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THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2009 12 Ted Arnott M.P.P. Call: 1-800-265-2366 web: www.tedarnottmpp.com ROCKWOOD Ring Around with Rebecca Ring The Guelph Lake Na- ture Centre has lots of fun events to get the family out and beat those winter blues. On Sunday, Feb. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m., learn how to identify trees in the winter with no leaves! Go on a short hike and learn to identify the bark, buds and branches. Take the orien-treeing chal- lenge and try a scavenger hunt. Pre-register at (519) 836-7860. On Sunday, Feb. 22, from B.C. into Montana and forms the western boundary of Montanas Glacier Na- tional Park, or threatened and endangered species like grizzly bears that breed, feed, and roam across our common border. And the winds that carry pollution and greenhouse gas emis- sions dont get turned back at the border for endanger- ing citizens on either side. Here in B.C. where I live, most of the species at risk from grizzlies to monarch butterflies cross back and forth regularly between the two countries. We cant hope to protect them without strong and comple- mentary habitat-protection policies in both countries. We also need agreement on policies to protect the waters that flow between our two nations. President Obama said during his campaign that he opposes industrial development in the headwaters of the Flat- head. The Flathead River and Glacier National Park are treasures that should be conserved for future gener- ations, he said in reaction to a push by the B.C. gov- ernment for development in the region, including an open-pit coal mine 40 kilometres from the Can- ada-U.S. border. Its great to see a U.S. ad- ministration that isnt afraid of real progress and change. But, as President Obama noted, it isnt just up to the American government to create that change; its up to all of us. And while he was referring to American citizens, we Canadians must also join to confront the challenges that both our countries, and indeed, the entire world, face. Continued from Page 6 Puts science back in place... from 2 to 4 p.m., strap on snowshoes and make your own Bigfoot prints. Snowshoe availability is limited so call to reserve at (519) 836-7860. Visit www.grandriver.ca for more information and events at other GRCA parks. Unlucky in Love? The Eden Mills Writers Festival is hosting its Un- lucky in Love fundraiser at the Bookshelf ebar, 41 Quebec St., Guelph on Friday the 13th, from 7 to 9 p.m. Hear readings by authors Leon Rooke, Ste- phen Henighan, Sandra Sabatini, and Paul Quar- rington. Tell your best unlucky-in-love story in the open mic poetry slam at 8 p.m. (three minute maximum). Judges in the audience will choose the winner. Nature centre beats blues Revised Metrolinx proposal includes Pearson Airport Metrolinx, a Crown agency of the Province of Ontario mandated to im- prove transportation issues in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas (GTHA), announced a revised proposal to expand service for travellers on the Georgetown GO line a line that is already at capacity - and to build a new line to and from To- ronto Pearson International Airport. Increased GO train service to Halton Hills and a direct line to the airport are positive initiatives needed by commuters and residents in Halton Region, says a Metrolinx spokesperson. Regional Chair Gary Carr and Metrolinx board members are pleased with the proposal. Congestion and transportation are significant concerns for Halton resi- dents, both on our roads and on our rail lines. Expanding GO train service on the Georgetown line is being identified as one of the first big initiatives to undertake as part the new Regional Transportation Plan, and that is great news for Halton Hills commuters, says Carr. Metrolinx is asking for public input on the proposal over the next four months. Six public open houses have been organ- ized during the month of February and Chair Carr is encouraging the public to give their feedback. Residents can email Regional Chair Gary Carr directly at: gary.carr@halton.ca. For more details on the open houses, visit www.metrolinx.com, call 1-866-658-9890, or email info@metrolinx.com. Wellington-Halton Hills MPP calls for action on three big economic prior- ities In a climate of extreme economic challenge, Wel- lington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott is calling for meaningful action from the Government of On- tario. We can only hope that the next Ontario budget will offer much stronger action than weve seen from the provincial gov- ernment so far, said Arnott, who has par- ticipated in numerous pre-budget hearings as a member of the all-party Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Mr. Arnott is pushing for three big priorities, which he says require im- mediate action from the McGuinty government: Economic Develop- ment: He is calling for a redoubling of our efforts to attract new investment, retain jobs and attract new ones. Accompanying this must be lower taxes on new business investment and lower taxes paid by families, he says. Job Training: Ontarios job training programs need to be fixed, says Arnott. The Auditor Generals recent recommendations should be implemented. Displaced workers need the opportunity to retrain, so they have even more to offer in the job market when the economy begins to grow again. Infrastructure: Arnott is calling for substantial investments in new infra- structure to strengthen our economic competitiveness and protect our environ- ment over the long term. Mr. Arnott is urging constituents to send him their suggestions on jobs and the economy, so that when the Legislature final- ly does resume its session on February 17, he will be armed with their advice. Stronger action needed - Arnott A HELPING HAND: Allstate Insurance Company of Canada agent Lee Baker presents Crime Stoppers of Wellington County with a donation of $1000 from the Trusted Community Partner Program for the third year. We are grateful for Allstates donation, says John Svensson, Chairman for Crime Stoppers of Wellington County. - Submitted Photo