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4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, October 19,1994 Section Two by Gord Mills, M.P.P., Durham East Ribbon Cutting Opens New Apartments This week I will be at the YMCA in Orillia along with Premier Bob, and all the rest of the Cabinet and MPPs, at our Fall Retreat. We picked the YMCA in the hope that no one could say we are living it up at taxpayers' taxpayers' expense, even though we all pay our way. I can't imagine any other other government getting together at the "Y" unless it was for a swim or something like that! I'm sure the Toronto Toronto Sun will have something to say about it in the coming days. Speaking of the Toronto Sun, Pierre Berton said it right in my opinion. opinion. He said, "The Sun is a developers' developers' paper, run by right wingers who support the carefully orchestrated underground underground campaign by big business to discredit Bob Rae. That's their privilege as long as they label it "opinion." The publisher of the paper is Paul Godfrey, former Mayor of Metro Toronto. Toronto. Hé also was in charge when the costs of his pet project, the Sky- Dome, trebled, and we the Ontario taxpayers were left to pay the freight on that gem! A couple of weeks ago I wrote about .policy holders being misled into' thinking Bill 164 is entirely to blame for rising auto insurance premiums. premiums. The unelected "Lords of Commerce", and I include the insurance insurance companies in 'hat group, are only accountable to their shareholders, shareholders, not to taxpayers. Given that scenario, scenario, you may see how much better it is for .them to tell you, the policy holder who complains at insurance increases, that it isn't their fault rates have risen, but the Ontario Government's Government's fault. It is absolutely outrageous to tell policy holders that the new insurance enhancements (because of Bill 164) have generated yet another rate increase increase of approximately 10 per cent. The insurance companies were allowed allowed a one-time 5 per cent increase to cover the start-up costs and improved improved benefits of Bill 164. For any larger increase they have to prove it to the Insurance Commission. To date the Commission hasn't approved any increase related to Bill 164. So, if your insurance company is telling you that Bill 164 is proving very costly, don't believe them. In any war, truth is the very first casualty. So it's showtime for Finance Minister Minister Paul Martin as to just how he intends intends to rein in spending in the 1995 budget. I fmd it passing strange that every time the deficit comes up for any discussion it always seems the savings must be achieved over the backs of the ordinary people. Both Mr. Martin and Mr. Axworthy remain remain focused on cuts to old age pensions, pensions, health care, education, and unemployment unemployment insurance benefits, and ending subsidies to farmers, . to achieve their deficit cutting goals. But, they never speak of cutting out the loopholes for the rich, for some of whom it means paying not one nickel in taxes. Nor, for that matter, do they ever plan to do just about anything that would impact on the "well-heeled" segment of our society. Why only those who have the least targeted all the time for deficit reduction reduction plans? What we do need is a thoughtful restruction of our social programs, including a process that will go about the task with a sense of justice, tolerance and compassion. None of us want to live in a mean society, society, the way I see it, anyway. JobsOntario Training continues to contribute to the economy and has succeeded in creating over 60,000 jobs, of which 20,000 have been filled by people who had been on social social assistance. The six-month decline decline for those seeking social assistance assistance means that since March 1994, there are nearly 25,342 fewer households, households, or 40,705 fewer individuals, receiving assistance in Ontario. The Liberals and Tories claim to have found nothing good in jobsOn- tario. Yet, the scheme has seen the participation of 20,000 businesses so far. Many local businesses in this area have taken advantage of jobsOn- tario and they have told me just how pleased they are with the program. Some media reports have said that the Ontario government is negotiating negotiating with labour to repeal the Social Contract or make big changes in it. This is not true. The government will not repeal the Social Contract. What the Social Contract has done is to bring some breathing room to the broader public sector in order to help people adjust to the fact that the public public sector cannot continue to be funded funded at the level it has been. I know I would far sooner be in the public service in Ontario than in Ralph Klein's mean-spirited Alberta, in Clyde Wells' Newfoundland or in Gary Filmon's Manitoba, where the strong are strong and who cares about the weak, just govern by ultimatum ultimatum and to. heck with everything else. Until next week - from an exercise viewpoint, we should be glad the T.V. and fridge