The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

When How docs legislation get from an idea to a law? As part ' of my participation in the public public hearings this past week on Bill 49, "An Act to improve the Employment Standards Act", I thought you might be interested in how the Legislative Legislative process works. A Bill can become law in a matter of days if everyone agrees, but it can take several months if the bill is controversial. Government works slowly mainly due to politics. Laws begin as ideas, bom out of necessity for change. The government makes policy decisions during the election as well as in response to constituent constituent demands for change. Ministry Ministry staff, policy and research people write the proposed legislation. legislation. The Minister and members of Cabinet review the proposed bill. The government caucus is usually involved prior to First Reading. First Reading: The Minister introduces the legislation (the bill). There is no debate, no amendments and rarely a formal formal vote. This permits the bill to be assigned a number (like Bill 49), be formally printèd, and ordered for second reading. reading. Second Reading: The Minister Minister opens die debate, followed followed by the official opposition opposition and then the third party. The ministry may close the debate. debate. There is a vote by calling for "aye" or "nay". A recorded vote may be called for if five members rise to request a recorded recorded vote. The speaker calls (the bells) all members to report report to the house. It is at this point where the bill can proceed proceed in a couple of different directions. directions. On Second reading, if a Bill is passed by unanimous consent, consent, it can be ordered for "Third Reading" immediately. . If not passed unanimously, it can be referred to "Committee Bills Become mStÆÊ John O'Toole Durham East MPP of the Whole House", to a Standing Committee, or a Select Select Committee as designated by the Minister of the House Leader. Twelve or more members members can demand that the Bill be referred to a Standing Committee. Committee. The committee's are composed of members from all three parties and usually with the majority being government members. Laws begin as ideas, bom out of necessity for change It is important to note that the House Leaders from all three parties do meet and deter- ' mine strategies and amount of time being allowed for debate. You may recall when the Liberal Liberal member Alvin Curling staged a "sit-in" last year to force a delay in the Bill being discussed. This process is a very important, phase where, co-operation and politics often confuses the public but makes great press. The Committee process is less formal and members of the public are invited to make presentations. The committee can travel around the province and gather input. After receiving receiving input, members review thé Bill, "clause by clause." Amendments of changes may be made. If so, the Bill is reprinted reprinted and ordered for Third Reading. Third Reading: usually has limited debate. If unanimous consent is not received, the Bill will be referred to "Committee of the Whole House". This committee is really all members members of the legislature with some ministry staff available for questions and clarifications. At this point, the public at large cannot participate directly, directly, however they most certainly certainly should convey their concerns concerns to their member who can present their ideas. Eventually, the bill will be ordered for Third Reading and a vote will take place. Royal Assent: A law comes into force either on receiving Royal Assent, (signed by the Lieutenant-Governor) or from the date fixed by Proclamation or as specified in the Bill. A bill is not considered law until it has been proclaimed by the Lieutenant-Governor. This past week, as part of the public hearings on Bill 49, The Clarington/Courtice Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, August 31, 1996 23 Laws the Standing Committee on Resources Resources began hearings in Toronto Toronto on Monday, August 19th. We travelled by bus to Hamilton Hamilton on Tuesday, Kitchener on Wednesday, London on Thursday Thursday and Windsor on Friday. We sit every day, usually from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The presenters presenters include both supporters and objectors. I believe we are hearing some good suggestions from both sides. From my position, I