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8- roo W.ky Tmê,, edesdyAugst7, 99 fromi Gord Milîs M.P.P. Durham East This past week 1 have been at public hearings with the Administration of Justice Committee in Toronto and Collingwood. At these locationrs and in mainy others over the next Sew weeks, members of the public have been invited to -comment on Bill 115, perhaps better known as the Sunday Shopping Bill." As Paliliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General, my rote on the committee, is to carry the bill through the hearings on behaîf of the govenment, and later through clause by clause, for subsequent presentation to the Legislature by the Solicitor General. Bill 115's major objective is to provide a common pause day for workers and 'their families in Ontario, wîth the need to recognize the impact tourism has in communities througho-ut our province. The importance of maintaining ths balance is vital to al those involved. The issue of Sunday shopping continues to divide the people of Ontario. As this issue remains the subject of ongoing public concemn and debate, the resulting polarization define the changing values, priorities and makeup of the province. Facets of religion, family values, economics, labour, multiculturalism, regionalism nationalism and other important aspects of life in Ontario, ail play a part in public attitudes toward Sunday shopping. 1 amn under no elusion, this is a real contentious issue. Ini fact in the history of the province, no other single issue has generated as much correspondence between the people of Ontario and the Provincial Govennent. Some folks have told me that poils have consistently indicated that the people of Ontario want unrestricted Sunday shopping. Fortunately, the government does flot "governi by polîs.' Order Trees now for spring planting Bob Penwell, Management Forester Now is the time to order your trees for the spring of 1992. Rural landowners with a minimum of five acres of land may purchase trees from provincial nurseries at a cost of $10.00 per order plus $.10 cents per tree. The minimum order is 100 trees with no less than 50 trees per species. An important point to remember is that trees will die or grow very poorly if planted on soils for wiich they are not suited. For example, red pine will flot thrive on a heavy dlay soil. Another important point is te minimize grass and weed compétition around the trees during the establishment period (2-3 years) by mowing, plowing furrows or chemnical control. This is especially true for hardwood species such as white ash, red oak and Carolina poplar. C heck with your local Ministry office for planting advice, species availability and. ordering procédures. Some have said that, the government should flot impose puritanfical values on society. I do flot think we are, however, 1 believe that Bill 115 does promote family values. A common pause day makes profound common sense in a society plagued by stress, and family breakdowns. I have also heard tliat restrictions to Sunday shopping indicate- that Ontario is flot "open for business", in terms of supporting existing businesses or attracting new investmenit. Other provinces have Sunday shopping restrictions, including Manitoba te the west and Quebec to the east. Ontario is open for business 6 days-a-week, and small business have expresseti a desire to close on all holidays including Sunday. 1 feel strongly that the quality of life must be judged on a higher plane than that of mere consumerism. Cross-border shopping has also 4-H Members get top àwards Three 4-H members from Durham East are slated to receive top awards for their winning efforts in the 4-H judging competitions held recently by Welcome Feeds Ltd. beeni the target identified for the need to open on Sunday. 1 have spoken about this in my colunin last week. Remnember,, the local merchant supports many things in your community. They provide money and uniformis for m-inor league basebal, soccer, hocke y, swimming and other worthwhile causes. 1 think its a good time te return the favour. ]Until next week - please be kind to each other. Orono. Scott Nesbitt of Nestleton is to receive the CNE Shield, Gena Jaspers-Fayer, of R.R.4, Bowmanville, the Royal Bank of Canada Award, and Eric Barkey the I.B. Ellis' Memorial Trophy presented by the Bowmanville Lions Club. The three, ail of whom finished first in their respective age categories, will also receive cash awards. A 4-H Senior Dairy Club teamu of Kathryn> Barkey, R.R. 2, Blackstock, Tom Tamblyn of Orono and Tom Benschop of R.R. 4, Bowmanville was named winner of the Durhamn Region Federation of Agriculture Award. Chairman of the competitions was George Sikma of R.R. 1,