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The Citizen, 2003-02-05, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2003. Letter to the editor OSMA shares concerns about Bill 81 with Johns THE EDITOR, Over the past two months the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency has been working with the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food providing input into the draft Stage 2 regulations for Bill 81. In particular, we have expressed concerns to the Ministry about regulations around temporary storage, limitations for livestock producers with shallow soils and paper fatigue. Minister Johns and her staff have demonstrated sincere willingness to listen and respond to the needs of sheep producers. While there is no question that the Ndtrient Management Act goes above and beyond what we originally believed to be the intent of the legislation, we understand that uniform regulations are required across the province. We also understand that in order to build maximum flexibility into the regulations to accommodate al! types of production, all across the province, we have developed a very complicated document. Substantive changes to the curre draft regulations are necessary order to ensure that they ai practical and workable for Ontari farmers. We are confident the extensiv consultation process at preser taking place, will result in positiv changes being put forward b Minister Johns which will ensur both protection of the environmen and the economic viability o Ontario’s sheep farmers. Chris Kennedy Stella, Ontario. Food Freedom Day, Feb, 8 Congratulations Ken Langer, Technical Standards and Safety Authority client services manager, presented Terry Windsor, Sparling’s quality assurance leader, right, with a new TSSA safety designation. Sparling’s is the first propane retailer in Ontario THE EDITOR, Food Freedom Day is Feb. 8. When hearing of it, most people ask, “What is it?” Feb. 8 is the calendar date representing the point when the average Canadian has earned enough income to pay for his or her food supply bill for the entire year. Even though food prices have increased approximately 11 per cent from 1997 to 20ul, consumer spending actually dropped from 7.3 per cent of net national disposable income in 1988 to 6.73 per cent in 1999. Canadian farmers are proud to provide safe high-quality food at a reasonable- cost. Food producers work hard to contribute to an industry that provides thousands of jobs and generates billions of dollars in economic activity. In observing Food Freedom Day, farmers and fellow Canadians will celebrate one of the safest and most affordable food supplies in the world. The Executive of The Huron County Federation of Agriculture. to receive the honour. (Bonnie Gropp photo) Sparling’s earns special recognition ‘Proud Gramma’ writes By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor It was a reason to celebrate last Wednesday as Sparling’s Propane was presented with a Quality Assessed designation from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Sparling’s, Canada’s oldest propane company, the head office of which is in Blyth, is the first to receive this new safety designation. It acknowledges that the business, at all of its Ontario locations, has achieved a high safety standard in the storage, use and handling of propane and propane appliances and equipment. Vice-President of Operations Steven Sparling, in declaring that this accreditation is the first of several which Sparling’s hopes to achieve, complimented the company’s employees and recognized their efforts. “Make no mistake this award is about you, the co-workers.” Rene Chartier president of the Ontario Propane Association in Oakville commended Sparling’s on its leadership. Steven Sparling, the first president of OPA when it began seven years ago, is now chairman of the responsible management plan. “Without the Sparling name the plan would not have been what it is today.” While 19 companies have registered, Chartier said, “none have achieved what Sparling’s have. The OPA is particularly proud of the Sparling name.” In making the presentation to Terry Windsor, Sparling’s quality assurance leader, Ken Langer, TSSA client services manager, said that the day “marks a safety first for Sparling’s and the TSSA.” TSSA is a risk-based prevention- oriented organization which provides services to the public, such as education, training, certification and inspection. It regulates safety in industry sectors. THE EDITOR, I truly would like to commend the Brussels Figure Skating Club for an excellent carnival on Sunday. The skaters from the wee ones to the senior skaters were excellent. The music and decorations were superb. Of course, we realize this could not happen without the hard work and patience of the coaches, Michelle and Faye and all the parents working behind the scenes. To Nicole and the Saloon Girls a job well done! Keep up the good work! Brussels is very proud of you. A Proud Gramma Beat the temptation. CALL THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY'S SMOKERS' HELPLINE 1-877-513-5333 Looking for local heroes There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community. Now you have a chance to say thanks. Nominate that special person for the 18th Annual Citizen Citizenship Awards. Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the ballot and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and he or she didn't win, please feel free to try again. I nominate-------------------- as Citizen of the year for □Blyth & area □Brussels & area I feel she/he deserves this award because Nomination Deadline April 30, 2003. Name and phone number of nominator______________________________________________________________________________________