do think changes need to be made to the present Employment Standards Act from 1968. The Act covers hours of work, vacation pay, overtime entitlement, severance pay, public holidays, termination pay, pregnancy and parental leave as well as home workers. Currently, over 66% of the employee claims go uncollected uncollected due to bankruptcies and failed businesses. Today, 96% of the claims are for less than $10,000.00, with the average claim being about $2,000.00. The process needs to be reformed reformed to protect the most vulnerable vulnerable workers. The present system is filled with delays and often the claims are pursed both through the courts and the Employment Standards Enforcement Branch. The world of work is changing. changing. We now have people working from their home on computers, small businesses are the growing part of the economy and they need less red tape. I am of the opinion, that if an employee has performed performed the work, they should get all their entitlements in full as soon as possible. There are more good employers than bad just as there are more good employees employees than bad ones. I want a system that is fair, accessible and accountable. "It is much easier to be critical critical than correct". Until next week. FZ / ; f/ llll jHHlup MEET MAX -- High school students will be tapping into a new computer database this September which provides provides information about jobs at over 700 local companies. companies. The career information program was developed by the Bowmanville Rotary Gub in co-operation with the Northumberland/Clarington School Board. Program creators call the system Max, because it should help teens "maximize" their career choices. Pemsing the database database at Bowmanville High School last week were Information Information Co-ordinating Clerk, Rose Cook; Rotary President President Len Koendeiman and Ruth Sorely of the BHS Cooperative Cooperative Education program. Family Hairstyling Centre in the Bowmanville Mall Back to School Specials until Sept. 15/96 Boy's Haircut (12 and under) $10.00 Girl's Haircut (12 and under) $11.00 20% Savings on all Perms For an appointment call 623-2201 7 Days A Week! To Place Your Free Ad Call 1 -800-763-7138 Ext.88 This is a free phone call. Callers must be at least 18 years of age and have a touchtone phone. The Independent Presents: 'the right way to meet the right people' 24 Hours A Day! To Listen & Respond To Ads Call 1-900-451-4552 Ext.88 The cost of this service is only $2.29 per minute. Females Seeking ROMANTIC EVENINGS SWF, 32, single mother, seeking someone for camping, fishing, romantic evenings. I enjoy dancing, dancing, old movies, all you nave to do is leave a message. AD# 1431 SIMILAR QUALITIES SWF, 30, like the outdoors, movies, staying home & going out, having fun & sports, interested interested in meeting someone with similar similar qualities. AD# 1396 CALLING ALL COWBOYS! SWF, 21, cute, 5'3", well proportioned, proportioned, blue eyes, short br. hair, seeking slim to average build male, 21-28 for line dancing, friendship & possible relationship. AD#1398 LAID BACK SWF, looking to meet someone between 20-25. I am into music, going out & having a good time, seeking someone who is laid back & openminded. AD# 1400 CASUAL RELATIONSHIP SWF, 5'11", long blonde hair, blue eyes, seeking casual relationship relationship with someone, 18-29, who is not jealous. AD# 1429 LONGTERM RELATIONSHIP SWF, 21, br. hair, blue eyes, 5'3", 185 lbs., enjoy outdoors, countiv music & animals, seeking SWM, 21-28, slim to average build who is fun & spontaneous. AD# 1401 VERY ATTRACTIVE REDHEAD SWF, very attractive, 5'8", redhead, redhead, tall, hazel eyes, slim build, widow, love the arts, theatre, & have high morals & standards, am intelligent, honest & passionate, passionate, seeking gentleman, widower or well divorced. AD# 1409 BLONDE FEMALE SWF, 5'4", blonde, 125 lbs., enjoy dancing, movies, having fun, seeking someone who enjoys the same. AD# 1397 HI, MY NAME IS HILDA SWF, 46, 57", blonde hair, slim, like cross country skiing, biking, skating, very active, love travelling, travelling, looking for someone who Is honest & sincere, 40-50, tall, active & knows what he wants in life. AD# 1363 SEEK INDEPENDENT MALE SWF, 19, 5'4", 115 lbs., blonde hair, green eyes, enjoy rollerblading, rollerblading, sports, swimming, seeking man who is independent, knows where he is going in life & wants to have a good time. AD# 1370 SEEKING RELATIONSHIP