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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1978-10-05, Page 34PAGE 12A THE QODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1978 Canada fastly becoming deindustrialized BY JACK RIDDELL, M.P.P. The keynote speaker for Theme 2 Group at the Liberal Caucus con- ference - on "Building a Competitive Economy: Industrial Strategy" - was John Shepherd, Executive Director, Science Council of Canada. Background papers for discussion were presented by for- mer Minister of Finance, the Hon. Donald S. MacDonald on "Choosing Winners and Losers"; John Clark of the mining industry, on "New Canadian Businesses"; and Dr. Walter Curlook, Inco Metals Company, on "Resources". John Shepherd stressed the urgent need for an industrial strategy: Canada is rapidly becoming de - industrialized and we need to act very quickly. He placed great em- phasis on the secondary manufacturing sector: in his view, high technology industries are a crucial factor. Expressing concern about the levels of foreign- ownership and control in this country, he stated ' 'that "' if our economy is to prosper and be competitive we must foster Canadian - controlled enterprises. There is a role for Government, albeit a changing role. He cited the success of Ontario and • Quebec Hydro, Atomic Energy of Canada, etc. We must look at new ways in which Government can co- operate with other sec- tors, rather than dismissing Government's role: Donald MacDonald, on the other hand, indicated that, in his view, an in- dustrial strategy cannot work: bureaucratic decisions cannot make such a strategy. suc- cessful. He favoured the restructuring of the tax system to reward 'those who (are innovative. The resource sector will remain predominant, particularly in view of GATT. Nevertheless there was a strong consensus in the. group that an industrial strategy is urgently required. This should concentrate on development of the secondary manufac- turing sector in Ontario, as opposed to continued reliance on our resource base, with particular emphasis on the'creation of high technology in- dustries. Ontario's wealth will -'continue to derive .from our natural resources, but not to the extent that it has in the past. , In developing an industrial strategy, we must be prepared to pick winners and losers, at least in broad terms. The dominant view was that a strong role for government exists in formulating and im- plementing an industrial strategy for Ontario. Rather than dismissing government intervention, participants stressed that we need to look to new ways in which govern- ment can co-operate with labour and . private in- dustry. If Ontario is going to be able to enter world-wide competition in the manufacturing area, we -will need government assistance in the form of favourable tax policies and other incentives. Concern was expressed that there should be continuity and clarity in government policies at all levels. It was generally agreed that there are problems in ensuring that Government financial resources will be used efficiently in supporting small business. For example, over the long- term seven - ten years), as firms enter . the ex- pansionary stage, many sell out or cease certain kinds of operation and therefore no longer necessarily fulfill in- dustrial goals and ob- jectives as defined by government. Theme 4 was "Living with • the Planet: Con- server Society', end the keynote spep,ker was David ' Brooks; Co- ordinator of Ottawa's Energy Probe. Background papers were presented by Jack Diamond, well-known lecturer on architecture and urban planning, on "Scale"; by ,Dr. Peter Victor, Research Con- sultaht, on "Energy"; and by Norman Wei, who has worked on behalf of the Canadian- Govern- ment with the Inter- national Joint Com- mission, on the "Environment". It was -agreed that we need to make the tram sition. to a conserver energy-efficient society, stressing conservation and the development of all possible renewable options. Government at all three levels must play a key role, with the emphasis on protliding leadership. The hallmark of the conserver society is "doing more with less". We must take into ac- count the total costs of our actions, to ourselves and to future populations. Prudent use of our non- renewable resources is essential, as are the accelerated development of renewable energy resources, recycling and resource recovery. Milch emphasis was placed on increased- self-sufficiency, and community reliance on 'local resources, plus greater economy in the design of all products, systems and buildings. Participants , in this Theme Group fully ac- cepted the logic of the conserver society. We face environmental and resource limits, rising costs, economic in- stability and social tensions unless ' we modify our way of living. The public must be made aware that -a conserver approach means - a .stable, more • rewarding future, less pollution, more jobs and a healthy economy. rn its leadership role, Government must inform, the public of our energy choices and demystify issues like nuclear energy; must promote -conservation, the in- creased use of renewables and the need for recycling - by demonstration.as well as An uninvited guest at the Bank of Montreal's "125th anniversary .Friday was politely removed from the Goderich branch whelk he crashed the party just as a draw for $12 l worth of "Nickel 13o11arlin was to be made. Unaware of the. historic nature of the reception at the brunch the dog took advantage of the p y ,...: going ii . is owner,omewhut open doors and dropped in to see What was oin on. s' flustered lth the dog tI actions, quiets removed he a before it had a chance t 4tatfe the birth cake th bmt�k Ig deletting ,,(Photo be leff\Seddon) education. Increased funding of research' and develop- ment 'is important, and pricing -taxing policies should be designed to reflect the true cost of energy production, garbage disposal, etc. Pricing policies should be based on the user -pay principle, and incentives are necessary, such as grants for insulation. Effective and ap- propriate land -use Cutting now will cost gutting alfalfa now will reduce yields next spring, says Bob Fulkerson, crop scientist at the University of Guelph. The top growth of alfalfa stands is greater, than usual for this time of year because of heavy September rains. As a result, many farmers are concerned that this growth will smother the crop during,the winter. "They shouldn't be concerned about smothering," says Dr. Fulkerson. "After the first frost, the leaves off the plant• will drop off, and stems will stay upright." At this time of year, the plant stores sugars in the roots to help it survive the winter, and give it a good start in .the spring. "If the stand is cut now, the plant will use these sugars to begin new top growth this fall, and may winter -kill." Dr. Fulkerson also advises farmers to leave the crop so there will be enough height to trap snow for insulation. Through research funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture , and Food, crop scientists have found that leaving tops is the best prevention against winterkill. planning policies were discussed at some length. NOW IS THE TIME To ardor your -CALENDARS -ADVERTISING GIFTS -CHRISTMAS CARDS -ADVERTISING PENS tail TREVOR SMITH TEL:52Y-0848 WALTON Roprosonting Gamester Advertising Our 25th yoar serving Nuron County 3314520 Sarnia Head Office & Showrooms' 1011S. 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