Loading...
The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1975-06-26, Page 12 (2)g• 12 Times -Advocate, June 26, 1975 BY JACK RIDDELL M.P.P. In reply to a question by Robert ixorl. leader of the opposition, reinier Davis said in the gislature this week that he was communication with Prime inister Trudeau on the subject f possible increases in the price f crude oil and natural gas. emier Davis said he made it bsolutely clear that Ontario pposed any increase in the price f crude oil or natural gas until uch time as inflation is brought nder control and unemployment s substantially reduced. Premier Davis said that Mr. Crudeau assured him, he un- lerstood Ontario's arguments Ind indicated that contrary to :peculation, the Federal Cabinet lad not yet made a decision ilthough he anticipated that some kind of a decision will be made in the next few days. Premier Davis informed the .egislature that the following lay he sent a telex to the Prime Minister with copies to -the other Premiers, to reaffirm Ontario's position on the subject of possible oil and natural gas price ,ncreases. Mr. Nixon then wanted to snow. as the Premier feels that 3n increase in the energy costs, which Mr. Nixon believe to be a act, is going to have a ieleterious effect on our em- loyment and add further pressures to the inflation in the Province opposes price increases economy, why, the Government of Ontario, which can in fact control the policy of Ontario Hydro, does not tell Ontario Hydro that an increase in energy rates cannot be permitted at this time. Ontario Hydro wants a 30 percent increase in Hydro rates for 1975 and wants to double their price in 5 years. In his opening remarks during the debates on the Estimates of the Ministry of the Environ- ment. Mr. W. Newman, Minister of the Environment said that the Ministry of the Environment has established a reputation for excellence in environmental protection and enhancement which is acknowledged throughout the world. It was the Ministry's intention to maintain and improve this standard of performance. Mr. Newman referred to the Speech from the Throne and said that Ontario is presently con- fronted by economic conditions which call for strong and decisive response from the people and from the ` Government. His ministry recognizes that the Province's financial requirements will be substantial and there isneedfor restraint. e a He said that while effecting restraints his Ministry does not intend to follow a policy of retrenchment. Mr. Newman indicated that his Ministry will increase its existing en- vironmental protection programmes and enhance the quality of the environment at the least possible cost to the in- dustrial and commercial sector of our economy and to the people of this province. In presenting the estimates of the Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Newman said the aggregate for this year is $231,176,000 or an increase of 15.6 percent over 1974- 1975. As critic of the Ministry of the Environment for the Liberal Caucus, in my opening speech I briefly touched on the organizational structure of the Ministry, whereby 1,066 ministry personnel were decentralized and although the Liberal Party concur with decentralization, accompanying this change was a tremendous increase in ex- penditures. The expenditure for the entire ministry increased by $69.5 million over the year before. For 1975-1976 the Committee is asked to consider an additional ex- penditure of $31 mililon over last year. I stated that the Liberal Party do not begrudge this particular ministry the ad- ditional expenditure if it reflects an improved environment. But I pointed out that the major environmental issues are still prevalent today as they were last year or the year before or the year before that. I indicated that I was not convinced that the Minister has accomplished or will accomplish anything close to that which needs to be done even with the additional expenditure. If the Environmental Impact Assessment Bill in its present form is anyindication of the accomplishents of this Minister then I would have to say that the effort on the part of the Minister and his staff leaves a great deal to be desired. I indicated that I assumed a large part of the expenditure of this