SWF, 19, seeking any male, 18- 26, who enjoys movies & spending spending time together for a relationship. relationship. AD# 1372 GREEN EYES SWF, 21, black hair, green eyes, 5'4", 110 lbs., seeking caring & handsome person wno enjoys going out & having fun or staying home. AD# 1383 FRIENDS FIRST SWF, 41, divorced, 5'3", 120 lbs., enjoy camping, fishing, music & good conversation. Seeking man who knows how to treat a lady, 5'ir, 180 lbs., 42-45. AD# 1427 SPOIL ME SWF, 34, seeking male 34-45. I enjoy mdvies, theatre, walking, dining, evenings at the pub. I want to spoil somebody & I want somebody somebody to spoil me. AD# 1378 FUN TIMES SWF, 39, blonde hair, green .eyes, 5'2", affectionate, romantic, attractive, attractive, (unloving, seeking someone special to share fun times with. AD# 1386 TRY ANYTHING ONCE SWF, professional, European descent, br. shoulder length hair, br. almond eyes, in good shape, would try anything once except skydiving, would like to meet new friends & share intimate times with someone special. AD# 1390 CLASS & STYLE SWF, .37, 5'5", 125 lbs., thick shoulder length auburn hair, warm, ultra feminine, affectionate, seeking man with good morals, manners & means who enjoys good wine & company with a woman who has class & style. AD# 1389 WARM & COMFORTING SWF, 33, ST, br. hair, blue eyes, caring, warm .intelligent, loyal, romantic, good sense of humour, enjoy bowling, dancing, movies, swimming, seeking SWM, monogamous, monogamous, 30-40, who can appreciate the above. AD# 1417 ROMANTIC AT HEART SWF, 45, blonde hair, blue eyes, full-figured, attractive, caring, thoughtful, kind & gentle, enjoy camping, old movies, looking for someone to treat me like a lady. AD# 1365 SERIOUS PERSON ONLY SWF, 43,5', 100 lbs., br. hair, blue eyes, like to meet male, 34-48, divorced person only please. AD# 1435 BETTY DAVIS EYES SWF, 39, Betty Davis eyes, looking looking for somebody who is kind romantic, caring & likes kids. AD# 1402 PROFESSIONAL FEMALE SF, 32, professional, Asian features, features, enjoy family, friends, romance, keeping fit, good food, good music, travel, sports, seeking male friend for possible long term relationship. AD# 1411 LONG BROWN HAIR SWF, 5'8", 18, long br. hair, br. eyes, enjoy dancing, raves, movies, seeking female, 18-22 to hang out with & talk to. AD# 1350 ATTRACTIVE FEMALE SWF, late 40's, attractive, enjoy music, movies, casual dinners, long drives, nice evenings at home, seeking someone with similar similar interests, must be non-smoker. AD# 1327 SEEK HANDSOME MALE SWF, 18, 5'4", 105 lbs., seeking SWM, handsome, athletic, 18-25 & interested in furthering your education. education. AD# 1313 DOWN TO EARTH SWF, 5'6", 135 lbs., blonde hair, blue eyes, down to earth, seeking honest male, who likes to go to the cottage & south to Florida. AD# 1326 FRIENDSHIP FIRST SDF, 41, 5'3", 120 lbs., enjoy outdoors, outdoors, sports, camping, fishing, good conversation & dining out, seeking male, 41-45,6', 180lbs. & no head games. AD# 1328 CASUAL DATING SWF, 24, interested in meeting someone for casual dating & later becoming serious relationship. I enjoy dancing, dining, sports, hiking hiking & cycling. AD# 1329 POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP SWF, 18, 5'8", long br. hair, hazel eyes, seeking male, 18-25, who is honest & enjoys going out, movies, spending time alone, for friendship & possible relationship. AD#1353 GOOD TIMES SWF, 40, 5', 107 lbs., model, have one child, absolutely love the outdoors, outdoors, skiing, cycling, camping, love to live life the way it is, seek male who is into good times, good looking & a nice guy. AD# 1356 SEEKING RELATIONSHIP SWF, 18, 5'2", shoulder length br. hair, hazel eyes, seeking male 18- 22, who is honest & enjoys movies & dancing for relationship. AD# 1367 FREE FOR WOMEN!!! Women may retrieve messages for free once per day by calling calling 1-800-763-7138 Ext.88, Option 2. BASEBALL & HOCKEY SWF, 5'2", red hair, enjoy sports, baseball, hockey, dancing, music, seeking a man who is willing to have a good time & party. AD# 1207 LONG BLONDE HAIR SWF, 18, long blonde hair, blue eyes, 5'5", 120 lbs., seeking handsome handsome SWM, 18-25 who likes to get down & dirty. AD# 1344 , OLD-FASHIONED VALUES SWF, 48, old fashioned values, its no fun to be alone, seeking male 40-55, kindhearted, good sense of humour, romantic & willing to begin a relationship. AD# 1022 BIG BLUE EYES SWF, 23, 5'3", long red hair, big blue eyes, seeking people to