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\ ) Health Care Needs Yardsticks Parliamentary Report by Alex Shepherd Canadians on a per capita basis spend $2,510.00 per year on health care. This is only second to the United States at $3,701.00. To look at it another way, Canadians as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), spend approximately 9.5%. This is higher than all European countries and once again only second to the United States. With this degree of spending, why do Canadians fear for their health care system? Canada is also typified by having a pronounced baby boom population. The reason for this is quite simple. During World War II, Canadians entered the war early, with a predominate predominate male enlisted force. They did not return home for almost five years and upon returning, the economy economy was rapidly expanding. Increased wealth created a desire and affordability for more children. As the boomers aged, they created demands for increased schooling. Real estate boomed for these first time home owners. With control of the air waves, they also developed a taste for rock and roll. In a short five years the leading edge of this group will start retiring. They arc going to place huge demands, as already evi dent, on leisure activities, like travel and golf. They arc also beginning to realize they arc not immortal. The current drive to a healthier society is mainly driven by this generation, recognizing that in the past, they led less healthy lifestyles than their parents. It is also primarily primarily this group who want to be assured of a continued accessible and affordable health care system. system. They often have parents parents who arc already accessing this system significantly. significantly. Currently, those over 65 are the recipients of over 80% of our health care dollars. There are many incidents, incidents, whereby these same people have come to the conclusion, the current system is not adequate to support their parent's generation, generation, let alone their own. With such a high degree of health care spending, why does it appear our system is inadequate? Personally, I believe there arc some fundamen tals missing. The state care system has not linked patient satisfaction with remuneration and reward. We do a very poor job at program evaluation, determining determining what services are required, and then measuring measuring how efficiently they are delivered. Movements by the federal federal government to reward home care through the taxation taxation system is evidence the nature of health care is changing. It is less costly to keep someone in your own home than in an institution. institution. This docs not address the fundamental issue of service. I am not saying get rid of the existing universal health care system. I fully support the objectives of this system! What is missing missing is some measuring tool and more importantly, a more direct association between patient and health care worker. Hospital closings and cutbacks have excluded these fundamental concerns. concerns. The Advantages of Home Ownership This article is provided by local Realtors and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) for the benefit of consumers in the real estate market. With today's low rates, mortgage payments are often less than monthly rent payments payments making home ownership ownership more attractive than ever. Instead of using your hard-earned cash to pay the landlord's mortgage you can use the rent money to buy a home of your own. Buying a home makes sound financial sense, but the benefits extend much farther. Here are some facts to consider consider when you start wondering wondering why buying is better than , renting. * If you're 35 now and just buying your first home, you'll be mortgage-free when you're 60 and sitting comfortably on a considerable considerable asset. It could mean financial independence as a senior, and the opportunity to enjoy your golden years. * It's highly likely your investment will appreciate considerably in 25. years. Don't buy now with the intention of making a quick fortune. Think of home-buying home-buying as a sound, long-term investment. * Buying a house is a very effective way of saving regularly for 25 years. Even if you never buy into another retirement savings or investment investment plan, you're effectively putting money away for the future. * Over a 30-year, up-and- ^ddWtiri'Vdtinomic ^' period; « Ontario housing gave a better return on investment than treasury bills, government bonds, the Toronto Stock Exchange 3Q0 Index or gold. This was the result of a 1991 study by two professors from the School of Business Administration at the University of Western Ontario. * Owning a home of your own means you can set down roots, get to know your community, community, and involve yourself in it. Kids can