ministry goes to funding water and sewage projects in the various municipalities and believed that inroads in correcting the pollution problems in the various municipalities throughout Ontario are being made, but I wanted to know what pressures were being brought to bear on our neighbours to the south to live up to their com- mitments and obligations to get back on schedule according to the agreement that was made. I also pointed out that the Ministry of Environment has yet to define the role of sanitary land- fill sites within its overall waste management policy. More land- fill sites are not the answer. They will merely postpone the garbage crisis. The ultimate solution is both to recycle garbage but more importantly to reduce the amount produced. A ban on non -returnable bottles would be a move in the right direction in the reduction of garbage at its source. The Solid Waste Task Force has concluded that non -refillable containers are environmentally harmful and that any switch fromtheuseof non- refillable soft drink bottles and cans to refillables is beneficial to the environment. Although the Task Force report favoured a switch to returnable bottles the Minister has merely chosen to phase out the flip top and not the can itself. I also stated that many municipalities are now trying to pass their own bylaws to ban non -returnable bottles but the Provincial Government has refused to pass any effective laws on banning of the bottles and has refused in- dividual municipalites the authority to enforce their own bans. Another problem which still faces the Province is the question of noise pollution. Noise causes more complaints than any other environmental problem. It is being recognized as a contributor to hypertension, nervousness, upset stomach, muscle spasm, ulcers, nervous breakdowns, physical and mental exhaustion and sometimes homicidal im- pulses. Because of the lack of Provincial legislation, the local governments and individuals are left very much to their own to find rebel. Municipalities are finding a lot wrong with the Ontario Government's complicated model noise bylaw and are hesitant to accept it. Only with time, persistence, staff and money could such a bylaw be made operable and effective. During the debates on the estimates of the Ministry of the Environment I asked the Minister whether any relief would be forthcoming • to the property owners in Vanastra, the phased out airbase just outside of Clinton. The rate of the property owners has increased 150 per- cent. I pointed out to the Minister that it is a terrific assessment and is providing a real hardship to the people in Vanastra. I also discussed fluorides which are used in 85 percent treated water in Ontario. Fluoride studies now coming out ofthe e States show. that it may be dangerous to the ecology. Flouride studies have only been going on for the last 4 years and, therefore, there is not much data on which to base any facts but it seems that Flouride can ac- cumulate in fish and wild lie. The data coming from different research in the United States comprise a fairly compelling case for treating flourides as pollutants with a great capacity to do ecological harm. Bill 100, an Act respecting the negotiation of , Collective Agreements between School Boards and Teachers, received second reading this week. There has been widespread opposition to Section 64 of the Bill which excludes principals and vice -principals from thecollective bargaining unit, hence they would not be allowed to strike, on the basis that this would drive a wedge between principals and their teachers and create an impossible situation for prin- Sy GORDON MORLEY Mrs. Hamilton of Toronto and Mrs. Reta Gibbard of Ancaster were holidaying with Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Lewis and family this past week. Mrs. Mary Amos arrived home last weekend after a four week visit with her son Ross and family and her daughter Mrs. Alan Hodgson and family. Colin Patterson, a student for the ministry was guest speaker last Sunday in the United Church. Mrs. Jim Hodgins of Strathroy visited Wednesday with her parents Mr. & Mrs. Fred Lewis. Miss Kathleen Morley and Gordon were Thursday dinner guests with Mr. & Mrs. Ray Mawson in Parkhill. Several from this area at- tended Greenway strawberry supper Saturday evening. Murray Hodgins spent a few days holidays last week with his sisters, Joyce Hodgson and Mrs. Barry McConnell, both of Lon- don. By MRS. HAMILTON HODGINS Mr. & Mrs. Cleve Pullman celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Tuesday evening with a family dinner and a n rece tio following owin in the Kirkton Woodham Community Centre. Mr. & Mrs. Gordon McKinnon, Guelph spent a couple of days last week with Mr. & Mrs. Grafton Squire. Mr. & Mrs. Peter Johnson and family, Whitby, spent the weekend with Mr. & Mrs. John Scott. Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Johnson attended the 25th wedding an- niversary of Mr. & Mrs. Neil Johnson, Kitchener in the Flying Dutchman Motel on Saturday evening. cipals in the event of a strike. The other contentious issue has to do with voluntary or extra curricular activities. The Bill would place the activities as contractual or negotiable items, but the teachers want them to remain as a voluntary part of their work. cwt ea de 7-11 e€ 7 -,add Palmer's Flowers EXETER 235-2603 In conjunction with CANADA WEEK and our fifth ANNIVERSARY & CCAASRHR Y SPECIALS Tropicals Freshy Cut r Daisies & Mums Gloxinias & Mums Per Pot Per Bunch Per Pot Sweetheart $349 RosesPer Bunch Odd 'n Sods ... See Our Sale Table Palmer's Flowers t THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION FINANCIAL REPORT 1974 Auditor's Report o The Middlesex County Board of Education We have examined the Revenue Fund and Capital Fund lance Sheets of The Middlesex County Board of Education as at mber 31. 1974. the Revenue Fund - Statement of Operations. e Statement of Source and Application of Capital Funds and the tement of Continuity of Trust Funds for the year then ended. r examination included a general review of the accounting edures and such tests of accounting records and other suppor- ng evidence as we considered necessary in the circumstances. URRENT ASSETS ash ank certificates (at cost t ccounts receivable Local Taxation Under requisition due from ratepayers. - .. . Supplementary levy Other school boards Government of Ontario General legislative grant Education mill rate subsidy Other . Government of Canada Other epaid expenses e from capital In our opinion these financial statements present fairly the financial position of the Board as at December 31. 1974 and the results of its operations and the source and application of its capital funds for the year then ended, in accordance with accoun- ting principles generally accepted for Ontario school boards. applied on a basis consistent with that of the preceding year. Warren. Davis, Martindale & Barnes Chartered Accountants Municipal Auditor's License No. 145 London. Ontario May 16. 1975 . Revenue Fund Balance Sheet ASSETS ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash Bank certificate - at cost ... AS AT DECEMBER 31. 1974 ( with comparative figures for the previous year; 1974 1973 S 51.652 250.000 $ 1.975 700.000 139 56.158 42.430 49.448 22.934 542.753 278.385 7.592 26.681 154.169 105.206 31.334 - 14.834 26.817 26.887 32.267 23,566 30,744 $ 1,208,393 $ 1,267,578 LIABILITIES 1974 1973 Bank - indebtedness $ - $ 85.020 Accounts payable Local Governments Over requisition due to ratepayers - 323.560 Other school boards . 419,071 7,180 Trade 595.711 309.127 Government of Canada - 5.191 Reserve for working funds - note 1 Capital Fund Balance Sheet AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1974 ( with comparative figures for the previous year 1974 1973 $ 249,840 _ 100,000 349,840 26,893 $ 26:893 FIXED ASSETS - at cost Land 328.622 326,622 Buildings 16,164,904 15,547,879 Furniture and equipment 2,375,609 2,315,363 Projects in progress - note 2 5,050,260 3.812,030 Buses 83,170 66,806 Other 104,671 104,671 24,107,236 22,173,171 $24,457,076 $22,200,064 1.014.782 730.078 193.611 537,500 $ 1,208,393 $ 1,267,578 LIABILITIES 1974 1973 CURRENT LIABILITIES Bank - indebtedness $ - $ Accounts payable 90,349 Due to revenue 23,566 LONG TERM LIABILITIES Unmatured debenture debt Investment in fixed assets APPROVED BY: GILI3ERT DAFOE Chairman of the Board 113,915 8,184,539 16,158,622 $24,457,076 30,744 30,744 7,618,124 14,551;196 $22,200,064 J. A. GUMMOW Director of Education Revenue Fund Statement of Operations FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31. 