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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2007-01-10, Page 11The Huron Expositor • January 10, 2007 Page 11 News Steckle wants Canadian soldiers' deaths to be hon�uredwith hflag on Peace Tower - though not for any Canadian soldiers, according to Steckle. It was to honour the death of former U.S. president Gerald Ford, who died Dec. 26 at 93 years of age. "I would never seek to suggest that former president Ford is not worthy of the respect being extended to him and his family," began Steckle in a Jan. 2 press release. "In my opinion if the flag can be lowered for former leaders of for- eign nations then it can and should be lowered when our children are lost in the defense of this country." Traditionally, the Canadian flag is Gerard C r e c e s Re -energized from his holidays, Huron -Bruce MP Paul Steckle is once again after the Harper govern- ment to publicly honour Canadian soldiers and peacekeepers who die overseas. On Apr. 25, Steckle put forth a motion to lower the Peace Tower flag to half-mast to honour Canadian Forces who are killed in the line of duty. On Apr. 26, he reiterated the motion to the prime minister during question period. The question remained unan- swered and the flag remained at full mast. as Cgnada's death toll climbed. On Jan. 2, the flags on Parliament Hill did fly at half mast Huron -B Paul St ruce MP eckle lowered following the deaths of VIPs and for- eign dignitaries and Steckle believes the gov- ernment should extend this same courtesy to the overseas soldiers and peacekeepers. On April 7, 2006, a letter was sent to Prime Minister Stephen Harper from the father of Cpl. Matthew Dinning, who was sur- prised the flags were not lowered for Canadian soldiers killed in duty. "I would suggest there is no more important VIP than a Canadian sol- dier who gave his life in the service of this country," Dinning said. Sadly, the next soldier to die Mandatory inspection for septic systems coming in Huron Cheryl Heath A mandatory septic system inspection pro- gram is likely just around the corner in Huron County. That news was delivered to county council, Wednesday, via Coun. John Bezaire (Central Huron), chairman of the health, ambulance, and social services committee. Bezaire, who was speaking on the commit- tee's most recent discussion about the health unit's voluntary septic system reinspection program, said the voluntary route is at the end of the line. "The next step will likely be a mandatory program," he said. Warden Deb Shewfelt said the mandatory aspect of the septic system inspection pro- gram is most likely to be delivered by the provincial government. "That will be another hot potato, I guess, for the county to deal with," said Shewfelt. Coun. Ben Van Diepenbeek (Ashfield- Colborne-Wawanosh) wondered how the mandatory program will be implemented and which county department will have the responsibility for it. Bezaire said committee members have not yet been told how the inspection program will be administered. "Certainly, the mandate will come from the province," said Bezaire. Penny Nelligan, director of the Huron County Health Unit, said the province might provide the county with the opportuni- ty to decide which depart- ment handles the program. The voluntary septic sys- tem inspection program was handled by the health unit. Police warn against false 911 calls Children playing with telephones and misdialed numbers have result- ed in a large number of false 911 calls, says the Huron OPP. A large majority of the 7,858 911 calls made in 2006 were not emer- gency calls, says a recent Huron OPP press release. The same goes for the nine 911 calls already received in 2007. When a call is placed to 911 it is treated as an emergency call for help. If no information is available on what services are needed, as is the case if the caller hangs up or says nothing, police will be dis- patched to the location where the call originated to ascertain if help is needed. The call will result in two officers being dispatched and becomes a pri- ority call. "False calls could result in a delay of service to someone who is in actu- al need," says the press release. "Parents, please explain the importance of using this number to your children, and lead by example and take the time to ensure you are calling the proper number; it may be your life you save." would be his son. Rather than keep Canada's mili- tary losses out of the public eye, Steckle said Canadians need to be more informed about not only our military role in Afghanistan, but the rebuilding efforts as well. "Canadians need to open their eyes to what's happening in the world." he said."So much has been destroyed that has been rebuilt." He also stressed that Canada is not only there to oust the Taliban but to offer humanitarian aid in the wake of years of oppression. "We need to be more engaged," he said. "I support our men and women there but let's take our time." Steckle said he will raise the issue again when the House meets in March. FLOOR MODEL MATTRESS CLEAR SALE 11110ES PLUS All Taxes included Si lop E<rrly cart(: Of kil�c_I EXCLUSIVE FEATURES pr L niCaseci breakthrough technology *AII Sealy Posturepedic mattresses come with our exclusive Dream Edge Support System, plus these other quality features. * Posture Tech Coils TM. * Stay/True Foams Bring 0 all Nom o For Loss FINE FURNITURE & � FR5�YSe 1)11!,\! (1.\\'