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4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville Developing Contempt Instead of Pride Features and Comments, Wednesday, April 20,1994 Letters to the Editor Earth Day on April 22nd I've spent six months in the House of Commons, having never held any public office before. In that short period of time, I find myself asking if we are a nation and province of whiners with no respect for our country and institutions. Stop and think for a moment. Are we pandering to regionalism and constantly constantly focusing on negativism? Are we feeling inferior, developing contempt contempt instead of pride in our accomplishments accomplishments as nation-builders? In Ottawa I constantly hear Québécois Québécois whining about the federal government closing the military college college in St. Jean, Quebec, and relocating relocating the school's programs to Kingston, Kingston, Ontario. At the same time, Ontario accuses the federal government of favoritism toward Quebec for establishing the NAFTA environmental centre in Montreal. At home, the region of Durham accuses the federal government of holding back funding earmarked for the infrastructure program. Why? Who knows? The regional councillors know the rules. The region region knows they don't need your federal federal tax dollars to get their projects started. Last week, at the Legislature the Conservatives effectively strangled any movement on the passage of the Tobacco Control Act. This legislation, legislation, which was supposed to have received received Third Reading and then Royal Assent in short order, was ground to a halt by the Conservative members, who used a series of time-wasting parliamentary procedures. Their posturing posturing was to prevent passage of part of Bill 119 as it related to genericpackaging. genericpackaging. Generic-packaging is seen as an important role in the reduction reduction of the.sale of cigarettes, to our youth. Of course this is something something the cigarette companies don't want to see happen, for obvious reasons. reasons. Yet again, the Provincial Conservative Conservative Party has shown that their pandering to big-business, and" in this case to the multi-national cigarette companies, is more important than stopping the sales of deadly cigar- As most of the regular readers know, I am not a supporter of the Toronto Sun. ettes to our young people. I have no doubt whatsoever that their despicable despicable tactics will be rewarded with election' campaign donations, in their quest for power, and their fashioning of a meaner Ontario. Ronald Regan and Margaret Thatcher, each in their own fashion, and by their pique politics, politics, made the US and Britain a mean society. Today, the hooligans and thugs roaming the streets of England, committing crimes galore, are known as "Thatcher's Children". It is the aftermath aftermath of the creation of a mean, greedy, society that lacked any compassion compassion for anyone not of Thatcher's ilk. As most of the regular readers of my Queen's Report know, I am not a supporter of the Toronto Sun. I have; from time to time, complained of the way they fashioned attacks, without any cause, against the NDP. So you will understand how pleased I was last week, to read in the Toronto Star that my view of the Toronto Sun was shared by their reporter, Rosie Di- Manno. Ms. DiManno, speaking of the Toronto Sun said, "a newspaper that views the world in stark images of black and white, and which mar- Maybe regional councillors have nothing to say to reporters on a slow- news day and live in fear of not being re-elected. It is their election year. But, like I said, who knows why they go on like they do? I understand only too well the importance importance of infrastructure jobs to the communities in Durham. Those jobs are one of the main, reasons you sent me to Ottawa and elected a Liberal government. I attend many local functions throughout Durham. Rarely do I see a Canadian flag. And we have the most beautiful flag in the world. To me, the maple leaf symbolizes the strength of this country like the hardwood tree from which it comes. The leaf symbolizes the country's vitality, vitality, just as the maple tree exhibits vitality spring after spring when the sap runs. And the leaf symbolizes generosity, through the syrup the maple maple tree gives us. Let's not forget Ontario's generosity. generosity. A generosity practised since Confederation. Confederation. It is one driving force which built this great country and developed developed a federalist state envied by the entire world. Ontario provides millions. in shals much of its resources toward inflicting inflicting that divisive philosophy on the reading public. A newspaper that vilifies its perceived enemies, be they immigrants or gays or anyone who has ever voted NDP." Bravo Rosie. As I have mentioned in one of my previous columns, my constituency staff spend an incredible amount of time helping people with their Worker's Worker's Compensation problems. Last week, we even had a request from someone now living in Portugal, to assist them. So, you can see, I was interested interested in the announcement of our intention to reform the WCB. We get the blame for the mess the WCB is presently in, although the problems are far from new. We are the only government that has the "guts" to deal with .the problem, yet we will still get blamed for all the ills. I haven't any doubt at all that some would lay the blame on us for the tumbling down of the Walls of Jericho! Jericho! The