The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutClinton News Record, 2016-01-13, Page 44 News Record • Wednesday, January 13, 2016 I I www.clintonnewsrecord.com NewsCl Record PUBLISHED WEEKLY — EST. 1860 53 Albert St. P.O. Box 39 Clinton ON NOM 1L0 (519) 482-3443 www.clintonnewsrecord.com rp] POSTMEDIA MARIE DAVID Group Advertising Director - Grey Bruce Huron Division 519376-2250 ext 514301 or510 364-2001 ext. 531024 NEIL CLIFFORD Advertising Director NClifford@postmedia.com VALERIE GILLIES Journalist clinton.reporter@sunmedia.ca DAWN JOHNSTON Sales Representative DJohnston@postmedia.com TERESA SMITH Front Office TSmith@postmedia.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES 1 YEAR $50.00 (47.62+2.38 GST) 2YEAR $95.00 (90.48+4.52GST) SENIORS 60 WEEKS $50.00 (47.62+2.38 GST) 120 WEEKS $95.00 (90.48+4.52 GST) Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged but that balance of advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographic error advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Ad- vertising is merely an offer to sell, and may be withdrawn at any time. The Clinton News -Record is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproducing purposes. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064683 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES: CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT 53 Albert St., Clinton ON NOM 1L0 (519) 482-3443 Clinton News Record is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent ethical organization established to deal with editorial concerns. For more information or to file a complaint go to www.mediacouncil.ca or call toll free 1-844-877-1163. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities. Ao Canada Member of the Canadian Community C,j Newspaper Association and the Ontario Community Newspapers Association RUETUERS/Chris Wattle Canada's new Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Dominic LeBlanc (left) is congratulated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on November 4, 2014. Trudeau and LeBlanc have rejected mounting calls for a referendum on any future changes to the electoral process. Voters should decide on electoral system Postmedia Network Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems determined to carry through on his election promise to scrap Canada's first-past-the-postvoting system. The most obvious question might be: Whatwill replace it? The more important one, however, is: Who gets to decide? On this latter point, the response so far from the Liberal government has not been at all satisfactory. It seems sensible that Canadian vot- ers should have the final say on some- thing as fundamental to their democ- racy as the manner in which they elect their political representatives. And yet, in recent days, Trudeau and Liberal House Leader Dominic LeBlanc have rejected mounting calls for a referen- dum on any future changes to the electoral process. Instead, the govemment continues to insist electoral reform can be treated like any other piece of legislation and passed by a majority vote in Parlia- ment. Whether that would standup to a legal challenge on constitutional grounds would be for the courts to decide. But it's hard to see how a govern- ment would have the moral authority to use its majority in the House to change the rules, especially if those changes are viewed as increasing its chances of beingre-elected. Granted, the Liberals have prom- ised a "national engagement process" before recommending any changes. They have not spelled out what that means, and Trudeau and LeBlanc made it clear in year-end interviews that a national referendum is not part of the plan. The Liberals have also pledged to setup an all -party parliamentary com- mittee to study different electoral sys- tems. After that, they say they would introduce legislation within 18 months to implement anew system. The panel is meant to lend a sense of impartiality to the process, but it, too, is problem- atic. How would representation be weighted in the committee? Besides, it's easy to see how differ- ent members of the committee would push for electoral systems that would benefit their own parties. For example, under proportional representation -- which the NDP favours -- the Liberals would have formed only a minority government in the October election. The first -past -the -post system is gen- erally considered to benefit the Conservatives. Of course, no electoral system is perfect, and there are arguments to be made for and against the status quo and the various alternatives. Ultimately, however, it is the voting public, not the politicians, who should have the final say on how their repre- sentatives are chosen. Trends and hobbies It is a new year and that means that many peo- ple have made New Year's resolutions. Even if you are not into resolutions, this is still a time which is used to review, rethink and revise. Many who go through this review are concerned about their health or are commit- ting to improve or retain their health. The first thing that comes to mind for most people on this topic is exer- cise and diet regimes. How- ever, there is much more to health than just calories in versus calories burned. In a recent edition of the Clinton News Record there were articles on both the REACH Assisted Horse Pro- gram and the renovations being made to add services and products to K & J Phar- macy. These articles addressed very different takes on the topic of health. In this edition, there is an article on Taoist Tai Chi, which is not only an exercise regime, but is also beneficial for emotional health. One of the major trends that has surged throughout the end of last year and is continuing to grow is col- ouring books for adults. These range anywhere from whimsical designs to intri- cate geometrical images to very detailed drawings to suit the tastes and skills of varied hobbyists. The main theme is that colouring is a very relaxing activity that is very effective in relieving stress. Some resolutions, or revi- sions, have people Val's Views Valerie Gillies developing other hobbies, even to the point of pursuing them on a more competitive level. This would include most athletic activities, but also venues that stretch the mind to new levels. An example of this is Clinton News Record's newest free- lance columnist Josh Batkin who has decided to volun- teer to write a weekly col- umn dedicated to sports. We welcome Batkin to our team of volunteer writers who have committed to making the Clinton News Record a truly local community publication. Have you made a resolution or started a new hobby or pursuit that you believe would be of interest to our readership? We welcome writings and photos (in .jpg format please) from profes- sionals, groups, enthusiasts or the general public to consider for content. Please send sub- missions to Clinton. reporter@sunmedia.ca by Friday at 2 p.m. for possible publication in the following Wednesday edition Clinton News Record, or future edi- tions as space permits. You may also use this address to ask for a newspaper journalist to cover your news or event. Correction In the article "Renovating for future care" on page 2 of the January 6 Clinton News Record, the business hours for K & J Pharmacy should have read Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. CLINTON NEWS RECORD — HOURS OF OPERATION MONDAY: 9:00 - 5:00 • TUESDAY: - CLOSED • WEDNESDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • THURSDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • FRIDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • SATURDAY & SUNDAY: - CLOSED ADVERTISING DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 2:00 • PHONE 519-482-3443 • FAX: 519-482-7341 www.clintonnewsrecord.com