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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1984-03-14, Page 1li':pYo,�{s MP1 Its 4ti • o 5 . E BAytT7 Politicians hear - - By Stephanie Levesque The problems with -farm financllng"arid shit_ -erosion: deminate izeonvertation-at annual members' of parliament dinner sponsored. by the . Huron Federation of Agriculture. MPP's Jack Riddell and Murray Elston, MP Murray Cardiff, members of Huron County Council and Mel Swart (NDP - Welland -Thorold) were the politicians on . hand- en March Iii to hear- -briefs '-from. various HCFA committees and commodity groups. HCFA's finance committee chairman, Hans Rasmussen of RR 1, Fordwich said the number one problem facing agriculture is lack of fair prices. He also outlined pro- blems with the Farm Credit Corporation and solutions such. as the agribond concept. Another 'problem is Section 31 of the In- come Tax Act which states only $5,000 from off -farm income can be applied to a farming operation. The $5,000 figure hasn't changed since 1952. "If this were updated according to infla- tion it would be in the neighborhood of $40,000 to $45,000.' We don't feel it should be raised to that level but there is a happy medium," said Mr. Rasmussen. He said the figure should be changed im- mediately because ,many farmers offset their farm income by working off the farm. "None of this would be needed tithe price we receive for our product was at a pro- fitable level," the Fordwich area farmer said. MP Cardiff assured Mr. Rasmussen that federal estimates indicate FCC funds would 1 increase over $20 million from about $470 million to $490 million. He added that Section 31 has bee red to a committee, but there is about changing that. - "-We-don'-t-want ..to.•.create -.a....tax-- - said Mr. Cardiff referring to farmers". MPP bion quested what inter, the finance committee would rural 'the Ontario Farm Adjustment Assistance Program (OFAAP), noting that when in- terest rates were high, 12 per cent was the figure and now the committee is suggesting eight per cent. OFAAP interest rate are now at 12 per cent. obby y • BYd lulls A study investigating the possibility of: boosting power from ,the London 'TV'Ontario ,( TVO) transmitter to improve the signal to . Huron County revealed that the move would be feasible. According to Bruce Read, TVO director of engineering, the power of the London transmitter will be doubled but will only increase the signal two or three miles. TVO must get approval from Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications before proceeding with the move. At the. present time, the TVO signal comes as far north as Exeter, Hensall and Varna. The, increase in power will make reception in these areas noticeably clear. TVO signals can only be picked up in the area through cable television or proper aerials and amplifiers. Dave • Bieman, media co-ordinator with - the Huron County Boarci of Educatiuii said Local politicians, left to right, Huron -Bruce MPP' Murray Elston, Huron -Middlesex MPP Jack Riddell and Huron -Bruce MP Murray Cardiff attended the Huron' County Federation of Agriculture Member of Parliament Day after the federation changed the ' format of the event. The original format restricted other guests to MPP Riddell noted that in the figures presented by the finance committee that quite a number of OFAAP loans have been approved, but the proviiice'has been slow in coming through withthe money. The Huron -Middlesex MPP also com- ented on the beginning farmer assistance rogram. He said he has been receiving a lot, f calls from beginning farmer& being told ey are ineligible foo the program because heyrhave rental tartar ey ve some riff- arm•`mcome. NtrttcdeIl• sad there‘i been a change bogin ig-farmers e eigi for assistance even if -they haVe''re`nted-land for up to 10 years. No move has yet been made regarding the off -farm income, he said. "I'm telling all farmers to appeal," said Mr. Riddell noting it cost $100 to appeal. "They stand a pretty good chance of Winn- "It depends on the price you're going to "'s' Soil Erosion give for our products," Mr. Rasmussen ' HCFA's drainage and soil committee responded. presented a brief requesting Ontario the proposed increase in power ^,fSn't a so tit, ,ii to most residents in Huren Openly as tkey still won't, be able ta, piek up vtie signal vyithout a cable nook -up, "It's not the solution for Huron County blit it will. help .people op the fringe," Mr. Bieman said. Although :Mr. mead had no estimation of the cost to boost thepower at this point, he sand the amount would be minirrival. A CRTC