five point package for reform includes a new Board of Directors, with changed leadership at the WCB. There will be a stronger emphasis on rehabilitating injured workers and getting them back to work quickly and safely. Cost-saving measures will be introduced introduced to change pension indexing and government directed targets for the new Board of Directors. Special indéxing protection at full CPI for the most vulnerable injured workers and an additional $200 on the pensions of older injured workers who receive or have received benefit supplements. Finally, a Royal Commission will look at the future of Ontario's workers' workers' compensation system. I don't know if all of this will help us with our workload of WCB cases. Speaking for my staff, who bear the brunt, we sincerely hope so. To those employers who have written to me, asking if the government is proposing the expansion of workers' compensation compensation coverage, I can say NO. The issue issue of coverage under the WCB will be addressed by the Royal Commission. Commission. The Royal Commission will consist of a Chief Commissioner and two side Commissioners representing labour and business respectively. They will report their findings by December December 199o. The reforms will save a equalization grants and transfer payments payments to poorer provinces. The money supports education and healthcare, and builds transportation transportation links (like the fixed link between New Brunswick and PEI) all in an effort effort to build a nation and provide a quality of life standardized from province to province. This kind of generosity is the true test of nationhood and Ontario can be proud of the nation it has assisted in building. The time has come to stop the bickering at all levels of government and between provinces. It's time to begin a new era of nation building. As our railroads symbolized the birth of our nation, let's make the electronic "information highway" symbolize this nation's commitment to its future. I will be travelling to Atlantic Canada this week with the federal finance finance committee to continue hearings hearings on the GST. I will convey to the people in Atlantic Atlantic Canada, Ontario and Durham's commitment to this country and our support for the federalist system we have built. The system envied throughout the world. minimum of , $1.8 billion from the WCB's unfundedjliability. Some weeks back, I told you that Premier Bob had asked me to come forward with a plan, whereby the Ontario Ontario Government could officially recognize the . 50th Anniversary of 'D' Day. Plans included the possibility possibility of having Dame Vera Lyn take part in the celebrations. I did track The WCB reforms will save a minimum of $18 billion. down her agent in London, however, she has other arrangements. Despite this initial setback, plans are now going going ahead smoothly. Our efforts will join with a parade starting at Nathan Phillips Square, to Union Station where the Lt. Governor of Ontario will take the salute along with the Premier. From there, the veterans (over 1,500 so far) will be bussed down to Ontario Place for another parade parade at HMSC Hadia. Celebrations will continue after the parade, in Ontario Ontario Place and at the Fomm. Many details remain to be ironed out. We will have a fly-past, and hopefully this will include vintage WW2 aircraft. aircraft. All of this will take place on Sunday, June 5th. More details later. At the risk of making this week's column all military, I met with Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Command officials last week at Queen's Park in my role as Chair of the Ontario Government's Government's Veterans' Committee. We were joined at the meeting with the Minister of Health, who listened to a proposal by the Legion, whereby they would purchase and maintain a number of haemodialysis units for use across Ontario. The complete proposal hinges on agreement being made with the Ministry Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, whereby break open tickets tickets (Nevada) arc operated by The Royal Canadian Legion Branches in Ontario, Meetings on this issues arc at present ongoing. I look forward to an early resolution. It has been said, that there arc only two adjectives used in England. "Super" for anything that is good. "Bloody" for anything that is bad. Until next week - examine what is said, not him who speaks. Dear Editor: Earth Day '94 is coming up on Friday, April 22nd. For people locally locally who haven't done much in the way of environmental action, here are three suggestions for simple small steps that may help get you going. The first is to make a pledge to stop buying coffee in disposable cups. It's easy to develop the habit of carrying a reusable mug. In doing so, you'll help cut down on the garbage problem. Paper cups contribute to deforestation deforestation and its many related environmental environmental impacts, while the foam ones contribute to ozone depletion (the HCFCs with which CFCs have been replaced are still ozone- depleting). Another simple way to help is to stop warming up and idling your car. Not only is idling bad for care engines engines and a crazy way to bum up money, it also contributes to health and environmental problems. I guess it stands to reason that, if care exhaust exhaust in an enclosed space can kill, Re: Response to Thoughts Unlimited of April 13/94 I am fed up with having my identity identity lost! I am fed up with being ignored ignored and passed over for the sake of building the esteem of others through