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by Gord Mills, M.P.P., Durham East VJ Section Two The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, March 9,1994 3 Opinions and Comments ! attars to the Editor NDP Should Return to Its Roots Last week, as no doubt you have read, I spent four days in Orillia with my government colleagues, at our Spring retreat. The room I was given did have a fireplace in it, but there wasn't any fire going in the hearth. .Anyway, I didn't have any time at all, to sit in front of a fireplace. Apart from a few hours spent at a social on the last evening, it was very busy, and the pace rather hectic. I know the Toronto media paint one of those pictures pictures that give taxpayers the impression impression that we were all living it up. But honestly, I would have much .preferred .preferred being at home for those days. The trouble with holding this type of retreat in Toronto, is keeping people together, and out of their offices. If you are in Orillia, it is difficult to slip off to do something unrelated to the reason for getting together. The cost of these meetings comes from our individual individual budgets. Both the Liberal and Conservatives, also held their respective respective retreats out of Toronto. Like ours their costs also came from budgets budgets set by the Legislative Assembly. The only difference between all three parties being, their's was not reported upon by the media. But what's new! Perhaps the most important discussion, discussion, certainly the most heated and emotional, was our discussion on the Sunday evening over the same- sex spouse issue. It. continued into early Monday morning. Our caucus is divided over this issue, and that shouldn't be any secret. However, a narrow majority of our members favoured favoured proceeding with legislation to recognize same-sex spouses. In recent weeks, as I told you in a previous column, I have received several petitions and dozens of letters, letters, condemning same sex relationships. relationships. Its also fair to say that these have come from folks with attachments attachments to fundamental churches, with certain religious beliefs. I haven't heard anything about the issue from others, or from anyone who may ihave a different point of view. I wish I could get the feeling from across thie riding. I look forward to hearing what you think about the issue. What do I think of this? I'm sure you want to know. First off, most of you know by now, that I loathe discrimination discrimination of any sort. Having said that, I want to look at the same-sex spouse issue from a Human Rights perspective. And that was the substance substance of Liberal Tim Murphy's Private Private Member's Bill 45 "An Act to Amend the Human Rights Code with Respect to Sexual Orientation." Presently, Presently, the Human Rights Code prohibits prohibits discrimination on the basis of. sexual orientation in relation to accommodation, accommodation, services and facilities, contracts and employment. Mr. Murphy Murphy wanted sexual orientation added to the Code. Since the announcement was made by the government last week, some people have called me to ask why we are going to allow people of the same sex to marry! There is nothing nothing coming that will allow this to happen, and of course, such direction . wouldn't be within the scope of jurisdiction jurisdiction of the Provincial Govem- , ment. What we have now in Canada is, that couples living common-law, are recognized after two years together in the same way as traditional marriages. marriages. This gives such relationships the same protection and benefits enjoyed . by married couples. In Ontario, same sex couples do not enjoy many of the rights and obligations given to couples couples who are living common-law. Perhaps to make this point clear, we have given unmarried opposite sex couples, protection and benefits, rights and obligations, that opposite- sex couples who are legally married enjoy. Same-sex couples arc now asking that they also have the same protection and benefits, rights and obligations. Employers such as the Toronto Public Library, Bell Canada, and the Ontario Government and others others offer same-sex couples the same protection given to those common- law couples and to those married. Some people have told me that same-sex relationships arc wicked! are unnatural and so on. I'm quite sure that many traditional couples living living common-law and in marriage, If you are new to Bowmanville... new would like to call on you with Housewarming Gifts and Information about your location. Call Your Hi Neighbour Hostess Rhoda Holt *lt 623-7070 have a relationship without a sexual component. I also am equally as sure that many same-sex couples have the same type of relationship. And, judging judging by some cases presently before the courts, all traditional marriages arc not always healthy and wholesome. wholesome. The point I want to make is, whatever