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i 4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvilic, Wednesday, May 22,1996 f he Canabtatt Statesman Fonner Publishers and Partners Rev. John M. Clirnie and YV. R. Climie 1854 -1878 M. A. James, 1878 -1935 • Norman S. B. James, 1919 -1929 G. Elena James, 1929 -1947 • Dr. George YV. James, 1919 -1957 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited P.O. Box 190,62 King St. YV., Bowmanvilic, Ontario L1C 3K9 905-623-3303 lnternet-statesman@ocna.org Fax 905-623-6161 ^^^^^^dOURSGMondayt^Frida^9j0^un^mtink0(^an^^^^^^^ For 142 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher - John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Richard A. James Plant Manager - Donald ) Bishop Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Rick Patterson, Laurens Kaldewav, Doug Lugtenburg, Sharon McMullen, Barb Patterson, Ralph Ro/enia, Jim Snoek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Editorial Frank Kelly, Laverne Morrison Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Office Angela Luscher, Debbie Chamberlain, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturman, Marilyn Rutherford /Y// /tiboarc/ Big E3H<g Long May She Reign The Durham federal Liberal association is taking a courageous step in suggesting that it's time to look for a new head of suite for Canada. Replacing the Queen as the Canadian head of suite with some made-in-Canada figurehead figurehead is not a new idea. But, it certainly stirs emotions among traditionalists, history history buffs, and those who understand the difference between a republican and a parliamentary parliamentary form of government. The Crown is a longstanding institution in Canada and our connections to British history are a part of our heritage. Of course, the Crown no longer has real control over this country; we officially severed our colonial status in 1867 and have gradually shed our unofficial colonial outlook over the years following confederation. But, to completely completely sever our connection with the British monarchy just because it's part of an old and antiquated tradition is to ignore our history. Would we change the clock on the peace tower to read out the hours in digital form just because that's the modem way to do things? Would we bulldoze the pyramids to build a subdivision? Would we demolish demolish Stonehenge for a highway? Far too few people understand the role of themselves, their communities or their country in the ebb and flow of history. Most modern people bblieve the world began with them. And it's an outlook which makes us poorer in the cultural sense. To eliminate the traditional role of the Queen just for the sake of modernizing Canada is misguided. Instead, we should look at the question of whether or not the monarchy is a real detriment to Canada. For example, it might be suggested that having a British sovereign sovereign as our head of state is an affront to the province of Quebec because many citizens of that province have traditions rooted in France, not England. But most people recognize recognize the Queen's role as head of state as being purely ceremonial. If Canadians were to elect or appoint a replacement to the queen, it's unlikely that anyone supporting Quebec separatism would be appeased. Then there is the question of exactly how a new head of Canada would be selected. Would, this individual be called a governor general or president? Would the head of stale be elected at large or appointed by the government in power or elected by parliament? parliament? What would be this person's job? Would there be any real power or would the role be entirely dial of giving speeches, presenting' awards and cutting ribbons? Canadians could very well go through a long process of altering their government to create a home-grown head of slate only to discover that the new position is essentially essentially the same as the present-day governor general. In the meantime, this country has quite enough problems on its plate. For instance, there are issues such as the federal deficit, Quebec separation, provincial rights, and the dreaded GST. The issue of who should be the formal leader of Canada surely is not on anyone's list of government priorities. Perhaps die day will come when Canada's economy is back on track, the provinces arc no longer squabbling and Quebec's future has been decided to the satisfaction of both the sovercignists and federalists. When that day comes, we might have the leisure to get involved in a spirited debate on whether to dump the monarchy. In the meantime, there's loo much else going on. And, since die tradition of die monarchy isn't harming Canada, why change it? Liberals Criticized for Breaking GST Promise This team of peppy pcddle-pushcrs aboard the Heart and Stroke Big Bike drew plenty of attention riding through Bowmanvilic on May 17th. Twenty nine riders on the Canadian Tire team set off from the Bowmanvilic Mall around 11:30 a.m. and peddled three kilometres along King and Liberty Streets to raise awareness about stroke and provide funds for research. Letter to the Editor Changes Happening Too Quickly EDITOR'S NOTE: The following following is a copy of a letter sent to Premier Mike Harris on behalf of local churches and clergy. Dear Premier Harris: As representatives of various various Christian bodies in the Commercial Deemed liDXwUii? Dear Editor: Canadians have had a little more than a week now to chronicle yet another example of the Liberal government's lack of political conviction - namely their proposal of harmonizing harmonizing the federal GST with provincial sales taxes. The promise made during the last federal election to replace this much-hated tax was a comer stone of the Liberal campaign. On April 23, the Finance Minister announced ■ the Liberals agreed to pay almost $1 billion each year for the next four years to three Atlantic provinces who accepted his tax Former MPP Questions Video Terminal Gambling Dear Editor, Now the Tories at Queen's Park arc going to allow gambling gambling video terminals across the province, I thought you might like a couple of quotes from their MPP's. Mr. C. Stockwell Member for Etobicoke West on October 18, 1993: "To legalize gambling gambling is nothing but a lax on the poor and creates hardships for all the