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! \ SECTION TWO WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9,1991 Sfit Canadian ^ ta Kmart Durham Region's Great Family Journal Established 137 years ago in 1854 êl Also Incorporating mT VllA The Bowmanvilie News The Newcastle Independent The Orono News Second Class mail registration number 1561 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited 62 King Street West, Bowmanvilie, Ontario L1C 3K9 416-623-3303 cn Fax 416-623-6161 John M. James Editor - Publisher Richard A. James Associate Publisher Peter Parrott Brian Purdy Donald Bishop Associate Editor Advertising Mgr. Plant Mgr. All layouts and composition of advertisements produced by the employees of James Publishing Company Limited are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Subscription Rates Six Months-$13.00 One Year - $22.00 Foreign -$70.00 per year Plus G.S.T. Although every precaution will be taken to avoid error, The Canadian Statesman accepts advertising In Its columns on the understanding that It will not be liable tor any error In the advertisement published hereunder unless a proof of such advertisement is requested In writing by the advertiser and returned to The Canadian Statesman business office duly signed by the advertiser and with such error or corrections plainly noted In writing thereon, and In that case H any error so noted is not corrected by The Canadian Statesman its liability ihaN not sxoeed such a portion of the entire cost of such advertisement as the space occupied by the noted error bears to the whole space occupied by such advertisement. Queen's Park Report by Gord Mills A GST Exception One of the supposed advantages to the GST is the idea that the new tax would apply equally to everything. But be prepared to hear about a lot of exemptions or discrepancies in the near future. We have already heard the familiar stories about how peanuts with salt are subject to GST while those without are not. Or there's the fact that chocolate chocolate milk is taxed but white milk is not. But these are just the discrepancies. discrepancies. Before too long, we will be hearing about outright exemptions to some of the GST rules. For example, with the federal election looming on the horizon, horizon, it wouldn't be surprising to see the federal government removing the unpopular tax from some items as a vote-getting measure. Perhaps they would take the GST off books and reading materials, for example. (This would be welcomed by those of us in the publishing industry who have objected objected to GST on reading materials. We would, of course, be a little an noyed over the fact that such materials materials were not declared exempt from the GST from day one.) But the most glaring exemption to tne province ' date pertains to ment. provincial govem- You probably thought that they had to pay tne Goods and Services Tax just like everybody else, didn't you. Well, guess again. Ontario government agencies have to pay the seven per cent. But apparently apparently their customers don't have to charge them. The Province can, it would seem, simply file an exemption certificate when making a purchase. Provincial government agencies then apply for credits or pay the required tax on their own accord; While there's no doubt that the province is within its rights to do this, the fact of the matter is that they have just thrown another curve ball in a situation situation that already has seen more curve balls than the World Series. In other words, the province has just made a complicated tax even more so. This week I would like to advise my younger constituents of two summer employment opportunities. The first opportunity is with the Ministry of Natural Resources, working as an Ontario Ranger. This program provides 17 year old students with an opportunity to protect and conserve our public lands, waters and associated resources. Once selected, the Ontario Ranger would receive free board and lodging in one of 35 camps across Ontario. He or she would also receive a basic wage of $26.49, per day. The program has received a title change this year to eliminate the junior image it previously sent out to students. The program offers a valuable outdoor summer experience in resource management and environmental projects. 'ïne second employment opportunity is with Ontario Hydro. It is only open to post secondary students who are residents of Ontario. To be eligible you must have not been employed by Ontario Hydro for more than one summer. Job opportunities are varied, with many openings across the province. If you are interested in making an application, please write to me at my constituency office at 68 King Street E., Bowmanvilie, Ont. L1C 3X2. I can't promise that the Ministry of Natural Resources or Ontario Hydro, will place all applicants. However, all applications sent to me will be sent forward to the applicable co-ordinator. I wish all that apply good-luck. I fully understand how important summer employment is for many of you, as the means to help you further your education. I must say that I enjoyed the Christmas break which I spent at home with my wife and family. It was a welcome change from the flurry of activity at Queen's Park in the weeks prior to Christmas. This coming week I will be finding out about my schedule in regard to the upcoming Anti-Drug Strategy Team. The team will be travelling to different communities in the province and meeting with various groups to gain fresh ideas about how w.e can best combat the use of drugs in our society. During February and March, I will be part of the Administration of Justice Committee, meeting on a regular basis both at Queen's Park and in other parts of the province. The committee will be listening to public input and the advice of experts in their various fields, in order that the best possible legislation can be put into place to serve the citizens of Ontario. Till next week - be kind to one another. Reader has Hints for "Green" Celebrations Year-Round Protecting Victims Police, it would appear, will no longer longer be