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Section Two The Canadian Statesman, Bowman ville, Wednesday, December 21,1994 3 Gord Defends Bills 163 and 173 Dear Editor: I am writing in response to some comments made in last week's edition edition of the Canadian Statesman under "Thoughts Unlimited" penned by my good friend Rick. In his column Rick uses reference material from "The Ontarians for Responsible Responsible Government". To trust that group on any issue involving the Rae Government is like asking the fox about the hen house security! How would he expect any balanced argument argument coming from these people? For after all this is the group made up of business right-wingers and others of similar ilk, whose only concern in life is to spread bad news all over the province concerning every piece of legislation passed by our government. government. These are the very same "Responsible "Responsible Ontarians" who have spent thousands of dollars on silly billboard billboard advertisements in downtown Toronto's Bay Street since our election election in 1990 and still continue with their silly behaviour to a point now where nobody bothers even to look up at the bill boards. You also have told your readers that both Bill 163 and Bill 173 are extremely complicated. I have no objection objection to a discussion of whether the legislation succeeds in doing what it set out to do. But to argue from a position position that government shouldn't be interfering in the rights of property owners to do whatever they want with their lands is absurd. Also your assessment of Bill 173 is truly amazing! amazing! But then you have only read what you want to read, or at least so it would seem. Governments lead by all political parties in jurisdictions all over the world have increasingly acted under the belief that they have a responsibility responsibility and à mandate to look to the long term interests of the community and prevent individuals, businesses or other jurisdictions. from doing what ever they like with their private property. People have long been aware of zoning by-laws, official plans and site plan approvals. What you have done is to make some rather startling "off-the-top of your head" assumptions regarding two important pieces of legislation that effect most Ontarians, based upon something you got hold of from an anti-government organization. Bill Passes Despite Opposition Dear Editor: Bill 173, the Reform of Long Term care has now passed, but not without considerable opposition coming coming from both the Conservatives and the Liberals. For different reasons both parties were echoing the opposition opposition of agencies like the Red Cross, the VON and St. Elizabeth's. The above three organizations are opposed because they will lose many of their functions and responsibilities to the Multi Service Agencies. Of course that isn't exactly how they put it. Instead they talk about the loss of 'volunteerism', disruption of care, job loss and the end of venerable institutions. institutions. Most of what they say is untrue and, whât's worse, they are deliberately deliberately spreading fear amongst their clients clients and their employees. It's all a reminiscent of the fight for Medicare. Powerful healthcare providers and insurers lined up against the Saskatchewan NDP government government and launched a campaign of misrepresentation and fear- mongering that was breathtaking for its time. Thirty years later, Canadians don't know how they ever survived without Medicare. In fact, it's become become a measure of our definition as a nation. We don't have the same expectations expectations for long-term care reform. The point is that in thirty years, no one will remember what all the fuss was about. One thing more. You should know who is on our side: They are organizations organizations who are the grassroots seniors associations and family care providers: providers: Senior Citizens's Consumer Alliance Alliance for Long-term care reform, Ontario Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizen's Organizations, Canadian Pensioners Concerned (Ontario Division), Older Women's Network, Concerned Friends of Ontario Citizens in Care Facilities, Consumer Coalition on Health and Long-term Care, CAW Retired Workers. These groups total over one- million consumers of Long-Term Care. They have been demanding what our government has made possible possible for a decade. Sincerely, Gordon L. Mills, CD., MPP Durham East I intend to share with you the facts about Bill 163 in later correspondence, correspondence, in the mean time you might ask yourself, "Do people want government-municipal, government-municipal, provincial and even federal - to be concerned about wise and responsible land-use planning, planning, transportation planning, and protection of the environment?" In regard to Bill 173 you might also ask yourself what did the consumers want? I have attached to this letter the most comprehensive questions and answers in relation to Bill 173 you could ask for. I hope you share them all with your readers through the Canadian Canadian Statesman to enable them to get the facts. I am in the process of doing the same for you and your readers over Bill 163. I will forward those to you soon. Sincerely, Gordon L. Mills MPP Durham East. Thanks to All Who Supported Silent Auction To Whom It May Concern: The residents and staff of Mam- wood Lifecare Centre would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you for your generous donation to our Silent Auction. We have been holding a silent auction at our Christmas Bazaar for 4 years now and the success is fantastic. fantastic. But, of course, it would not be possible without your continued support. support. Overall, our Bazaar was very successful successful this year. The proceeds are divided divided between the Activity Department Department and the Residents Council and used throughout the year for various programs such as crafts, movies, special special events and outings. The Residents Residents Council uses their funds for purchases that will benefit all the residents, residents, like the new stereo and exercise exercise equipment they purchased this year. Once again, we thank you. The 1 year subscription to the Statesman that you donated was greatly appreciated. appreciated. Have a Merry Christmas and a most Prosperous New Year!!! Sincerely, Christina Langton Activity Director by Laura J. Richards . Dec. 21,1994 Dear Santa, I have been a good person this year. (May I qualify that by saying I have given people information to think about, comment on, and get railed up over. In other words I have done what every good journalist hopes to accomplish.) I have