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Ô rono Weekl Times, Wednesday, Deceniber 3, 1997 CIBO help sponsor concert Mary-Clare MacKinnon, The CIBC's donation of $500 organist, and concert organiz- will help sponsor the, Sing- er ai the Orono United Along-Messiah concert Church, received, a generous scheduled for Saturday at the donation from Bob Pollard, Church. manager of the CIBC, Orono. Stayi ng In Touch John O'Toole Durham East MPP Our environiment is a fun- damental resaurce, whlch supports aur entire quality of life. We must have safeguards ta protect air and water qual- lty. reduce the waste going ta landfill, conserve energy and better manage pesticides. In 1996, a discussion paper, "Responsive Environmental Protection" was released. There have been over 125 meetings and 370 wrltten submisslons in response ta this document. Dr. Doug Galt, MPP for Northumberland and Parliamientary Assistant ta the Minister, has played a very important role in these consultations. This past week the Minister of the Environment, the Hon. Norm, Sterling, released the consol- ldated proposaIs in a docu- ment entitled, "Better, Stronger & Cleaner - Enviranmental Regulationis for Ontario."~ You can obtaia copy of this document from miy office or caIl 1-800-565- 4923 or on the Min. of the Environment web site: www.ene.gav.ca . The 38 refarms mark the first major revision of the province's, environmental regulations in 25 years. The regulations will be posted on, the Environninental Bill of Rights (EBR) registry for a minimum 30 day comment period. "Eggstraordinary Eggs". was the promotional theme this past week by the Ontario Egg Producers' Marketing Board. The board met with MPP's ta educate members of theimportant investmnent that the 450 egg producers and 200 pullet growers are making ta improve quality and food safety for con- sumers. I am pleased ta note that I have a number of large producers in my ridlng of Durham East, like White Feather Farms in North Oshawa, Every week, 1 leamn more and more about the importance of the agri-food sector, not only ta Ontario, but rlght here in Durham. The H-In. Ernie Eves, Minister of Finance, intro- duced a Budget Bill this past week. The Bill, "The Tax Credit ta Create Jobs ýAct 1997", follows up on our spring budget commitments. The measures include: > the Ca-operative Education Tax Credit > the Graduate Transition Tax Credît > the Cominunity Small Business Investment Fund > the Small Business Investment Tax Credit > the Ontario Business- Research Institute Tax Credit >. the Ontario New Tecbinology Tax Incentive > the Ontario ComputerAnimation & Special effects Tax Credit > the Ontario Film & Television Tax Credit > the Ontario Book Publishing Tax Credit > the Cbild Care Tax Credit This legisiation is'part of our averaîl commnitmnent to reduce taxes and support new small business opportu- nities to create jobs. A new Building Code bas been approved, after exten- sive consultations with stake- holders. The new code strikes a balance between having reasonable standards while allowing development ta take advantage of new technology and product innovation. The new code will be available in January 1998 and takes effect March 16. 1998. For more information and sei- nars, caîl (416) 585-7443,or web site: http://www.mmah.gov.on.ca I have met with some newly elected members of aur local councils. Furtherrnore over the past year, I have lis- tened and read the resalu- flans of our municipal coun- cils regard ing the New Municipal Finance, Act., Our Premier and minister of Municipal Affairs have promised that the "Who Does What" changes will be rev- enue neutral. As I have dis- cussed in previaus columins, the province is cammitted ta fundlng a greater share of educatian (Bill 160). We will achieve this by remnoving 50% of the educational levy fromn your municipal tax bill. With Bill 152, the municipality will now pay a greater share for ather services like, public health, ambulance service, and public works (road grants). Perhaps you have read camments in the press that caucus were advised by aur Minister af Finance that the province is considering adding mare money ta ensure locaýl taxes do not increase. Along with other members of caucus, we are encouraged that other revenue shortfalls will be offset. GTA paoling remnains a problem for me and 1 can assu-re you that I believe strongly that we must ensure any cost sharlng with the GTA addresses the level of service. Wîth mrost newly elected officials assuming their duties in December, 1 want ta express publicly, that I am available ta listeni and carry their concerns ta Queen's Park. Every elected officiai, trustee, local andl regional councillor has an obligation ta work for aur comaon con- stitue.nts, the taxpayers., We must examine every expendi- ture and ensure that taxes do not continue ta increase. Probably, Bill 160 wlll be pnassed this week. I promise ta be vigilant during this impor- tant transition. I must repeat again that I respect our teachers and our students. Together, we must ensure that every available resource goes to the classroom. RECY LE figure!1 IL hor i aHcir Fur--- SEMRVING DURHAM REGION SINCE 1841 FUNERAL SERVICES PRE-ARRANGED & PREPAID »Where PoresiotatEtiquette îs Important- Funeral Directors Paul R. Morris Robert E. Williams Gary M. Conway Doug R. Rutherford ANS WERING VOUR CALL 24 HOURS 623-5480 4 Division St. "k. Bowmanviile Pala Lishman Limited invites you toaa Public Information Meeting at the Orono Town Hall Thursday, Decemb er 4th, 1997 from 7 ta 9:30 p. m., Bill and Paula Lishman wilI be present to answer questions in respect to the proposed relocation of their fur garment manufacturing facility to Part Lot 33, Concession 6, former Township of Clarke, now the Municipalily of Clarington. Members of Planning and Devetopment for the -Municipality of Clarington will also be present. Please corne and see video, footage of the area as well as plans and model for the new facility.