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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 3, 2008 - 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Smitherman responds to Three little pigs in Ottawa Ontario Health Coalition Re: Watchdog group issues warning over new hospital's financial model I am afraid the Ontario Health Coalition is once more undertaking a campaign of misinformation. This time it is in regard to Oakville's new hospital, which is just one initiative in the more than $1 billion invested in Halton Region's infrastructure needs since 2003. The Oakville hospital is being built using the Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model. These projects are based on five principles including transparency, demonstrating value for money and preserving appropriate public ownership and public control. Paramount is a commitment to provide the best health care possible in hospital projects constructed using this model. In no way does this approach compromise the provision of top quality care or services. Instead, this model brings private sector partners with extensive experience on such large-scale projects while simultaneously ensuring the maintenance of the public trust. Comparisons to previous financing arrangements are unequivocally false and thus misleading. Accountable, transparent and being in-tune with citizens' needs, the AFP model mirrors the best qualities a democracy has to offer. The citizens of Ontario deserve nothing less. GEORGE SMITHERMAN DEPUTY PREMIER, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE This is just not the time for these three self-serving, greedy politicians from the Liberals, NDP and Quebecois to be blowing the House of Parliament down. Of all the people to be Prime Minister, it was abundantly clear Dion was the least respected or Don't allow coup d'etat I sit here in disbelief. Seven weeks after an election where the leading party came within 10 seats of a majority, we are witnessing a coup d'etat in Canada. How dare we preach democracy to the rest of the world. We voted for different parties in this household and we live with the result. That is democracy. What is happening is outrageous. If the government falls through this nonsense, the Governor General better think hard and fast about supporting a coup d'etat. Her decision must be to send us back to the polls, whatever the cost. The cost to our democracy will be much higher, if she does otherwise. We do not all agree on the government's policies. The government has earned the right to carry forward a large part of its agenda. Canadians will not stand for others stealing our government. I would take the same action if any other party was faced with the same treachery and political gamesmanship. This is not about being partisan. This is principle. We have real issues to deal with. It is time stop playing games. GEORGE WYATT qualified. None voted for these three parties to govern. It's an embarrassingly dangerous precedent to have this happen. If we weren't in the outhouse already, these goofs will put us there. Three little pigs -- someone light the barbecue! GREG HOWARD Democracy in action Who says Canadian politics is boring! What we are seeing is democracy in action. The majority of parliamentarians elected by Canadians have taken a decision to cooperate for the good of the country. That is a decision that should be applauded by every Canadian. They have pledged to address If you have a news tip or story idea, call the Oakville Beaver at 845-3824. the serious issue of the economy and not to raise secondary issues for which there is basic disagreement. No longer will Harper be able to bully Parliament and Canadians the way he bullies his party. I am proud to be a Canadian. ELKA RUTH ENOLA 2008 Appleby College Presented by the Parents' Association Tour 11 stunning downtown Oakville homes and Appleby College s John Bell Chapel, beautifully decorated for Christmas by Halton s leading interior designers and floral artists. VIP tickets for Friday, December 5 cost $100, allowing you to tour the homes and enjoy a post-tour cocktail reception at Edgemere Estate. Christmas House Tour CURL UP THIS WINTER to Last Bu Ch y T an ick ce ets Saturday, December 6th, 2008 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $40.00 Includes Samples and Giveaways in each home and Bake Sale, and Refreshments, Includes Complimentary Refreshments, Complimentary Bake Sale, Live Music and Schlesinger Dining Hall,at Appleby College Vendor Marketplace in the Vendor Marketplace Appleby College GIVE YOUR FAMILY ROOM THE FACTORY TILE TOUCH See our design team to transform your space We specialize in importing and supplying quality Granite, Caesarstone, Marble, Ceramics, Porcelain and Natural Stone TICKETS AVAILABLE (905) 845-4681 ext. 321 or www.appleby.on.ca and at these local merchants: Central Oakville Barbette II 349 Lakeshore Road East Barkley Design, Print & Copy 140-B Thomas Street The Bronze Frog Gallery 162 Lakeshore Road East Crafted Décor 131 Lakeshore Road East Finders Keepers Maple Grove Mall House Warmings 178 Lakeshore Road East North Oakville Amber Door Spa 1500 Heritage Way Blyss Hair & Body Upper Oakville Shopping Centre Cocoon Furnishings 2640 Bristol Circle #200 Painters Place 478 Dundas Street West Saltcreek House 2501 Third Line Watch Us Fashions 1131 Nottinghill Gate West Oakville My Back Shed 2359 Lakeshore Road West Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating Tile selection made enjoyable! FACTORY TILE DEPOT 1360 Speers Road, Oakville (East of third line) Factory Tile Depot 905.465.1650 Mon.-Thurs., 9:30-6, Fri. 9:30-5, Sat., 10-5, Closed Sun. www.factorytiledepot.ca We welcome American Express ® Cards ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Company. Appleby College Parents Association BMW The Ultimate Pre-Owned Experience! (2 6 9) Come in and see our inventory of recently owned BMWs. After rigorous inspections only the most pristine vehicles are chosen. That's why we offer a warranty for up to 6 years or 160,000 kilometers. See dealer for details. Budds' BMW Oakville 2454 South Service Road West, ON 1-866-459-4BMW buddsbmw.com blog.budds.net Finance from 1.9% (Available only in Canada )