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6 The IFP · Halton Hills, Thursday, February 9, 2012 OPINION Black History Month Every February, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that recognize the contributions of black Canadians, past and present. During Black History Month, Canadians can gain insight into the experiences of black Canadians and the vital role this community has played throughout our shared history. On Tuesday, February 14, at 12:15 p.m. and Wednesday, February 15 at 10 a.m., the Halton Museum Foundation will present The Spirit of Harriet Tubman at the Milton Centre for the Arts. This one-woman show follows the journey of Harriet Tubman's life from her early years of slavery and time as an Underground Railroad conductor, to her years as a social justice advocate. "Many may not realize the ties that Halton Region has to the Underground Railroad," said Regional Chair Gary Carr. "As Oakville once served as an end point for African Americans who fled to Canada, this story is a part of our history." Harriet Tubman is just one of many black Canadians who helped shape this nation. They include: · The first named black person to set foot on Canadian soil, Mathieu Da Costa, a free man who was hired as a translator for Samuel de Champlain in 1605; · Mary Ann Shadd, the first woman publisher in North America, establishing the Provincial Freeman, an abolitionist newspaper; · Anderson Ruffin Abbott became the first Canadian-born man of black heritage to become a licensed physician in 1861. He was born to a prominent family in Toronto; · Lincoln Alexander was born of West Indian immigrant parents. He was sworn in as Ontario's Lt-Gov. in September 1985, the first black person to hold the vice-regal position in Canada. He was also the first black MP and cabinet minister. Through their contributions, and those made by many other black Canadians, our country and our world is a richer place to live. 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@theifp.ca) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Letters policy Letters must include an address and daytime phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. Email: jmcghie@theifp.ca Steve Nease Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters to the editor MP Chong's Kyoto message `pathetic' Dear editor, Re: Replacement deal for Kyoto needed MP Michael Chong's Jan. 31 column. Michael Chong's latest message about Kyoto and his government's position on climate change is so full of misinformation and mischaracterization that it would be laughable if it was not so pathetic. He claims the Liberals "had done little" to meet Kyoto targets when the Conservatives took power in 2006, but trying and failing is different than actively undermining climate change policy at Copenhagen and then in South Africa. Doing little is far preferable to spending Canadian tax dollars in an ad campaign and public relations war against the environmental regulatory process and the groups lined up to oppose pipelines through pristine rainforest. His argument turns to the ridiculous when he suggests that Kyoto could not have been met, anyway, because it would have meant, "the equivalent of removing every car, truck. ATV, tractor, ambulance, police car and vehicle from Canadian roads"-- what a crock-- this is a specious argument that is intended to mislead. It is probably also the equivalent of burning tires to heat your house, but that does not mean we should have pulled out of Kyoto-- ask Dr. Suzuki about the government's policies on the environment, not Mike Chong. The message is dumbed-down for all to see, but that's okay, these probably are not even Mr. Chong's own words. They probably came from the Prime Minister's Office. Where is the "maverick" of the Conservative party? Way to go Mike. Gary Britton, Georgetown attitude as if she owned the store. Her tone was very rude and unpleasant. Of course, I reported her to the manager. Whatever happened to "the customer is always right"? Also, if you ask anyone where something is located you're looked at as if you're from outer space. These people are in dire need of proper training. Dianne Tiveron, Georgetown Support CAShh Dear editor, Recently I received a telephone call asking me to purchase tickets to support the recent charity hockey game benefiting Cancer Assistance Services-Halton Hills (CAShh). I have supported the game every year and last year had the opportunity to meet Sheila Smith, the director at CAShh. She told me how hard she and her "merry band of volunteers" worked to make the game happen. I would encourage everyone to support this worthy organization. Rose McConnell, Georgetown WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.independentfreepress.com) Was Halton Regional Council right in voting to maintain fluoridation of the Region's water system? · No (73%) · Yes (27%) Training required Dear editor, Re: Jan 17 letter, Good service gone? I agree 100 per cent with Sandy Smith. Recently I encountered a situation in a local store where the cashier (who was doing nothing) had the gall to say if I were returning merchandise and didn't have a receipt I would get nowhere. First, that is up to the person at the return desk, but worse, was her The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.