routinely releasing the names of victims of crimes. This move stems from the new Freedom Freedom of Information Act and new provisions provisions contained in the Police Act. There are those who object to this change in policy, claiming that a victim's victim's right to privacy ig. not as important important as thé public's need to know. But we doubt that's the case. First of all, the identity of some victims victims is already protected. Publications are no longer printing names of rape victims or victims of child abuse. So, withholding the names of victims victims is already a commonplace occurrence. occurrence. The Police Act changes are merely ensuring that there are not two categories of victims: those who are : protected and those who are not. This seems justified. For one thing, it doesn't make sense to assume that newspapers or police should have the final authority to decide decide whether the victim should be protected. protected. Eveiyone would agree that there are good reasons for not revealing the identity of a rape victim. But, suppose a woman was not raped but was beaten beaten or shot or stabbed. Is there any more reason to reveal her identity in those circumstances? Or, suppose a victim were frail and elderly and too ill to withstand the added burden of publicity that might be associated with a crime committed against him/her. Or suppose a robbery victim was the possessor of a valuable collection of some sort. Would not the reporting of a crime against him or her leave that individual more vulnerable to another another robbery? Or let's forget about the extenuating extenuating circumstances altogether. Suppose that, merely by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, you are the unfortunate victim of a crime. Suppose that you simply don't want the publicity publicity associated with this occurrence. Aside from the police, lawyers and the justice system, is it anybody's business that some thug hit you on the head and stole your wallet? While there shouldn't be any social stigma attached to being a victim, there sometimes is. Take, for example, our hypothetical case of the innocent victim who is struck on the head and relieved of his cash! The incident invariably will spark comments such as "What was he doing in that neighbourhood at that hour?" or "He must be pretty stupid to carry that much money in a wallet." Protecting the identity of a victim leaves a citizen free from this sort of unwanted public scrutiny. Now there are those who will say that the public has a right to know where and when crimes have been committed and whether suspects have been nabbed and whether an accused person has been sent to jail. They are absolutely right, But the protection of victims does riot alter the public's right to know these things one iota. Police can continue to report that a crime has been committed and the time and location. A victim can still be identified in a general way. He or she might be described, for example, ns n 16-year-old Toronto teenager or ns a 69-year old tourist. The public will continue to know whether an arrest has been made or whether a suspect has been found guilty. It's just part of human nature to want to know the identity of the victim of a crime. But to say that such knowledge knowledge is part of the democratic tradition of an open judicial system .is questionable. questionable. And it's even harder to défend the position that a victim's right to privacy privacy isn't as important as the public's right to know. In other words, facts about thieves being at work in a 1 certain neighbourhood neighbourhood are useful for a citizen. He/she may wish to install a burglar alarm, place valuables in a safety deposit box, or report suspicious activities to police. The names of who got robbed may make for interesting gossip across the back fence. But such knowledge doesn't contribute to the public good. Let's also remember that the general general rule of protecting victims' identities will not apply to instances where it's in the public's interest to release a name. For example, police can continue continue to release names and photographs of kidnapping victims. Obviously, this information may help in finding the victim. And, as we understand it, the publishing publishing of victims' names is still possible, possible, regardless of what the Police Act says. It's just that the onus is not on police to release the names. For example, a newspaper could still do a story about a family's Christmas Christmas presents being stolen or a prized car being vandalized if the victims consented consented to be interviewed about the incident. incident. The only change in the regulations is the fact that the names of these individuals individuals will no longer be given automatically automatically by police. Presumably, there is nothing to stop reporters from finding finding out tne names from other sources and (with the consent of the victim) writing an article. Finally, it is our understanding that names of persons killed in motor vehicle collisions, natural disasters, or other accidents could continue to be disclosed. About the only drawback that we can see to the legislation lies in the fact that police may interpret the decision decision not to name names as an excuse to withhold other details such as the time and place circumstances surrounding surrounding a crime. An overly-zealous interpretation of the new rules could be detrimental to the interests of the public. But, otherwise, equal protection protection to all victims seems justified. A far more controversial aspect to the changes in the Police Act relates to the practice in which police release the names of those who have been arrested arrested and charged with an offence. Some would suggest that under the Act, they may not have to do so, or that they may not have to do so in all instances. The debate over this possibility is a far more interesting one, with merit on both sides of the argument for or against publicizing the names of suspects. suspects. But the decision to show increased sensitivity towards the privacy of