been able to provide a roof over my head, heat, food and clothing. There are only two things that I would really like for Christmas. There are only two things that I would really like to have: a car phone and a box around my column. Why a box? Because some people confuse 'letters to the editor' with my column, and that is scary! I know that other people have it better, while others have less. The majority of my Christmas wish list focuses on the folks who have less. I hope you will be able to help. Could you please bring peace on earth? Or good will for all people? Or how about joy to our world? If you can't get a handle on those things, how about tolerance? I'd like to see more tolerance among all people for each other and their differences. That is what makes humans truly unique and different from the animal world. (However, I must admit, the cats which live with me, only tolerate me since, as a human, I control the thermostat.) It is time people started treating people like humans rather than as some form of sub-human. Santa, you know what I'm talking about! So, just who do I want to see benefiting benefiting from goodwill. First, there is Alliance House. The board has decided to look at what is termed as second-stage housing for abused women and their children. Funding, a house, counsellors and whatever else they need -- that is what I would like for them. For Bethesda House: Please bring towels and single bedding, including pillows. My contact said the response from donors to an article in The Clar- ington Independent has had the board members running off their feet. So, maybe some new sneakers for the vol- * unteers would be appropriate. For the Salvation Army Food Bank: Please bring supplies for the after-Christmas after-Christmas needs. People tend to forget about the food bank unless it is during a holiday season. I think I have covered some of the items that are urgent. Other items for some of my favorite favorite politicians. MPP Gord Mills: Insight into some of the lives of same-sex couples affected affected by the defeat of provincial legislation legislation earlier this year. MP Alex Shepherd: Success in his endeavors to find ways out of the social social program maze the Canadian politicians politicians invented years ago. Durham Regional Chair Gary Her- rema: A better working relationship with GO Transit. Clarington Mayor Diane Harare: A relaxing holiday and one of those squishy fist-sized tension relievers. On second thought, Santa, you'd better better make it two! Clarington Councillors: Louder voices or a microphone system which works all the time. So, Santa, I hope that you can find it in your heart and limits to do these things. And for James Publishing Ltd. Co.: A new phone system. The in-house paging system screeches with terrible feedback throughout the plant! So, Santa, I hope that you can find it in your heart and limits to do these things. I'll remember to put carrots and apples out for Rudolph and the gang. And for you, Santa, I'll leave my homemade eggnog with a shot of something to keep you warm! P.S. I see one of your elves is fixing fixing the telephone system even as I write this column. Thank you for such a speedy response. by Rick James "12 Pains of Christmas" Faithful readers may recall my "12 Pains of Christmas" column from last year, but since even I chuckle every time I read it, I'd thought I'd run it one more time for our many new readers. Due to the Christmas holiday schedule, the next "Thoughts Unlimited" column will appear on January 4,1995. ^The first thing at Christmas that's really really such a pain is... • writing a Christmas column. The second thing at Christmas! that's really really such a pain is... • hanging up the lights; • and writing a Christmas column. The third thing at Christmas that's really really such a pain is... • hosting Christmas dinner; • falling off the step ladder; • and writing a Christmas column. The fourth thing at Christmas that's really really such a pain is... • fighting other shoppers; • sipping tea with in-laws; • now why are the lights blinking?; • and writing a Christmas column. The fifth thing at Christmas that's really really such a pain is... « five months of bills; • pushing through store line-ups; • cleaning up the dishes; • one light goes out, they all go out; • and writing a Christmas column. The sixth thing at Christmas that's really really such a pain is... • batteries not included; • exceeded credit limit; • shopping carts all taken; • too many leftovers; • light bulbs are blown; • and writing a Christmas column. The seventh thing at Christmas that's really such a pain is... • people who've got everything; • different sizes of batteries; • interest rates are too high; • parking lots are crowded; • unemployed brother-in-law invited; • more extension cords needed; ■ and writing a Christmas column. The eighth thing at Christmas that's really really such a pain is... • too much rum and egg nog; • how about a Clapper?; • need an AC adapter; • collection agents calling; • go to end of line-up; • liquour cabinet drained; ■ decorations stolen; « and writing a Christmas column. The ninth thing at Christmas that's really really such a pain is... • television favourites cancelled; • guests all get hammered; • how 'bout just a greeting card?; • battery store's not open; • down-payment needed; • this teller's closing; • drinks dumped on carpet; • fuse panel over-loaded; • and writing a Christmas column. The tenth thing at Christmas that's really really such a pain is... • driving is a nightmare; • Rudolph pre-empts The Simpsons"; • hangovers; • maybe they'll forget us; • where's that recharger?; • court action ' s pending; • salesmen on commission; • a week of turkey suppers; • replacement bulbs are needed; • and writing a Christmas column. The eleventh thing at Christmas that's really such a pain is... • Christmas cards and postage; ■ four-way stop signs; • Christmas classics colorized; • where'd you hide the aspirin?; • what'd we give 'em last year?; • alkaline or rechargeables?; • manager turns down bank loan; • one size won't fit all; • favourite vase is broken; • now a fuse has blown; • and writing a Christmas column. The twelfth thing at Christmas that's really such a pain is... • finding just the right tree; ■ got a card, but didn't send one; • R.I.D.E program stopped you; • college football coverage; • head hung in the toilet; • cross them off the gift list; • old batteries leaking acid; • pay cheque garnisheed; • no refunds 'til after Christmas; • when are vour friends leaving?; • neighbour's lights look better; n • and writing a Christmas column. 'TKewtty and 'TteuA 'tye<vi from fêicé, 'Kim, 'TH&upitt and *7tt<xvesiCc&