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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-09-08, Page 22 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday, September 8, 2004 Regional wrap up Steckle wants Canada in talks with U.S. GODERICH — Huron - Bruce MPP Paul Steckle wants Canada to be at the table with the Unites States as plans for a new missile defence system are developed. Reported in the Goderich Signal -Star Sept. 1, Steckle added any discussion concern- ing space weaponry would be grounds for Canada to walk away from any partnership. "The Americans are going to do it their way and it's better for us to be at the table at least understanding what is taking place," Steckle said. "There's a realism here that we need the Americans — as much as we sometimes dis- like what they do to us." He said he knows of no discussion about placing weapons in space, but instead hav- ing strategically placed missiles to protect North America from attack. Steckle said he wel- comes another debate in the House of Commons on the issue. Weather hurts crops SEAFORTH — An early frost could put Huron County's corn and soybean crops in jeopardy, according to Ministry of Agriculture and Food specialist Peter Johnson. "Many producers are very frustrated by the weather we had this year," Johnson said in the Sept. 1 edition of the Huron Expositor. "Corn and soybeans are taking it on the chin." August was 15 per cent colder than usual. Johnson explained that while corn crops are producing cobs, they aren't getting the sun they need. A wet spring has hurt soybeans. Former resident chief of staff forTransport Ministry By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF OTTAWA — One of Exeter's own was recent- ly hired in a high-profile position with the federal government. Leslie Swartman, who was raised in Exeter and is a graduate of South Huron District High School, started near the end of July as chief of staff for Minister of Transport Jean Lapierre. Swartman has spent 12 years in Ottawa, starting as a press officer for Jean Chretien when he was leader of the opposition and then working as press officer after Chretien became prime minister. Swartman also worked as director of communications under former Trade Minister Sergio Marchi, cam- paigned for Paul Martin and was chief of staff for former Minister of Agriculture Bob Speller, who lost in the last feder- al election. As Swartman explains, staffers run the same risk as politicians of losing their jobs after elections. Once Speller was defeat- ed, she let the prime min- ister's office know she was interested in working for another minister. She says she is enjoying her new job with Lapierre. "It's going really well. There are a lot of things to learn about a new portfolio and a new min- ister and a new office." Swartman describes Lapierre as dynamic and says he is a "rising star" in Martin's government. Former Exeter resident Leslie Swartman was recently hired as chief of staff for Minister of Transport Jean Lapierre.A graduate of South Huron District High School, Swartman's parents, Bob and Anita, live in Kippen.Above, Swartman is seen at an announcement in Lethbridge,Alb., concerning the federal BSE aid package. (photo/submitted) Lapierre has also been given the responsibility for the Quebec political file, which has given Swartman the opportuni- ty to use her French. As for the ministry, "The transportation department is one that touches every single Canadian every single day, whether it's the cars they drive in or the roads they drive on ... It's real- ly an interesting and huge portfolio. It's full of lots of challenges for me." As chief of staff, Swartman shoulders great responsibility, working as Lapierre's number one political advisor. In addition to advising Huron Park teen dies from injuries MT. CARMEL — An Aug. 18 car acci- dent that sent four teens to hospital turned tragic last week when Amber Borden of Huron Park died of her injuries. Borden, 14, a Grade 10 student at South Huron District High School, died Aug. 30 in a London hospital. Borden was injured in a two -car acci- dent Aug. 18 on Mount Carmel Road near Hwy. 81. She was a passenger in a Mercury Sable which tried to pass a Dodge Stratus on the gravel shoulder. The two vehicles collided, causing the Sable to enter the north ditch, hitting a tree. The Stratus entered the south ditch. The driver of the Mercury Sable, 17 - year -old Holly Hern and another passen- ger, 15 -year-old Caitlyn Hill, both of South Huron, were transported to South Huron Hospital and then transferred to Children's Hospital of Western Ontario. Hern has been released, while Hill remains in hospital in serious condition. A third passenger, 15 -year-old Kyle Lauzon of London was treated and released from South Huron Hospital, while 18 -year-old Nathan Scott of Zurich, the driver of the Stratus, was uninjured, as were his three passengers. Borden's funeral was held last Friday at Faith Tabernacle Church in Centralia. A tree will be planted as a tribute to her. Donations can be made to the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario's critical care unit. A memorial for Borden will be held at SHDHS Friday at 2 p.m. the minister on policies and political issues, Swartman is responsible for hiring and managing the staff, managing the budget, working with the bureaucracy and the deputy minister. Swartman makes sure Lapierre gets the best political and departmen- tal advice to make deci- sions. "It's a real grab bag of responsibilities," she says. Swartman sees virtually every piece of correspon- dence that comes into the Transport Ministry's office and spends much time on the phone and in meetings. She says her office is an interesting, dynamic place to work in and every day is different, offering new challenges. In a minority govern- ment, Swartman said the Liberals will have to be more sensitive to opposi- tion members and make sure the opposition is consulted. "It really makes us more focused on broad consul- tations." On that note, Swartman said the Transport Ministry has a significant legislative agenda over the next several months and will probably intro- duce six to eight bills. One drawback to the job, though, are the long hours. Swartman, who married her husband Nick Masciantonio last sum- mer, says she doesn't get to spend as much time with her husband as she would like, but adds they both have a love of poli- tics and recognize it's Council working well Continued from front page "I have no problem spraying everything ... go back to the way we were. Other than we did this for a group of people that came in and that doesn't show much respect ... As soon as things dry, you go back to doing things however you want, and that is what bothers me. Change it, by all means change it, but don't try to bend in the centre." important for them to both be involved. Swartman's husband also works in government, for the Canadian Cable Television Association. Swartman comes by her interest in politics honest- ly — her parents, Bob and Anita Swartman of Kippen were always active in politics when Leslie was growing up. "I seem to have caught the bug from them," she says. Swartman's father is the special assistant to Huron -Bruce MP Paul Steckle, while her mom runs the family business, Swartman Enviroclean, which distributes cleaning products to businesses. "(Politics) is something that I've always been exposed to. It really inter- ested me. I was involved in the Young Liberals when I went to university and that's what drew me to Ottawa in the first place." In addition to her job with the government, Swartman is a weekly contributor to "The Hill Times," where she answers topical political questions. In 1999, though, Swartman left politics for a few years, working for public relations firm Earnscliffe, where she did media and public rela- tions and work on polls and research. But, "like a moth to a flame," Swartman even- tually returned to politics. Business Directory REPAIRS Sewing Machine REPAIRS to all makes Free estimates 90 Day Warranty Experienced since 1952 Sew and Save Centre Ltd. 149 Downie St., Stratford Phone 271-9660 EXETER AUTO SERVICE BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL 29 SEASONAL SERVICE 99 YOUR '1' STOP AUTO SHOP! INCLUDES: TIRE ROTATION • UP TO 5L FORMULA 1 OIL, NEW OIL FILTER • TOP -UP ALL FLUIDS • PERFORM A WRITTEN VISUAL • EXHAUST, COOLING, BRAKE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INSPECTION INCLUDING BATTERY ANALYSIS WITH PRINT-OUT. CALL FOR YOUR 100 Thames Rd. E. 235-0160 APPOINTMENT!! Glenn Edward Enterprises Inc. 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