make friends in the neighbourhood, many of whom will probably go to the same school and be involved in similar recreational recreational groups. * Discover the pride of home ownership. You can fix up the place to suit your particular particular needs. Knock out that cupboard under the stairs. Put a darkroom or woodworking woodworking room in your basement. basement. Try those fancy paints or finishes; put murals on the wall; build a deck; create the kitchen you've always dreamed of. They'll be there to enjoy for as long as you want. You'll get at least as ■ much out of the work as you put into it. * Mortgage insurance that pays off the balance of the principal when a homeowner dies means your family would be left with a home- and without debt. * As your family grows and moves on to homes of their own, you have the option of earning extra income by renting out spare rooms or floors. * If you are planning to borrow money from a bank or other financial institution, owning your own home is a definite plus when it comes time to negotiate. * If you pay $750 a month for a rental unit and face a five per cent increase a year, after 25 years you will have paid a total of $430,000. And have nothing to show for it. * You may not need as much money as you think to get into the home market. Qualified buyers can buy a house with as little as five per cent down these days through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) mortgage mortgage insurance scheme. And each mortgage payment buys you a piece of an investment that's continuing to grow. The Ontario Real Estate Association publishes a 128- page, step-by-step guide that takes the mystery out of home-buying for first-timers. "How to Buy Your Home" is available free by calling 1- 800-265-OREA. ,,J j-Ji... ,j Del's Mortgage Watch Today's Best Rate for First Mortgages. * Best Rates as of July 15th, 1998 ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE... 5.1*% 6 Months 5.95% 4 Year 6.15% 1 Year 6.05% 5 Year 6.20% 2 Year 6.05% 7 Year ;.... 6.49% 3 Year 6.15% 10 Year 6.61% 25 year 7.06% NOTE: We handle the transfer of an existing mortgage at No Cost! WE ALSO ARRANGE: • Second Mortgages • Credit Lines • Personal Loans CALL: DEL DYKSTRA 697-3300 FINANCIAL LTD. | Division Street DELT0N* MORTGAGES Bowmanville $285,000 ideal (or B & B in this brick century home. Minutes from 401, skiing and school bus at the door. 1.4 acres with gardens and fish ponds bordered by mature maples on the west and north. Insulated workshop/garage and two tlier out buildings. Call 905-786-9806 for appointment, Estate Home on Ravine Lot in The Rills of Liberty New Price -- $359,900 This custom built homo has everything! 2600 sq. ft on 1.51 acre lot with 150 foot frontage. Very private. Built In 1987, It has three bedrooms Including huge master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. All oak kitchen with ceramic tile floor leading to a beautiful sun room and cozy family room. Huge dining and living rooms adjoining kitchen. Fully renovated basement with rec. room and wet bar, washroom, workshop, .storage areas and access from double car garage. Oodles of closet space and second floor laundry room. Security system, central vacuum, central air and electric heat pump, In-ground lawn and garden Irrigation system. 20 x 20 shed with dog kennel. 18x36 swimming pool with changehouse. Large deck with built-in fireplt and cooking grill. Professionally landscaped with 12 x 18 Kol fish pond, waterfall, and two natural streams, Must bo seen to bo appreciated, Available September 1, 1998, please phone 623-3284 to arrange for viewing. The Clarington/Courticc Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, July 18, 1998 Page 15 Knox Grade Eight Graduates Knox Christian School held its annual grade Eight graduation program on June 18th. The following students students arc graduates: (alphabetically) Rachel Bockce, Erica Bouma, Kimberley Brinkman, Ashley Chandler, Tara Clarke, Daniel Corvers, Mary DeVries, Michelle DeVries, Stephanie DeVries, Timothy DeVries, Sarah Frost, Melissa Fuller, Andrew Hill, Jared Mostcrd, Joshua Perry, Jonathan Prins, Joella Reitsma, Amanda Rekkcr, Rachael Richter, Niesha Snyder, Tina Talsma, Stephen VanDcrHcrbcrg, Rachel VanderHeyden, Allison Vandermcer, Ryan VanHartingsvcldt, Julia Vivian, Joshua Vrcugdcnhil, Sarah Wcsselius. Realtors Help YMCA Camps For several years now, the OREA Foundation has provided money to its member Real Estate Boards across Ontario in order that local REALTORS REALTORS can give a little back to their communities. This year the Durham Region Real Estate Board has selected the YMCA Summer Camps as a recipient. recipient. A monetary donation will provide the financial assistance needed to a family who would otherwise otherwise not be able to send their child to summer camp. The YMCA has been operating summer camps