1974 ( with comparative figures for the previous year) 1974 EXPENDITURE Business administration Instruction Educational services Attendance, health and food services Plant operation Plant maintenance Transportation Tuition fees Capital expenditure - non -allocable Other operating expenditures Debt charges on capital borrowing Non-operating expenditures RECOVERIES OF EXPENDITURES Other school boards Government of Ontario Tuition fees and miscellaneous Individuals Other revenue excluding transfers from reserves 36.382 199,795 NET EXPENDITURE $ 7,550,380 Elementary Secondary Elementary Schools Schools Total Schools $ 208,730 $ 101,248 $ 309,978 $ 179,895 4,621.646 4,289,505 8,911,151 4,154,328 44,902 82,446 127,348 39,251 10,869 8,816 19,685 9,988 688,769 524,851 1,213,620 574,973 219,795 138,296 ' 358,091' 2017,641 842,863 731,909 1,574,772 753,289 5,098 1,217,815 1,222,913 2,970 435,417 499,035 934,452 177,977 10,228 3,751 13,979 22,111 652,868 457,052 1,109,920 680,273 8,990 13,290 22,280 18,153 7,750,175 8,068,014 15,818,189 6,820,849 12.490 157.930 170,420 13.749 67,837 93.697 161,534 79,630 80,433 7.596 88,029 66,942 2,653 9,722 12,375 1,881 FINANCING OF NET EXPENDITURE Government of Ontario General Legislative Grant $ 5.091,686 bocal Taxation Prior year over (under) requisition - note 3 Local taxation raised during the year Net under (over) requisition to be applied to subsequent year Decrease in reserve 48,896 85,278 42,827 317,841 517,636 205,029 $ 7,750,173 315,300,553 3 6,615,820 1973 Secondary Schools $ 87.497 3.833.547 76.733 5,605 443,039 121.484 654,376 1.147.004 244.093 11.036 348,285 16,487 6.989.186 187.491 76.890 6,721 7,055 47,108 325,265 $ 6,663,921 Total S 267,392 7.987,875 115,984 15,593 1.018.012 329.125 1.407.665 1,149,974 422,070 33.147 1.028.558 34,640 13,810.035 201.240 156.520 73.663 8.936 89,935 530,294 $13,279,741 $ 5.519,773 $10,611,459 $ 4.568.252 $ 4,825.478 $ 9,393,730 94,647 150,344 2,248,950 1,851,264 115,097 228,792 $ 7,550,380 $ 7,750,173 244.991 (19,616) 4,100,214 2,204,193 (1.6871 (21,303) 2.026.542 4.230,735 (137.009) (186.412) (323,421) 343,889 - - 315,300,553 $ 6,615,820 $ 6,663,921 $13,279,741 Statement of Source and Application of Capital Funds SOURCE OF FUNDS Unexpended funds atbeginning of year Capital expenditures from revenue Debentures issued - par value Federal sales tax rebate FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1974 (with comparative figures for the previous year) 1974 $ 6,232 1,018,840 1,155,000 15,172 2,195,244 1973 APPLICATION OF FUNDS 1974 1973 Balance at beginning ofyear not permanently financed $ $ 1,126,104 $ - Fixed Assets: 496,105 Buildings 1,736.536 775,980 1,674.000 Furniture and equipment 175.641 226.554 34,516 School sites and improvements . 2.000 2,204,621 Buses 26.647 Other - payments on projects 14,239 69,751 Unexpended funds at end of year 1.955,063 2.198,389 -secondary 272,034 6,232 $ 2,227,097 $ 2,204,621 Balance at end of year not permanently financed -elementary 31,853• - $ 2,227,097 $ 2,204,621 Statement of Continuity of Trust Funds FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1974 Balance December31, 1973 Capital Income Revenue -interest Expenditure Balance December 31, 1974 Capital Income $ 15,800 _ 244 16.044 1,163 1,014 15,800 393 3 16,193 Notes to Financial Statements DECEMBER 31, 1974 1) Working Capital Reserve: The accumulated reserve for working funds is allocated as follows: Elementary Panel Secondary Panel 2) Projects in Progress: Of the eight projects in progress, five were physically complete but final billing and adjustments were pending. Costs included in projects in progress for these five amounted to ... 32,992,124 31 Prior Years Over (Under) Requisition: The prior year over (under) requisition has been restated to ($94,647 - elementary) and ($150.344 - secondary) to reflect additional information received subsequent to the preparation of the 1973 financial statements. The 1973 comparative figures have not been restated however, the bulk of the changes oc- curred in the grants received from the Province of Ontario. $ 159.903 33,708 $ 193,611