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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1969-11-06, Page 5THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1969. • Huron MP Robert E. McKinley Reports From Parliament Hill in Ottawa The Parliament of Canada mer of October 22nd to close off the first session of the 28th Parliament which began in Sept- ember 1968. After a lively quest- ion period because of many pro- blems built up over the summer recess, Parliament prorogued that session. The official opening of the second session rook.lace rhe following day, October 23rd and the Members of the House of Commons were summoned to the Senate to listen to the Speech from rhe Throne, opening the second session of the 28th Par- liament, The speech from the throne was surprisingly short and as usual clid not spell out in very much detail as to any par- ticular legislation that the Gov- ernment expects to be presenting but rather mentioned some of the problems facing Canada and proposed directions that the Gov- ernment feels are necessary to overcome some of these problems It was mentioned specifically that the Government intends to lower the voting age to eighteen and would recommend to the Standing Committee on Priv- ileges and Elections that they consider this measure. This measure was considered by this Committee during the last ses- sion and these recommendations were presented to rhe Govern- ment. Also it was proposed that legislation for the Government of the northern territories would be brought forward, which would improve the authority of their Councils. The North West Ter- ritories and the Yukon are still administered solely by the Fed- eral Government. It was mentioned that the Of- ficial Languages Bill passed last session would provide bilingual services in Government institu- tions where the population just- ified it and the spirit of bilingu- alism will be advanced where - ever possible. Reports of recent activities in Quebec seem to indicate that the province may not be willing to participate in this endeavour, At least they appear to show an unwillingness to accept English education in their. schools to the extent that Ontario has shown a willingness to provide French education, Tr seems to me that in order for this program to be successful, it must be a two way street includ- ing all parts of Canada. Many times issues such as this that involve personal feelings are often better achieved on their own accord by willingness and enOoperation, than by forceful legislation. however, it remains to be seen what the Governments legislation in this regard will do for rhe advancement of national unity or otherwise. The Government has continued to urge that both the public and private sectors of the economy adopt special measures to com- bat the dangers of inflation. All sectors of the economy are asked to do this voluntarily so that further fiscal pleasures by the Government will not be neces- sary to contain inflation. The house of Commons will be called upon to study propos- als for tax reform that will en- deavour to distribute the tax burden in a fair manner, Al- though the speech from rhe throne did not ntentionit, I ex- pect this means the initiation of some form of capital gains tax. In my opinion capital gains tax initiated in Canada trust not be so severe that it will no long- er leave favourable conditions for continued growth in the nat- ional economy, and there must be special provisions for those who have spent a life time in building up properties or bus- inesses intended to provide those individuals with a satisfactory income upon retirement. Any capital gains tax should not make it too difficult for the transfer of farms or businesses to other members of the family or for that matter, to anyone else wishing to carry on those farms or businesses. In any case, we $5,000,000 in unclaimed savings. Is any of it yours? If so we'll be glad to arrange transfer to a Bank of Montreal account. On December 31st, 1969, the Canada Post Office Savings Bank will terminate operations. But there remains about 5 million dollars in savings accounts still unclaimed. So think carefully. Do you or any of your relatives have a post office account? Any of our branches will be glad to open a True Savings Account for you where your money will earn 61/2% interest per annum. Bank of Montreal Canada's First Bank HENSALL BRANCH: Eric Luther, Manager ZURICH BRANCH: Jack McKone, Manager ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS will have to wait for the Govern- ment's recommendations. and • act accordingly, The throne speech also men- tioned the richness and variety of Canada's material resources and that grain is one of the commodities of which reserves have built up causing financial hardship to a good many farmers. No specific legislation to be helpful in this situation was men- tioned, other than it was of the utmost concern of the Govern- ment and they would continue the search for new outlets for Canadian grain and endeavour ro improve international co-oper- ation and re-establish orderly marketing. Criminal code amendments will also be submitted to rhe House of Commons that would regulate wire tapping and other invasions of an individual's pri- vacy and would reform the pre- sent law governing detention before trial. Gills will also be submitted to snake Federal Tri- bunals More responsive and to ensure fair treatment in expro- priation cases. It is expected that the Depart- ment of Consumer and Corporate Affairs will present legislation dealing with consumer credit, packaging and labelling, ident- ification of fibre content of tex- tile products and motor vehicle safety. The pause of Commons also expects to have several White Papers. This does nor necessarily mean that legislation will follow, but will cover some of rhe Gov- ernment's ideas in these fields; The tense feelings amongst the Members that was evident at the recessing of Parliament at the end of last .luly has eased somewhat, hut there is still a very obvious determination ro give Government proposals very severe scrutiny because no mat- ter how quickly the Opposition Whips forced the Members to pass legislation without speaking at the last session, the Govern- ment still thought it necessary to bring in closure legislation by closure at the end of the session. 0 Bank of Montreal Offer New Service PAGE FIVE Reduction of hank of Montreal service charges to senior citizens was announced last week by the bank's chairman, G. Arnold hart, I\tr. Hari said that, beginning on November I, four ll o{ M services will be available at half the usual cost to anyone 05 years of age or over. The ser- vices are: payment of utilities accounts, Canadian money orders and drafts; true chcduing accounts; and 3', per cent cheuu- able savings accounts. The scheme is the first of its kind in Canada. T1 follows a recent announcement that the batik has made "a corporate commitment" to entbarl< on a program to train unemployable young people. The two plans - for senior citizens and for disadvantaged young people - demonstrate the Gimp of Montreal belief that corporate social responsibility goes far beyond the immediate interests of a company. To con- tribute to the orderly develop- ment of Canada as a whole, corporations of all sizes and kinds must become More involv- ed in the educational, economic and cultural areas of our society, "Mr. 1iarr said. Senior citizens as a group suffer most from the gnawing effects of continuing inflation. They usually roust manage on a small fixed income and make every penny count. We hope the hank's plan will help ease the burden. "Also, we hope our move will. encourage other companies to find ways of lessening the chronic financial difficulties experienced by so many older Canadians to whom we owe so much," Ivir. Hart stated. Starting on November 1, sen- ior citizens can apply at Bank of Montreal branches for court- esy cards which will be issued free of charge and will enable holders to o.)tain the four bank- ing services at half rate. DEBBIE REYNOLDS The Debbie Reynolds Show, seen on CBC -TV Mondays, brings to TV one of the brightest stars of the Hollywood musical. Miss Reynolds plays Debbie Thompson, the kooky wife of a news- paper sportswriter in this new series of half-hour situation comedy in color. Have You Renewed Your Subscription ? ORDER NOW and SAVE! % %%N.%c.% NN, wN.%NAN.`-%x. NON %N. ,%%%NAN JUST ARRIVED 2x4's 2x6's 2x8's 2x 1 O's Available in any lengths. COMPLETE ASSORTMENT CHECK OUR PRICES before you buy structural lumber! DON OKE LTD. PHONE 236-4092 — ZURICH