go out with & have a good time, enjoy dancing, dining, the bar scene, outdoors. AD# 1357 WILD AT HEART SWF, 30, wild at heart, attractive, intelligent, 5'4", 115 lbs., auburn hair, blue green eyes, seeking a friend & partner for fun & interesting interesting quality times. AD# 1305 SINGLE FEMALE SWF, 18, seeking blonde male, 18-19. Leave message.AD# 1377 NO HEAD GAMES SWF, 46, medium build, br. hair, br. eyes, caring, compassionate, friendly, outgoing, enjoy sports, movies, long walks, children. Seeking a canng, kind & considerate considerate male. Single fathers OK. AD# 1318 YOUNG AT HEART SWF, 38, 5T', young at heart, good sense of humour, enjoy music, dancing, cottage life, animals. animals. Seeking a long term relationship relationship with someone I can trust. AD# 1316 LOOKING FOR FRIENDS SWF, 23, 5'2", br. hair, blue eyes, 135 lbs., seeking male to become friends with. I enjoy music, dancing, dancing, movies & sports. AD# 1263 FEMININE LADY Feminine SWF, 60, retired lady, sense of humour, seeking gentleman gentleman who enjoys companionship & outings. AD# 1343 YOUTHFUL OUTLOOK Young & vibrant SWF, 5'5", long auburn hair, 120 lbs., youthful outlook outlook on life, seeking outgoing, happy, healthy, financially secure, single hunk. AD# 1270 ; GOOD TIMES Easygoing SWF.19,5'9", long br. hair, br. eyes, seeking someone who likes to have a good time. If you want to hang out & do stuff, leave me a message. AD# 1369 WATCHING THE SUNSET Blonde SWF, 23, 5'2", blue eyes, seeking a male to be friends with. I enjoy dancing, music, movies, long walks & watching the sunset. AD# 1265 Males Seeking ATHLETIC & HANDSOME SWM, 6'2", 188 lbs., athletic, handsome, new in town, like to meet someone who is athletic, attractive, ambitious & likes to travel & have a good time. AD# 1414 BODYBUILDER SWM, 6'2", 225 lbs., blonde hair, blue eyes, bodybuilder, enjoy drag racing, long walks. I have a good sense of humour & am willing to do anything. AD# 1412 NO COUCH POTATO SWM, 37, 6'3", 220 lbs., good shape, very active, like to play darts, camping, fishing, cooking, no dependents, seeking someone someone who likes garage sales. AD#1428 CONNECT WITH ME SWM, 26, 57", European, slim, dark hair, br. eyes, hoping to meet somebody to connect with, enjoy bar scene, nights in, long walks, looking to meet somebody & start off as friends. AD# 1448 PROFESSIONAL MALE SWM, 26, 5'8", 150 lbs., br. hair, br. eyes, fit, attractive, seeking males who are fit, attractive, up to 35. AD# 1406 ALL AROUND NICE GUY SWM, 20, 6'1", long auburn hair, br. eyes, seeking down to earth woman, 19-22, spontaneous, spontaneous, energetic, sociable. I am an all around nice guy who likes music & loves to play hockey. AD# 1373 SPORTS & MUSIC SBM, 51, 57", medium build, like to meet someone who is interested in sports & music. AD# 1376 COLLEGE STUDENT SWM, 20, college student, like to dance & party, seeking someone to have fun with who I can make laugh & can make me laugh. AD# 1384 IRISH MALE SWM, 33, Irish, career oriented, well balanced lifestyle, 6', 190lbs„ no baggage, no dependents, dependents, interested in soccer. AD# 1382 GOOD TIMES SWM, 6', br. hair, blue eyes, 218 lbs., looking for someone to do stuff with & have a good time. I enjoy biking, camping & movies. AD#1379 SEEK FUN FEMALE SWM, 30, looking for a fun female who likes to go swimming, movies, dancing, walks & going out for diner. AD# 1387 OUTDOORS & MOVIES SWM, 30, 6', 150 lbs., seeking n/smoking, easygoing female, 23-35 who loves the outdoors, movies & having fun. AD# 1388 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SWM, 6'2", 190 lbs., long br. hair, br. eyes, good conversationalist, like outdoor activities, watching t.v„ like to meet a nice, petite or tall, slim woman. AD# 1392 FUN & OUTGOING SWM, seeking someone who is fun & outgoing for a possible long term relationsnip.AD#1444 DISCRETE RELATIONSHIP SWM, 35, professional, outgoing type of guy, seeking special friend & discrete relationship. AD# 1342 SETTLING DOWN SWM, enjoy working out, outdoors, outdoors, staying home, seeking someone wno is interested in settling settling down & fun. AD# 1322 SPORTS ENTHUSIAST SWM, sports enthusiast, enjoy walks ori the lake & fine dining. Please give me a call.AD# 1321 ATTRACTIVE MALE SWM, S'y, dark hair, dark eyes, attractive, muscular body, seeking seeking attractive, long legged woman, 25-42 who is interested in fun times, friendship & possible erotic times. AD# 1354. Customer Service 416-236-6644