Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1983-01-19, Page 4BluL A,',AROr tti c indent' Published Barry Wenger. President Henry Hess. Editor bbance time at %0'iny ham. Ontario, h. Wenger Bros. Limited Robert 0. Wenger, Sec.-Treas. • Audrey Currie, Advertising Manager Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member — Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc. Subscriptions $20.00 per year Second Class Mail Registration No. 0821 Ogttario Community Newspaper Assoc. Six months $11.50 Return postage guaranteed ti Our winter wonderland It must be simple human nature to gripe about something. Governments at any level seem to be the readiest targets, but running a close second is the weather. And when it comes to grumbling, wir, with its tricky driv- ing conditions and bitter winds, usually gets most of the criticism. The weather, after all, is a pretty safe sub- ject, since it has no way of giving us any argument. But this winter has been different. From mid-November to mid-Decem- ber we went around happy as Iarksbe- cause, up to thatpoint, we had scarcely needed the good old galoshes, much less getting stuck in any snowdrifts. As Christmas approached we weren't quite so sure that we were really in t1 favor of mild and green weather. Rain over The holiday capped the climax. It didn't seem like Christmas at all. And then came January. No snow but every second friend or neighbor was feeling lousy. Colds, stiff joints and a rotten brand of flu were knocking the starch right out of us. In fact the flu bug became so prevalent that hospitals were asking would-be visitors to stay away from the patients. All that is over. The snow has final- ly arrived. Not enough to create any dangerous driving conditions, but at least sufficient to make us feel more like living, grumbling Canadians. And who knows? Maybe that horrendous blizzard we have been secretly expect- ing is just waiting for a good weekend on which to strike. The Winnipeg showdown Itis really no great wonder thaf the Liberal party has held power in our federal government for so many years out of the past half century. The Pro- gressive Conservatives never seem able or willing to unite solidly behind the leaders they have chosen. PC delegates are now headed for a party convention in Winnipeg ana speculation is running high about whether or not a majority of those who have votes will demand a review of the leadership of Joe Clark. Neither his supporters nor his detractors could be called lukewarm. One faction is de- termined that Clark shall remain,. while their opponents are equally de- termined that he must go — or at least that his grip on the reins must be sub - jetted to a vote: So much for Clark's party dele- gates. Betting at present is that he will win the day, but the very fact that there is such an audible demand for a show- down is tremendously damaging to the party itself, which will be asking for a nation-wide mandate to govern in two years at most. The whole situation must make un- easy sleep for Mr. Clark himself. How- ever, he might be very wise to settle the matter by personally demanding a leadership vote to clear the air. Per- haps such a courageous decision would do more than anything else to gain him the near -unanimous support which he must have before going into a bitterly - fought election campaign. --__- Blind to injustice A recent issue of Maclean's mag- azine carried an article about the de- cision of a committee of Japanese Can- adians to press the federal government for a royal commission to re -open the case of Japanese who were dispossess- ed during World War 11. The behaviour of the Canadian government toward its Japanese im- migrants and citizens during the war years is) one of the darkest chapters in our national history. Twenty-two thou- sand Japanese, 13,000 of them born in Canada, were forced to leave their homes and businesses on the West Coast and were dumped into camps in the interior of British Columbia and even farther east. We personally knew many young Japanese — clerks, stu- dents, engineers _ who were collected into a hastily -built camp near the town of Exeter, Ontario. During their long stay there was little for them to do, ex- cept hoe sugar beets from time to time. Many West Coast Japanese were owners of fishing boats. When they were forced to move, their Canadian competitors simply took over their equipr'hent. As early as 1942 security forces informed Ottawa that British Columbia's Japanese posed no threat and that re -location was not necessary. Not even the end of the war brought justice for the Japanese. In 1945 Prime Minister Mackenzie King ordered the already re -located Japanese either to return to Japan or move east of the Rocky Mountains. Those who decided to remain in Canada were not allow- ed to return to the coast until 1949, only to, find that the Custodian of En- emy Property had sold everything they owned. No Japanese was ever charged with or tried for acts of treason. Al- though there may have been an under- standable