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Number 06 Patterson family as a 1 STOCKING a STUFFER:- 32 Pages NDHS rept in limbo for now Health care on hold until policy released By Chris Hall Port Perry Star The future of health care in the northern parts of Durham Region may not be fully known until late spring next year, says an official with the North Durham Health Services (NDHS). Guy Kirvan, CEO of both the Port Perry and Uxbridge NDHS sites, says that a report on the area's health care can't be finished until a provin- cially-appointed committee has com- pleted its Rural Health policy. "Nothing can be done here until the rural health policy is released and I don't expect that to come out until the middle of January," he said recently. "There is a lot of pressure on them from rural areas across the province to finish it quickly, so you will hope- fully see it next month." Once the document has been released it could take up to five months before any changes are announced, said Mr. Kirvan. When local officials get the policy they will have to look it over and dis- cuss services. Any recommendations will then go to the District Health Council, and the Health Services Restructuring Commission (HSRC), he said. When the province's restructuring committee made its announcement Nov. 18 on the Greater Toronto Area, North Durham hospitals were excluded. Because of this, they are not part of a submission being made by the region's Health Alliance to overturn some of the decisions. Dr. Jim Armstrong, the executive director of the GTA/905 Healthcare Alliance, says that a submission to the government will include all Please turn to Page 10 Hectic year for Durham East MPP John O'Toole By Chris Hall Port Perry Star The year gone by was a turbulent but productive one, according to Durham East MPP John O'Toole. In a year-end interview, the rookie MPP said that the Tory government has made good on a large number of its campaign pledges, and will continue to fight waste and duplication as its mandate continues in 1998. "It's definitely been a busy year; somewhat hectic. This government has worked hard during the past year and I think we have accomplished plenty," he said recently from his Bowmanville office. Mr. O'Toole said that while it has been a turbulent year for Ontario, the Harris government is simply making good on the promises that got it elected. "The key thing to remember is that made: There have been important alterations to the labor legislation; photo radar; we've given people a tax break. It is all fundamental stuff and if you get out your checklist, you can see that we are doing what we said we would do. The people of Ontario elect- ed us to fulfill these promises and we have." The government, he adds, main- tains a tight hold on the province's purse strings. He points to a reduction in Please turn to Page 9 1 ! | | 18. Here, mother Marcella 1 her favorite gift, Colt L 'have two other sons, Colin and Curtis. Hospital Auxiliary members at the Port Perry site have been busy knitting chimney-style Stockings for all the Christmas- time newborns. we're doing exactly what we promised; we're doing what we told people dur- ing the election we would do, and I can live with that. "Look at what changes we have Pontiac/Buick/GMC Presents THE ALMOST NEVER-ENDING BOXING DAY EVENT v 98 GMC Sierra Regular Cab 2WD fl ot : 200 HP Vortec 4300 V6 engine, 4-speed automatic SmartLease - | i transmission, dual air bags, PASSLock™ ; - security system, 4 wheel ABS, air conditioning Purchase 21 ,398' 3 **36 month/$3300 down paymeny$300 security deposivireight $895 {includes freight $895 & PURCHASE FINANCING | So a a 3 10 Vanactwars brie, Port Perry. up to 48 months * See Dealer For Details Cy Offer Ends January 11/98