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Teachers' unions, government must work together The Ontario Legislature resumed sitting on Monday, amidst growing labour unrest in our public schools. The leadership of Ontario's teachers' federations are furious with Premier Dalton McGuinty. The union leaders have supported him through four consecutive provincial elections. He has demonstrated his appreciation for their support with pay increases for teachers in excess of inflation every year he's been premier-- every year except this one. This year, the government is asking teachers' union leaders to accept a two-year pay freeze, with many complicated exceptions. Faced with a deficit of around $15 billion this year, rising debt interest costs of $10 billion, a stagnating revenue outlook, and the prospect of even more credit downgrades, the premier has finally woken up to the fact that Ontario is on a downward spiral towards a fiscal crisis unless he acts now. For years, the Ontario PC caucus warned him this day would come. We urged the government to moderate its program spending increases, and maintain control of overall expenditures. They laughed at us. And they voted down my own initiatives to draw attention to the growing provin- 7 ·The IFP· Halton Hills, Tuesday, August 28, 2012 Ted Arnott cial debt and the need to pay it down when times were good. Teachers' union leaders, the government and the legislative assembly all need to work together, and put the needs of our students first. There is no place for partisan politics in Ontario's classrooms. There never was. Our teachers are dedicated, caring professionals. The vast majority just want to teach. Their union leaders should let them. We must always encourage and support a culture of continuous improvement in our schools. We must measure progress and recognize success. We must never forget that the future strength of Ontario will be largely determined by the achievements in our schools today. ··· In July in this space, I wrote about the McGuinty government's decision to end the Slots at Racetracks revenue sharing agreement. My column explored the dev- astating impact it will have on Ontario's horse racing industry, and the spin-off jobs it supports. It is estimated that 60,000 jobs are in jeopardy, largely in small town and rural Ontario. We suspected the government hadn't done its homework prior to making the decision, hadn't properly consulted, and did not understand the full economic impact of ending the Slots at Racetracks program. That belief has been confirmed to be accurate. An area constituent asked for the government's economic studies on the horse racing decision, through the Freedom of Information process. He received it, and gave it me. We released it to the news media on August 14. It clearly shows that a fourpage "economic impact note" was generated as "Confidential Advice to Cabinet." However, it is dated March 14, two days AFTER the government announced its decision to end the Slots at Racetracks program. Either they didn't do their due diligence, or the report was intended to be a whitewash after the fact to justify a decision that had already been made. Considering 60,000 jobs are hanging in the balance, either way it's a disgrace. --Ted Arnott is the MPP for Wellington-Halton Hills HOLIDAY CLOSURE LABOUR DAY ­ SEPT. 3, 2012 CIVIC CENTRE - 905-873-2600 The Civic Centre will be closed on Monday September 3, 2012. ACTIVAN - 905-873-2601 ext. 2617 ActiVan service will be available on Monday September 3, 2012 on an after-hours basis. The booking office will be closed. CANINE CONTROL - 905-877-6235 FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS 14007 10 Sideroad 905-877-1133 Halton Hills Fire Department Administration will be closed on Monday September 3, 2012. INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES - PUBLIC WORKS Public Works will be closed on Monday September 3, 2012. Public Works After-Hours Contact 905-873-2600 ­ press 2 to connect to the Public Works After-Hours Line and follow the prompts. PUBLIC LIBRARIES Acton Branch 519-853-0301 Georgetown Branch 905-873-2681 The Acton and Georgetown branches of the Halton Hills Public Library will be closed September 1, September 2 and September 3, 2012. Both branches will re-open on Tuesday September 4, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. · Schedule and assist in coordinating corporate meetings and Public Information Centre sessions and take accurate minutes when required. · Maintain and monitor the Infrastructure Services library, technical records and the department's Management Archiving Program in accordance with the Town's by-law. · Maintain database records and print corresponding financial reports regarding revenue and spreadsheets. · Utilize financial software to track, monitor and print accounts for Operating Budget. · Maintain and monitor department's petty cash, visa reconciliation, journal entries, cheque requests, invoices and requisitions on request. · Balance and verify debit machine for departmental incoming revenue and prepare deposit report. · Maintain and process Zoning, Signs, Pools, Fences and Two-Unit Dwelling complaints in compliance with applicable corresponding by-laws. · Obtain and process Request for Information (Record