sexual component, or lack of,' exists in traditional marriages, in common-law relationships, in same- sex relationships, are not the business of anyone. Not you, not me, and not the government. Once that content is taken out of the discussion, it just boils down to an issue of fairness and equity. I agree, that some of the legal issues in providing equal rights for same-sex couples arc complex. However, However, the underlying principle that same-sex couples are deserving of equal treatment under the law is not in doubt. l am waiting to sec the draft legislation before making a commitment commitment of support or non-support. At the end of this month I will have been working (if you include my present employment) for 52 consecutive consecutive years, 38 of those years in Canada, without any breaks in time. I do not have the advantages gained through college or university attendance. attendance. I do have a Ph.D gained at the University of Life. As an important, I do take offence to the statement made by Conservative Leader Mike Harris just last week, that immigrants arc "frce-loaders". What a cheap shot to take at immigrants by using them to illustrate his Reform Agenda for fixing the economic woes of Ontario Also from last week's retreat, Premier Premier Bob asked me to co-ordinate the Provincial Government's celebration of "D Day". I feel proud and honoured honoured to have been asked to do this. Again, such tasks arc as a rule designated designated to Ministers. I have already begun begun to work on the project. My first move has been to try to secure Dame Vera Lynn to share with us in the celebrations celebrations planned at Queen's Park on June 4th. I will also be working closely with Canadian Legions across the province. I want to make the day one to honour and remember, for those that took part, and all of us who arc here today because of their sacrifices. sacrifices. Until next week - remember - to get people to like you - try liking them first! Att'n.Gord Mills (MPP), This letter is in response to my concerns over the ever-increasing provincial taxes, insurance, car, house, etc. As a member of the C.A.W. Local Local 222, I am deeply sorry I ever voted NDP. I'm a working, blue collar collar employee. Ever since you got in power, all I see is open contracts that should never have been opened. We stood on picket lines in subzero subzero weather to gain the little respect respect we deserve. What gives you the right to preach what we'll have, and not have? When we give concessions, it takes many years to retrieve what we lose. Back in the 1970s, we gave concessions and haven't got them back yet. I see my take-home pay ever decreasing, not because of concessions, concessions, but the ever-increasing taxes I have to pay. My insurance (car) went up from $980.00 a year for two cars, to $1303.00 for the same cars. I phoned my broker to see why. It wasn't because of my driving record or claims, it was strictly because of government laws. That puts every person with a good driving record in the same category category as bad. (Do a good job and you're laid off). I hope that you will read this letter letter in the provincial House and try to turn your party back to what it was when it was the last hope for the working people that produce the best quality products in the world. Bob Rae and the NDP party, come join your brothers and sisters and also do a quality job. Yours truly,: John Kov acic, Loscombe Dr., Bowmanville, Ont. Federal MPs Gel Gold-Plated Pensions Dear SirlMadam: The gold-plated MPs' pension plan continues to cost the Canadian taxpayer millions of dollars. 1 A recently released report by the chief actuary of the federal government government confirms that the lavish pension plan currently has an unfunded liability liability - a taxpayers' IOU - of $12.2 million. million. What's truly amazing is that this shortfall exists despite the fact that taxpayers recently had to pump $158 million into the pension plan to keep it properly funded. The chief actuary's report says that for every $1 MPs paid towards their pension plan in 1993, taxpayers had to cough up more than $6. Taxpayers Taxpayers will soon have to put in $10! In fact, within a few years, the cost of the MPs' pension plan will be more than 100% of MPs' pay. Enough is enough. This outrageous outrageous pension plan has to be reformed reformed now and brought into line with what's available in the private sector. It's high time that the federal government started to lead by example. example. Yours sincerely, David Somerville President, National Citizens' Coalition. Two Gold Cords at Newcastle I)t (Eanaîuan VOLUME 115 16 Pages BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1969 15f Per Cu|,j NUMBER 11 Canadian Club Elects Officers Kalhy Lnvekin, left, and Mary Grace Paterson were presented with their Girl Guide Gold Cords on Tuesday evening during an impressive ceremony at 1st Newcastle Guides. Miss Lovekin