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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1992-03-04, Page 2• Page 2 Times -Advocate, March 4, 1992 Premier defends policies atnewspaper convention By Adrian Harte TORONTO - Ontario's Premier Bob Rae faced a tough crowd Friday morning with a press conference for the editors, reporters, and publishers of many'of the province's weekly newspapers: a group which has generally been as critical of Rae in recent months as the;' have of Prime Minisu:r Mulroney. Rae began the conference at the Ontario Communi- ty Newspaper Association's annual convention with a brief speech, first by praising his audience. "You probably have a better idea of what people are feeling and what's going on than probably any other group in the province," said Rae, who -said On- tarians need a "sense of clear understanding the world has changed". He said while the province and Canada remain "a tremendous place to live, a tremendous place to work", society is undergoing some change. Rae said the current recession is different from any since the 1930s in that recovery will not necessarily bring a recall of laid -off workers. "What we're seeing now and experiencing now is tjnalitatively different," said Rae, explaining that re- gained jobs may not be in the same sectors where they were lost. The same thing is happening in other pans of the world too, he said, but Canadians feel unique, per- haps because of "an exaggerated sense of rhetoric". The 1990s, said the Premier, will see the building of a new economy requiring a capacity for research, training, and an attraction -for, new investment. He said government, provincial and federal, may have to follow the example of Japan and Germany to borrow heavily to build up or maintain an infrastructure that will attract jobs and industry. He said such invest- ment has been falling behind in Canada. "On training and skills, we have a ways to go," added Rae, saying while employers Tare `not await enough of the problem, his government is putting em- phasis on it. He said while some crit- icize Canada's taxation and regulatory policies as ng too expensive 10- at- tract business, he pointed out that GM's cost of building a car in Canada is actually less than in the U.S., mainly because our health care system reduces worker benefit packages. Rae agreed the provinc- es regulatory process needs to be changed, be- From left: David Greenberg and Laura Santandrea of the St. Marys Journal Argus, T -A editor Adrian Harte, Carol Edwards, and Debbie and Dick Lord. cause it has a fixation mainly on "process rather than results". But he said Ontario and Canada have to pro- mote themselves on the advantages of investing here. In a question and answer period Rae fielded several questions from the audience. When told the white paper on reform of the Labour Relations Act and its ban of replacement workers during strikes appeared "draconian", Rae replied that he "couldn't disagree more". "To describe what we're doing as draconian or dras- tic is extremely unfair and a little unbalance," said Rae, saying proposed changes to the Act only aim to . reduce the "endless period of bickering" that accom- panies union organizing and labour disputes. Rae called the campaign against the labour reforms one of the most "highly powered, highly financed, overblown campaigns I have ever seen". Another man told Rae that after the last provincial budget a Swiss medical supplies company closed its plant in an industrial park near Flamboro. He said the nearly $10 billion projected debt only "adds fuel --10 that discontent". Rae said that Ontario only spends 10o of every tax dollar on servicing the debt, the third lowest rate in Canada. He also said $4.7 billion of the debt was spent on capital investment. Other factors adding to the shortfall were declining tax revenues to the econ- briiy and the fact that the federal government is trotting back its support of provincial programs like medicare. "They've just walked away from their assistance and said 'you pay the bill'," claimed Rae, but who maintained Ontario's debt is still manageable. He said the federal government collects 43 percent of its revenues in Ontario, "and we get 30 percent back". "If Ghengis Khan was the Premier of Ontario, you'd still have a deficit," said Rae. "There's no economy that's immune to this". Premier Bob Rae When asked if his government ever plans to repay the deficit, Rae replied "of course, we've said that in every statement we've made". As a final question, Rae was asked what he consid- ered the hardest pan of becoming premier. Rae re- plied that while economic realities have been hard with the onset of the recession, he said his biggest change of view has been personal. "Being in government you have to choose, being in ' opposition you .don't _ have to choose," he said. "By definition, in opposition you can have your cake and eat it too." Rae said the pressures of governing the province often mean that everything needs to be done at once, but can't be. "1 think most people understand that," he said. Otherwise, he said, as premier he has been able to get away from the opposition's "exaggerated perspec- tive" of always having "to say how awful things are". Perth board of education eliminates 29 positions ST. MARYS - In a move which will result in over $1 mil- lion in savings from the 1993 education budget, the Perth County board of education has announced that