The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

I Candidates Discuss Women's Issues by Tom Grimmer Women's issues in this summer of 1984 election campaign have established a stature unprecedented in Canadian politics, culminating culminating last week in a nationally nationally - televised debate between the leaders of the three major parties devoted solely to that area. In Durham-Northumber- land, women's issues are not so high on the political agenda. This does not, however, however, mean the candidates are without positions on the topics concerning women. Interviews were conducted with incumbent MP Tory Allan Lawrence and challengers challengers Liberal Darce Campbell and New Democrat Democrat Roy Grierson to find where they stand on a number number of these issues. Pensions for Homemakers An all-party parliamentary parliamentary task force in 1983 studied the extension of the Canada Pension Plan to homemakers, which includes includes farm wives. It calculated calculated the move would cost some $900 million dollars annually, an amount which it said could be funded through an increase in CPP, contributions by working spouses and employers. Allan Lawrence said the homemaker's pension "is not going to be a cheap thing and it's not going to come in all at once." He said he favors the increased contributions, contributions, although he feels those on low incomes should not have their CPP contributions increased. "It's going to take some time," he added, and said "a couple" of years is a realistic realistic amount of time to implement implement the pension reform should the Tories form the next government. He noted the increased spending would be partially balanced balanced by savings on guaranteed income supplements supplements and welfare, two things elderly women without without pensions are often forced to fall back on; NDP candidate /' Roy Grierson said the/home- maker's pension is another example of a platform plank the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives have stolen from longstanding longstanding NDP policy, because because both parties see the women's forum as something something they must now pay attention attention to. He favors the pension, and said 60 per cent of elderly single women live below the poverty poverty line, a situation that must be corrected. The Liberal candidate said he favors the homemaker homemaker pension in principle, although more careful study is needed to see "just where is the money going to come from in light of our current debt structure." He said the approximately $1 billion price tag must be handled carefully, as the current federal annual deficit deficit of $30 billion can not be allowed to swell by more than 5 per cent, or 1.5 billion billion dollars, and there are other spending priorities. His own job-creation plan, called the 2 & 3 and 3 & 2, would cost$1.2billion per year in the first year. Abortion The lines between the candidates are nowhere more clearly drawn than on this issue. Mr. Lawrence is against liberalization of the existing laws, which allow for abortions if the woman's life or health (mental or physical) are in danger. He favors the PC party proposal proposal for a free vote on abortion abortion in parliament so each member can vote according to his or her own conscience, conscience, unfettered by party commitments. He said the current law is ignored in many cases, with more abortions than the law is supposed to allow for being performed, situation he called "hypocritical." Mr. Campbell said he is strongly against abortion from a personal point of view, but supports the existing existing laws, as they offer the best compromise between the demands of the right-to- life faction and the pro- choice supporters, groups he identifies as being on the "extreme right and left", respectively, respectively, of the abortion issue. Mr. Grierson said that while he does not condone abortion as a method of birth control, he supports the idea of abortion on demand demand and free-standing clinics under existing health care funding schemes. "I think women [Houm o j Ü-^oxt cJjojiz NOTICE Sidewalk construction is scheduled at the following following locations between August 27, 1984 and September 28, 1984: CaVan Street (west side) Walton Street north Smith Street (east side) Alexander Street to Dorset Street Bedford Street (south side) Cavan Street to Pine Street , Lavinia Street (north side) ' Trefusis Street to Victoria Street !' Julia Street (east side) Ridout Street to Charles Street Bruton Street (south side) ' Julia Street to Pine Street Bruton Street (north side) Victoria Street to Bramley Street Charles Street (north side) Victoria Street to Baldwin Street Baldwin Street (north side) Charles Street to Church Street Reeve Cole B. Locke Chairman Environmental Services Committee of Council should have control of their own bodies," he said. Mr. Grierson said the abortion issue is linked directly to the issue of birth control av- ailablity and education, both of which need improvement improvement in Canada. Abortions are more readily available to women from upper-income back grounds, he said, which points to the existing disparity disparity in the system. "It can't be stopped by legislation, legislation, and if you try to you're just leaving it up to backroom backroom butchers Pornography The views expressed were very similar. All three favored tougher laws for the control of pornography, including including material depicting sexual, violent and degrading degrading acts. Economic Equality The three candidates are in agreement and favor equal pay for work of