decision ,on the power increase' should take approximately six months. "I'm optjn1istic that we will get the go- ahead,"' Mr. Read said of the proposal. - TVO has also completed similar studies in , Paris, Chatham and Windsor.. They found it. would be feasible to increase power in Paris and Chatham but anet in Windsor. Huron County has been pushing for two years to obtain the TVO broadcasting signal. Mr. Biemaitsaid that the possibility of Huron County getting a Iow power transmitter may be a solution down the - road. uroiti416-etors hope for public input on Health Act By Stephanie Levesque The Canada Health Act puts the control of .hea.ith__care_itt-Dttawa'.s..,handsrather_ than.. the province's and that will be costly, says the president of the Huron County Medical Society. Dr. Brian Baker of Clinton heads the society which represents the 80 doctors ir. Huron County and said it's timefor patients to question their doctor's and `tell their member of parliament they don't like the proposed act: Dr. Baker acknowledged that it is too late for the doctors to do anything about the act which has had two readings in the House of Commons and is now' a comrriittee. He said the:Hiaron County Medical Society, sent a letter outlining their concerns, but kw there was too little time to be able to appear conunenta' at the beginning of the meeting, '*hale. the three local before the committee. puliiictalts ,were allowed, question; and , ,comment on the The Clinton doctor said the act amounts to presentatlions from'14even :Huron Couuty.fann organizations. Mel removing health care control out of the .pro - Swart, representing!,tbe NDP party was the only other politician vinces hands and into Ottawa's arms. He present: (Rod Hilts photos) • -' noted that„ when the federal. government started assisting in health funding, there Ministry of Agriculture and Food -funding;, water conservation; districts were establish- was a promise of a 50 per cent funding split for soil'erosion research. ed across :the 'province, the governinent between the provinces and the federal "Also it is time Agriculture Canada and Would be eompelled to addres the problems • governments. Dr. Baker. said his figures Environment Canada got involved. They of soilerosion.. • show that now the province is only paying are involved in other provinces and they There was no brief this year on absentee about 35 per cent of the health care funding. need to giy substantial assistance to the foreign' ownership, but it did not pass un- "What that amounts to is that the pro - fig .. W �7 erosion in Ontario," said com- noticed. vf'nceswillh ave no say in ea caro un - Ray Hogan. Mr. Riddell said he would like to see the ding," said Dr. Baker. at the recently formed Huron provincialgovernment restrict such owner= The effect of this, said Dr. Baker, is that, as an example, if extra hospitalbeds are in. irh- Sor ^k t , ' a"`: r Conservation District has a ship as has been done in other provinces.: . ded•Gndet-•. hp•aj• • 1.8+ iat is less than .oire-per cent -of: •"'Wehave been hitting a stone wall for : es would have to bring their request to Iott.T .,,. - ,. , � :ince oir=redera roi� resr leo 'a � t ., �. educating farmers and he suggested tliaf Mts..; spit represenz 's soil erosion.costs. - several years on this.issue and it• remains a tatty Warden To Cunnin �h tY m g a t ,>: rather than Toronto. ��ncern-.,; l'i'on C_ linty, .;.��,� , .� -� i OD's—t-hr list-' . t ; t p dentes ug the governments provide some incentive to ("Mr. (Hon. Dennis) Timbrell says the farmers so they can practise conservation clnsirig of the 20 per cent tax loophole has and yet maintain yields. - virtually stopped foreign buying. We hope - Mr. Hogan said HSWCD's main thrust has he itright, but our information is that south been to conservation tillage on row cropping • Huron and north Middlesex may be a new but he would like to see it expanded to all ' area of absentee foreign buying while crops. Government. funding would aid this presently threatened areas in north Huron expansion he said. and south Bruce could face purchases again MPP Riddell suggested that if soil and in the spring." County council wont open doors Committee meetings stay closed to the public By Stephanie Levesque Despite an impassioned plea for change from one of its members, Huron Council decided, in a 24-3 recorded vote, to keep its committee meetings closed to the public. Exeter Reeve Bill Mickle reminded coun- .._tY+_eouncil_at.'its_Marcb, i session that they are "representatives of the people". "I don't like to see any type of government closing itself off," said Reeve Mickle. , Council's executive committee recom- mended that the present policy of closed committee meetings remain after a request to review that policy was made .last November by Elsa Haydon of Goderich. At that time, besides the review, Mrs. Haydon suggested open committee meetings be tried for a six-month period. The Goderich woman served for 12 years on town council and takes an avid interest in municipal politics. Reeve Mickle was the only vocal sup- porter of Mrs. Haydon's suggestion. 