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The Times Advocate, 2005-11-30, Page 44 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday, November 30, 2005 =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 Deb Lord – Production Manager Scott Nixon – Editor tirt Published by MDiroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing Ltd. 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850 Metroland Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • (519) 235-1331 EDITORIAL Election time It finally happened — Paul Martin's minority Liberal government collapsed in a non -confi- dence vote Monday night. Faced with a united opposition, the vote wasn't even close, as the Liberals went down to defeat 171-133. After months of bickering among themselves, the Conservatives, Bloc Quebecois and New Democratic Party (talk about strange bedfellows) had finally had enough and Canadians have the pleasure of living through a Christmas election campaign, with voters heading to the poll in January. The question is: have Canadians had enough of the Liberals and their more than 13 years of rule? Martin certainly seemed confident and pleased with himself when he met his caucus Monday night. You'd think he had won the non -confidence vote. While the Liberals are still ahead of the Conservatives according to the latest polls, anything can happen in a campaign, especially one that could last as long as eight weeks (the date of the election was to be officially announced Tuesday after the Times -Advocate went to press). The most likely result of January's election is another Liberal minority government, but if either Martin or Conservative leader Stephen Harper hit a home run on the campaign trail, a Liberal majority or Conservative minority isn't out of the question. So far, neither men has shown they have the potential to make any great leaps in popularity. A Liberal minority could spell the end of Martin's lead- ership over the Liberals, just as a Conservative defeat will surely be the end of Harper's reign over his party. Both men are desperate — expect an angry, mud -sling- ing campaign. The wild card is Jack Layton and his NDPers, who have seen their popularity rise in recent weeks. And the Bloc, of course, are riding a wave of love throughout Quebec. You can thank Adscam for that. Canadians have an important choice to make — do they forgive the Liberals for Adscam or take a chance with Harper and his conservative vision for Canada. We'll know in fewer than two months. Editorial Opinion Roads slippery when wet After last week's snowstorms I'm hoping most people are slowing down on these snowy and slippery roads. Although I do know for sure some people out there don't understand the meaning of taking it nice and easy or leaving five minutes early. I'm already growing tired of people riding my bumper (my ultimate pet peeve) in the middle of a snowstorm and nearly smashing into my car anytime I have to press my brakes. I would like to make it through this holiday season alive and well and I'm sure everyone else would too, even those who do not have the sense to drive more carefully. Since giving a friendly hand gesture from inside my vehicle is not appropriate and stop- ping my car, getting out and telling that per- son they're crazy is out of the question, I'm going to pass on some information from the OPP that hopefully will make you think twice. The first snowfall, Nov. 17, Huron County OPP responded to 17 minor road related accidents. I'm sure not all these were the direct result of care- less driving. There have been a few days when I've barely been able to see the front of my car at times. But to help ensure our roads stay safe, the Huron OPP sent along some tips including: • Always buckle -up; • Always keep the gas tank topped off. When it reaches half, fill it up; • Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. If you do, tell someone the route of travel; • Carry a cellular phone; • Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, the hood and roof before driving; • Pay attention and don't try to "out -drive" the condi- tions; • Use brakes carefully and leave plenty of room for stopping; • Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows and stay back a safe stopping distance; • Watch for slippery bridges, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridges will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement; • Don't use the cruise control in wintry con- ditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of the brakes to deactivate the cruise control fea- ture can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle; • Don't get overconfident in a 4x4 vehicle. Remember a four-wheel drive vehicle may get going quicker than other vehicles but it won't help stop any faster. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. • Do not pump anti-lock brakes. If the car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump them in attempting to stop. The right way is to `stomp and steer;' • Look farther ahead in traffic than normal. This will help the driver be aware of any situations that could occur; • and slow down! There's your list, check it twice and remember that five minutes can save a life. NINA VAN LIESHOUT KICK THIS AROUND About the Times -Advocate Address & Office Hours Times -Advocate, 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850, Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6. 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E-mail Us Web site: www.southhuron.com TA e-mail addresses consist of the person's first initial and last name followed by @southhuron.com. 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 Jim Beckett ext. 109 ADVERTISING Deborah Schillemore ext. 112 EDITOR Scott Nixon ext. 105 REPORTERS Pat Bolen ext. 113 Nina Van Lieshout ext. 107 CUSTOMER SERVICE Sue Rollings ext. 101 Kim Hern ext. 102 COMPOSITION DEPARTMENT Manager Deb Lord ext. 103/114 Heather Bilcke ext. 103 Kelly Gackstetter ext. 103 ACCOUNTING STAFF Anita McDonald ext. 104 Ruth Slaght ext. 106 Christina Scott ext. 108 MargPertschy ext. 111 Heather Clarke