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10 - Orono Weekly Times. Wedne~day, October 16. 1996 S"htaying In Touch John O'Toole, MPP Durham East Healfh care costs are at the top of everyone's worry isf these days. Health care is cen- fral f0 our collective "social safe- ty nef". AIl health care providers are concerned that their share of funding is in jeop- ardy. The Ontario Nurses' Association, have issued a doc- ument outlining their views on an infegrated delivery sysfem (IDS) and are holding public meetings fo educate the public. Doctors, through the Ontario Medical Associations (OMA), are conducting a newspaper cam- paign f0 alert people regarding their concern with funding the fee for service plan (OHIP). Hospifals are undergoing a restructuring process, were hospital closures have been announced in Thunder Bay and Sudbury. Other commissions will announce their recommen- dations in the furfure. When Frances Lankin was the NDP Health Minister she said, "an emphasis on prevention of ill- ness, healfh promotion and building supports in the com- munîty for an aging popula- tion". This meant closing hos- pital beds, but she believed intensely in the strategy. This demonstrafes that everyone rec- ognizes there must be changes i Ontario's health care sysfem. I would encourage everyone teo keep informed and if possible attend a public meeting or read the newspaper. The Minister of Health the Honourable Jim Wilson has indicated that there will be no cuts to health care spending, however there wiIl be changes. We have committed $17.7 billion f0 health care which is $300 million more than last year. Furfhermore, Mr. Wilson bas allocated some $170 million f0 home care, funded additional (MRI) diag- nostic equipmenf and addition- ai dialysis units throughout the province. The minister has restructured Community Gare Access Centres and balanced funding for homes for the aged. lu Durham, the hospifals in Uxbridge and Port Perry are merging their operations and other changes fer the delivery of services are being considered by the Hospital Council and the District Health Council. Last Tuesday, 1 attended fhe announcement of the new on- line patient information system, to be managed by Mcdi-fech, at Oshawa General Hospital. Eventually, this sysfem will integrate easy access f0 patient information and eliminafe duplication. Iu summary, aIl health care providers must do-operate f0 eliminate duplication and waste. Change worries everv- one. but I amnconfident that simplv spending more (0oneV wil rîoi solve the problern i l)tîrha i, 1fret they iare i1dressijng the problem antd dealing willi the tub o! reýstiucu *iitghealtli cîr e., Ihave a'-ked ni irîster to recognizi' MPD catis for Canadian solution to General Motors strike xiii need s pecial attention, f0 ensure that we have an equi- table share of health care dol- lars. This past week, I was pleased fo be invited to address the Newcastle Lions' Club. 1 arn always impressed with our service clubs and their valuable contribution they each make f0 our communities. 1 was asked f0 speak on the Ontario Works program. This program shifts the focus of social assistance from a govemnment program of simply giving ouf cheques f0 providing assistance in re- enfering the workforce. In my opinion, any able bodied per- son would rather have a job than be on social assistance. This new focus is nof intended to take the place of any cur- rently paid job, but rather is f0 involve individuals in an active role in society. Many organiza- fions today are seeking volun- teers and I amn certain that peo- pie on social assistance have the skills and desire f0 assisf in their community. The Region of Durham have organized an open meeting on Onfario Works for Wednesday, October 16fh, af Henry Street High Sehool in Whitby. If your organization wants more information, please eall my office at 697-1501 or i 800-661-2433. As 1 reflect, while writing this letter on Thanksgiving week- end, 1 extend f0 each and every one of y ou my best wishes for your healfh and may you have a bounfiful harvest. We must always stop and be thankfui for what we have, not merely what we warît. Healfh and happiness is ahl wereally need. A farmer fniend of mine once said, "that we could survive with a lot less, aithough we must have food and drink wifh cdean air to breath." October l9th, is the annual Apple Festival in Bowmanville. This in another fine example of the agricultural and business community work- ing together in celebrafions and Thanksgiving. The annual Rabies Clinie will be held on Safurday, October l9fh, at Courfice Pet Clinie, Wilson Road Vet. Clinie Oshawa, Baker Animal Clinie, Whifby and MacKay Animal Clinic, Whitby. Most veferinar- muns volunfeer their time f0 help proteet your pet. Next week, October 21- 26th is Ontario Library Week. The theme this year is, "The Power and the Beanty of the World". I encourage voýirIo take your children and xisitî v ur lcY i1 librarv, ln the next co1pl1e o! Weuý, many munit tîndîti es and sehools will be cttnductinÉý tht' "Take our kids t0 Work" . We \vill be participalin i ri ni0v coin slituency nofictiii i tact. ai his <tort, wiie er,(ljaed tî,îve a votirîg iudî ni doirig to01 opedn itloiial wvvot erni tit ttknlow mnn' bout th wor Alex Sheptjlii ( Higed Canada's Minisieýr Ot- Labou r not to allow strîlýe-bouîd auto workers to beëome victims o!