www.independentfreepress.com Michael Chong ...... 5 Sports ....................... 7 Calendar .................. 8 Directory .................. 8 Classifieds ........... 10 50 Cents (+ GST) Circulation: 22,800 COMMANDER HONOURED Georgetown native Chris Deere earns Order of Military Merit PAGE 5 FLYING HIGH Gymnastics Centre launches trampoline program PAGE 8 20 Pages Halton Hills' award-winning newspaper THE INDEPENDENT & FREE PRESS By DOMINIK KUREK Metroland Media Group TUESDAY, January 4, 2011 Trustee's gay lifestyle no threat to equity policy, says Rowe equity policy in jeopardy. CatholicCanada.com also picked up the LifeSiteNews. Concerns that an Oakville com story. As of this year, all OnHalton Catholic District tario's school boards had School Board trustee, who's to have policies that ensure also a gay activist, could put they provide positive school the board's equity environments for policy in jeopardy students of all racare unfounded said es, religions and Halton Hills Trustsexual orientation, ee Mark Rowe. which outline how "I agree with to deal with issues HCDSB Chair Alof sexism, racism, ice Ann LeMay that homophobia and the equity policy of other forms of disthe board is not crimination. threatened in the While the HalPAUL least by Mr. (Paul) ton board passed MARAI Marai's private the policy, it inlife," said Rowe cluded a statement saying, last week. "We are all there "While the Board is committo work for the good of the students based on the prin- ted to equity and inclusion, ciples of the Roman Catholic some Ministry proposed activities such as `gay-straight Church." Marai, 21, who was elected alliances' or clubs cannot be to the board in October, says permitted." "I can't believe we're havhis lifestyle isn't an issue. ing this discussion in the A Catholic news agency-- 21st Century," said Marai. "I LifeSiteNews.com-- publishwonder if these people have ed a story recently stating been living under a rock for concerns that the Oakville trustee could put the Board's See EQUITY, pg. 3 Stork's first visit to Georgetown Hospital The first baby born at Georgetown Hospital this year doesn't have a name yet as his parents Abiramy and Satheesan Navaratnam of Mississauga haven't decided on one yet. The 6 lb. 10 oz. boy made his arrival at 5:14 a.m. Sunday, earning the distinction of being the hospital's New Year's baby. He is the couple's second son, and two-year-old Sajith is excited to welcome a new baby brother into the family. The baby was delivered by Dr. Selvaratnam Gunaratnam. Photo by Ted Brown Vi s i t o u r s h o w r o o m · your window & door professionals · 341 Guelph St., Unit 3 Georgetown 905.873.0236 www.buy-wise.ca info@buy-wise.ca · awarded readers choice 14 times · 33 MOUNTAINVIEW RD. N., GEORGETOWN 905-877-6944 7e HANDLE ALL INSURANCE work. sTruck Accessories s5PHOLSTEry s(Eavy %QUIPMENT 'LASS s7INDow 4INTING 354 Guelph Street, Georgetown (905) 873-1655