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The Citizen, 1997-02-26, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26,1997 Speaking out W. Wawanosh approves severance Students from Blyth and Hullett schools competed in a speak-off contest, last week. The winners received their certificates from Anne Elliott, representing Blyth Legion, which sponsored the event. Back row, from left: Eli Thomson, first; Elizabeth Ross, Lori Wilts. Front: Steven Empey, Kristi Klasen, second and Jamie Lewis, third. Wingham woman seeks fed. PC nod Colleen Schenk of Wingham announced recently that she is seeking the nomination to be the Progressive-Conservative candidate in the riding of Huron-Bruce for the upcoming federal election. Schenk, a resident of Huron-Bruce for almost 20 years, is well known in the community for her participation and leadership in youth sports, church, the Huron-Bruce chapter of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and as a trustee on the Huron Board of Education. She is a mother of three teenage children and a graduate in landscape architecture of Ryerson Polytechnic University. Schenk said she believes that the Liberal government's record of inaction has slowed economic growth. "The rise in youth crime is due largely to the extremely high rate of youth unemployment (currently at 17 per cent). Overspending the taxpayers' money to create "artificial" short term jobs is not the answer. The- infrastructure plan is a votes plan, not a job creation plan." "After a 40 per cent cut in cash transfers to the provinces for medicare, post­ secondary education and social assistance the Liberals are now trying to say that these issues are important to them. The provinces still have to absorb a further $3 billion in cuts over the next two years." Consent was given by West Wawanosh council at the Feb. 4 meeting, to allow the severance of Lol 19, Cone. 6. The property, owned by Alex and Janet Van Niekerk, must have a legal entrance way on the west half of the lot, drainage must be consid­ ered and all buildings must be with­ in the proper separation distances of the property line. Reeve Robert Hallam will meet Knight encourages Continued from page 1 grams) from $48 million to $31 million, it is very positive to see the increase of $100 million," said Knight. "It is unclear whether the $100 million is added to the present funding level or is increased to a total of $100 million," said Knight. "It is is also unknown if the funding is to be spread over three years. However, with the new monies, more work can be done on develop­ ing new initiatives, he said. Another tax benefit reform is the increase in the Working Income Supplement. The maximum benefit will be hiked to $605 per family for the first child, $405 for the second and $330 for each additional child. The benefit will be reduced as the family income exceeds $20,921. "This is a significant amount (to those people affected)," said Knight, "though I wish it were more. It is a step in the right direc­ tion and something that should def­ initely be supported." "It is nice to see a philosophy continue which will allow not only the continuation of, but the expan­ sion of programs," said Knight. "Canadian children of all ages are with the reeves of Ashfield and Kinloss Twps. and Lucknow, to discuss a joint recreation agreement regarding the sharing of costs. Correspondence from the Min­ istry of Environment and Energy, regarding the landfill site, was sent to Art Clarke of Maitland Engi­ neering Services and township solicitor D. Hawreliak, for com- . ment and direction. The matter con- cems lhe Grierson civil suit. a primary concern," said Steckle. "Without proper conditions in their formative years, their adult lives may not improve." For older children in the family, the government, having realized problems caused by the high cost of post-secondary education, will increase assistance to education and skills enhancement. By 1998, the average post-secondary school stu­ dent will see a 30 per cent increase in combined federal and provincial tax assistance each year, taking the amount from $900 to $1,200, approximately. The tax-free period for Canada Student Loan repayment will be extended to three years. The federal government will pay the interest charges. For the average working person, the take-home pay will be less as the Canada Pension Plan contribu­ tion is increased to 9.9 per cent over the next six years (employee and employer contribution is a 50/50 split). "Due to the rate increases now, it will allow rates to be lower in the future," said Steckle. "This way, our children and grandchildren will have a pension system that they can Council authorized the final pay­ ment of two per cent, less $21,500, to D'Amore Construction Ltd. The money will be held until the issues between D'Amore Construction, Huron-Tel and the Ashfield Twp. road superintendent are resolved. Road and general accounts, in the amount of $14,419.52 and $268,965.74 for the month of February, were approved for pay­ ment. support afford and one that will guarantee them a retirement fund." In response to concerns expressed over the cost of provid­ ing health care, the government announced a Health Transition Fund, which will assist the health system to be more effective and efficient. A task force will be created to consider the difficulties of persons or families dealing with disabilities. Disabled workers will be able to deduct the full cost of attendant care from the earned income, the hearing impaired will be able to certify eligibility for the disability tax credit, the eligible expense list will be expanded and the limit on part-time attendant care is being doubled along with allowing mov­ ing expenses to accessible housing. For low income working people, a refundable tax credit has been introduced to help cover the cost of medical expenses for those with disabilities. In an overall analysis, Steckle said the- budget did not increase personal income tax rates or result in any new taxes. However, tax benefits will provide relief for the less fortunate. Letter CUPE workers oppose Bill THE EDITOR, We, the education support employees of Huron County find the recent government proposal to outsource our jobs, a despicable act. The Ontario government is dropping employees at will from health care, transportation, social services, municipalities, libraries, etc., etc. while leaving gaping holes in the ever deteriorating fabric of Ontario. Bill 104, "The Fewer School Boards Act", currently being read in the House of Commons, gives specific powers to an "appointed" (not elected) Education Improve­ ment Commission: "to consider, conduct research, facilitate discussion and make recommen­ dations to the Minister on how to promote and facilitate the outsourcing of non-instructional services by district school boards." s.335(3)(f) Outsourcing means the hiring of people from private companies that hope to save money, but at what cost to the smooth operation and continuity of the school? As education support staff (custodians, secretaries, educational assistants) we are an important part of the school community. We work side by side with teachers and parents to nurture the children of our schools and communities so that they grow into contributing citizens in years to come. We are not asking for more money or better benefits. We are asking that our jobs not be spirited away by the passing of treacherous legislation which would initiate the possibility of the auctioning of our positions to the lowest bidder. Dedication and commitment to task are unimportant to the Harris government. They believe years of experience can be learned by crash courses. We, as education support employees contribute extra to education in our own way, on an individual basis, and our local school board recognizes and supports that contribution. We are the host volunteers of parent nights, the lunch-hour bulletin bo^rd designers, the drama seamstresses and set builders after school. We are the wounded knee and broken heart menders who care deeply about the students we work with. We willingly forfeit our coffee breaks and lunch hours to help students and facilitate the smooth running of the school. We are often at school long after the invisible punch clock has struck to signify our day's end, yet the Harris government feels the veterans of educational support are easily disposed of at the expense of the students themselves. We are contributing members of our communities and we support our local businesses. Will 'transplanted' outsourced support workers care for the children in our schools as we do? Will 'transplanted' outsourced workers spend their salaries in our communities?" We urge you to contact Helen Johns, MPP-Huron at 1-800-668- 9320 or the Minister of Education and Training John Snobelen at 416- 325-2600 to express your concerns about your children's education. From CUPE, Local 1428 members at Brussels Public School and F. E. Madill Secondary School. MPP writes Continued from page 4 stated that he welcomes the commission so the interests of the public are protected and there is no question as to the fairness of the amalgamation. As the teachers' unions gear up this week by picketing MPP's offices and taking the debate into the classroom, I ask parents, teachers and students to consider carefully the effect of this bill on the education of Huron students. The government responded to the requests and petitions of the people in Huron by putting forward this bill. Since the bill meets the needs of the Huron students, it surprises me that the teachers union has mobilized teachers to march in Exeter on Friday. What is it that they are marching about? Is it a preamble to tfie bargaining table? I certainly hope not! Sincerely, Helen Johns, MPP Huron. 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