victims victims should be seen as a step forward, We find it hard to understand how anyone can oppose it. Dear Editor: Thank- you for writing about how to have an environmentally environmentally friendly "green" Christmas. Let's resolve to extend that by "gifting green" for the new year. For example, how about a "green" bridal shower? Everyone Everyone could take mass transit transit or carpool to the shower. Your invitations, printed on recycled paper, of course, would specify that each guest bring a "green" bridal gift wrapped in a tea towel, bath towel, tablecloth, bed sheets, etc. If the guests need help in choosing a "green" gift you could suggest: kitchen and laundry cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar and "Soap Factory" or Ecov- er cleaners to stop pollution, organic spices ana staples (flour, etc.) and plants to clean our planet, a garbage can. tupperware or cloth tablé tablé napkins to conserve resources resources and stop waste. The new bride would also like a hand can opener, a crock pot, electric kettle, flo- rescent light bulbs and a light timer which all save energy. The possibilities are endless! At the party you would serve food and beverages in reusable containers. Hope fully this food would be organic organic and homemade (to cut down on packaging.) A group gift could be an outdoor clothes dryer, a corn- poster, a microwave or waterless waterless cookware. Next, how about a "green" baby shower? Gifts could include a subscription to a diaper service, cloth diapers, diapers, reusable baby wipes, non-petroleum jelly, biodegradable biodegradable baby shampoo, etc. wrapped in a receiving blanket blanket or a baby towel. In our town a mother Was having her fourth child. She needed the gift of time more than any consumer goods. So we all brought a casserole casserole in a reusable dish to her shower. A child's birthday party could be "green". The food served at my children's parties parties is homemade, hats are reused, and the goody bags are bags decorated by tne children themselves. I also send a "goody bag" of the excess excess toy packaging back to the manufacturer postage due. When my children attend attend others' parties, they take along an educational "green" gift that was bought at an "earth friendly" store. - Balloons are a no-no, we decorate decorate to a theme instead. For example, recycled kleen- ex turns into a ghost to hang The Battle Continues Dear Editor: As the New Year approaches, approaches, I'm writing to assure assure you that the NO GAN- ARASKA DUMP COMMITTEE is alive, very active and expanding its efforts efforts in 1991. Many people in our community community might be under the misconception that the withdrawal withdrawal or Durham Region's plans to seek a site for their landfill negates the need for our committee. This is not the case. A small battle in the "war against waste" has been won, with our assistance. assistance. However, at a recent meeting, the committee members reaffirmed that we continue our activities with a slight adjustment in our priorities while remaining remaining ever vigilant with respect respect to protecting the Gan- araska against possible waste disposal sites. Paralleling the change in the Region's priorities, our mtyor efforts will be aimed at expanding our recognized role in actively promoting waste reduction by example and innovative educational efforts. We will be working in cooperation cooperation with several environmental environmental groups in Durham Durham to organize an Umbrella Umbrella Committee that will help focus efforts to research and develop new alternatives to waste disposal and at the same time collectively aid communities imperilled by corporations and jurisdictions jurisdictions planning to "Dump in Durham." Currently, Cour- tice, Newcastle/Laidlaw and Port Granby appear to need such support. The other main thrust of our committee will be to develop develop a well researched, formal formal presentation to The Ad- visoiy Committee on the Environmental Bill of Rights. This committee has been formed by the Minister of the Environment, Ruth Grier, for the purpose of assisting assisting the Ontario Government Government in their efforts to develop develop a new law that will more accurately deal with the past difficulties the Province has had in protecting protecting our environment. In closing, may we thank you for the responsible manner manner in which your paper has at an October party. The one good thing about the current recession is that it may force people to give the gift of time (babysitting, housecleaning, etc.) This certainly lessens the strain on the earth's resources. Potlucks (no disposables), football parties (rain forest nuts instead of chips), Earth Day parties - the list of green* parties is endless. Have a "green" new year. -Judy Hurvid 1990 - The Year That Was Twas the night before Christmas, And all through the land, People were grumbling, And getting out of hand. The Indians this summer Were in great turmoil, As they put up barricades Of lumber ana soil. The Army was sent in With all of its might, To relieve the Quebec Police Who were itching to fight. Brian Mulroney, his head Down in the sand, Was reluctant to sign away Any of his land. The French of Quebec Wanting more every day, Were threatening to go Their very own way. While out in the West Troubled and worn, People were thinking Of Voting - Reform! Brian and Premiers, They rented a hall. And Brian decided To carry the ball. He twisted some arms And threatened a few, He wanted the Meech Lake Accord - passed anew. But, Brian he tripped Oh ! ! How he did fall, And Clyde Wells and Elijah Decided - not to play ball. While reading the accord, Clyde detected some flaws, And decided he'd not wish This on his in-laws. On Canada's tax front It was easy to see, The Conservatives needed more money, So they brought in the G.S.T. But up in the Senate , The Liberals did abound, So Brian searched the land, More Conservatives to be found. To pass the G.S.T., and make It tne law of the land, Brian installed eight more Senators, to give