is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Richard Lovckin and Miss Paterson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Murray Paterson. Specially decorated cakes were also presented to the girls to mark this important occasion. Miss Paterson received her All Round Cord at the same time. Switzerland Settled Separatist Problems ' Similar to Those Here Over 500 Attend Sunday Jamboree Assistant Professor Will Discuss Regional Government Citizen!» of Bowmanville or from this area will have an opportunity to hear a discussion on Regional Clnv eminent at the regular rnunril mrrline on March mti. that starts at 7:31) p.m. Uni. McAdams. Owen R. Scott, son of Norman Norman J. Scott the former head of Bronkdale-Kingsway Nurs- tiw. nr nnrri.1. icrios hero and Mrs. Scott. The Department ot Rnrra wm „ wdalV] ha , bvcn appoint- nmt western p( j on Assistant Professor of| the School of Landscape Architecture Architecture at the University of Guelph MEETS THURSDAY The Northumberland-Dur- ham Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on Thursday. March 13th In the Board Room, 335A King St. E„ Cobourg. NEED SUPERVISORS Anyone Interested In applying applying for a position as Playground Playground Supervisor should obtalq BiL.aopllckUom.at the earliest ^posslme'" moment from the Recreation Dept. The Training; Course will be held, starting March 24th at Bowmanville High School. Dutch Visitor Impressed by New Court House Mrs. H. Dykstra, Liberty St. North, received a wonderful wonderful surprise last week when a letter came on Tuesday from her sister, Mrs. H. Algra of Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. The letter stated that she would arrive at Malton on Friday for a five-day visit Mr. and Mrs. Algra were enroutc to The Netherlands from Borneo where he had been attending a meeting of the World Broadcasting Association. Association. Mr. Algra Is President President of the Association and also a member of the federal parliament in The Nether lands. He was unable to de- lay his return but Mrs. Algra took a side trip here from New York. i Because of her husband's In-j volvement In politics. Mrs. Algra Algra was quite Interested In the activities of her nephew Bob Dykstra who is one of Bow- manvllle's councillors. On] Wednesday she was taken on a complete tour of the town's new court house-fire building I on Church St. and was Impressed Impressed by Its facilities and modern appearance. She will return home tomorrow. The large number of people] Elliott and Harry Bartleltt. at" the annual meeting of the Chairman of jhe__ Nominal; Canadian Club of West Durham Durham were fascinated with the color film pageant entitled "The Unique World of Switzerland" Switzerland" which was presented and narrated by Anton R. Lendl, an Internationally known commentator. Mr. Lendl's Lendl's ability as a speaker and the superb film combined to provide a most enjoyable and memorable program. The meeting'was held. in, TrinUy United Church Sunday School. The President. Mrs, Wilbert Tceple. expressed her pleasure pleasure at the large turnout of members, and she thanked them for their support during her two years in office. She called on Immediate Past President President Russell Best to preside during the election of officers for the coming year. Officers elected by acclamation acclamation for 1969-70 are: Past President, Mrs. Teeple; President, President, William Allin; 1st Vice President, Mrs. Garnet Rickard; Rickard; 2nd Vice President. James Abcrnctliy; Recording Secretary Mrs. W. H. Gibson; Corresponding Secretary Mrs. C. Allin; Treasurer E. F. R. Osborne; and the Executive Committee, Miss M. Allin, Mrs. A. Horstman, Ross Stevens, Stevens, David Craig, Gordon ing Committee J. O'Neill had presented this committee's re. port. The other members of the Nominating Committee (TURN TO PAGE TWO) Top Authority To Speak Here on Cancer Research Dr. R. A. Phillips of the Ontario Cancer Institute, and Dept, of Medical Biophysics, U. of T.. will speak at the Lions Centre, on Wed.. March 19th at 8 p.m. His subject will be "Current Aspects of Cancer Research". Dr. Phillips was born In Missouri and received his education education In Minnesota and Missouri Missouri before being a Research Assistant at Washington University. University. This was followed by post-doctoral work at the Ontario Ontario Cancer Institute, and the position he now holds. His current research Interests Interests are: Cell differences in the immune system and bone marrow marrow transplantation. The local branch of the Can cer Society urges you to hear this excellent speaker. Red Cross Collects $1212 During Blitz Here Monday Night L- On Thursday, Bowmanville Rotary Club's Easter Seal campaign for Crippled Children was launched by Anna-Marie Clarke, 11, this year's local Tammy who is shown here in her wheelchair. At left is her mother Mrs. Harold Clarke and Campaign Chairman Don Murray is standing at rear. Tammy Is Special Cues! Director of Ihr Central On tarin Joint Planning Board, lx expected to lie present as a Anurie of Information. 