panic when war with Japan becameinevitable, events of succeed- ing years proved those fears were ut- terly groundless. Although it is very late in the day, Canada still owes com- pensation to people who were never anything but good Canadian citizens. Insult to the handicapped The Kitchener -Waterloo Record comments that the Tory refusal to co- operate with Ottawa's quickie attempt to pass a Human Rights Act amend- ment extending employment protec- tion to the handicapped will undoubt- edly raise a few eyebrows. These eyebrows will quickly come down, however, when it is realized that their refusal was based on Justice Minister Mark McGuigan's quietly slipping unreformed alcoholics and other addicts into the amendment. The amendment, quite properly, would outlaw job discrimination based on "disability". The problem is that it defines disability as "any previous or existing -mental of physical disability and includes disfigurement and previ- ous or existing dependence on alcohol, or a drug." The' move was protested just in tine by the 5,000 -member Canadian Organization of Small Business, and rightly so. Apart from placing an unfair extra burden on employers, however, Mc- Guigan's sneaky move is an insult to os the hundreds of thousands of handicap- ped Canadians and their advocates who fought too hard for this just amend- ment to see it abused for people whose disabilities are, in fact, self-inflicted. The Canadian human rights com- mission, which pushed for the exten- sion, feels that an alcoholic who is seeking treatment and making a seri- ous attempt at rehabilitation shouldn't be discriminated against just because he or she is an alcoholic. The point is, however, that while there is no reason not to hire a recover- ed alcoholic or former addict, It is patently unfair to remove an em- ployer's right not to consider such ap- plicants before they have recovered. It is doubly unfair, moreover, to put persons with a handicap in the con- ventional sense in the same category as addicts. Canadians have, at long last, learned and accepted that permanently handicapped persons should be consid- ered for their abilities rather than their disability, even if this occasionally re- quires a little extra effort. A F: pageof editorial opini Predicts Huron education costs will increase 17% Increased costs and a de- creased student population are the challenges facing the 1983 Huron County Board of Education. Board chairman, Dorothy Wallace, outlined these and other items the board will have to deal with in the com- ing year in her inaugural ad- dress at the board's Jan. 10 meeting. A look at the mill rate shows an estimated 17 per cent increase, which doesn't include the recent increase of employer contributions to the Canada Pension Plan and Unemployment Insur- ance of about 40 per cent. Mrs. Wallace said person- nel relations administrator, Peter Gryseels, has at- tempted to project the local education mill rate increase. "To do so he made certain assumptions,' that the grant increase (from the Mini -Wry of Education) would be five per cent, that the secondary entullment would decline, as anticipated, so that our total grant revenue would in- crease by only four per cent. "He assumed an inflation rate of 10 per cent on our purchases, .that the seven per cent sales tax would con- tinue and that there would be a mandatory five per cent in- crease in salaries," said Mrs, Wallace. "The net effect of those calculations shows an in- crease in expenditures ap- proaching nine per cent, of revenue from the province of four per cent, with the re- sultant increase in the local levy of nearly 17 per cent. "Not contained in that 17 per cent is the latest bad news. The federal govern- ment has increased the com- pulsory employer contribu- tions to CPP and UIC by about 40 per cent. This means $260 per employee or a total of $200,000 for this board," said the chairman. On the positive side, Mrs. Wallace said according to Ministry of Education statis- tics, "We have been able to maintain our buildings at a functional — although not perhaps at as aestheticly pleasing level as they might be — at a cost well below that of many other boards." "Our schools are the most energy efficient in South- western Ontario. This is due to a program of increased in- sulation, reduced heat loss and heat conservation," said the chairman. She warned3trustees to ex- pect increased maintenance costs as most of the buildings were built in the 1960s. Mrs. Wallace also said the cost of energy will rise at a rate considerably above the grant increases. "The increased cost of energy is having its effect on all boards. In a recent sur- vey of the 44 boards in South- western Ontario, 33 revealed that they were unable to operate at below the minis- try's transportation ceiling. Huron is still among the 11 which can, but by very lit- tle," noted Mrs. Wallace. She said the board has fewer students to transport, but the same miles to cover at an ever increasing cost per mile. "With fewer students, some inventories can