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Letter to the Editor The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc, Wednesday, August 14, 1996 Reader Cites Example of Wasteful NDP Spending CONCERT IN THE PARK - The Big Wind stage band performed last Thursday evening in what is hoped to be the first of many special events at the Rotary Park in downtown Bowmanvillc. A crowd of close to 300 enjoyed jazz standards from the forties forties and fifties as well as some newer arrangements, during the two-hour concert. Dear Sir: I wish to respond to the letter letter of July 31, 1996, written by Mr. Simon in his defence of the NDP and its idea of proper "Social Programs". No one would suggest that persons who arc truly in need, people who arc unable to provide provide for themselves ought to be left unaided. Adequate medical' coverage, education, welfare for the needy and similar programs programs should not ever be eradicated. eradicated. When I speak in defence of the Progressive Conservative Government of Ontario and against the performance of the NDP, it is the wastefulness of socialist governments that concern concern me. The NDP policy of funding social programs has QoJd R&jflectùMi Sale held over due to popular demand! Gather up your jewellery and visit our new location in the Bowmanville Mall. To guarantee your appointment please call 623-8164. little to do with necessity. It is instead a policy of control, of funding people or groups who want the money, with no regard regard for need. Example: The Bob Rac government actually spent taxpayers' taxpayers' hard earned money in its funding of the extremely racist racist Black Action Action Committee. Committee. Example: The NDP redirected redirected medical funding from very necessary annual physical examinations to sex change operations, operations, which it deemed to be vitally important. Example: The NDP government government spent countless hundreds of thousands of Ontario taxpayers' taxpayers' dollars in trying to silence silence people of the pro-life movement. Example: The NDP govern- of reverse discrimination in ment instituted a very expen- which people were qualified or sive program and bureaucracy Continued on Page 7 10K Gold Rope Bracelet $^95 25% off 1 OK and 14K Chains, Charms, Bracelets and Earrings 1 OK Gold Birthstone Rings s 15" New stock has arrived! 10K Gold Chains 16" Chain 18" Chain 20" Chain $1995 $22_95 $2395 l Visit us soon for Fantastic Savings! Watch, clock and jewellery repairs • Custom work and appraisals Our new location is between Pet Paradise and Rapid Photo in the East End of the Mall WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK VISA 623-8164 B Parliamentary Notebook Alex Shepherd Durham MR BOWMANVILLE MALL ©j.p. Addressing Cuts To Rural Services Many people in rural Canada Canada feel they are being ignored by their governments. As governments governments attempt to downsize and become more efficient, often often this has resulted in reductions reductions in services to rural communities. communities. Often population density is held up as the yardstick yardstick for efficiency. Of course, this favours urban centres. It was these concerns that drew me to a meeting of rural members of parliament in Wolfvilie, Nova Scotia, this past week. While Durham has both urban urban and and rural components, the rural inhabitants, of which I am one, have often expressed their concerns about the effects of downsizing on their communities. communities. Whether it is postal services, services, forestry stations, hospitals or medical services, rural communities communities often appear to be bearing a disproportionate amount of the burden. Ironically, Ironically, dcmographic/economists state that as the baby boom generation reaches retirement, many will migrate from urban to rural areas, which puts into question some of the decisions now being taken. There are also questions regarding regarding access to capital for businesses in rural area. The banks tell us that this is not true, but my own personal life experience would suggest otherwise. otherwise. When you have a critical critical mass of decision makers domiciled in urban areas, it is only logical that they will favour favour geographic areas that they are familiar with. If, for instance, instance, banks fully understood the needs of rural communities, communities, we probably would not have the need for a farm credit corporation. Ironically, the banks now complain about the competition this agency is causing them. I was pleased that so many members of cabinet attended this meeting, and that the concerns concerns of rural Canada are getting getting the attention they should. Even the Prime Minister noted that he was a member from rural rural Canada. Canada's future lies for its vastness; while being the second second largest geographical country country in the world, still most of our population lies within one hundred miles of the American border. For Canada to live within its own expanse, it must utilize the new tools technology technology gives us that make each citi- zen, regardless of location, have equal opportunities. For these reasons, it is important that our communities here in Durham improve and expand on the information highway. Much has been done by government government to ensure that these communities fully participate, but more needs to be donc. I am pleased that the government government recognizes this reality. rsioB 01 Quality Resale for Children Id, at Join us at our Midnight Madness P.J. Sale, Friday, Aug. 16 between 6 p.m. and midnight for fabulous savings and with every purchase you are entered into our Contest to win A FAMILY PASS FOR FOUR TO THE MOVIES. For our early bird shoppers Friday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., enter your guess to win a JUG OF JELLY BEANS in our JELLY BEAN COUNT. Thanks to you we're growing! Watch for the opening of another 1000 sq. ft. of Savings on Children's Furniture and Equipment. 34A King St. West, Bowmanville 623-9331 ©J.P, SAVE UP TO W 0 Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16th you'll SAVE 40% on all Spring and Summer fashions. From 9:00 p.m. 'til 12 midnight you'll SAVE 50%. Wear your PJ's between 9:00 and 12 and receive an additional 10% off! (• ALL SALES FINAL " ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS 21 King St. W. 697-1963 Bowmanville ©j.p. Come Join us for Midnight Madness for our selected ARTWORK CLEARANCE Don't forget to visit the "Art Attic" upstairs. See the New James Lumbers Release Imagination $299 framed Other instore specials Just Arrived! New selection of Greeting Cards for all occasions Print only $200 INTOWNE GALLERY 7 King St. East, Bowmnnvillc 623-6411 ©j.p.