'We've got to be open for the people," he commented and referred to closed meetings as a "very dangerous practise". Brussels Reeve Calvin Kreuter com- mented that committee meetings are when councillors "sit down and argue back and forth". The long-time reeve saideppricillore. know they can talk iii committee meetings and added "the language isn't always couth". Commenting on the possibility of having many members of the public in attendance at committee meetings, Reeve Krauter said, "if the whole works are here, what do they need us for. We are only trying to do th very best for the whole county". East Wawanosh Reeve Neil Vincent said a person would feel "handcuffed" if commit- tee meetings were open. One county councillor admitted he had a tough time making a decision on the matter. Colborne Reeve Russel Kernighan said he was originally in favor of open meetings School principals move on Several Huron County elementary school. principals and vice -principals will be shuffl- ed around to new schools this summer: A press release issued by the Huron Coun- ty Board of Education on Monday, March 5 states, "In addressing the question of transfers, consideration was' given to the needs of the schools and the experience and , abilities of principals. Arnold Mathers of Huron Centennial Public School in Brucefield will be transferred to J.A.D. McCurdy Public School, in Huron Park. John Siertsema of J.A.D. McCurdy Public School will go to Huron Centennial. i John Kane of Victoria Public School in Goderich will go to . Holmesville Public School while Ronald McKay of Hohnesville will become principal of Clinton Public School. Clinton Public School principal Allan Taylor will go to Usborne Central Public School. The Usborne Central principal, William Linfield will go to Victoria Public School. Eleanor Scott, principal at Huron Hope school for the trainable mentally retarded will become vice-principal at Victoria Public School. Victoria's current vice- principal Floyd Herman has yet to be assigned a position. Blyth ge ts 42, 000 gra nt The Blyth Centre for the Arts has received a $42,000 grant from the Ontario Arts Council (OAC). OAC Chairman Donald W. McGibbon announced that seven summer theatres were among the 160 arts organizations and 494 individual artists awarded a total of $2,663,315 at recent OAC Meetings. Grand Bend's Huron Country Playhouse was granted $30,000 and the Stratford Shakespearean Festival was awarded 1420.000. Mr. McGibbon explained, "OAC support to theatre festivals began in our first year of operation, 1963, with the Stratford Shakespearean Festival. Since then, support has grown to include seven very different and successful theatres." "The tradition of professional summer theatre in Ontario goes back nearly 50 years," Mr. McGibbon continued. "It is well known that summer theatre attracts tourists and benefits the economy. But these summer theatre festivals do a great deal more: they all make unique contributions to the arts scene in Ontario. Apprenticeship programs, playwright -in -residence programs, premieres of new Canadian works --these represent only a sampling of the contributions made by summer festival theatres. Each one has carved out a unique place for itself in the theatre community." because he believes in freedom of the press. But he changed his mind because he also believes m the secret oallot and closed com- mittee meetings allow councillors "to make decisions without coercion". Those voting in favor of closed meetings were West Wawanosh Reeve J.R. 1.itchison, Grey Reeve Leona Armstrong; --Ashfield Reeve J.F. Austin, Hay Deputy Reeve Tony Bedard, Tuckersmith Reeve Bob Bell, Clinton Reeve Ernest Brown, Seaforth Reeve W.G. Campbell, Blyth Reeve Tom Cronin, Warden Tom Cunningham, Morris Reeve Bill Elston, McKillop Reeve Marie Hicknell, Bayfield Reeve Dave Johnston, Reeve Kernighan, Hensall Reeve Harry Klungel, Reeve Krauter, Zurich Reeve Isadore LaPorte, Turnberry Reeve Brian McBurney, Usborne Reeve Gerry Prout, Howick Reeve Jack Stafford, Stanley Reeve Paul Steckle, Goderich Township Reeve Grant Stirling, Reeve Vincent, Stephen