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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1976-03-03, Page 1Jack Riddell, Liberal MPP for Huron -Middlesex, told the monthly session of Huron county council Friday that the closing of hospitals in the county is setting rural Ontario back 12 to 15 years. "The closings of hospitals in Huron is a slap in the face to rural Ontario," he said, What we face now is setting rural Ontario back 12 to 15 years." He explained that Huron was now forced to bear the brunt of the Health Minister's restraint program and the closing of hospitals was drawing from the lifeblood of the communities. He also added there is evidence of poor planning and considera- tion should have been given to a centralized hospital in the county. Despite poor planning he be- lieved there were viable alterna- tives to complete closure of hospitals in the county. He claimed there were too many hospital beds in Ontario and Huron County and suggested that every major hospital could have sections closed. He insisted that government has priorities mixed up and funds could be raised from other sources rather than closing hospitals. "If there was a seven per cent tax on tobacco the government could raise $40 to $50 million per year," he said, "If we can afford luxuries then we certainly can afford to pat for them." He added that a 10 per cent tax on tobacco would mean a $70 million revenue annually. Riddell questioned the govern- ments priorities - claiming the province didn't need McMaster University Hospital in Hamilton and University Hospital in London. "I could name several more hospitals we didn't need but now the community hospitals are Attend convention Representing the Zurich Ag- ricultural Society, Irene Hoffman and Irene Steinbach attended the annual convention of the Ontario Agricultural Societies held at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto on February 18-19. There were 1,500 delegates at the meeting from societies across the province. In the ladies' section, topics ranged from sewing and crafts to entertainment and photo- graphy. Main topics in the mens sections were midways and horse sections. Stanley twp recreation The Stanley Township Recrea- tion Committee met on Wednes- day evening for their regular monthly meeting. A lengthy discussion was held concerning lights for the ball diamond, and it is hoped that we will be able to proceed with lights. Fund raising project suggestions would be welcomed by the committee, and it is hoped that all parts of the town- ship will help with the fund raising, as the ball diamond should be of great value to every- one. A Variety Concert is being planned for April, and the com- mittee would like to hear from you if you know of any talent which could be used in the prog- ram. Don't forget the Recreation Dance on April 10. Tickets can be obtained from any com- mittee member. There are still seats left for the bus trip in June and Harvey Hayter will give you further information on this. Coaches are needed for base- ball, etc., this summer, and as spring is just around the corner, we would appreciate hearing from anyone who could help us this way. We had excellent coaches last year and we hope they will be back this year, as we sure did appreciate their hard work. osing 'ikip in the fare' being sacrificed," he said, "We do have problems and need restraint but the government has its priorities mixed up." Riddell explained that if was just further evidence of the centralizing tendencies of the government and the province would only be inviting trouble through centralization. Riddell was also incenced at the hospital closings in view of the needless spending of other government agencies. He disagreed with the Wintario Lottery as a source of revenue but questioned why the more than $20 milli n in revenue couldn't be used for hospitals. He pointed out that $24 million was spent on the extension of the Spadina Expressway, a pro- ject the people of Toronto really didn't want and the government was also spending money for snowmobile trails. Clinton Hospital board vice- chairman viewed the economic impact of the Clinton Hospital closing as Monterous. He added that the only alternative for health care was London since Wingham hospital was operating over 90 per cent 'occupancy and Exeter could not satisfy the needs of the people. "We must deplore the tech- niques of the Minister in the closing and as long as Clinton is there health needs will have to be met." he said, "There must be alternatives and Clinton Hospital would certainly consider a chal- lenge to cut the budget." Mr. Menzies suggested that the more logical approach would be to cut out inefficient units in County hospitals and adamantly stated the town had a good case against the closure of the hospit- al. "The closure of the hospital would be a tragedy to the com- munity if the decision is not reversed." he said, "If there was sufficient cooperation from all the hospitals in the county we wouldn't have to close." Mr. Menzies said that Health Minister Frank Miller has not made it clear that his Ministry can only withdraw funds since it does not own the hospital and the services of Huron County hospitals spills into other coun- ties. County councillors debated for more than an hour as to the course of their action and juris- diction on the matter. Clerk - treasurer Bill Hanly told council the County has no jurisdiction over the hospital and can only support the efforts of other groups. Council passed two motions, one; that the council support the hospital board and the town of Clinton in their efforts to keep the hospital open and also that the Medical officer of Health and the County Health Unit present a brief to the govern- ment giving reasons not to close health institutions in Huron County and the board suggest alternatives to closing in consulta- NO. 9 - FIRST WITH THE LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1976 PRICE 20c PER COPY c ntin fhe Huron County Board of Education agreed Monday after- noon to continue French instruc- tion in grades three to eight. A committee was established in November to examine the program of French instruction at the elementary school level. The committee consisted of all members of the Education com- mittee, two teachers each from elementary and secondary schools, two elementary school principals and two superintend- ents, The committee received a number of presentations suggest- ing the program begin with children of a younger age. Economic considerations and the priority for English instruction made it impossible for the committee to extend the program at this time. The committee also considered the feasibility and desirability of making the subject optional at grade seven and eight but felt this would not be in the best interest of the student or the system. .l enienia r The committee also recom- mended that: A co-ordinator of French for Huron County be appointed when possible. Provisions be made for ele- mentary French teachers to meet at least once each term. More interaction be developed among elementary and second- ary teachers and students. Principals pay particular attention to the importance of recruitment of teachers for the French program and the teacher After a considerable discussion Monday afternoon, the Huron County Board of Education re- ferred recommendations from the budget committee to a special meeting to be held Monday, March 15. The budget committee sugg- ested a number of ways in which costs can be reduced. Superin- tendent of Business Affairs, Roy Dunlop said the proposed cuts would reduce the overall budget by only about one percent. Dunlop said he anticipated the gross budget would be up about 20 per cent from last year. He said although the , provincial government had put a ceiling of eight per cent on expenditures, "it's impossible to stay at that figure. We had teacher contracts last year go up about 30 per cent and this carries through into this year." In discussion of the proposed cutbacks chairman Herb Turk- hcim said, "We don't want to let the quality of education See page two re. 'c of French be resident in one school wherever possible. Teachers of French develop suggestions and strategies for improved working conditions and discuss these with elementary school principals. Opportunities be provided for students of French to test in real situations what they have learned in school. Further consideration be given to acquainting the community with the opportunities which knowledge in French affords and language department heads and teachers of French take the initiative to develop courses which could be designated_ as Canadian Studies. Examination and assessment of the French program by conducted on a continuous basis. Members of the committee were Mrs. J. Love, R. B. Allan, J. T. Chapman, .i. W. Coulter, E. J. Elliott, M. Herrington, E. C. Hill. Mrs. M. Kunder, E. Mansfield, R. K. Peck, B. Robertson, W. Shortreed, D. Solomon, Mrs. D. Wallace and Mrs. M. Zinn. NEW K. OF C. MEMBERS - Father Stephen Eckert Council of the Knights of Columbus of Seaforth and District welcomed ten new members Thursday night. Seated is Grand Knight John Paul Rau and, front, Rick Masse, Larry Denomme, Don Beauchamp, and rear, Rick Grenier, Wayne Overholt, Mark Gelinas, Bill DeGroot, Don Scruton and Steve Durand. All but Scurton are from the Zur- ich area. Expositor Photo