'llir deadline for the changeover to Regional Government Government has been set by the provincial authorities as Jan. 1971. so between now and then there will have to he a great deal of Intensive study given to the problem. II sbpnld be a most Inter- . fsllnc meeting that will j point out the complexities of Ihr rhmgrover and the i Inn Country Jamboree attracted 514 paid admissions at Inst Sunday's Jamboree In the Town Hall Auditorium. The total admissions admissions Included DO children and 424 adults. Guest Artist. Harold Allison, ( sane a selection of songs rc- j corded by well known artists 1 and was so well received by I the audience that he was (brought back for an encore. Life's Little Pleasures con- , slsthie of Dave Clark, Bruce | Elliott. Terry Elliott and Ken Clark made their second sue- ", iccssful Jamboree appearance 1 l.inmng W ltli a number of Instrument- songs recorded by Rivers and Buck ills and Johnny Joe Bothwell and Ron Lux- ton kept to the bluegross theme of songs recorded by i Bill Anderson and Mac Wiseman. Wiseman. Bill Cole on bass and Frank Frlczcr on harmonica I assisted Bothwell, Luxton on ' song:* and Instrumentals. Willy i Wlhlldol. the self-appointed | Mavor of Maple Grove, returned returned lo the Town Hall stage with a Utile bit of comedy and few polkas. fiev Vnndenburg made her Owen It. Scott Assistant Professor Scott at ... )ll III- , flilvanlages .mil dlMilvant- second appearance on the Jam-1 tended Bowmanville High, ace* of mlaln courses of , boree anil once again was well 'School and later Earl Haig arllon- i .turn to page two* l iturn to paoc twoi DIES IN TORONTO Word was received this morning that Mrs. Sam Man etta of Pontypool had died during the night In Toronto. No Information was available on funeral arrangements. RUNS INTO SIDE OF CAR Three youngsters coming from Vincent Massey Public School at noon today were crossing King St. when one of them ran Into the side of a westbound car. He is Russell Murray Blake, 7. son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Blake, 34 Ontario St. He was taken to Memorial Hospital by Bowmanville Bowmanville Area Ambulance where it was learned that he had a fracture of both bones In the lower left leg. a tooth knocked out and chin abrasions. abrasions. It Is understood that one of the boys ran across the road, forcing both cast - and westbound westbound drivers lo apply brakes, and swerve. They avoided the first boy but the Injured lad ran Into the westbound car when It swerved. Driver of the vehicle involved involved was John Edward Malm. 499 Rltson Rd„ Oshawa. Constable Constable Tracy Davis Investigated. Investigated. A total of $1,212.06 was collected In Bowmanville, Monday night during the Red Çross Blit* for funds. W. Wallis, Campaign Chairman for the Bowman- ville and District Branch, reported that several town areas are still to be canvassed. canvassed. If your donation was miss-, rd, It may be left at any branch of the chartered banks In town or at North- end Market, Liberty St. If you would like your dona tion picked up please call Mrs. E. Bundle. 623-5430, or.. Mrs. J. Living. 623-3278. In last week's list of Captains Captains for the Red Cross Canvass, Canvass, Mrs. G. Forsey's name was Inadvertently omitted. LOCAL DONATES $25 The Statesman was advised thl;. week that Local 137 of the Canadian Union of Public Public Employees at Memorial Hospital has donated S25 to the Canadian Mental Health Association. | * Hampton Girl Guide Receives All Round Cord UuiU. In i v ni» , ni- ht I lampion Girl I rlgm, 1 .Inn. Momm Adcock, Ciml. Molly Vnndobell " ' -v.i. ini <tmno -In' minimi ' (mollirr n| tin- lioimml Guido) Kiillii-rlnc Vandebelt I- l i'h n int iiv mill I .inn .him- While. Tld» Is llio flm All Itmiiu 1 ' ' i n n i vivt-ii ii i All Humid Curd won by # lliiinplon (Ullilc, : i...l in lliu tucinuiiy mil', hum lull lu | f iÏÏSM® PIECES NOT OVER YET -- The best advice we can give those friends who are basking in comparatively balmy weather in Florida, Hawaii, the Barbados or somewhere else down south, Is "Slay there as long as you can, winter Isn't over here yet." This is being written Tuesday night with the thermometer shivering shivering not far above the zero mark. The wind is blowing blowing also to shove the chill factor down to about 10 below zero. Invigorating though ! V t t t t VISUAL EDUCATION -- Wc haven't seen it yet, hut at Courtice Secondary School a large display display cabinet has been set up, filled with pictures ot car ami truck accidents that have accumulated in lids newspaper's tiles In recent years. Mrs. 1). l'oolc, In charge of the project, advises that It has caused much comment, witli (lie area usually choked with students studying the prints. The photos are not pretty but do show what happens all ton often. It they persuade some nl the younger drivers In be mure