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1 The Clarington/Courticc Independent, Bowmanvillc, Saturday, September 27, 1997 Page 19 Right to Strike Remains for Unions Docs anyone remember the "Social Contract?" This dreaded NDP legislation legislation stripped public sector union members of their negotiated rights. Every teacher, firefighter, hospital hospital worker and municipal worker had their contracts opened and negotiated privileges removed. There were no public hearings and the legislation was forced through in less than a week. They call us undemocratic. undemocratic. Bill 136, The Transition and Stability Act, covers most public sector workers during the restructuring of municipalities, hospitals and school boards. I believe that our government has listened and responded to changes suggested by the public sector union leadership, including teachers Next week, the Minister of Education will introduce companion legislation legislation covering teachers. There have been meetings with the • Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) as well as the Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF) and their affiliated unions. Last week, the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Education announced amendments to their legislation. legislation. The right to strike will NOT be removed. Also we have eliminated the two proposed disputes resolution commissions.. Principals and vice-principals vice-principals will be included in their union. I believe that our government government has listened and responded to changes suggested suggested by the public sector union leadership, including including teachers. I believe that both parties parties can now focus on ensuring service- delivery "during- our restructuring without a strike. In education, we must focus on class size and time on task. Our children must have the highest quality, accountable and cost effective system in the world. In conclusion, I believe that most people recognize that changes'are necessary. I also believe that all public sector employees must not have an exclusive monopoly any more than General Motors has a monopoly on ' building cars. The taxpayer cannot continue to pay ever- increasing taxes to pay the wages and benefits of public public sector employees, I also recognize that public sector sector employees need stability stability and some security dur ing the restructuring of municipalities, school boards and hospitals. Finally, every citizen whether they are employed by a small or large business, business, a farm operation, a service or sales organization organization or by the public sector ought to recognize that nothing is certain. Ask the farmer who puts the seeds in the ground only to have the weather turn against him. Ask the car dealership dealership who has to try and sell a poorly designed product in a high interest rate global global economy. This past week, I was pleased to attend the International Plowing Match in Ivy, near Barrie, Ontario. The weather and mood at thé show was optimistic and our reception reception was very positive. The agricultural sector of our economy is growing and the Plowing Match, Fall Fairs and Church Suppers are a fine showcase for Ontario produce. A number of constituents constituents have called, asking asking what is our Premier doing about Canadian Unity? I am pleased that our Premier recognizes this important priority. However, he has made it clear that he wants to hear from the people of Ontario,. All Canadians are equal and have rights protected by law. All provinces, while diverse in their character character from Newfoundland to British Columbia, have equality of status and a unity as a country. Canada is graced by diversity, tolerance, tolerance, compassion and equality of opportunity that is without rival in the world, I believe that any constitutional constitutional change that may confer powers on one province must confer these same powers on all provinces. I recognize the differences and uniqueness in Quebec's lànguage, culture culture and civil law. These unique characteristics must be protected and developed within our country Canada. ™ Our Premier wants to hear from you and has committed to the public consultation process. This past week, I was pleased to be chosen by the Premier and Minister of Environment and Energy to a select committee. committee. This all party committee committee will investigate the safety and recovery plans of our Ontario Hydro Nuclear Plants. I am pleased with this important appointment. I fully recognize recognize the importance of the safety and reliability of our nuclear plants. Furthermore, the two facilities facilities in Durham are very significant employers and contributors to our economic economic well being. :* t. . V. r. BLESSINGS CRUISE & TRAVEL Are Pleased To Announce The Appointment Of Gord Mills / Travel Tour Co-ordinator GORD MILLS is a I senior who has spent almost all of his life serving the public. He is used to dealing with people from all walks of life and has served the community interest well; most recently as a member | of the Ontario Legislature. Gord is congenial, I approachable and caring, a friend to turn to for help, all I qualities that make for a great Tour Co-ordinator, Blessings Cruise & Travel is pleased to welcome Gord to our company and would encourage you to join him on one of his upcoming tours. March 1, 1998 April, 1998 June 15, 1998 August, 1998 CARNIVAL CRUISE CUBA • TOUR SCOTLAND & ENGLAND ALASKA CRUISE GREEK ISLAND CRUISE October, 1998 Contact: BLESSINGS CRUISE & TRAVEL (905) 623-0005 Members of the Special Committee from all three parties, I believe will work together for all Ontarians. Wc have a mountain of work and a short reporting window (September to December 1997). I appreciate appreciate your understanding or any inconvenience this may cause with my constituency constituency schedule. Sometimes we get weary with our schedules. A wise friend told me, "It is not the load that breaks you down, it is the way you carry it".