hardworking citizens in the province of Ontario." Mr. T. Amott, Member for Wellington, stated on October 20,1993: "Creditable academic studies have shown that stale- operated gambling is nothing more than an aggressive lax on the poor." Further, The Minister of Finance moved a motion in the Ontario Legislature on October 18, 1993, to have a province- wide referendum so that the people of Ontario would decide whether or not they wish to have gambling casinos in the province of Ontario, Mr. Eves also said that he didn't sec how any government that believes in the democratic process could oppose such a motion. Were the people asked if they wanted gambling province wide before the Tories gave the go-ahead to the Niagara Falls casino? Were we asked about province-wide gambling video machines? Of course not. But then, someone has to pay for ilic tax cuts and typically the Tories target those less than well off. Sincerely, Cord Mills Oronn EDITOR'S NOTE. Wasn't it the New Democrats who approved the Windsor casino? casino? Keep Dogs All Tied Up Dear Editor: To all Pet Owners Now that spring has sprung, we as pel owners must be aware of the rules. I, as a citizen citizen in a small community, would like to address pet owners owners on keeping their dogs tied up. Being from a small town, I often go for long walks. However, I find this activity difficult when I can't walk down my street. I'm prevented from doing this because I am in fear of the dogs that arc left untied, Just because you have taught your pet to stay on your lawn docs not mean that it will obey 100% of the time. Another misconception is that your dog will be friendly to all kids. Please understand that if your dog attacks a child or a innocent bystander, it will be put to sleep. Also, please make sure piopcr fencing is around your own yard in order to keep your animal from doing his duty on my yard. Julie Mantle EDITOR'S NOTE - Allowing dogs to run at large is against the law, as well as being potentially dangerous and a. nuisance. merger idea. On that same day, Durham Riding MP Alex Shepherd issued a press release calling for the end of the Monarchy in Canada. It would seem to me that this issue pales in comparison with those issues that are of primary importance to the people of Durham Riding, especially those issues directly affecting their incomes. I cannot forget what Jean Chretien said in his angry response to the Tories, after they had forced this tax through the Senate in December 1990. "Canadians won't forgive the Brian Mulroncy government for imposing the goods and services services tax during the recession." The Liberals then stated they would continue their fight against the GST. Senator Michael Kirby stated at that time, "The battle against the GST continues when the next federal election is called, led by Jean Chretien." Perhaps the most memorable quote on this issue came from prominent Liberal, Sheila Copps in October 1993. "I've already said personally and very directly directly that if the GST is not abolished, abolished, I'll resign. I don't know how clear you can get. I think you've got to be accountable for the things that you're going to do and you have to deliver on it." Not only should Ms. Copps be held accountable as she previously previously stated, but so should Alex Shepherd and the entire Liberal government, It is this sort of old - style politics that has led to the type of cynicism now felt towards the entire political process by so many Canadians. Enough is enough. Has the Ottawa bug so utterly utterly bitten our MP that he believes that of all the issues facing his constituents today, the abolition of the Monarchy is of primary importance to them? If so, then I suggest there appears to be a serious disconnect disconnect between our member of parliament and the people he was elected to represent. Sincerely, Ian Smytli. EDITOR'S NOTE: Sounds like you'd prefer to see a general general election, rallier than a by-election In Sheila Copps' riding. Editor's Mail The following is a copy of a letter sent to a representative of Scott's Food Services regarding recent television advertising: Mr. John Boynton: I find the new K.F.C. "Mom's Mega Meal" commercial commercial to be sexist. This commercial commercial promotes a particular female stereotype and it's offensive. The commercial insinuates that only women cook, clean, do the shopping and arc the primary caregivers. I believe that young people who watch this commercial will think that this is the normal role for a woman. NOT TRUE!!! This commercial perpetuates perpetuates the idea that domestic labour is the essential responsibility responsibility of women! This commercial commercial promotes the idea of the male as being the main provider for the family. What if families have no female parent to cook, clean, etc.? (widowers or single males). What about families where the female works full time outside outside the home and the male is the main caregiver? What about families where both parents work full time outside outside the home and share the responsibilities of the household household equally? What about families where both parents have not "assigned" chores and do what needs to be done accordingly? (if the male comes home first, he looks after dinner). Just because I'm not a grown up doesn't mean I can't sec through this commercial and understand the message your company is ultimately trying trying to convey to women. Do you think I would suggest to my parents to buy dinner from K.F.C. after seeing this commercial? commercial? NO WAY!! Or, that I would ever buy any of your company's products after seeing seeing this commercial? NOT A CHANCE!! If there is anything 1 can do to try and stop this sexual stereotyping I will do it to the best of my ability, I refuse to grow up m a world that promotes promotes sexual stereotyping! I am utterly disgusted. Sarah McMahon. Age 12, Grade 7 St. Stephen's Elementary School EDITOR'S NOTE -1 wonder how many others have noticed this aspect of the commercial. Durham Region, we wish to make known to you our concerns concerns about various aspects of your government's policies. We do so in the understanding that we arc speaking to another member of the Christian Church. We. do so on the basis that God is the same God of justice and mercy in all areas of life, including