Search) for INF Services Building Section in conjunction with the Town's Freedom of Information regulations. · Process advertisements, notifications and various publications for the Department. · Update the contents of the intranet and coordinate updating of Website to establish accurate departmental information and/or services. · Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: · A 2-year post secondary diploma in a business related field, or equivalent education and experience. · Minimum of 4 years experience in a municipal customer service environment. · Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite package. · Working knowledge of Amanda, Mpower 2002 and FMW software applications preferred. · Display an aptitude for figures to consolidate various spreadsheets. · Strong interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written. · Effective public relations skills with sound judgment in prioritizing assignments, multi-tasking and organizing research deadlines in a professional office environment. · Cooperate well with others and demonstrate the ability to function efficiently under significant time and workload pressures. · Excellent proofreading skills · Possess a high level of confidentiality and professionalism. RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT Gellert Community Centre Closed September 3-16 for Maintenance. Customer Service Desk remains open September 4-16. Acton Indoor Pool & Georgetown Indoor Pool Closed September 3 Acton Arena & Community Centre, Mold-Masters SportsPlex & Memorial Arena Closed September 3 Georgetown Seniors Centre & Acton Seniors Centre Closed September 3 By Cory Soal R.H.A.D. . . . Lend Me Your Ears Georgetown Denture Clinic Alexander Trenton, DD, F.C.A.D. (A) Denturist TWO MORE REASONS TO QUIT! Exposure to cigarette smoke may hasten hearing loss as you grow older. Monitoring more than 3,500 people between the ages 48 and 92 for 3 years, University of Wisconsin Medical School researchers found that smokers were almost twice as likely as non-smokers to have trouble hearing. Some scientists think cigarette smoke has a toxic effect on inner-ear cells, while others believe it may constrict blood flow to the inner ear. For more information on preserving your hearing please call... The Georgetown John Elliott Theatre Closed for renovations TOOTH CHATTER - georgetowndentureclinic.ca FOR EMERGENCIES - FIRE/POLICE/AMBULANCE: DIAL 911 96 __________________________________________ Salary: The salary range for this full time, permanent position is $43,547 - $51,842 per annum. Qualified candidates may submit a detailed resume in confidence to the undersigned by 4:30 p.m., Friday, September 7, 2012. Please quote Posting No. 201229 on your resume. Human Resources Town of Halton Hills 1 Halton Hills Drive Halton Hills, ON, L7G 5G2 Fax: (905) 873-1431 Email: humanresources@haltonhills.ca We thank all those who apply, but advise that only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 (S.O. 2001, c.25) and will be used to select a candidate. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Manager of Human Resources. IN THE OLDEN DAYS... In medieval times, full sets of dentures were made of carved elephant tusk, cow teeth and walrus tusk were made for people who had no teeth at all. But, it was impossible to fit them properly and keep them in place. They helped someone look better but sure were not any good for chewing. In the 1700's, a famous French dental surgeon by the name of Pierre Fauchard, designed realistic dentures carved from walrus and elephant tusks, colouring the denture bases to look like real gem tissue. He kept upper and lower sets of false teeth in place by joining them together with springs. This was fine and dandy until they sprang out of the unfortunate wearer's mouth while talking!! Dental medicines, techniques and equipment continued to become more and more sophisticated with the use of X-rays, high-speed drills, better-fitting dentures made of plastic or porcelain (no more springs!), crowns, bridges and orthodontics to straighten smiles. Aren't you glad brushing, flossing and visits to your dental professionals are all you need for healthy teeth? So flash that grin with no fear! EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ­ INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES Two Year Contract Position Posting No. 201229 Reporting to the Supervisor of Administration and Customer Service, this two (2) year contract position will provide administrative support for the staff and customers of the Infrastructure Services Department in a multi-faceted and varied front-line position. Responsibilities: · Manage and coordinate all customer service inquires via telephone, counter and electronic format. · Prepare correspondence, Council Reports, tenders and other various documents for the Infrastructure Services team. WE BUILD BEAUTIFUL SMILES! Consultations are always free!! We care about your hearing! Professional Arts Building 99 Sinclair Ave., Suite 210, Georgetown AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 97 905-873-6642 Serving the community of Halton Hills and surrounding areas since 1992 1 Halton Hills Dr., Halton Hills ON L7G 5G2 Tel.: 905-873-2600 · Fax: 905-873-2347 18 Church Street, Georgetown 905-877-2359