are so far apart. by Laura J, Richards Continued from Page 3 As a journalist, I have heard rumors rumors of a couple of cults that made their homes in this area of Ontario over the past 20 years or so. But I wonder if they are just rumors. I know that Roch Theriault and his gang were located in the Lindsay area for a few years, but I have heard of others. However, when the older residents of the area refer to different so-called cults, they are more inclined to call them hippies or words that would never never be printed in this community newspaper, newspaper, if you know what I mean! Most cults I have read about usual- Block Parent Week Observed In Clarington October 24 to 29 Block Parent Week will be observed observed October 24 to 29 in the Municipality Municipality of Clarington. Events taking place throughout the week include a display at the Bowmanville Mall and free face- ' painting (also at the Bowmanville Mall) on October 29th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Block Parent flag will be raised on Monday, October 24th, Nominations for Order of Ontario Being Accepted Nominations are now being accepted accepted for candidates for the 1995 Order of Ontario - the highest distinction distinction awarded by the province. This prestigious annual award honors Ontarians Ontarians who have reached the pinnacle pinnacle of success in their chosen fields and contribute to the province's international international reputation as a centre of innovation, innovation, achievement and excellence. excellence. Since its establishment in 1986, 160 outstanding individuals have been invested in the Order of Ontario including, prominent human rights advocate Daniel G. Hill; internationally internationally renowned musical entrepreneur Nicholas Goldschmidt; French- language broadcasting pioneer J. Conrad Lavigne; Discovery Space Mission crew member Dr. Roberta Bondar; respected businessman Ed Mirvish; renowned marathon swimmer swimmer Vicki Keith; and Native artist and curator Tom V. Hill. The deadline for nominations is October 31, 1994. Nomination forms are available at MPP constituency offices offices and The Ontario Honours and Awards Section, Client Services Branch, Ministry of Citizenship, 77 Bloor Street West, 15th Floor, Toronto, Ontario Ontario M7A 2R9, Telephone: (416) 314-7528. Nominations will be considered by an Advisory Council comprising the Chief Justice of Ontario, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and the Secretary of the Cabinet and Clerk of the Executive Council. The nominees who are selected for this honor will be invested in the Order by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Ontario at Queen's Park in the spring of 1995. ly have a head honcho who claims to be Jesus Christ, or claims to have a hot-line to God. My goodness! There's so many wackos out there, anyone could claim to be God's representative on earth. Some do. While some are locked up in institutions, institutions, others are revered. Makes you wonder about us humans, doesn't it? So, what do other people think about cults? Am I alone in trying to figure out the more basic issues between what a cult is and what a religion is? Let me know what you're thinking, and we'll continue this dialogue some other time! Five new apartments were officially opened in September following completion of the new wing at Forestree Place, 108 Liberty St., N. Pictured Pictured above are Mayor Diane Hamre and Clarence J. Bell cutting the ribbon. ribbon. The wing was named in honor of Clarence J. Beil for his many years of dedication to Forestree Place. School Trustee Agrees It's Time to Review Boundaries at the Town Hall in Bowmanville. Block Parent volunteers will also talk to students at Clarington schools throughout the week. Colleen Groeneveld, Education Chairperson'and chair of Block Parent Parent Week, §aid the organization still needs more volunteers. People interested interested in serving as the head of the Block Parent Committee in local schools would be especially welcome, welcome, since many schools lack a Block Parent chairperson. At the moment, there are 740 Block Parents in Clarington and the organization has been in existence for the past 16 years. Ms Groeneveld said anyone over age 18, with a clear police record is eligible to become a Block Parent. As a Block Parent volunteer, they will display the organization's familiar familiar red and white sign at their home whenever they are available to offer assistance. Block Parents provide a safe place for children (or adults) who need help. Children are encouraged to seek help from a home displaying a Block Parent sign for a number of bona fide emergencies. For example, example, they may need assistance of Block Parents if their are victims of bullies, if they are bothered by strangers or if they take ill on the way to and from school. Block Parents provide a safe place for children and adults who need help. Ms. Groeneveld said people who wish to become Block Parents are asked to fill out an application form and agree to allow the police to check their files for