be re- duced, such as the number of typewriters, but a certain complement of equipment must be maintained if SOWS are to operate. Al- most all grants are paid on a per student basis while the cost of supplies continue to escalate at an 11 to 13 per cent rate. And on top of that is the seven per cent sales tax," the chairman said. Higher Fees The chairmansaid night and summer school continue to operate in Huron County but at reduced levels. "The remedial elementary summer school is in jeopardy for this summer unless parents are willing to pay substantially higher fees," said Mrs. Wallace. . On enrollment, Mrs. Wal- lace noted the elementary level "appears to have stabalized for over the next three years at about 6,700 children." "The decline continues, however, in the secondary panel and we will likely lose Club hopes to raise money for fig. skaters Dear Editor, As you may be aware, Curtis and Mark Moore, the two youngest sons of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Moore of Wingham, recently placed among the top four in the Central Canadian Divisional Figure Skating Champion- ships held in Timmins Jan. 12-15. Curtis and his skating partner, Debbie Horton of Goderich, placed first in the Novice Dance category, while Mark placed second in the Novice Men's category. As a result, these boys have the opportunity to attend the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in Montreal Feb. 5. As you can imagine, the traveling and accommoda- tion expenses associated with such a competition are quite high. The Wingham 'Fi- gure Skating Club, the home club for these two skaters, would very much like to pro- vide $1,000 to help defray these expenses. In this re - Notre Dame Sisters opposed to arms race Dear Editor, Following Jesus' call to build with him a kingdom of justice and love, we the School Sisters of Notre Dame choose life for all our brothers and sisters and cherish the gifts of creation. Painfully aware that the whole human race is threatened with death and destruction by the continual buildup of arms, we resist and reject the arms race, specifically the testing on Canadian soil of the Cruise missile and other nuclear delivery syster ls. We School Sisters of Notre Dame call each other to pray and fast for world peace. We plead with our fellow Canadians to join us in putting our faith and trust in God as our security, rather than in weapons of destruction. (The School Sisters of Notre Dame .of Canada belong to an international congregation numbering more than 8,000 members in 31 countries.) School Sisters of Notre Dame WateIdown, Ont. 'gard, the figure skating club is requesting donations from any interested parties — service clubs, businesses or individuals — who may wish to contribute toward the success of our two local, ,excellent, figure skaters. Donations may be made to the Wingham Figure Skating Club, care of Mrs. Dianne Simpson, Box 84, Wingham, telephone 357-2098. An invitation is extended to the public to come to a benefit dance for Mark and Curtis at the .Wingham Legion on Friday, Jan. 28, 1983, 9-12 p.m. This will be a family dance with free ad- mittance; donations will be received at the door, lunch provided. Wingham and surrounding residents will have a chance to see Mark, Curtis and Debbie skate at our annual carnival Feb. 18. Tickets are available from members of the Wingham Figure Skating Club. We are hopeful that Wingham and area residents will show their support for these two aspiring athletes, who are representing our community at the national level. Dianne Simpson Wingham 300 students during that time. It will stabalize in 1985 at abofut 3,400 students. This estimate may be upset in our favor by more students re- turning to school due to economic conditions as it was this past year." "In spite of gloomy predic- tions, Mr. (Robert) McCall (superintendent of program) hammers away at improving the state of program in our system," said Mrs. Wallace. Changes There will be implementa- tion and reviewlof secondary education due to the report on Renewal of Secondary Education in Ontario an- nounced recently by educa- tion Minister Dr. Bette Stephenson. Changes in course content will have to be implemented following board reviews in coreFrench - Grades 3 to 8, English -- Grades 7 to 10, science —. Grades 7 to 10, math — Kindergarten to Grade 6 and Grades 7 to 10 and language arts — Kinder- garten to Grade 6. Curriculum reviews in language arts and social studies — Kindergarten to Grade 6, will be completed this year. Mrs. Wallace said there will be work to do in the area of technology changes and the 'ad hoc committee on technical education will be presenting its findings to the board later this year. The continued imple- mentation of Bill 82 regard- ing special education w' done under the erection of special educ ion super ft- tendent D. R. Miller, said Mrs. Wallace. The chairman said she will also work to improve com- munications within the board system. "We shall . proceed with probing the problem of im- proving communication begun in our November seminar. The first step will be to met the principals' representaves, study their recommendations and bring a report to the board," said Mrs. Wallace. •..r...l . r --..r • , Nett. Books in the Lihrury RESHAPING YOUR IN- VESTMENT STRATEGIES FOR TIIE 1980s by Henry Zimmer Since 1981, Canadians have been following fluctuations in interest rates with a dedication usually reserved for the Stanley Cup. As rates rose, We hissed; as they fell, we cheered. Now it is time to stop being spectators and become participants in the game again. The rules have changed, but this book will show you how to reshape your investment strategies to be a winner, no matter what direction the rates are taking. January 1 . 