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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday July 26, 2006 - 5 Turner refuses to take back comments release is misleading, noting he has never talked about first or second-class Canadians. A GTA Liberal politician is calling for He emphasized that Canada's humaniHalton MP Garth Turner to withdraw tarian effort in Lebanon is definitely comments he made last worthwhile, and said he's week that questioned not suggesting for a using taxpayers' dollars moment that it shouldn't to rescue Canadians be done. from war-torn Lebanon. The release also The request from alleged Turner "claimed Mississauga-Erindale MP because many hold dual Omar Alghabra comes citizenship, they don't after Turner received deserve the same treatmuch publicity for sayment as other Canadians ing those in Lebanon and that the government with dual citizenship shouldn't be obligated to who haven't actually rescue them." lived in Canada for some The feisty Halton MP time should pay for their didn't take those comHalton MP Garth Turner own evacuation. ments lying down either "I have grave concerns about Mr. and rebutted on his highly-popular Web blog, Turner's attitude towards Canadians of which garnered more than 100,000 hits dual citizenship," said Alghabra in a Thursday as the controversy on the evacuapress release issued Thursday. "He is tion issue grew. effectively questioning the authenticity "Of course I said nothing of the kind," and loyalty of Canadians who reside in Turner writes, going on to say, "I stick by Lebanon and is advocating that they be my assertion that people who live pertreated as second-class citizens." manently in other countries, where they But in an interview Friday after- pay taxes and have their own governnoon, Turner stated he's "not with- ments, should hardly expect taxpayers drawing anything." "I think it's just poli- here to gladly fly them across the world. tics," he said of Alghabra's claims. Even Canadian citizens who get lost in a "He's taking shots, but I'm not too national park in Alberta have to pay big concerned. I have no issue with him." money to be rescued." The local MP said Alghabra's press When asked about his comments in SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER By Melanie Hennessey various media sources on giving those who actually live in Canada rescue preference, Turner asserted, "I think we should give preferential treatment to people truly in homeless emergency situations." While he lists several questions on his Web site that he hopes will be discussed sometime soon, such as whether the federal government's move is setting a precedent or "how it is so many people who are not part of this country are running around with our passports," Turner acknowl- edges now isn't the time to debate it. "Right now the focus is on getting people safe and, more importantly, getting the idiot generals and the politicians behind them to stop shooting at each other," the blog concludes. Melanie Hennessey can be reached at mhennessey@miltoncanadianchampion.com. SUMMER SCHOOL GRADES 1-12 July and August Individualized Tutorials in Language Arts, Mathematics & Organizational and Study Skills. Credits for grades 9 - 12 Call for details! CHISHOLM 1484 Cornwall Road (905) 844-3240 Watermelon-eating contest Join in Longo's Annual Watermelon Eating Contest to be held Saturday, July 29 at Longo's Oakville. The store is located at 338 Dundas St. E. and the contest takes place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Oakville kids will be invited to eat all the watermelon they can to win great prizes and trophies. For information call 905257-5633. Our Annual Summer Truckload Sale Is Back! Everything Outdoors Is TAX FREE! Truckloads of Solid Hardwood and Laminates to Choose From Friday July 28 10am-8pm Sat July 29 10am-6pm Sun July 30 10am-6pm VISIT THE LARGEST SHOWROOM AND WAREHOUSE IN ONTARIO 59 Bramalea Rd. Brampton 905-450-6268 1-866-450-6268 bramptonhardwood.com HOURS: Mon.- Fri. 7 am - 8 pm · Sat. 9 am - 6 pm · Sun. 11 am - 5 pm