Independent & Free Press (Georgetown, ON), 29 Nov 2006, p. 6

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Chong chooses not to play games As the former information officer for the National Hockey League Players Association and (until Monday) the federal Minister of Sport Michael Chong is not unaccustomed to playing games. However, the Wellington-Halton Hills MP after a , few days of soul-searching, decided the issue of having the "House recognize that the Québécois form a nation within a united Canada" was a game he wanted no part in. To his credit, Chong stepped down from Prime Minister Stephen Harper's cabinet Monday before the vote on the motion-- a resolution that carries no legal weight and is astounding only in its ambiguity. Make no mistake, this flawed resolution was nothing more than a game of political one-upmanship. The matter was raised by Liberal leadership hopeful Michael Ignatieff (for political advantage) was advanced by Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe (for political advantage) and then hijacked from Duceppe by Harper (for political advantage). Chong simply refused to play the game. Displaying a sense of conviction rarely seen on Parliament Hill, and carrying his principles high, Chong said, "I believe in one nation, undivided, called Canada. I believe that recognizing the Québécois as a nation, even within a united Canada is nothing else than the recognition of an ethnic nationalism and that I cannot support." Bravo! Sadly the issue is not likely to disappear anytime soon as Liberal leadership hopefuls Ken Dryden and Gerard Kennedy also chose not to support the resolution. Undoubtedly Quebec will be on the front burner at this week's convention. While Harper, who felt he had to bring forward the resolution to prevent Duceppe from having the Commons vote on whether Quebec is a nation, called Monday a "historic night" it was nothing of the sort. It was reallly just another night at the rink and the Tories were forced to play shorthanded when one of their rising stars decided this "exhibition" match wasn't worthy playing in. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Traffic changes will make Glen safer Dear editor, I would like to applaud Ward 2 Councillors Joan Robson and Bryan Lewis' efforts for understanding and helping us who live in the Erin St. and Credit St. area of Glen Williams. It is so true that the motorists are using our streets as a means to avoid Wildwood Rd. and Confederation St. I have seen vehicles speed down Credit St., Beaver St., and Erin St. It upsets and angers me to see the lack of consideration for my neighbourhood where there are children, including my own, using those streets. I fear for the safety for them and others that live here. We do not have sidewalks! What if it was your neighbourhood and your children were outside playing? Not only are there the children, our families, seniors and live here. The peace and quiet of our neighbourhood is disturbed by the noise from the racing vehicles. I can hear the cars racing down the street, going at top speed and coming to a squealing halt at the stop sign (I live on the corner of Beaver and Credit Streets). Thank goodness, my children weren't in the way of someone's race against the clock. I am glad that the engineering department will see what we have been talking/complaining about for years. To the motorists-- by all means, use our streets but please watch your speed and our children before someone gets hurt. I am looking forward to the results of the study and seeing changes that will help keep everyone safe in Glen Williams. Anita Paget, Glen Williams Glen `gridlock' has to be seen Participant thought race was `amazing' to be believed Dear editor, Re: Busy Glen Williams intersection could become a four-way stop (Nov. 1 Independent & Free Press). By all means let's put in some more stop signs to control that traffic nightmare which is Glen Williams. The current mayhem on those village streets must be regulated. The constant gridlock at Confederation, Wildwood and Main has to be seen to be believed. No wonder all that traffic is speeding down Alexander and Erin to avoid it. Thank goodness someone is taking action. Annette Graydon, Terra Cotta Dear editor, An Amazing Race in Georgetown? Who would have ever thought? On Oct. 14 23 teams of three go together at the Gellert Community Centre for an adult challenge-- Race For The Hills. We started with a run then returned to the Gellert for our first clue. The clue sent us on our bikes to the library where we had to make a mask of metal then name a collection of paintings. It was one adventure after another with each team working together to sign in at each checkpoint, produce their passports to be stamped and protect an egg for the entire race. All the volunteers were awesome and the clues and tasks we had to perform were so creative. Everyone received a t-shirt, water, fruit, pizza and a goody bag. There were a lot of great prizes donated by local merchants. A huge thank you to Aaron Matthews, Lori Hofing (Phil), Jessica Taylor and all the volunteers for organizing such an amazing event. We can't wait to see what you guys have planned for next year's Race For The Hills. Lori Martin, Georgetown More letters page7

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