the social, economic economic and political. We do so in the bold belief that one of the responsibilities of Christ's Church is to remind governments governments of the responsibilities of righteousness. We arc concerned that too many important changes in the administration of our province arc being made too quickly and without due consideration about how one change will impact upon another. We would urge you to make more gradual changes, particularly in the area of social welfare, education, education, justice, health and the environment. We are concerned that those who will be most affected by important changes in policy arc not being consulted and, in some instances, have lost the right to be consulted. We would urge you to recognize that in a healthy and stable democratic society, all those whose standing and security are affected by government policy have a moral right to be consulted. consulted. We arc concerned that the poorest and most vulnerable in our society have had to endure some of the severest expressions expressions of government restraints, for example, in cuts to welfare and disability payments, subsidies subsidies to day care, legal aid and in the planned introduction of compulsory and prescribed work in order for persons to be eligible for government welfare payments, which arc paid out of general taxation. We would urge the government to balance its concern for financial responsibility responsibility with concern for human dignity and to balance the need for reduction in government spending with specific inducements inducements in private sector job creation. creation. In general, Mr. Premier, we arc concerned at the manner in which your government seems to reduce all policy decisions to numeral abstractions. We would urge you take the time to recognize the human faces represented represented by these figures and to act with the caution and consideration consideration that is always necessary in dealing with human lives. Please accept our respectful best wishes. Reverend Bill Tadcja, Reverend Mary Ranger, Father Paul Lennon, Pastor Mrs. Wilrrui Brink Pastor Rick Bacchus. Doesn't Anybody Care? Dear Sir: After silting in the Bowmanvilic High School auditorium on Monday night (April 15th) listening to John O'Toole and a number of Claringlon/Northumbcrland Board of Education members, I feel I must say that we as Canadians, and particularly those in this area, should not feel badly about what happens to their education system or for that matter in the GTA reports because "WE DESERVE OUR JUST DESSERTS." It boggles my mind that people cim simply sit back and let a few people decide what will have an effect on children for the next several years. Out of the thousands of people affected, only a handful of people people showed up to voice their opinion on something that is a very serious problem, and to let politicians know that there are people out there that care. The majority of speakers were from the educational system system and they arc concerned with their jobs (which, under the circumstances, is normal). Unfortunately,' they did not come across as helpful in trying to show the government helpful or inventive solutions to saving the system. Reports arc all well and good, but public opinion will get you farther than any report. As Mr. Willshcr pointed out, reports can be very misleading misleading and full of mistakes that will make a big difference to the outcome of what the report was to effect. We still can have a say. Write your paper or phone your MPP and say no thank you to it, part and parcel. I will freely admit that I am one of the ones who neglected to voice my opinion. So, I am doing so through this letter. Try it. It just might help. Yours truly, E. Haines Orono EDITOR'S NOTE - It's amazing how few people take an interest in local government. government. by Laura J. Richards Clarington Needs an EDO While the politicians grab onto the goal of a zero per cent lax increase, there is something at stake in your community, that could make a lot of difference difference in how much tax you pay in the future. If Clarington had a bigger industrial/commercial base, you, the homeowner, would not be paying the price you pay to live in this municipality. So far, Clarington lias lacked the commercial commercial base it needs to reduce residential property taxes. As any business person will tell you, Clarington has long had a sign on its forehead which could be interpreted by some businesses to say: "Don't bother me." However, that outlook changed when Todd Letts was hired as the Economic Development Officer, Letts worked on encouraging businesses businesses and commerce in this municipality. Industry, commercial commercial enterprises and entre preneurs need a single contact within Clarington. That contact was available when Clarington had an Economic Development Officer. (Todd Letts left his post in Clarington for a new job in Oshawa and the position has been vacant ever since,) Some taxpayers may not understand tiic need for an EDO, thinking that the rest of the municipal staff can handle inquiries about available land and buildings in Clarington. That may be true, but an EDO docs much more than find the right space for a company that comes knocking on Clarington's door. Clarington needs someone who will promote this municipality municipality to the types of businesses the municipality wants. The council of Clarington seems to want businesses and industries that are not big polluters, bin perhaps more computerized and environmentally friendly. Thai's okay, hut who in heck is promoting the municipality! An Economic Development Officer will promote Clarington and more. An EDO is a friendly face to business owners who want to move or expand to this area. An EDO helps entrepreneurs find their way through the red tape. An EDO also goes to bat for existing businesses in helping to resolve problems that crop up from time to time. To attract business to Clarington, the municipality needs someone who is interested interested in the communities, wants to see industrial growth, knows where to find companies wanting wanting to relocate, and goes for the jugular vein. Right now, the Touristn/Promolions Officer and the Chief Administrative Officer are filling in as the E.D.O., but somehow that doesn't seem right. What do you think?