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PAGE 8, WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 8, 1980, WHIITBY FREE PRESS Ottawa Report -.SOTFENL.M DIAL-Nq Diai 668-1331 - INSPIRATION and hear a three minute inspirational message by Pastor Emmo Oltmonns of the Ernmanuelchurch at 401 Rossland Rood.W. in Whitby. If a poli were dane tomorrown on which issue most bored Canadians, it would probably show the constitution running* first. Unfortunately, Ottawa's recent preoccupation wîthcon- stitutional reforemn has meant same equally serious, equally contentious issues are being shunted to the background. in truth, Ottawa is pro4b1y. using the constitution as a smokescreen to caver up Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's economic failures. And t.hat't too bad. We're being conned into thinking that the single most pressing issue facing us is whether or not the con- stitutuion is patraited before Christmas. What about the Budget? De-indexing? Unemployment? Postal Service? Instead, Trudeau lias alienated the provinces over an issue we've been talking about for 15 years. By failing ta settie the most critical provincial matters and insisting in- stead on his own tailor-made version, Trudeau is risking a permanent rift between Ottawa and the provinces. Canada has not had a budget since November of 1978. (The Crosbie budget of December 1979 was defeated by the present goverument.) Financlal analysts tell us that this year we can expeet the worst overail economie performance in 25 years. Personal and corporate bankruptcies are escalating, in- flation is at a five year high and the government wants to de- index your income tax. Because Ottawa wiil not develop a comprehensive energy policy and insists on antagonizing Alberta instead, energy investment is leaving Canada and with it are going the jobs. Patriating the constitution alone is a symbolie act and nothing ele !t won't have any bearing on inflation nor will it I ______________________ (HAIÙaYSCIIMUDE i Custom Woodworklng and General Contractor I is ime on Your Side.I ensure us a safe supply of energy. By bullying the provinces ta accept his idea of Canada, Trudeau could seriously divide the country. Ignareti, the ecanomic and energy issues will do fikewise. It's a poisonous combination. SCOTT FENNELL e L 1