equal value; Mr. Campbell, while emphatically emphatically endorsing the concept of equal pay for work of equal value, said he does not necessarily support support blanket affirmative action action programs, which he said can turn the discrimination discrimination around. "I've always believed the best person should get the job" he said, and added comparisons between between the wage scales of men and women are often comparisons of "apples and oranges" and give the wrong impression. Roy Grierson said the NDP is a long-time champion champion of the equal pay concept. concept. He pointed out that the job creation schemes and re-training programs of the two other parties do not address the issue of women over the age of 50 yet younger than retirement age who have nowhere to go if they become unemployed, unemployed, a concern he often hears when canvassing. canvassing. The NDP is willing to pump $5 billion into job creation, creation, which would include creating jobs for the older members of the workforce, he said. Mr. Campbell also raised the issue of the older unemployed, both men and women, and said his own job creation scheme, the first year cost for which is $1.2 billion, would address the problem. He said the job plan is intended for men and women equally, but does not feature a built-in affirmative action plan. Divorce Laws Mr. Laivrence, the Tory justice justice critic, said he favors setting setting up a nation-wide system to track down people who default default on support payments ordered ordered by the courts. Liberal party reforms to the Divorce Act to implement a so-called no-faidt divorce which died on the order paper at the end of the last session "was pure window dressing for election purposes...even the Liberals knew there were a lot of problems problems with it." He said divorce divorce laio is not an issue he hears much about on the campaign campaign trail. Mr. Campbell said he favors making divorce in the case of "irreconcilable breakdown" a simpler and cheaper procedure procedure than it is notv. "I don't believe in bleeding two people for all their money for the sake of the legal profession." Mr. Grierson agreed with the Liberal candidate, and added he favors seeing the assets assets built through a marriage shared equally in the case of a breakdown. "Divorce is too expensive, and the adversary system should be abandoned; it should not cost thousands of dollars." He tied the pension pension issue in with the divorce lato issue, saying it would be more equitable in the case of a divorce if the homemakers pension existed. Shelters for Battered Women Roy Grierson pointed out that this is more a matter of RE-ELECT Allan LAWRENCE Present government policies have produced no Help Wanted ads for the IV2 million unemployed. ACTION CENTRES: Bowmanville - 68 King St. East--623-6373 Newcastle - 39 King St. -- 987-4755 Canada Needs Real Change DURHAM-NORTHUMBERLAND By Authority of J. Gordon -- Official Agent for Allan Lawrence provincial jurisidiction, but the federal government can still play a role. He said groups trying to open shelters shelters are often given one - time start up grants and then left to fend for themselves. themselves. "Then it runs out and they must fall back on municipal taxes and the goodwill of the community." community." He favors a larger, permanent permanent government role for the provision of such facilities. facilities. The Durham-Northum- berland area is in bad need of a shelter, he said. Mr. Lawrence said he is waiting for the results of the Cobourg-based Women in Crisis organization study into the needs of women in Northumberland County. "I'm pretty sure in my own mind there is a need and demand demand for these services ...but I would need to see what it would cost before I would give a blanket yes or no answer," he said. Government's Government's role would not be as extensive as Mr. Grierson advocated, with Mr. Lawrence Lawrence saying he thought the government could help with "seed money and initiative." initiative." Mr. Campbell said he supported the efforts of Women in Crisis to establish establish a shelter in the area, although although he did not elaborate on a federal government . role for such facilities. He said there is a great need for low-income housing for single mothers in this area, and said the churches should be playing a larger role in the shelter and housing housing areas. . In general, Mr. Lawrence and Mr, Campbell said in their canvassing that women's issues are not usually usually a point people bring up at the door, and that women's concern's are quite often the same as those of men in the riding, with economic concerns at the top of the list. The Liberal candidate said he sees about 75 per cent women when he is out canvassing, "but I never get hit with women's issues at the door...they're more aligned with the household needs." Mr. Campbell said he is occasionally questioned questioned about his personal stand on the abortion issue, but that is about all. In contrast to Mr. Campbell, Mr. Grierson said women in Durham- Northumberland are increasingly increasingly • vocal about• their concerns, although they are somewhat reluctant reluctant to discuss them on the doorstep. He, too, said quite a few more women are encountered encountered than men in the door to door campaign, but the issue most often raised is not specifically a women's concern. Many supporters of the other two parties are dissatisfied with the current leaders of the the Liberals and Conservatives Conservatives and prefer NDP leader Ed Broadbent. Mr. Grierson said it takes time to make women aware