him a hand. With the new Senators, The deed was soon done, So it will cost us more money In the year ninety-one. And Brian will be happy As he sits on the throne, He's picked the poor country Right down to the bone. But we'll only have to suffer A year or two more, Then we can kick the government Right out the door. But who we'll put in It's a puzzle you see, I guess we'll just have to wait For the year ninety-three. -Don Brooks, R. R. 3, Bowmanvilie HERITAGE WEEK - Organizers of Heritage Week '91 already have many special events lined up for the town's third annual community-wide festival which runs from May 25 to June 2. The Heritage Heritage Week Committee is hoping to see representation from each community in the municipality. If your group or organization has a special event in mind for Heritage Week, please let the committee know. And if, by some chance, you have not received a letter from the committee inviting your organization organization to participate in 1991, it's still not too late to contact the organizers. Although a number of events are already in the works, more would still be welcome. For further details, write the Heritage Week Committee at Post Office Box 187, Bowmanvilie. supported environmental issues issues and encourage you in your ongoing efforts in Dur- , ham's "war against waste." John Magaer Chairman NO GANARASKA DUMP COMMITTEE R.R. #1, Orono Language Issue Goes to the UN Dear Editor: I wish to thank all of the people, across Quebec and Canada, who have supported supported me in my complaint to the United Nations against Quebec legislation (Bill 178) which continues to forbid me the use of my language. The Human Rights Committee Committee of the U.N., in October October 1990, expressed serious concerns over Section 33 (the notwithstanding clause) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as being being in conflict with Article 4 of the U.N. Covenant on Human Human Rights - which Canada has signed. It was Section 33 that Quebec used in December December 1988, in order to pass Bill 178 and override the Supreme Court decision. The Human Rights Committee Committee has advised me that my case will be heard at its March 1991 meeting, in New York. In view of tne recent recent expression of concern by the Committee, I am hopeful that the Committee will respond positively to my complaint against the Quebec Quebec and Canadian govern-, ments for their failure to protect my individual rights and freedoms. The language situation in Quebec is growing continuously continuously more antagonistic, with the provincial government government dominated by nationalists. nationalists. , , I can only pray that Canadians Canadians will not allow Mr. Mulroney to handle the "separation" "separation" of Quebec, for there would be no hope for a reasonable reasonable negotiation that would take into consideration consideration the needs of the Canadian Canadian people and the English- speaking minority in Quebec. Quebec. Yours sincerely, Gordon McIntyre 4 Glenview Crescent Huntingdon, Quebec JOS 1H0 Mi Andrea Adair A iiz It's no surprise that everyone is complaining about the GST. A number of items and services are being taxed for the first time that have never been taxed before. Residents of some provinces where provincial provincial sales tax didn't exist, now have to adjust to paying extra when they make their purchases. Residents of provinces where sales tax is already in place (such as those of us in Ontario) are experiencing experiencing additional pangs of loss when, at the cash register, a purchase is taxed 15 per cent. People, arc confused and frustrated with the tax and it's only been a week since its arrival. My first bit of frustration frustration arose when I bought a book -- an item that has never been subject to a tax in the past. It hurt when I had to pay $1 and change in tax on a $15 book. But rather than complain complain and protest and send letters about my views on the tax I'm going going to do the one thing I'm certain will send the message that I don't like the tax: I'm going to quit spending. I wont purchase items that are acquired out of want instead of need. Perhaps it may sound extreme and those who know me may doubt I will be able carry through with my plan. I may succeed succeed since I also want to save money and the GST may be what I need to do so. I'm not really opposed to being taxed. Most of the items I've ever purchased in my life have been taxed, so I guess I'm used to it. And dollarwise, there is supposed to be a reduction reduction in the cost of some goods when the manufacturers' manufacturers' tax of 13.5 per cent that has been hidden in the price of goods, has been removed. We'll have to wait and see if businesses will actually actually remove that amount. But, in the meantime, I don't like being taxed on some services tnat have never been subjected to tax before. I don't want to pay tax on haircuts or books so I'm not going to. I'll trim my hair myself until it becomes necessary necessary to let someone else do the job. And I'll borrow books from the library or from friends. Textbooks for my night school course, unfortunately, unfortunately, will be taxed. But, for me, they are a necessity necessity so the purchase will be made. A lady told me last week that she has the choice whether to buy or not to buy and so do I. And so do all of us, Sure there are some items that you have to have such as food and hygienic hygienic products, heat, electricity and clothes. But there are some things that just aren't necessary. I don't need to have two pairs of winter boots, one pair is fine. I don't need to buy a new outfit when I have numerous pieces of clothing clothing in my closet that I still like but rarely wear. I need shampoo, toothpaste toothpaste and deodorant so I will keep buying those items. Refusing to buy may not be the best way to make your opposition to the tax known, but maybe maybe it's the only one that will be heard. And if it doesn't work, at least I, and anyone else who decides to only buy out of need, may end up a little ahead of the game.