this so called employment equity programme programme (notice the CANADIAN spelling of that word!) Now, don't get me wrong. Everyone Everyone in this great country deserves the chance to get ahead, to have a job, to have ones accomplishments recognized. recognized. But this is where the inequity of the whole scheme comes in. There seems to be no equality in this country country anymore. It's all very well and good to include opportunities for ALL but not at the expense of others, and that's the interpretation by many, of our so called employment equity. Mr. Mills should get down off his high horse and lower his shields and be willing to admit that the intent of the employment equity policy is not necessarily the practice of businesses at large with regard to the laws set out by this policy. Why amend a job ad when any one who wishes to apply for a job may do so? Whether they are qualified qualified for it or not! And underqualified people DO answer the ads with regularity. regularity. But that's what Canada is all about, isn't it! Take a chance! Try it! See what happens! All they can do is say NO! Government should keep their noses out of private business and let employers decide, on the merit of applications applications received, who is best suited suited for the job. Is that not why we Special Thanks To Volunteers of Denise House Re: The Denise Thanks Volunteers Dear Editor: The Denise House wishes to acknowledge acknowledge Volunteer Week by thanking all the special persons who offer their support to the shelter in a volunteer capacity. Volunteers and their contributions are an integral component of The Denise Denise House programming. Sincere appreciation is directed to past and present Board and Committee Committee members, programme volunteers and our community supporters. With your help we have realized many of our dreams, during our 10 years of operation. Your continued support will ensure the realization of many more dreams. Sincerely, Mary Dumais Co-ordinator Volunteer Services there must be some pretty nasty stuff coming out of those tailpipes! The guideline I have heard is to turn the engine off if you're stopping for more than ten seconds. Air pollution is believed to contribute to fast- increasing rates of allergies and asthma. asthma. We can help do something about that! Thirdly, start composting! Composting Composting reduces household waste by one-third or more and the end product product is great for lawns, gardens, and shrubs. Durham Region's Works Department Department is holding a composter sales and information workshop in Newcastle Newcastle on April 30. Call the Region (collect if necessary) at 668-7721 for more details. These tips alone certainly won't "save the planet", but we all have to start somewhere, don't we? It's easy to say, "What can one person do?." But, until more of us se individuals make a commitment to change, how can we expect governments and businesses businesses to do so? send in applications and résumés. I am a white middle aged woman § of British extraction. I am definitely | not a minority, as Mr. Mills implied | in his letter. I am a majority! There | are now more old ladies in Canada I than ever before! ' | Despite my qualification, I am I passed over for that 'token' 1.2% (or 1 whatever the percentage is) visible | representation that must now be in every workplace,, whether that 'tok- !; en' person is qualified or even capable. capable. How would Mr. Mills feel if he was appointed to the Provincial Legislature Legislature as the 'token' Englishman? Much of my concern stems from | the loss of status that English Canadi- | ans feel today. My family has been in Canada f (Ontario) for eight generations, as | have many who helped to open up | this great land. Our ancestors hacked | out die wilderness, built schools and churches, helped to develop our system system of government and developed entrepreneurial entrepreneurial skills that have left their mark on the world. Yes, the world.. It was my great grandfather who developed developed the modem day dry cleaning \ process that the world now enjoys. I'm sure there are hundreds of families families who have past accomplisliments of which they are extremely proud. But, we who have given so much to this country down through the years are now second class citizens in our own country, no longer suitable to represent the businesses we built, no longer desirable at the front desk to welcome customers, no longer from the proper culture or religion to be of use. Ethnic origins and cultural and religious religious adherances have no place in determining whether or not you should get a job, yet this employment equity programme makes it essential that employers take these things into account. What happened to ethics? What happened to the promotion of equality? equality? We have a wider 'racism' gap now in Canada than ever before! I want my identity back, as do thousands of others across the country country (it is not just in Ontario that this problem exists - it is rampant from shore to shore.) I want my country back, too! The country my ancestors died trying to build. And they did a pretty good job, if you ask me, but it is being tom apart piece by piece and all that we have worked for is being thrown out, to be replaced by ideas that will only destroy this great nation. If Mr. Mills and his peers had any 'guts' they'd stand up in the legislature legislature and decry the razing of our nation! nation! from: The Offspring of Nation Builders Janet Banting. Reader Fed Up With Loss of Work Identity