in the Durham region for more than 20 years. The summer camp programs arc designed to help children children learn developmcntal- ly appropriate skills and knowledge, how to work with others and gain self- confidence. Whether the children attend the Super Day Camps (sports, arts, dance, variety), the Outdoor Discovery Camps (outdoor discovery and sleepover) or the Skills Camp (aquatics, science action, gymnastics, basket- Best Golfers Rotarians Pauline Mote and Don Hutton can boast about their golf games after having their names inscribed on the Rotary Fellowship Golf Tournament trophy. Hutton, who is the club president, recorded the longest drive for a male Rotarian during the tournament tournament (about 250 yds), while Pauline Mote turned out to be the best lady driver with her shot of over 200 yards. ball, and riding), they arc Real Estate Board is proud involved in a variety of to support such a great activities and make indi- program available to chil- vidual choices each day, dren in our community creating memories and who can benefit in the pos- friendships that will last a itive experience of summer lifetime. camp. The Durham Region Royal LePage Acquires Real Estate Company Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. has announced the acquisition of Buchanan Realty Service Inc. This development served to further further solidify Royal LePage's position as the largest Canadian-owned and operated operated residential real estate firm in the country as well as one of the fastest growing real estate franchisors. Buchanan Realty Services Itic., a full-service real estate company and a leading independent realtor in the Durham Region is comprised of 9 sales representatives. representatives. Serving the Durham Region for more than 12 years, the company has been recognized as an industry leader and distinguished distinguished member of both the business and suburban communities. communities. JANES R. YAMCH TRUSTEE IN BANKRUPTCY DIANE E. COUTURE • ESTATE ADMINISTRATOR 1 Personal and Business Bankruptcy ' Including all other Insolvency Services OSHAWA 122 Albert St. 721-750» AJAX 50 Commercial Ave. 619-1473 COBOURG 72 King St. W. 372-4744 SATVRDAY AND EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAII ADI I FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION RBW cornerstone realty ltd., realtor 104 King St E, Bowmanville 623-6000 COURTICE BUNGALOW On quiet court, forced air gas heat, walk-out oil of kitchen kitchen to deck, private I fenced yard. Only| $130,000. Also: $45,900. 3/4 acre building lot . $49,900. 2 ten acre wooded parcels David Passant** Assoc. Broker Over 23 Years of Service For a market evaluation of your home, please ask for David Passant**, Associate Broker, today! 623-6000. $109,000. 4 bedroom vinyl, gas heat $219,900. Country rancher on 3 acres, trout stream - PI ■ ™ REDUCED TO $134,900. ■BeiSI V tfsjF «■Http Ron Moore 1 1/2 storev. 3 bedroom home in excel- Marg Bain* STARTING OUT? $106,500. 623-6000 24 hr. pager 623-9263 (res.) lent Bowmanville location features eat-in kitchen, full unfinished basement and a single detached garage. Great for the family. Call Ron Moore* today (905) 623-6000 24 hr. pager. JUST LISTED COMPLETE WITH APARTMENT $124,900. Call for details at (905) 623-6000 Paul DeJager* Sales Rep. (905) 623-6000 will get you into this nicely decorated and well kept 3 bedroom, 2 storey semi In a good north- end Bowmanville area. Combined living and dining rooms, full basement and an eat-in kitchen with walkout to deck and backyard. Call Marg Bain* for more info (905) 623-6000. LOADS AND LOADS OF EXTRAS $174,900. Extremely well maintained home on quiet court, Professionally landscaped with Interlocking drive and walkway. Separate workshop. Main floor family room, finished rec room. Above ground pool, great neighbourhood. Call me for details. Call Paul DeJager* for more information 623-6000 or 428-1206. Open Concept bungalow semi with walkout basement complete with a very bright self contained apartment. Open concept on main floor, eat-ln kitchen with walkout, can easily be converted to single family home. A must see for the 1st time buyer. OPEN HOUSE 26 Liberty St. N. Sunday, July 19 1:00-4:00 p.m Call Linda McLennan** Associate Broker 623-6000 TOWN CENTURY WITH 1/3 ACRE LOT! Delightful 3 bedroom detached close to all amenlllesl Llvlng/dlnlng room with gleaming hardwood. Groat family sized kitchen with walkout to mud room. Renovated 4-plece and 2-pleco bathrooms. Gas heat. Single car garage. Come see for yoursolfl $132,9001 Spacious living room with woodburning fireplace and 91/2 It. celling. Separate dining room, Most floors are hardwood, hardwood, 4 bedrooms plus laundry room, 3 piece bathroom, bedroom and family room over double car garage. Hedged fenced backyard with 16'x 32'Inground pool. $269,000, Call Linda McLennan** (905) 623-6000.