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Home My WebLink AboutTimes Advocate, 1994-03-23, Page 11Times -Advocate, March 23, 1994 Page 11 Reforming social programs necessary to adjust to new realities, says Steckle By Catherine O'Brien T -A staff CLINTON - The turnout at a social security reform meeting held by Paul Steckle, Huron Bruce MP, was low on Thursday but that didn't mean those attending weren't ready to actively discuss their views on changes needed to the federal social system. Those at the three hour meeting, held at Central Huron Secondary School in Clinton, provided input on topics from student loans, old age se- curity, to employment and training programs as well as unemployment in- surance. But before discussions got underway, Steckle explained why reform was necessary. "Recent economic and social changes have served to undermine the ef- fectiveness of Canada's social security programs. Today, a growing num- ber of Canadians find it difficult to make the necessary transitions to free themselves from dependence on some form of income support," he said. As well, Steckle said the reform of social programs is necessary to less- en the burden on businesses. "We can't keep pulling the dollars from them," he said. It came as no surprise to those at the meeting that unemployment was a key topic. In fact, there was a group of former employees of General Manufactured Housing on hand to give first-hand accounts of the dif- ficulties they have faced dealing with the system since the Hensall com- pany went into recievership in 1990. (See related story) Many ideas for re -vamping unemployment insurance were also dis- cussed. Steckle said many Canadians find it difficult to get meaningful employ- ment and face many barriers in their search for a job. That includes youth trying to make the transition from school to the work force as well as those out of work because of business shut -downs. A lot of people searching for a job, Steckle said, are experiencing longer periods of unemployment. "It is becoming increasingly clear that our social security system no longer meets the needs of those it was originally designed to serve," he said. "We need to initiate a serious assessment of all facets of our social se- curity system to find ways to improve its effectiveness so as to meet the Infrastructure grants Spend money on basics first, `frills' come later, says Drummond EXETER - Given a chance to speak in Monday evening's council- lor comments part of the Exeter town council meeting, councillor Robert Drummond said he firmly bblieved in the decision to spend government grant funds on upgrad- ing sewer lines. Drummond said he had concerns about how the government was allo- :ating the $6 billion Canada -wide infrastructure grant program. He said there seems to be a ten- iency to support "frivolous luxury tems rather than basic necessities." Town council two weeks ago vot- md to devote $230,000 of the ;790,000 to upgrading three sewer lines. Drummond said while London :ouncil dropped plans for a Per- forming Arts Centre in favour of ;ewers, they were told their applica- .ion would be more favourably viewed "if it included more cultural )r recreational projects". Drummond said sewers provided 'an immediate benefit, a long-term benefit", and would not generate ongoing costs. "I'd be ticked off if some of that money was going to something like an indoor swimming pool," said Drummond. Mayor Bruce Shaw, however, noted not all town residents share Drummond's views, and might argue in favour of spending the funds on recreational, or cultural projects. "Other people might conceivably say the quality of a town, its fla- vour, is more measured by its cul- tural institutions, rather than by its sewers," said Shaw. Councillor Bob Spears observed: "We haven't forgotten about the cultural thing, but we haven't allo- cated money for it either." "But we need an [indoor] pool." teased councillor Dave Urlin. Councilor Ervin Sillery also argued hard services should come first "and the rest will come easier later". Grand Bend council presented with petition to fix Gill Road problems GRAND BEND - Following ;ome hard work by a local resident, roperty owners along Gill Road in 3rand Bend may soon be seeing the mid to their flooding problems. Noreen Culp recently completed required survey of the owners to ;et their input on whether or not the village should begin to fix the prob- lems. "It's up to council to accept the petition, appoint an engineer and apply for funding," said Grand Bend administrator Paul Turnbull.) Ne said one source of funding could come from the infastructurc money provided by federal, provin- cial and municipal governments. "I'm quite happy with the way this is moving along," said council- lor Phil Maguire. There is already an engineering study in Grand Bend's hands which they hope will still be able to he used. Work could be completed by August. Continuing Education for Adults South Huron District High School Night School Courses To register call 235-0880 the week of March 28th 1. Introduction to Word Perfect - 6 weeks, $60.00 Tuesday April 5 to Tuesday, May 10 7 - 9 p.m. 2. Spreadsh ate, Graphs, Charts using Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Works - 6 weeks $60.00 Wednesday, April 6 to Wednesday May 11 7 - 9 p.m. 3. Intoduction to Basic Bookkeeping, 6 weeks . $60.00 Monday, April 4 to Monday, May 9, 7 - 9 p.m. 4. Line Dancing, 6 weeks $40.00 Thursday, April 7 to Thursday May 12, 7 - 9 p.m. 1, income security and labour market adjustment needs of Canadians." Many people told Steckle that UI shouldn't be paying less than mini- mum wage because it Just sets many up to be stuck in job ghettos. "A worker at a convenience store doesn't benefit from the system like a chartered accountant would," said one woman. "The first worker needs the UI and training that it would provide to get a better job." Suggested changes to the system included making employment pro- grams more accessible. A lot of people said it was unfair that many em- ployment programs are out of reach for the jobless. JobsOntario was one example used. One man said this program won't allow those on UI to ap- ply for these program jobs. "Isn't that discrimination?" a woman asked Steckle. "If I'm qualified for a job, why can't I apply for it?" she asked. Steckle said his government is trying to bring a degree of fairness back to the system. He said fairness has been lost over the years as the un- employment system has eroded. "When UI was originally introduced, it was expected to fill a temporary gap (in employment)," Steckle said. But that's not the case anymore, he said. The future job market for those just finishing school was also discussed and a few people blamed the school system for some of the difficulties youth are facing. A teacher said many students aren't equipped with the skills needed to go out into the workforce. "Some students have no idea of what they want to do," she said. Steckle said the entire picture isn't grim as a number of people are find- ing employment while others are branching out on their own. "There are a lot of young people in this country with tremendous skills," said Steckle. He also said the entrepreneurial spirit in Canada is thriving although there are still some barriers for those trying to set up small busi- ness. "We are putting a lot of effort into getting lending institutions to coop- erate," Steckle said. Other hot topics included welfare and old age security. Many felt welfare was too easy to get. "You should have to do something to get the money," said one man. "People on welfare should have to go back to school to upgrade their skills or do community work," he said. And regarding old age security, the consensus was the program shouldn't be giving equally to everyone. "I have no problem paying Canada Pension to those who need it," said one man. Steckle said any changes to this program will be addressed in a white paper expected in the summer. "I feel good that were are starting to face our problems," Steckle said as the meeting concluded. "1 want everyone who leaves here tonight to feel good...feeling their ideas have been heard," Steckle said. Steckle will be reporting his findings to a Standing Committee on Hu- man Resources Development by March 25. 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