almost 29 teach- ing and non -teaching positions will be eliminated. The St. Marys Journal Argus reports that reductions, expected to take place by September, will include both elementary and sec- ondary school teachers, consul- tants, speech language patholo- gists and secretaries. • Savings due to reductions for 1992 are expected to be $479,000 and over 51 million for 1993 and be- yond. Date set for conflict of interest case CLINTON - A court case in- volving local taxpayers and Clinton mayor Murray Taylor will continue on March 6 ac- cording to the Clinton News Record. The case involves an applica- tion by Frank Cameron and Bon- nie Jewitt in which they are seeking a resolution to potential conflict of interest issues involv- ing the mayor, who has an out- standing wrongful dismissal suit against the town. It is expected that a date will be set on March 6 to argue on the merits of the case. Parents question board's use of books MITCHELL - A letter re- ceived by the Huron -Perth Ro- man Catholic Separate School Board has called into question the use of a book series in the classroom. The Mitchell Advocate reports the board received a letter signed by three parents who say they represent others in with concern over the Impressions Series story books used in the classroom. Parents fear fantasy in the sto- ries will be misunderstood by the children and frighten them. 1 Letter to Editor Reform party - 'new goals and fresh ideas' Dear Editor: I was a bit taken back by Mr. Harte's article "Hold that Thought" on February 26, 1992. He began the article by saying "a few weren't entirely sold on the ideas presented." Out of the over 200 people that attended the Re- form Party meeting, more than a few signed up to be a member. Why weren't these people not in- terviewed? Mr. Harte continued by saying "Others echoed the sentiments of the three big parties...that the Re- form Party has some kind of hid- den, right-wing, Christian funda- mentalist agenda..." I thought we gave up listening to what the "Big Parties" had to say. Of course they're going to pick on the "little party", they're gaining support! Why did these so called "others" not ask more questions during the question -answer period. If they were not satisfied with what they heard, they should have stood up and questioned what was said. It is odd that the "others" felt more com- fortable expressing -their opinions to a reporter than to a politician. I found it really disheartening that Mr. Harte would say that, de- spite the political tones of the week, the only "spark of sanity" would be sitting in front of the tele- vision watching thebcar races with chips and pop. Then he quotes "that's what Canadians want." I'm sorry Mr. Harte, that might be what Canadians want! you want but that is not what I Yes, the Reform Party is a new par- ty with new goals and fresh ideas. Maybe -the ideas will work and maybe not, but take a hard look at the other three parties - some of their ideas have worked and some of theirs have not. They have been around for a long time. They may want to change, but it is difficult to teach old dogs new tricks. It does not hurt anyone to really listen to what the Reform Party has to say. What hurts is what the ether parties are saying about the Reform Party. What Canadians want is pnc united country, a whole country. One they can be proud to live and work in. By the way - did Mr. Harte not sing 0 Canada at the rally? We had photocopies because the 'old' 0 Canada song had been slightly re- vised into the 'new' 0 Canada song. Did he not notice? Most Canadians at the rally did. L.B. Coletta, Parkhill "An undecided yet concerned thirty -something voter, not yet grey or bald." Editor's note: Yes, Mr. Harte did sing the national anthem at the ral- ly - including the "new" words that are more than a decade old. Reader supports Reform Party views Dear Editor: Re: "Shape of things to come" February 26 Adrian Harte's balanced review of the Reform Party meeting in Exeter the evening of February 24 was interesting and welcome. It also deserves some response to a point made therein that is directly attributable to the propoganda campaign now underway by the Conservative and Liberal Parties to denigrate Mr. Manning and the Reform Party - a clear indication that both these Parties are looking over their shoulders with a great deal of apprehension. The point referred to is the sug- gestion that there is some hidden, right-wing, Christian fundamental- ist agenda (?). This "canard" was effectively laid to rest some time ago by Mr. Manning. Neverthe- less, it seems to me it would be ap- propriate to familiarize your read- ers with the Party "Statement of Principles" - "We believe in free- dom of conscience and religion, and the right of Canadians to advo- cate, without fear of intimidation or suppression, public policies which reflect their most deeply held val- ues." - I suggest that this public declaration - plus the commitment to the democratic principles out- lined in the Party "Manifesto" pre- clude any "hidden agenda". It seems to me though, in pass- ing, that a few of the old basic Christian principles would not be such a bad thing in those who gov- ern us. In closing, let me point out that I am not an official spokesman for the Party, but sim- ply a proud, but anxious Canadian citizen who is deeply concerned with what is happening to our be- loved country and sees in Mr. Man- ning and the Reform Party the hope that - just maybe - some in- tegrity and common sense may be returning to our political system - that my children and grandchildren might yet enjoy a political system based on a responsible "vox popu- li" and political representation at- tuned and responsive to it In my view, if Mr. Manning can pull off a victory at the polls on what would seem to be a common sense approach to leadership in this country, it would be the closest thing to a democratic government we have ever had. A circumstance devoutly to be wished! (Aside to Adrian Harte:) If Alan Fotheringham were, perchance, on hand to report on "the Day of Judgement" he would, undoubted- ly, criticize the agenda! William Kershaw Grand Bend History book a treasure Dear Editor: As chairperson of the Exeter and District Heritage Foundation, I would like to take this opportuni- ty to congratulate the Usborne Township Council, along with the editorial committee on the release of their local history. book "Be- tween the Fences - Usborne Town- ship 1842. - 1992". Anyone who did not ve a close link with the publishin of this w&k, I'm cer- tain can begin to fathom the countless hours spent nor the many miles driven by the compil- ing committee. Special mention should be extended to Bill Dougall for his enormous contribution per- taining to the photography includ- ed. The results, and I know I am speaking for anyone who has received their copy, arc nothing short of excellent. The publication stands as a living tribute to our forefathers who en- dured numerous hardships to give to us what we enjoy today. Recent- ly a brother and sister, who were raised in Usborne, came home to bury their mother. In her room, amongst her last few effects, were found two copies of the book. I proudly showed them where their mother had recorded the family his/ tory both in pictures and words, as told to a committee member. They were thrilled that Fern had taken the time to sit for a few hours, with the last link of a once well known township family, who will now never be forgotten. And so, we tip our hats to Walter Creery and his entire editorial com- mittee, and we thank you for a job insurmountable, very well done. As my son looked over the book last night, even at nine years old he realized its worth by remarking, "This is great because the people in here will never be forgouen." Thanks for recording our memo- ries. Sincerely, Bob Heywood Chairperson of Exeter & District Heritage Foundation Council caps wages GRAND BEND - In an attempt to keep spending down, Grand Bend councillors have decided to to maintain their current wage scale and also to put a limit on how much they may earn per month. Mayor Tom Lawson along with deputy -mayor Cam Ivey and coun- cillors Phil Maguire, Ed Fluter and Bill Uniac will receive $65 per reg- ular meeting and $35 per commit- tee or special meeting. This is the same amount as the last council. However, Monday night, kawson said council members will also have a limit of how much per month they can receive. The mayor is allowed a maximum of $400 per month and all others, $300. Lawson said this was decided in order to save an estimated $6,000 which could be used to help fund a long range study. "The last council felt it had its hands tied for nosh having funds for a study,' said Lawson. Regarding municipal employees salaries, they will not be released to the public until the budget is final- ized in early April. Clerk -Administrator Paul Turn- bull is expected to receive a raise as his job description as been changed from clerk -treasurer. Opinions for county Continued from front page ment should get off their butts and do something about taxes and jobs, instead of taking away from the people. • The county should publish in newspapers every six months, a short 500 to 1,500 word factual re- port of things done. Each item to be no more than two sentences. In- clude costs and a similar agenda for the next six months. • Let's try and run our affairs here and not in Toronto. Interviews: The reason behind the county survey was to pave the - way for a redesign of the Official Plan for the County of Huron which is anticipated the first draft to be done by late 1992 or early CLEAN -UR WRAPUP MONTH Clean up all those Christmas and winter bills with a convenient CONSOLIDATION LOAN at the 1993. Also, as part of the redesign, the Huron County Planning and Devel- opment Department also inter- viewed 125 Huron County resi- dents and got their opinions on many concerns. Hensel! Public Utilities Com- mission would like to thank all those who applied for the position of Secretary Treasurer and part time help. Due to the number of applicants each one cannot be contacted indi- vidually. These positions have now been filled. Cecil Pepper Chairman CREDIT Clinton ComUNIONmuni�ty 70 Ontario Street CLINTON 482-3467 EXETER 235-0640 Hensall Civic Corner The regular meeting of Hensall Village Council will ,.be held Monday, March 9th at 7 p.m. Reminder: Garbage must be at curbside no later than 7 a.m. Friday mornings to en- sure pickup! Community Dinner, Tuesday Maroh 31/92, 6:30 p.m. at the Hen- sel' Arena. Guest Speaker: John Marshall, Public Information Ser- vices Officer and Senior Constable with the Goderich OPP. Topic: Community Lifestyles. Catered by Pineridge BBQ. Door prizes!! Ad - vane Tickets only available from Hensel/ Economic Development Committee Members or the Hensel' Municipal Office. 262-2812. Adults: $8.00 Children under 12 $5.00