1983 TODAY'S CHILD BY JUDITH ADAMS Andrew is a charming, spontaneous 7 -year-old who has managed to become very self-assured and independent, despite a difficult' earlier life. He's a cheerful, warm youngster who rarely gets angry, and he forms good friendships because he's so likeable. Andrew is looking forward to having a family who is "brown like me", and if that isn't possible, then he'd at least like to have a brown brother or sister. Perhaps a, family who has adopted before, and who can offer this intelligent boy a consistent and stimulating 'environment, will be able to welcome An4rew into their lives. He's an interesting, articulate child who is doing excellently in grade 2 at school. He has'a delightful sense of humor and he likes to do well at everything he tackles. To inquire about adopting Andrew, please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Ser- vices, Box 888, Station K, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2112. In your letter tell something of your present family and your way of life. Huron mortality rate higher than average a4Mortality rates in Huron County are higher than pro- vincial.averages. Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Harry Cieslar, presented health unit statistics to Huron County Council at its January session. Based on a per 100,000 cen- sus population Huron's death rates in 1981 were higher than the province's rates. Heart disease is the lead- ing killer in both Huron and the province, with cancer a close second. The heart dis- ease death rate is 333 in Huron and 260 in Ontario. The cancer death rate in Huron is 210 with 173 being the provincial rate. Vascular diseases or strokes and diseases of the arteries are the only areas where the provincial mortal - Accidents take lives.over holiday season There were 139 personal injury accidents which took seven lives and left 201 persons injured in the area covered by OPP detach- ments in No. 6 District during the month from Dec. 6 to Jan. 3. In addition, police report 3,805 vehicles were stopped and checked during that time as part of their cam- paign against drinking drivers, resulting in' 203 12 - hour suspensions being imposed. There were 145 alcohol- related criminal offences in the district during that month. No. 6 District is centred in Mount Forest and includes the Wingham area. For all of Ontario, 1,351 personal injury accidents were reported by the OPP, which injured nearly 2,000 persons and left 47 dead. More than 78,000 vehicles were stopped and checked, resulting in 1,615 12 -hour suspensions, and there were 1 , 591 alcohol, -related criminal offences. ity rate is higher than in Huron. The county's mortal- ity rate for vascular diseases is 71 while the province's is 73. The provincial rate. for diseases of the arteries is 24 while Huron's is 21. The accident death rate is 76 per 100,000 census popula- tion in Huron while the Ontario figure is -38. The motor vehicle accident rate in Huron is again much higher than that for the pro- vince. Huron has a death rate of 34 for motor vehicle accidents while Ontario's rate is' 16. The death rate for pneu- monia or influenza is 42 in Huron and 21 in Ontario. For suicides, Huron's death rate is 16 while the province's rate is 12. Dr. Cieslar admitted Huron should have better rates than it does and con- cluded that Huron residents smoke cigarettes more than the provincial average. "These are staggering results," commented Zurich Reeve Don Van Patter. He asked if the health unit has any plans to reduce the county's rate and Dr. Cieslar replied the health unit doesn't have control over all factors. The doctor added that alcohol consumption had a lot to do with motor vehicle accidents. He noted that Canadian statistics show that 50 per cent of all fatal motor vehi- cle accidents are alcohol related. Howick Township Reeve William Newton commented that Huron has a higher pro- portion of citizens over '65 than the province and there- fore is more apt to have a higher death rate than the province. "That doesn't influence the statistics dramatically," responded Dr. Cieslar. County council approved the hiring of Sheryl Gilbert as the health unit's full-time health educator at a salary of $21,320. Dr. Cieslar said r,the death rate statistics show a need for a health educator in Huron.