clinics Everyone Welcome - No Charge Wednesday. Nov. 22nd Thursday, Nov. 23rd 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Northside United Church 54 Goderich Street West, Seaforth running as 'a woman. it's wonderful to he standing up for what 1 believe in." she says... .. .• • Kemp. who grew up in Clinton and received a BA at the University of Guelph in 1996. is the director of communications at the Blyth Festival. She, says she's young and energetic and is motivated to -fight apathy and complacency. "I'm'commttted to trying to : make. the federal government recognize the needs of rural people she says. Canadian Action u ForLeradersirl/ moi? Gownanatrt ty Yar Core noun OLLEY, PHILIP for information: 519.899.2338 www. canadianactionparty. con' For platform issues see: "Oh Canada or No Canada? The Choice is Yours" insert in this paper Services You are toad b attend these arra churches St. Thomas Anglican Church Jarvis St Seaforth Rev. Robert Hiscox 482-7861 SUNDAY, NOV. 26th The Reign of Christ Service of Holy Communion at 9:30 a.m. Bethel Bible Church An Associated Gospel Church 126 Man St. Sealant) Sunday Worship Hour 11 AM Wadn.sdsy 7 PM Adventure Club for PUP* Youth Group. 9 455 Surdlry School Pager Row. Doug Convs.0 527-09112 First Presbyterian Church Godsnch St. W. s..torth Rev. Vandermey WORSHIP SUNDAY 11:15 AM Sunday School dunng Worship Catholic Church Saturday - 5:15 pm St. James Parish, Seatorth • Saturday - 7715 pm St. Joseph's Parish, Clinton Sunday • 9:00 am St. Michael's Pansh, Blyth Sunday • 11 00 am St. James Pansh, Seaforth Father Dino Salvador Egmondville United Church Rev. Judith Spnngett Worship at 11 a.m. Sunday School Grades 2 to 8 10 a.m. to Grade t 11 a.m. NORTHSIDE - CAVAN UNITED CHURCHES Rev. Sheila Macgregor - Minister SUNDAY, NOV. 26th "Christians Awake!" 9:30 a.m. Cavan 11 a.m. Northside ALL WELCOME! Congratulations to. Mayor Lin Steffkr and council ?Hank you to my faithful supporters for Deputy -Mayor on November 13. Bob Broa ifoot %u"re Invited Dear Friends: As away of thanking our many volun- teers and supporters across Huron - Bruce. I would like to take this oppor- tunity to invite you to join my cam- paign team. on the night of the elec- tion. for our appreciation party: We will be in the basement hall. at Sacred Heart • Church in Wingham [across from the television station). from WOO PM -'1:00 AM. Aside Irani watching the returns.cnme in, there will Also he live music tic all to enjoy. Everyone is welcome, I hope to see you on the -27th. • www.psteckte.com, Tou. FREE: l-866-STECKL6 LocAL: (5191 5 -2874 F.Ax:15191524-45`_7 46 VICTORIA STREET NORTH. GODERICH. ONTARIO. (' ;OA N'7. Mt) Authorized by Eugene Render official alrent tor P For real peace of- mind took for this symbol •,l protection. -We provide insurance protection that lets you sleep at night. Thats because the collective strength Of our 50 community based munial insurers makes us among the moat•financially secure insurance networks . in the world For you, it means friendly knmvledgeabk service from people who understated your needs and provide the protection and•service you waiir. Sebnngville 393-6402 1-800-263-1961 r 3:1,e btYq 1b:.al ..fur,n[e ASSOC1,,Or • Call LYNDA VINCENT at 527-2204 or toll free 1-888-269-0377 -HEALTH ON THE HILL - A Review of activities at SEAFORTH COMMt;NITY HOSPITAL COMMUNITY "FLU" VACCINE CLINICS Clinics will be held at Northside. United Church basement (Godench St: West. Seaforth) on the following days: • Tues. Nov. 21. 11 am - 7 pm, Wed. Nov. 22, I I am', 7 pm: - Thurs. Nov. 23. II am - 7 pm: No appointment is necessary. Clinics will be provided on a first Come first served basis. Phrase wear a short sleeved top and • - • bring year yellow Immo rization Record. There is no charge for this Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care initiative. TYEX..OF LIGHTS "A Celebration of Sharing" let the spirit of Christmas shine by giving a Gift of.Light..OnLe again the Seaforth Hospital Auxiliary are sponsoring, this fundraiser. this year with proceeds toward the purchase -Ora -lift weight sale and hip chair for patients convalescing post hip surgery. Mark •your calendars now and plan to attend the -"lighting of the blue spruce Christmas Tree" Svaday, November 26th at. 6:30 p.m. (lighting . ceremony @ 7 p.m.) en the grounds of the Seaforth Community Hospital. There will be Christmas entertainment, hot mulled cider & homemade cookies with a free draw ona camera. Tickets as a "Gift To" or. "In Memory or arc available at'the Hospital Switchboard or from Auxiliary members at the cast of 55.01) each. ' • - APPRECIATION is extended to Seaforth Hospital Auxiliary . and Student Volunteers for once again adorning the hallways of our Hospital with a festive atmosphere for the upcoming Christmas season. Also to Sheila Feeney,. RPN for the creative photographic wreath. Next time you are in the Hospital visiting. take a moment w meet our Staff, 1CRE-ADMIT CLINICS Seafonh Community Hospital will be providing satellite Pre -Admit Clinics for residents of Seaforth and surrounding areas who will be seen at Stratford General • Hospital for general. orthopedic and gynecological surgical procedures. Appointments will be arranged by either the. physician's office or the patient once O.R. time is scheduled. These clinics will be offered every two weeks. Pre -admission data will be collected at SCH then transferred so information is available when individual presents at Stratford General Hospital. This service will eliminate the need for patients to drive to Stratford for work-ups prior to procedures.