Deputy Reeve Ralph Weber, and Hay Reeve Lionel' Wilder. Those voting against closed meetings were Exeter Deputy Reeve Lossy Fuller, Reeve Mickle and Stephen Reeve Alan Walper. Absent from the meeting were Goderich Deputy Reeve Jim Britnell, Wingham Reeve Joe Kerr and Goderich Reeve Harry Worsell. N`n• c, chewan isn't so fortunate." A press release issued late last week by the l-ineen� Coun y medical society called "The Canada Health Acte - `Health Of Lazard" states the county's medical profes- sions' feelings on the proposed act. "The Canada Health Act does Nothing to improve the delivery of health care in Canada. All it accomplishes is to put ,even greater pressure on the provinces, which are mainly responsible for the funding of care. It does nothing to resolve any of -the Problems of underfunding facing the system at'present." The society's press release also answers the question of what the act does for the pa- tient. "Despite all the rhetoric, the act really does nothing for you. Because of present underfunding, many Ontario hospitals have been forced to cut back on beds, staff and services. New technology for diagnosing and treating disease is not always available to you. And there is a growing need for more facilities and services to look after the chronically ill and the elderly. None of these important issues is addressed in the Act." , The press release also says that the doc- tors will be affected by the act in a way that. they would become government employees. Ur. Baker said there has been widespread concern that the new act doesn't allow doc- tors to opt out of hospital insurance plans, but he said that isn't a problem in Huron anyway as of the 80 doctors in the country only or three have opted out. "It's (the act) not solving the problems, jus adding to "them," concludes the press �. r• i t. 4 r. rre 'ase. r government in . otir province, but Saskat- Housing group seek CIVIHC okay CLINTON - A group of Clinton and area residents have made application to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for assistance in the development of non-profit senior citizens housing in Clinton. The group hopes to get approval from the federal government housing agency to help in the first phase, intial funding of the proposed project. . The committee, which will call its project the Clinton Christian Retirement Community,. is made up of the following individuals, Jack Roorda, Dr. Brian Baker; John Kaasies Sr., Albert Valkenburg, Kees Dykstra and Leida Gerrits. While application was made for 25 senior apartment units, the committee feels that additional units and services will be added in future phases. • Committee r „membeMrs. i Gerrits_ said that , many such r projects have been successfully completed in other towns and have filled a large need in the community, offering affordable housing for older persons. A Toronto firm, Shelter Care Management Consultants, has been engaged to assist in the development of this project for the Clinton area. The consultant agency has worked in 40 similar projects, including one in Stratford and Strathroy. The committee is also working with the Huron County Planning Department in an effort to find a suitable location for the .proposed apartment building. The senior housing proposal was first discussed by members of the Clinton Christian Reformed Church two decades. The idea re -surfaced a.few years ago and now the committee hopes that it'will become a reality within three years. The committee believes there is a need for additional senior citizen housing for Clinton and area residents: Presently, waiting lists. at Clinton's senior housing buildings is more than a year old and there is concern that the 'area's older residents may have to leave the community to .find adequate living • accommodation:..'_ Clinton has asked for additional seniors' housing in the past, but has been refused. The Clinton , Christian Retirement Community proposal will focus on the fact that housing needs are not only for Clinton's, senior' population, but also for residents from the outlying rural area. Marian Doucette of Clinton and puppet "Horace the bear" entertained the children of Blyth on Monday morning. The puppet show entitled "Bear Tales" was sponsored by the Huron County Public Library. Sharon Cox of the library also helped put on the performance geared for children enjoying their March break from fiche& (Rod Hilts photo) Tlie audience at the Blytljigppet show on Monday were captivated by."Bear tales." The show staged by the Duron County Library will be presented in Zurich and Kirrkton this Friday. (Rod Hilts photo)