careful, tiie ettort will linvo been worthwhile, t t t t t SETTLED -- Apparently the five-week Hydro strike is over, with wage increases and other bcnctits totalling as much ns 21 per cent over the two year contract, or 18 per cent if the consumers price Index doesn't rise 3U> and that would bo a miracle. The new contract will expire on Mardi 31, 1970 because almost a year lias passed since the old one ran out. Chnirmnn Gnthereole's comment was "(lint the Increased Increased costs wilt ultimately be paid tor by our customers," So, wiiat else is new 7 t t t t t LATE -- Last week this column mentioned that a music store hail been started opposite the former bus stntlnn, but It now appears that It foidcil before It rcnlly wos open fur business, Til ill's fast I t t f t t DRIER -- The group of men and women curlers from Bowmanville Couniry Club who provided transportation transportation to and from The Flying Dutchman for the nearly GO officials and visitors to the MacDonald Drier In Oslinwn last week must be finding U nulle difficult to settle back to normal. Many ot them attended most of (lie games and found them thrilling. thrilling. They olsn made many new friends from right across Connihi ami certainly for sumo time will remember II1II9 and those who took part. Former Uowmanvlllello Jimmy Souch now ot Oslinwn wai In cliargo of Drier arrangements and luis been receiving receiving many complimenta outlie aucccaaful event. SECRETS -- Neighbors wlm have been wondering wondering (or some time iihnii! Hie unusmil nellvltles ronnrclvil with Hint Taunton ltniiil liirm Hint was milled Inil week by police will now have tin- Inst word with acolfera who nrulinhly told them It will only llielr Imnglmillun. The full «lory may or limy not have conic mil In police rniirl Tuesday, but II should be must inlerestlng. There really is something Iii be said for alert (limy) neighbors who inn prilled yon Irnni Iihnii mill wlm also can kvv|i you un the straight and narrow, ur else. Rotary Launches Annual Campaign for Easter Seals The assistance given by local the Flying Dutchman Motor Treatment Centre, were spe* Rotarians and Its benefits to: Inn on Thursday. clal guests at the luncheon handicapped youngsters werel The 1969 Tammy. Anna-meeting, which marked the outlined by Mrs. William Bal-lMarie Clarke, age 11, her,opening of the club's Easter four, co-ordinator ot the Sim-|mother. Mrs. Harold Clarke.'Seals Campaign, coe Hal) Crippled Childrcn's|Qucen Street, and Mrs. Ralph The guest speaker was in- School and Treatment Centre.,Campbell. RR. 4. Bowman- troduced bv Easter Seals Com- Oshawa. in her address at the ville, the Public Relations Offl- mittce Chairman Don Murray, luncheon meeting of the Bow-leer for the Simcoc Hall Crip-'Mrs. Bafour spoke of the size- manville Rotary Club held at pled Children^ School and 1 -turn to page two» View African Display Women from 10 Churches in Town Attend World's Day of Prayer Women belonging to the COOL CAR WASH towns 10 churches attended If the weather doesn't co- the World Day of Prayer Scrv- operate a little better, the big: Ice held at St. John's Anglt- Car Wash planned by Bow-a-an Church on Friday after- manville Venturers for this! noon and evening. The World Saturday. March 15th. may be; Day ot Prayer Is a day set a frozen out flop. 1 opart each year for prayer bv Clarke PCs Hold Annual Meeting it'wlVl be*hclS. weather per- the women "of the world. On ,T®y n Al'jLu r «°n« C "ii5 mitting, .IU, » t U II U I till * MIL I.VIIIVII V, VliV - - -, . , _ | I , Russell Sunoco 1 this day they join In a special tomcrvatlvc Association hold uv.v.vv w,»«an opposite the service, remembering before thetr annual election of officers IGA from e.irlv In the morn- God the needs of all people. |nnd pot luck supper on March ing until all arc taken care 1 Last vear the service was held 8th 0 [ In more than 3.(100 commun!- After a delicious supper, a Moncv raised will he used ties In over 140 countries. capacity crowd enjoyed a.very for camping funds. Give thcmi The theme: "Growing To- informative discussion on Pro- a hand. In fact. If It's still, Rctlicr In Christ", scriptures, vtneial Government affairs by cold thev may need several and prayers for this service the ever-popular member ot hands plus heavy mitts to were proposed by women In Durham County. Alex Car- keep from freezing -turn to pagi two. ruthers, MPP- „ It's Bicycle Time Again I,mil venr, In Ontario, 40 children under 1 blcyclca (compared with 17 llu- yem helmi-t neddunt» aerluua oiinugli In In 1 ri'|im u-il in ni Trnnspnit advises ninliilisls I" !..«'|i ,i Ing nut nl drlvcwnva mnl Ini Iiii-mu'i n il. --il i cuts an- iid Y I set In make mm ilii'ir >nin|" <.'l((- cycling anil In vln-rh Hn- m-'ib.m tide, irsnlil wciv I: limitin'! 1 170 uilli',' Tl"' I I'll i liml, nui t-.i ■ n. wnl, hui',' ,'. . mu' I .! d while* rilling wen- injured In ,iiin HiI'.ulnu'iit "in".',leva znnin. i'iiIv -Ini.',: I'm. " M i Hlll'J Inf 1 " i-hlblinn