criminal offences. offences. (Minor traffic infractions will not disqualify someone from becoming becoming a Block Parent.) Applicants must be over 18 and any people living living in their home over age 16 must also be screened by police. Further details on the Block Parent Parent Program are available by calling 623-7585 or 623-5665. Clarington Block Parents meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Courtroom above the Bowmanville Fire Station. The public public is welcome to attend Dear Peter: Your questions and comments about the boundaries for the three Wards in Clarington are timely. There is no doubt that a change in the boundaries is warranted. In fact, this issue has been previously previously looked at by Council. In addition, addition, the committee established by Mayor Hamre consisting of the Mayor, Mayor, council representation and representatives representatives from both the Public and Separate school boards, all discussed the issue. Mayor Hamre promised it would be looked at by the Council in the new year following the 1994 election. election. Hopefully, the new council will do this. Changing the Ward boundaries has the potential of creating a significant significant impact on the Public School Board representation. Under the Education Education Act trustees are distributed by way of a formula. In the past year the Board and Municipality agreed to leave the number of Trustees representing representing Ward 3 at two. Without a resolution resolution from the Board, Ward 3 could have been left with one Trustee. This would not have been satisfactory for the students and ratepayers of Ward 3. I agree that there are a number of oddities that exist under the present structure. I also believe that changes can be made that would meet the needs of the people of Clarington and reflect the population distribution as it exists today. Sincerely, Bob Willsher As you know, Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Human Resources Development, Development, is redesigning Canada's social social security system. And for far too long Canadians have sat at home and complained about UI, welfare, the cost of education, education, fat governments, immigration and a host of other issues. Will Canadians now get involved in the process? I sincerely hope so. Make no mistake about what Axworthy Axworthy is going to do. Thé government government he and I represent is going to change the system. There will not be an individual, family, government department, agency or school that isn't going to be affected by what will be comprehensive comprehensive changes to the very social fabric of this country we have all come to take for granted. This Sunday, October 23, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. I will be hosting a Social Security Review Forum. It will take place at Durham College's main campus on Simcoe St. in north Oshawa. I have asked Gary Polonsky, president president of Durham College, to chair the forum. Invited guests are, first and foremost, you the public. Also invited are a panel composed composed of union leader Joan Gates, president of Local 331, OPSEU; Pamela McLaughlin, manager, Government Government Relations General Motors of Canada; Paul Cloutier, administrator Income Support for Durham Region and Bob Lothian, area director for Human Resources Development. As I said, this is your chance to participate. It is clear money invested in social programs like UI, post-secondary education, education, provincial welfare systems, retraining etc. is not giving taxpayers value for their dollar. It is also clear that some Canadians Canadians continually use UI to supplement their income, while other Canadians, who make far less continue to pay into it while never collecting. This will change. It is clear that some Canadians have made welfare a way of life. Granted the economy is poor and jobs are not easy to come by at a time when industries are downsizing and the demands of the marketplace are changing. But none of these social programs was meant to maintain a standard of living for the middle class or deny people on welfare the chance of ever getting off of it. This will change. We need a system that is affordable, affordable, dependable and only delivers to those who genuinely need assistance. Canadians are still a caring society. society. There are people in Durham who receive and genuinely need social assistance assistance whether it is UI or welfare. That is why it is important you turn out. Because when all the redesigning redesigning is over we want those in need to be taken care of and not forgotten. We arc a rich nation but in some ways we have squandered this nation's nation's wealth. We politicians arc to blame, but so is Canadian society. It will not be good enough to say we need cuts, 'but not me I'm different.' different.' We arc all going to be affected by the redesign. Sunday's Social Security Review Forum is a call to action and the action action plan is to initiate change. Please be part of it. I look forward to answering your questions and acting acting on your ideas.