- American-owied General Mofors in the ePiporatioil's bid f0 reach a deal with US. auto workers. "Canadian aUto workers feel they are being used as pawns in negotiations between General Motors and the United Auto Workers in the United States," Shepherd said in the House of Gommons. The members of Parliament for Durham madle the comment amid allegations GM doesn't want- a Canadian settiement before an agreement is reached in the U.S. with the UAW. A strike has flot been called there yet. ings of the Durham East con- sfituency office f0 call us and we would be pleased to show you the many services we pro- vide. -I 1amn always interesfed and available f0 visit schools or assisf in helping people under- stand the role and duties of their Member of Parliament.' In the spirit of recognizing co-op education or "fake your kid to work", 1 am reminded that experience is the greafest teacher. 1 hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving weekend. "Children need more models than critics" i lit i art (00()'by Caiiadians, I hey (do 0<)!wao i i hrir agreemieni s radi' in Detroi. XVll the mn'!trwili Washington ihïtt('anadians dernand made i nadasolo- lions f0 tlir labour rlem Shepherd pushed. Federal Labour Minister Alfonso Gagliano said he would not intervene in the dispute but was1 concerned for Canadians andl the economy. .. invite the parties to con - tinue negotiating and f0 find a Canadian solution as soon as possible," he said. Over 14,000 Canadian Auto Workers in Oshawa, Ontario and St. Therese, Que. walked off the job Wednesday, Oct. 2 over the issue of contracting out jobs to cheaper suppliers. Donate your unwanted Vehicle If's a win, win, win situa- tion for donors, Kids Help Phone and the environment when donors choose f0 dis- pose of their unwanfed vehi- dles through the AADCO vehi- dle disposai service. AADCO is giving away a 1997 Ford Escort in connec- tion with this program. The contest closes on November 30, 1996. Ail Canadian resi- dents are eligible f0 win. Do you Rnow a young_ person, aged 6 f0 18 years, who is involved in worthwhile community service or a special person who is contributing, while living wifh a physical or psychological limitation? Do you lsnow a youfh who has performed an acf of heroism? The Ontario Community Newspapers Association, wif h Bell Canada as the patron, is looking f0 recognize these good kids"; the young people of Our province who show a commitment f0naking life better for others. .,lrs(an donate the pro- i >ed s 01 the sý' le of their unrwanled cars, trucks, vans, snowmohîles, boats, industri- ai equipment, or farm motor- L.'ed equipment, any type. any location, any condition to Kids Help Phone, I onors should eall the new number for the Kids Help Phone Vehicle Pickup Line at 1-888-350-KIDS (1-888- 350-5437) and AADCO Vehîcle Disposai Service will assume resonsibility for the vehicles disposai through dealer auctions or by sale to scrap dealers or wreckers. This is a fast and easy way f0 remove unwanted vehicles from the neighbourhood, and the owner can avoid the expense and hassie of adver- fising and certifying their vehicle. In addition, donors will receive a charitable tax receipt from Kids Help Foundation for the amnount of their sale. Over $ 18,000 has been donated to Kids Help Phone since this programn began last year. As Canada's on-ly national, toll-free, bilingual, 24-hour professional coun- selling service for children and teens, Kids HeIp Phone receives over 4,000 calîs a day from across Canada. Sadly, while counsellors provide help for 1,500 children each day, 2,500 others receive busy signals. Additional funds are needed tf0 increase the capac- ity of -Kids Help Phone fo enable more children, to access the service. To nominafe an individual or a group of young people for the Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award, please contact this community newspaper or the OCNA at 905-844-0 184. rNominations for this year's awards will be accepted until October 31, 1996. fvery nominee wiIl receive a certificate and up f0 I12 individuals and one group will be the recipients of a plaque presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year lapel Spin, $200 and a family portrait Swith the Lieutenant Govemor. NOMINATION FORMS- are available by contactîrîg this community niewspaper- or OCNA at 905-844-0 184 7'JNIO>R t' 'FiEN VAWARDS 'ontario community Niot Ail Top Performers Were in Atianta Some were performing worthwhile community service in towns right across Ontario