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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-05-12, Page 44 Exeter Times—Advocate Wednesday,May 12, 2004 =CNA TIMES ADVOCATE PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 07511 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing casts. Jim Beckett Publisher and Editor Deb Lord Production Manager Published by Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing Ltd. Iletroland i 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850 Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • (519) 235-1331 EDITORIALS Gas prices need control acationers in Canada could be in for a long, expensive summer if gas prices continue at their outrageous rate. Gas prices soared all over Canada last week, hovering around the 90 cents a litre mark in this area, while topping more than $1 per litre in some parts of the country. This is one of those occasions when it would be nice if the government actually stepped in and helped Canadians, but given the fact that more than 50 per cent of the pump price goes to pay taxes, it's unlikely the government will do anything concrete. The government is prof- iting quite nicely from these high gas prices. It was announced Monday the federal Competition Bureau is investigating the oil sec- tor to see if the recent gas price hikes are in fact legal. The investigation will try to deter- mine if oil companies have conspired to push the prices higher. Past examinations from the government into alleged collusion have come up with nothing, although Canadians rightly remain skeptical. But while it's investigating the oil companies, the federal government needs to look in the mirror to see what it can do to help Canadian gas consumers. Price regulation would be one step. Getting rid of the tax gouging might be another, although there are some who claim if the government lowered taxes, oil companies would simply raise their prices to fill the gap. Canadian drivers are essentially being held hostage. While it's easy to say people should buy fuel-efficient cars, use their cars less fre- quently and start walking or riding bicycles when possible, the simple fact is this is an automobile -driven society — we have to drive. Our government needs to explain to us why gas prices are so much higher in Canada than in the U.S., and it needs to seriously look at removing some of the fuel taxes. With a federal election, this might be some- thing the feds can do to help Canadians get over their anger of Adscam. About the Times -Advocate Editorial Opinion Battling with seasonal allergies I have a love -hate relationship with this time of year. Although I love the springtime, welcoming the warm weather and sunshine and the growth and rebirth of the season, I hate the watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and general misery which comes with it. For I am a seasonal allergy sufferer and for reasons I cannot understand, my body rejects the pollen etc. that comes with the warm weather of spring. This is the time of year when I want to venture to the great outdoors, take long walks and enjoy the buds and blossoms, MARY but alas, I find myself conflicted between SIMMO this urge and the one which makes me want to hide from the nasty pollen that makes my eyes itch. Now I know there are plenty of over-the-counter medications which promise non -drowsy relief from these symptoms, but although I have proba- bly tried them all throughout my life, I have never found one which leaves me completely conse- quence free. They alleviate some of the symptoms but do not provide a cure for my ills. And so I weigh the consequences before decid- ing to take those long walks. Is it really worth it? Sometimes it is, like a recent trek back to the bush at my mom's farm. It's an annual Mother's Day tradition. My mom and I walk back to the bush and see if the trilliums are blooming and the wild leeks are ready to be dug up and cleaned. Armed with shovels and pails, we dig up enough leeks to get us through the season and are rewarded at the end of the trip with the ingredients for an excellent potato and leek soup. The rich, creamy soup is worth the sneezes that come after. So, armed with tissues and antihistamines, I will continue my battle with the elements. PENNY FO THOUGH Address & Office Hours Times -Advocate, 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850, Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Holidays. 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For example, Jim Beckett's e-mail address is <jbeck- ett@southhuron.com> Our general e-mail address is ads@southhuron.com. The Times -Advocate Team Publisher/Editor Jim Beckett ext. 109 Advertising Barb Consitt ext. 110 Reporters Scott Nixon ext. 105 Pat Bolen ext. 113 Mary Simmons ext. 107 Customer Service Sue Rollings ext. 101 Carol Powe ext. 102 Composition Department Manager Deb Lord ext. 114/103 Sharlene Young ext. 103 Jacky Westlake ext. 103 Accounting Staff Anita McDonald ext. 104 Ruth Slaght ext. 106 Carol Windsor ext. 111