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By The Hon. George Ashe, MPP (PC - Durham West) -M As a Minister of the Crown and your represen- tative at Queen's Park, I would like to address some of the comments made by the leaders and members of the Opposition as they predictably attacked the Speech from the Throne. The critical issue of providing affordable housing for women in need was denounced by N.D.P. Leader Bob Rae. Mr. Rae feels that the Ontario Gover- nment's attitude towards the provision of suitable accomodation is hypocritical, and that the Throne Speech was full of "windy rhetoric" about im- proving the lot of working women. Robert Welch, deputy premier and the Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, replied that "the Ontario Government led by The Honorable William Davis takes a back seat to no on.e with respect to its commitment to equality and fairness for women. The record speaks pretty loudly with respect to that." This government is advancing the cause of women by taking a positive role in affirmative ac- tion, equal pay and pension reform, rather than following the N.D.P.'s strategy of opposing all legislation presented in the Legislature. The Speech from the Throne mentions only a few of the assisted housing programs that this gover- nment will be introducing over the next year. The Minister Responsible for Women's Issues suggested that "if the N.D.P. spent as much time listening as it does talking before all the facts are in it might learn what the government proposes to bring for- ward in terms of legislation addressing these very important issues." Richard Johnstone, N.D.P. critic for social ser- vices, brought to the attention of the Legislative Assembly, the plight of a family who is experien- cing serious housing problems. Rather than bringing this family's problems to the attention of the responsible government ministry, the N.D.P. resorts to grandstanding in the Ontario Legislature. On a positive note, the Speech from the Throne outlined the government's commitment to: 1. Proceed with amendments to strengthen equal pay laws and improve pregnancy and adoption leave. 2. Review access to and quality of child care. 3. Provide more resources to fight violence against women and children in the home. 4. Increase funds for transition houses and northern family resource centres. 5. Amend the Family Law Reform Act and institute strict enforcement of family maintenance orders. 6. Review the definition of "family property". 7. Encourage crown agencies, municipalities and school boards to begin affirmative action programs. 8. Extend civil service benefits to government em- ployees working on a regular part-time basis. As a member of this government, led by Premier Bill Davis, I am proud of the initiatives outlined in the Speech from the Throne. Although it may be easier to take exception to everything, it takes responsible management to propose viable solutions to the problems facing us today. The N.D.P. and the Liberals are quick te criticize, but when asked to come up with reasonable, respon- sible alternatives, they are usually silent. A.C.V.I EEme** playa- thon This Friday, the An- derson Concert Band will begin its annual 25- hour play-a-thon. Funds raised through this project will be used to finance their annual band trip. The play-a-thon wiil be open to the public from 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday for the final twohours -8to10a.m. Music students wil be canvassing their neigh- bours seeking sponsors for the event. Anyone wishing to be a sponsor or needing more in- formation should call Andrew UranowskI at 668-5809. BROTHER ANDREW A dinner will be held in honor of Dutch evangelist Brother An- drew at the Holiday Inn, Bloor St. E., Oshawa on April 13at 7 p.m. Brother Andrew is best known for his effor- ts to smuggle the Bible behind the Iron Curtain. For more information or reservations call 576- 6535, 725-6745 or 655- 3181. .~..?'« receives ministry resea rch funds view about their role as caregiver. Caregivers who are interested, should contact their local Community Care office, in Whitby call 668-6223 or 668-6583. 5 Year Guaranteed Investment Certif icates Annual Intereat Rate subject to change National Trust You can bank on us. National T rust SINCE 1898 352 Brock St. S., Whitby (Safeway Plaza) 666~1800 6862520 I M M Report from Queen s Park Community Care Paul Tuttle, executive due to the demi director of Durham their role as care Region Community For example, Care Association an- literally impossil nounced Monday that some people to ge the Agency has received for a vacation or funds from the Ministry night out. of Community & Social Services to research the need for a new support service for caregivers. The association, which provides home support service to over 2,400 persons in Durham, is aware that many elderly people are being cared for in the homes of children or friends. In some cases, particularly if the elderly person is frail, confused or ill, the caregiver's role can be quite stressful. In ex- treme cases, the caregiver's normal ac- tivities are curtailed or impossible to conduct It's ote too late to help Just over $4,600 has been raised in the Whit- by area so far for this year's Easter Seals campaign, Don Ferguson, area chair- man, said in a recent in- terview. "We still have a ways to go to meet our goal of $8,400," he said. Donation envelopes were sent out to residen- ts and businesses at the beginning of March, and though Ferguson is pleased with the results thus far he urges people to get behind the cam- paign and send in the remaining envelopes. "The campaign was officially complete as of the end of March," Ferguson said, "but it's still not too late to send in donations." WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1984, PAGE 11 ands of Tuttle hopes the study Vicky Earle is con- giver. ' will identify the kinds of ducting the research for it is support services which Community Care and is, ble for would relieve stress for most anxious to hear t away caregivers and perhaps from caregivers who even a prevent unnecessary in- would agree to a private stitutionalization. and confidential inter- 668-1800