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( orono Weekly Times, wedflesday, May 13, 1998 - 5 Staying In Touch John O'Toole Durham East MPP This past week, I had the honour of attending the annual Community Care volunteer appreciation evening in Bowmanville. There were hundreds of individuals who have given countless hours of their time to assist others. Programs like "Meals On Wheels", friendly visits, lunch out breaks and drivers who assist people in everything from doctor's visits to shopping and attendance at day pro- grams. This week, I am invited to a similar Community Care appreciation night in Port Perry. At these ceremonies I meet wonderful people who know first hand, how our elder- ly are making out. I listen and watch with appreciation these volunteer individuals many whom are retired or simply looking for ways to give back to their community. No govern- ment cheque could ever replace the time and friendship these volunteers give to others. I thank each and every one of the Community Care Boards, staff and volunteers for their gifts. The current debate over the Hepatitis C compensation gives each of us reason to try and understand the issue. I have constituents whose lives are effected. Many people placed their trust in our blood supply. Before 1990, there was knowl- edge of a blood test for the infection. The World Health Organization issued reports and some countries introduced test- ing before Canada. I believe if there was information around, at the very least, patients or those needing blood should have been advised. Those elected to make decisions must always remember that public safety is a primary responsibili- ty. I was in our caucus meeting when the discussion took place after the Federal and Provincial agreement had been announced. I can attest that there were MPP's there who argued strongly, "that people are suffering through no fault of their own, why should we put these people through the legal maze for years when the Justice Krever report strongly suggested compensation". I recognize that many will sug- gest that our Premier's decision was motivated by politics. I can tell you that the decision is about people's lives. I firmly believe that our Premier learned a valuable lesson on Canadian's compassion during the Dion sisters' decision. The budget presented this past week has been generally well receîved. In my view, we are making strategic invest- ments in~ people programs like health care and education. We are also reducing the burden on small business through the elimination of the employer payroll health tax and small business corporation tax being reduced by 50% over the next eight years. We are providing a $140 million child tax credit for modest middle-income families with children under age 7. We are expanding the "healthy babies, healthy chil- dren" program to $50 million by 2000-1. On Friday, I was part of the announcement in Durham Region of $150 mil- lion for more front line police officers in support of safe com- munities. We are still forecast- ing a $4.2 billion deficit and are on track to balance our budget by 2000-2001 as promised. We have delivered on the last part of our promised 30% reduction in provincial income tax. We believe that we are giving hard working taxpayers their money back so they can decide where to spend it, not governments. Over 60% of all new jobs in Canada are right here in Ontario and we represent only one third of the population in Canada. I am surprised to read in our local press about the proposed change in the emergency zone around our nuclear plants. I can assure you that I am not in support of this change and will be bringing this to the attention of the Minister. This week, I will be debat- ing my private members Bill #8, An Act proclaiming Irish Heritage Day. The intention of this bill is to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of all Irish. Almost everyone celebrates the 17th and is "Irish for a day". "May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light". Reduce garbage Clarington Fire Calls The Clarington Fire Department responded to the following fire calls during the period of May 4 to May 11, 1998: 1 structure fire; 1 vehi- cle fire; 1 chimney fire; 1 grass fire; 3 fires; 2 motor vehicle accidents; 15 medical assistance caRs; 5 alarm acti- vation calls and 4 check-out calls. - iae y le Oron WeelyTime AN OPEN INVITATION TO RESIDENTS OF CLARINGTON. As Executive Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer of Ontario Hydro, I1would like to invite Clarington residents to join Darlington Site Vice President, Bob Strickert and me at a public meeting on May 13, 7-9 PM at Bowmanville High School. The meeting is one of the ways in which Ontario Hydro is focusing on our goal of being more open, accountable and responsive to neighbours' concerns. A key recommendation of the Independent lntegrated Performance Assessment released last August was to set specific goals for the nuclear recovery program and to monitor progress on a continuing basis. We are committed to ensuring this takes place. One of the purposes of the May 13 meeting is to report on our progress to date, specifically in the areas of public safety, environmental performance, employee safety and production performance. The staff of the Darlington Nuclear Station are highly skilled professionals dedicated to improving the performance of the station on every measurement. This includes a commitment to building a strong and sustaining relationship with the local community. Staff members will be at the meeting to answer questions and listen to your concerns. We look forward to seeing you on May 13, sharing our progress with you and hearing your views on how we can do better. Bob Strickert G. Carl Andognini Site Vice President, Executive Vice President, Darlington Nuclear Generating Station and Chief Nuclear Officer Ontaro Hydro