Times-Advocate, 1985-12-18, Page 6Page 6 Times Advocate December 18, 1985
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By Jack Riddell MPP
Now that the holdiay season is upon
us, and we can now relax as the end
of another busy year approaches,
many constituents in the riding have
asked me to outline in my column my
responsibilities as a member of the
new government:
Through the kind courtesy of this
newspaper I have been detailing
many of the new Liberal Govern-
ment's programs in my column these
past few months, so as requested by
those here is a brief outline of just
what a cabinet minister does.
Since moving over from the opposi-
tion side of the house to the govern-
ing side as your new Minister of
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A very hectic schedule
Agriculture and Food, I have been
following a very hectic schedule as
have all the cabinet ministers in the
new David Peterson government.
Some weeks, I can tell you, It is
almost too busy, but I'm thoroughly
enjoying it. In addition to all the nor-
mal duties expected of an elected
Member of the Provincial Parlia-
ment, such as representing your con-
cerns here in Queen's Park. I have the
additional duties expected of a
minister in charge of portfolio,
For instance, here's a quick look at
weekly responsibilities at my
Ministry. Our day, including that of
senior staff members at the Ministry
begins at 8:00 am.. unless there is an
earlier breakfast meeting that has to
be fitted in, and many times doesn't
end until midnight. Each Monday
morning, we have a policy meeting at
the Ministry. with an agenda that in-
cludes a wide -range of topics concer-
ning agriculture from apples to tobac-
co. Then during the day, the staff and
I meet with a wide -range of
agriculture interest groups from both
the producer and processor side. We
usually see at least two of these
groups a day with meetings lasting up
to several hours in length.
As well, my duties as Minister take
me to all parts of the province, and oc-
casionally to other .parts of the coun-
try, where I represent the govern-
ment at various functions, or the in-
spection of hail damage crops in New
Liskard, or greeting fairgoers at one
of the many County Fairs. or meeting
one of the province's hundreds of
farm groups. I also represented the
government at the Federal Provincial
Agriculture Minister's conference in
Newfoundland in July, where I had
the honor of meeting many dedicated
people connected.with agriculture. So
far,I have nearly 60 major speeches
and brought greetings from the pro-
vince to several dozen other events.
As a cabinet minister, I also have
responsibilities to a number of
cabinet committees including the
Cabinet Committee on Regulations,
and the Cabinet Committee on
Economic Policy. Each meet once a
week and I attend most of them as
well. Cabinet itself meets once a week
on Wednesday morning where deci-
sions are made as to what will go
before the legislature.
My duties as a member of the
legislature take me into the •House
each day to answer questions from
the other parties and I am also re-
quired to sit in the House -at least two
evenings a week, as well as attend all
the votes. At least twice a month, I sit
on the Board of Internal Economy, a
committee 01 members from all par
ties that regulates the operations of
the House.
Each Tuesday morning, the Liberal
M.P.P. caucus meet with the
Premier, and at least once a month
we try to have a meeting of the Rural
Caucus, which is composed of MPP's
from all Liberal held rural ridings.
And last, but certainly not least is
niy most important responsibility to
the constituents•of-Huron-Middlesex.
Everyday my staff in the Exeter and
Goderich offices work with me and
my capable staff in Queen's Park in
answering local inquiries and ad-
dressing problems as quickly as
possible. To that end I also schedule
constituent appointments on the
weekends. •
I hope that this brief summary will
give you some insight into govern-
ment functions as a new adminstra-
tion charts a new course for Ontario.
()n behalf of my wife Anita and all the
Riddell Family, 1 wish you all a very
Merry Christmas and the best in the
New Year. I look forward to serving
you all again in 1986.
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MERRY • I
CHRISTMAS!
ioyous tidings, g
one and all. 3
Thank you for your patronage over the 2
past year, and we look forward to sere- 3
ing you in the New Year.
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MacGregor Welding Ltd,
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Exeter
Warm messages of good
cheer are sent wrapped in
the spirit of good will this -t,
Happy Season.
Holiday Hours
Sun., Dec. 22
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tues., Dec. 24
9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 25 - Closed
Thurs., Dec. 26
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tues., Dec. 31
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 1 Closed
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9
DISCOUNT
Exeter 233.1661
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We hope your home and heart are filled with laughter, joy
and good will this glad holiday season. It's been a pleasure
serving you.
Wuertb's
CHRISTMAS AT CREDITON UC - Students of the Crediton United
Church Sunday School presented a Christmas program Sunday mor-
ning. A manger scene is shown here. The Shepherds are Jenny
Robertson, lyette Clarke and John Gallen, Mary is Gia King, Joseph
is David Morlock and the angel is Colleen Hamilton. T -A photo
SHOES
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Serving South Huron, North Middlesex &North lsenlNon Sleet 1t17MtW�
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