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18 The Independent, Canadian Statesman Weekender, Bowmanville, Saturday, March 19,1994 Follow This Advice When Purchasing Children's Toys 3 I if '! VS "It's nearby... and it's free!" Choosing toys that are well suited to kids' ages isn't important just because because it will bring bigger smiles to young faces but also as an aid to child safety, say smart-shopping experts experts at Ontario's consumer ministry. Every year, children are injured by toys, and the province's Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations Relations has teamed up with Kids Care at Health Canada and the Canadian Toy Testing Council to . offer some tips on buying safe playthings. All agree, the best way to prevent a mishap is by taking the child's abilities, abilities, habits and age into account before before making a purchase. "A toy that is perfectly safe in the hands of a five-year-old may be dangerous dangerous for a toddler, so we urge people people to keep age appropriateness in mind when making their choices," says Nicole Turpin of the testing council. "Also, we hope parents will teach older children their playthings could be hazardous to younger kids." When you head to the stores with a general idea of the sort of toys you'd like to buy, start by reading the labels, warnings and safety messages on the packaging. If a label says "Not recommended for children under the age of three," chances are the reason is a safety concern. Until the age of three most children tend to put toys in their mouths - a signal to steer clear of items with detachable parts or dolls with long hair. Further, help avoid future mishaps by checking the toy carefully. Look for sharp edges, make sure that the seams are well stitched and that the small parts are secure. Before buying a gift of a cute stuffed animal the. child will love for years, after you've made sure the eyes are firmly in place and the construction construction is solid check that the toy is safe on the inside. Look for the provincial declaration declaration label that states "New material only." The Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations' Technical Standards Division registers and inspects inspects the premises of manufacturers and retailers and investigates consumer consumer complaints about all upholstered and stuffed articles - ranging from matresses to clothing materials - sold in Ontario. Across the country, the federal government has set safety standards for toys that include the ability to withstand dropping, chemical content, content, flammability, noise levels and electrical specifications. Federal inspectors inspectors monitor toys sold across the country to make sure they're up to snuff. But, although toys sold in Canada are legally required to meet the standards, standards, consumers who buy grey goods - items produced for sale on a foreign market that are sometimes imported and sold in this country at prices lower than usual - have no way of knowing if their purchases meet the national standards. It's impossible for a consumer always always to realize which items are grey goods-unless something goes wrong and they attempt to make a warranty claim, which in most cases the manufacturer manufacturer won't honor. As a general rule, the experts say to watch out for toys offered at a much lower price than normal, especially over the holiday holiday season. Anyone shopping for electrical toys should look for the CSA mark of the Canadian Standards Association, which offers protection similar to Ontario's Ontario's stuffed article labelling program program for different articles. The mark should be clearly visible on any electrical electrical toy, unless it is battery operated. operated. The CSA information centre, at (416) 747-4058, can provide assistance assistance on many questions of toy safety safety and other seasonal items including kids' hockey helmets and Christmas- tree lights. Complaints about toys that arc unsafe unsafe should be directed to one of the two federal product safety offices in Ontario, at (416) 973-4705 in Toronto Toronto or (905) 572-2845 in Hamilton. More information about the Canadian Canadian Toy Testing Council is available from public relations co-ordinator Nicole Nicole Turpin, in Ottawa, at (613) 729- 7101. Help finding appropriate toys for children is contained in the council's council's annual publication, The Toy Report. Report. The report may be found at libraries, libraries, magazine stands and' bookstores across the country. To receive a free copy of a one- page tips-list on toy safety at play produced by Kids Care, or for further information on the safety of upholstered upholstered and stuffed articles contact the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Commercial Relations, Communications Branch, 555 Yonge St., Toronto On M7A 2H6, enquiry line telephone (416) 326-8555 or at toll free 1-800- 268-1142. Special electronic equipment equipment for the deaf, hard of hearing and people with speech difficulties is available at (416) 326-8566. Help with your taxes is probably closer than you think. We're opening an income tax clinic right in your area! Yon can choose from a variety of forms, guides, and pamphlets, or talk to us about your income tax situation. If you have questions about any of your tax papers, bring them along. We'll be happy to give you the answer. Five Points Mall 285 Taunton Road East Oshawa February 14 - April 30 Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 1*1 Revenue Canada Revenu Canada Customs. Excise and Taxation Accise. Douanes et Impôt Canada Chicken Out! Buy One Quarter Chicken Dinner TtWWWMVTTWfl Get The Second For Just Valid Only March 20 - 23 Offer valid only at Harvey's 170 Liberty St. South Bowmanville Taxes are extra. HARVEY'S serving amiss chalet chicken