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EI ý0p 0 j- Power surge %0 Most people believe cleaner and alternative forms of ener- Sgy should be produced in Ontario, and want govemrments to Ssupport initiatives that provide domestic economic benefits *and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. But are citizens willing to pay the cost of this massive paradigm. shift? lnvestment in wind, solar and hydroelectric generation has made Ontario a leader in North America. The progres- sive Green Energy Act addresses public desire to invest and develop alternative energy sources. Previous generations invested billions of dollars to create the energy system we depend on today lt's been 20 years since Ontario made any significant investments in power generation and infrastructure. As the Province moves ahead with investments in new Ienergy infrastructure, consumers are alarmed about the prospect of increased electricity costs. The government's energy policies have hecome a punching bag for opposition leaders. But the truth is, buge amoumrs of money are needed to modernize the electricity system in the 21st century. The goverrument is being up front by admitting rates will jump 46 per cent over five years, although consumers will get 10 per cent rebates on each bill. The premier acknowledges plans to develop more wind, solar and other renewable formns of energy are responsible for about 56 per cent of the expected increases in electricity rates. The remaining 44 per cent is for investment in upgrad- ing and modernizing Ontarios existing capacity in nuclear and natural gas generation, transmission and distribution. The govemnment dlaims 82 per cent of existing infrastruc- ture needs to be refurbished or replaced. What is the cost of not doing anything? Dependable energy is a staple for eco- nomic investment and growth. Rate hikes will hopefully promote further conservation efforts while reducing the significant health-care costs asso- ciated with smog, saving an estimated $3 billion per year. The governments green energy vision is a long-termn plan. Like most policy shifts of this magnitude, there will be painful transitions. But on so many levels, it's the right thing to do morally, ethically and economically, Rising costs for electricity may be shocking to some, but the reality is con- sumers are being asked to invest in the creation of a reliable, renewable, dlean system. of power for today and the future. Reaiders Wr ite Ernati lattera to aditonal@rmltonoenadianchamplon. om Latters, which may ba Wdit- ed, must mncluda the wntar s namae address and phone nurnbar Downtown tree-Iighting terrific DEAR EDITOR: of 'O Christmas Tree,' as well as their What a terrifie event. On very entertaining rendition of 'A November 26 beside the Mili Pond, the Christmas Medley.' The Holy Rosary Downtown Milton Tree Lighting School choir treated us with their Ceremony attracted plenty of heartwarming version of 'Mary Did You Miltonians, despite the frigid tempera- Know' and '0 Little Town of tures. Bethlehem.' E.C. Drury High School's The Montessori School Of Milton Glee Club pedformed an amazing adap- did exceptionally well in their singing e see THANKS on page A7 zbe Canabia (eampwn Mitions dommunity Nemupapen Siroce 1860 555 Industrial Dr., Milton, Ont. L9T 5E1 905-878-2341 Editorial Fax: 905-878-4943 Advertising Fax: 905-876-2364 Classified:905-875-3300 Circulation: 905-878-5947 www miltoncanadianchampion.com V.P. - Group Publisher Neil Oliver Regional General Manager David Harvey General Manager Debbi Koppaîan Editor in Chief Jiii Davis Managing Editor Kaien Miceli Production Manager Tim Colas Circulation Manager Charlena Hall Office Manager Sandy Pare On Line Sales Manager Damni Coleman The Canadian Champion, publihed every Tuesday and Thursday, is a divson of Metroland Media Group Ltd. Aduertisig s accepted on tre condition tirat in tre event of a rypographical error, that portion of the aduentis- ing space occupied by thre erroneous item, togetrer with a reasonable allowance for signature, will flot ire cirged for, but thre balaoce of the aduertisernent ii be paid for ut the applicable rate. Tire publisher reserses the right ru categorize adveeOisenerts or declîne. * ~! CCAB Audited Recognizaci for excellence by O fa Ontario Communiti &O M Newspapers Associatin CCA Caoadrao Community Newspapens Association Suburban Newspaper S - ut Amerîca Upfront Return trîOps to my aima mater fot exactly welcomed As far as illogical fears go, this one~s a doozy Well, 1 canWt dlaim to actually being afraid whenever 1 visit my aima mater of Sheridan College - the latest trip happening just recently for volleyball championshîp play - but theres certainly a level of unease ventur- ing back mnto the world of academia. No, 1 didnWt flunk out of school.. I neyer even failed a class, although I did come close once or twice. Theres just something about learturg in a structured environent that made me somnewhat uncomfortable at the tail-end of high school - and beyond. And' oddly enough, tihe phobias only got- ten worse since my school days have ended. Often triggered by updates about my scholastically-inclined little cousin -whos just begun art history PhD studies at Carleton University - 1 regular- ly have fitful dresms where Frm back in school and bombing out. Sometimes Fim in high school and during others it's college. But the recurring aura is always the same - dark and gloomy The dreams usuaily conclude with me rhyming off ail the assigniments N'e neglected to complete ,and then - boiling over in a haze of stress., In t.he latest one, 1 dont even make it to, school - and wake up as I'm running to' catch the school bus. When it comnes to unwelcomne nighttime scenarios, these rival any bogeyman 1 ever conjured up as a youngster - and bave been the focus of mucb seif-analysis. 7YNear as 1 can figure, these dreams die into the fact that being a reporter bas a definite parallel to being in school (essay writing, deadlines, etc.> and my subconscious is saying 1 shoulti neyer get 100 comfort- able in my job anmd strive to, stave off complacency * see IMPORTANT on page A7 The Canadian Chamipion îs a proud rnedJîiu sponor for: Halton Heaticane Jingle Bell Pond OF MILTON CANADA DAI' SATHENA T. iw Th hMo Caaie pon i ycloble Prouet 641Wo; W MILTON SANTA CLAUS PARADE