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Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday, to What We Do On The Land... By Kate Lang ....is mirrorçd in the water. That is the slogan of Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority. It simply means that anything we do to the land will eventually get to the water and that is where our drinking water is coming from. During the 4.2 km hike, Community relations officer, Gourd Geissberger, explained to his tour that we want to leave nature as we find it. We don't want to be pulling leaves off trees, digging up plants and we definitely don't want to leave litter. A group of about 25 people came out to the Long Sault Hiking Trail, off RR20, to take part in the Autumn Colour Hike. The leaves haven't quite c,hanged colour yet, but it was still a beautiful walk and the weather could not have been any bet- ter. Much was learned about the different types of trees and plants that were in the forest, includ- ing the ones to avoid, like poison ivy. The trails range from 3 to 8 kms so there is something for everyone and they are open from dawn to dusk, all year round. Winter is very popular for cross country skiing. If you are interested in a fun way to tire out the kids, or just enjoy a quiet walk surrounded by nature, call for more information about their programs at 579-0411. Staying In Touch John O'Toole, MPP Durham East Tyrone Mills had a beauti- ful weekend to celebrate their 150th anniversary. Bob Schafer has worked very hard over the years to restore the oldest mill in Durham. The mill still operates by water power and is a fine example of one man's determination to maintain a business, as well as a piece of local history. The mill is known locally for their great apple cider, but also operates as a lumber and flour mill. Tyrone Mill is a great place to visit anytime. The strike at General Motors appears to be settling in for a tough round of nego- tiations. There are very few families, in my riding of Durham East, who are not in some way associated with General Motors. Suppliers, local merchants and restau- rants will all feel the effects of the strike. You cannot take that size of payroll out of the economy for very long with- out ever feeling the effects to some degree. The negotia- tors on both sides have a tough job ahead of them. General Motors are in the midst of trying to get their new 1997 models into the market, to compete with Ford, Chrysler and the imports. The company is loosing cus- tomers, while at the same time, the employees are loos- ing their wages. I am hopeful that an agreement can be reached soon. The last strike was in 1986 and lasted almost two weeks. The provincial govemment has no real role in this process. However, the impact on fed- eral and provincial income and sales taxes could, in the long run, effect govemment services. Smaller government was an issue during the last elec- tion. In response, we are reducing the number of MPP's from 130 to 103. We are committed to doing what we promised. The new provin- cial election boundaries will be the same as the federal boundaries. This decision will impact on every riding. In Durham, the most sub- stantive. boundary change is in Durham-York, which includes the Uxbridge area, Durham-East will not be adversely affected. This reduction will save the province some $10 million annually as well, it will reduce the cost and duplication for enumerations in federal and provincial elections. The new Speaker of the Ontario Legislature, is the Honourable Chris Stockwell, MPP for Etobicoke-West. Mr. Stockwell has been a very outspoken member, both in opposition and in govern- ment. As the Speaker of the House, Mr. Stockwell will, I am sure, bring a completely new approach to this posi- tion. The role of Speaker is similar to the role of chair at a meeting. The Speaker rules on matters of the agenda or orders of the day, as well as member's decorum and priv- ilege. This week, my Rogers Cable T.V. show features Dr. Joe Freedman, who is a well- known advocate of the char- ter school concept. My other guest was Angela Dylan, President of the Courtice Secondary School Student's Council. Both guests dis- cussed the challenges facing education. As you might know, your provincial govern- ment is examining secondary school curriculum, education funding and governance. I explained how the Durham Board has just been recog- nized as the top board in the world. The teachers I know are dedicated, yet they are also very frustrated. Over the past few years, there have been changes to curriculum and the philosophy of teach- ing, with no clear vision. Somehow, parents and stu- dents became disconnected from the process. Ontario's students are not perhaps, performing as well as possi- ble, when compared to other students internationally. Every one of us is challenged by the changes in technology and the rapid development of knowledge. The status quo is not an option, we must pre- pare our young people for the careers of the future. I can- not imagine any person grad- uating from high school with- out a serious understanding of computers. Like it or not, computers are the main tool of knowledge and problem solving today. Every one of us, administrator, teacher, parent and student, must embrace the information age. We must re-think our peda- gogy to suit the third wave of change. The Attorney General, the Honourable Charles Harnick, introduced the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act 1996, October the 2nd. Today, 77% of family support cases are not in full compli- ance. Close to $1 billion in child support payments are outstanding. The tough new enforcement rules will include suspension of driver's licens- es, credit bureau reports. Income will be redefined to include commissions, lump sum payments and salary advances. There are 148,000 cases with some 1,400 new cases every month. The changes will make the system more responsive to the chil- dren and single parents. Drivers over 80 years of age, will be pleased to learn that there will be changes announced in the next week or so. The changes will, for most drivers, mean they will no longer be subject to the often nerve racking road test. I expect the change to made by November of 1996. The new testing will be required every second year, rather than every year and will require a vision test and a written, knowledge of the rules of the road test, taken as a part of a group lesson. I have heard from many fine constituents on this issue and as they know, I have written the minister on every inquiry. I thank Mr. John James for his editorial on this important matter. In my rid- ing, older adults do not have the luxury of public transit and are likely to remain active as long as they are still inde- pendent. At 80, loosing the privilege to drive is a very dev- astating experience. Most seniors I know are more responsible than some other people on the roads. "Success is... more atti- tude than aptitude" Contact me by phone at 697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 or by e-mail johno'toole@ontla.ola.org. 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