the NDP is the party that has always stood for women's rights and economic equality, and the other parties are taking on these causes because they see the popularity of the NDP ideas. "Sure, they'll borrow them for the duration duration of the election...but despite despite all the rhetoric it will be at the bottom of their priority list once they get elected." Mr. Campbell pointed out that women outnumber men "nine to one" in his campaign. "I couldn't do it without them." The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, August 22,1984 7 Concrete Block Insulates An innovative local corporation is making great strides throughout North America with the design and construction of an energy efficient insulated block that not only is inexpensive, fire resistant and waterproof but also can provide R values as highasR33. Sparfil International of Cobourg, is presently exporting exporting to the U.S. market place and achieving outstanding success with its Total Wall System. After 10 years and close to $7 million dollars worth of development, the Sparfil block design incorporates two distinct levels of insulation. The first level of insulation is found in the actual manufacturing process. Thousands of insulating polystyrene beads are incorporated throughout the block. In addition to the insulating beads, each block has up to five polystyrene inserts. Combine these two features and you can achieve an R value rating of R18 Vz in a 10" block and R24 V> in a 12" block. The Sparfil block is dry stacked and cast with a plaster of cement and chopped fiberglass. The surface bonding on both sides of the wall create a continuous airtight and watertight shell. Celebrates First Birthday Hi! My name is Cheryl DeForge and I celebrated my first birthday on June 14,1984. My proud parents are Dale and Kathy DeForge of Bowmanville. My grandparents are Mrs. Glenda DeForge of Oshawa and Mr. and Mrs. Mark McMahon of Courtice. My great grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Frank McMahon of Oshawa and Mr. Tom Davies of Orillia. Blackstock Gearing Up F or Annual F estivities Activities at Blackstock Fair begin early on this Saturday morning, Aug. 25 when the parade arrives at 11 a.m. followed immediately by the Bed Race and the Hoskin Stables Musical Ride. Early comers will have toured the buildings which open at 9:30 a.m, jin the arena in addition to the fine concession displays is (he ever-popular Old MacDonald's Fgrm. The Getiâca Packers Quilt Display, will-be in the Rec. Centre, as well as the fine homemaking exhibits and a Pioneer Kitchen Display. During the morning 4-H Achievement Day will be held for the Beef, Swine and Sheep Clubs. Many features are found at Blackstock Fair in addition to the regular horse and cattle shows and midway attractions. attractions. A frog jumping contest, a balloon-a-thon, a tug of war, garden tractor pull and a Champion cake auction will all take place. In the Town Hall will be a Puppet Show, an Amateur Show and a Spelling Bee. One exciting feature will be the High School Students from Wales who will entertain with ethnic singing and dancing throughout the day and again at the dance. A horse pull with both light and heavy classes will conclude conclude the afternoon's program. program. The day will conclude with a dance for all ages to the live music of Herb Vine and Dur- Friday evening beginning at ham County. 7:30 p.m. A new feature, a Demolition For further information Derby will be held at the contact secretary Mrs. Gerald Blackstock Fairgrounds on Kelly at (416) 986-4257. Per» Specials tit's Get a jïew took for Fall! w ^ Kids (under 14) Shampoo, cut and style ONLY $8.00 Super Body Perms Reg. $40.00 Now Only *32 00 (includes cut and style) Great Looks! Super Value! Artistic Barber 5hop and Beauty Salon 233 King St. E., Bowmanville 623-2931 mmmssmA! Sale Ends Sept.ist/84 "How much would it cost to replace everything everything in your apartment ••• Start with the books, the linens, the silver. Then go on to the big stulf: the stereo, the TV, the furniture. Alter that, call me and well talk about State Farm Renters Insurance. The cost is low and the coverage truly comprehensive. DON IRVINE Telephone 623-4482 108 Waverley Road Bowmanville Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. STATE FARM FIRE AND CASUALTY COMPANY Canadian Head Ollice: Scarborough, Ont Masonite Prefinished Siding slight imperfections 12" x 16* x 96 sq.ft 64 95 WTl w w each Reg. 106.00/Bdl. ( Reg. refers to v-1 quality) w \|ov skylights allow you to easily and affordably channel an abundance of natural sunlight into your family room, kltchon, bath, carport, entranceway or patio; creating a source of grow energy for plants while admitting the beauty of a starlit night sky. FLUSH MOUNT Flush Mount offers the most economical solution solution to your skylight need, providing a subtle exterior profile. The interior appearance is comparable to other models. Installs easily on pitched rools. 24" x 24" 59.99 24" X 41" 118? 9 CURB MOUNT Curb Mount is frequently frequently used to elevate elevate the skylight on your rool. The height of the curb can vary depending depending on your requirements. Pro-drilled holes on all models allow easy installation, 24" x 24" 83." 24" X 48" 142." Interior Doors Second» 7.99 ■ ■ each (and up) Railroad Ties Used Creosoted Railroad Ties 6" x 8" - 8' long 9.88 our reg. 10.95 AJAX 312MonarchAv>. WHITOY 223 Brock SI. N. OSHAWA 101 Bond SI, w. Zfl □ JÜL L7/EZZ1 MorvW*d, ■ 6-6 LC jpn g ÏSSÎÎ 686-1881 5ji 668-6821 ÏÏÜÎ1 728-1617 HSU728-1611 COURTICE BloorSt.E.olOohiwa 3 Et SeUwny,, 8-6 Ksturisy 8-5:30