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

( Page 10 The Clarington/Courticc Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, January 10, 199S Government Did the Right Thing To Purchase "Chev" Helicopters Highland Dancers Perform at Mall On Saturday, December 13th, members of the Douglas highland dance school entertained shoppers at the Bowmanville Mall. The dancers, along with some of their instructors and helpers, are pictured above, just before the show. Change Will Bring Progress Report from Queen's Park and honestly tell them, we are not spending your future. The two major issues that we must all understand are: health care and educational funding. Health care delivery is changing. For the past decade, all three provincial parties have acknowledged change. For 1998-99, our government has committed $18.2 billion for health care, up from $17.4 billion in 1995. In this my first article of 1998,1 want to wish each of you and your family a healthy, happy and prosperous prosperous 1998. I hope you have had an enjoyable and restful holiday. My wife, Peggy, and I were pleased to have most of our children home for Christmas with the exception of our daughter Rebecca who is married and now living in Australia. Our oldest son, Erin, is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, stationed in Halifax. Our three other children children were home from university university and certainly did relax and take over our home. We had a wonderful Christmas but arc pleased with the return to normal. Reflecting on our past year is a normal place to start as we prepare for a new year, 1 read an article in the Toronto Star of December 27, 1997. Normally, the Toronto Star has not given much fair attention attention to our government. Ian Urquhart's article "Look too far right and you'll miss the Tories", was a fair view of the changes we have made. When you elected us, we promised, to make changes. The opportunity to make the i needed changes was all tied to the November 1997 municipal municipal election. We promised fewer politicians and we have delivered. We promised to disentangle the funding of services between the province and the municipalities including including educational funding. We have delivered on a new property tax assessment system. system. We are continuing the restructuring of health care and hospitals. We promised to reform our welfare system. We promised to cut taxes and balance our budget. We arc well on the way to delivering on the promises we made to you. Halfway through our mandate, our deficit is now $5.6 billion, in 1995 it was over $11 billion. We have reduced your Ontario personal income taxes by 22.4% on target for a 30% tax break. We promised over 700,000 net new jobs and in the last nine months we have 204,000 net new jobs. At the same lime, the number of individuals on welfare has dropped by 250,000. Our provincial and federal revenues revenues have increased while reducing taxes. Our Ontario economy is pacing Canada with 63% on all new jobs in the country. Ontario business confidence is up 16.7%, business business investment is up 24.7%, housing starts were up 27% in 1997, consumer confidence is up 18.7% and exports arc up 6.5% in 1997. I recognize that change is not easy. Each and every one of us has been affected in some way. As I look back, I know 1 have had some difficult difficult times. I hate to sec people struggling. No one deliberately deliberately sets out to make another person's life more difficult. I still conclude that we must each share in the restructuring of this great province. Most of my constituents realize that changes were necessary necessary and that we could not continue to live on borrowed money and our children's future. 1 can honestly tell you, as your elected member of provincial parliament, that there were times when 1 would have liked to have stopped, chickened out and run for cover. However, when I examined examined the alternatives, I realized realized that most other governments governments lacked the courage to address the tough issues. I can also look my five children and their friends in the eye This is the largest funding commitment to health care in the history of Ontario. Hospital restructuring and improved home care must occur together as we arc committed committed to delivering patient services closer to home. On December 30, 1997, our government confirmed stable funding for the balance of the current school year (1997-98), commonly referred to as the stub year. We have committed to $7.942 billion or 62% of the funding needed to complete the school year. Furthermore, the new fair funding formula for each student will be announced in plenty of lime for the new district boards to arrange their budgets for September 1998. In addition, your government is adding an additional $170 million to recognize growth as well as Continued on page 11 Is the AW520 helicopter the same as the EH 101? Well that's like asking if a Chev is like a Cadillac. The comparison illustrates the kind of issues surrounding the selection of the AW520, a search and rescue helicopter, built by Cormorant, the same company who builds the EH 101. The government's opposition opposition will portray the selection as a repeal of the EH 101 issue which, you will recall, the government cancelled at great cost to taxpayers. The opposition will also argue the selection was political political in nature. I'm saying it's the absence of politics that allowed the government to establish a bidding and selection process that provided the best terms for the taxpayer. Politically it would have been easier to pick an entirely different manufacturer. I think Canadians understand understand the need exists to replace our aging search and rescue Labrador helicopters. These are so old they are no longer manufactured. The EH 101 was designed for anti-submarine warfare, but the cold war is over. Canada, with the longest coastline in the world, and second largest land mass, clearly needs new helicopters to provide help and equipment equipment over long ranges. Even with the cost of contract contract cancellation the AW520 is 30 per cent cheaper than the El II01. That's good new for taxpayers. Then there's the issue of timing. When Mulroncy's government was pursuing a Cadillac helicopter Canada suffered from a $42 billion deficit. People were losing jobs and the country was in a recession. Clearly the EH 101 was the wrong helicopter at the wrong time. The contract for the AW520 cost $593 million over eight years. Cormorant has agreed to spend the equivalent of this here in Canada which will supply jobs and develop new technology technology at home. Some Canadians will ask why the Sea King helicopter will continue flying even though they are well past their prime. Essentially, the Sea King is a military helicopter used by Maritime Command, smaller than the AW520 and equipped for short-range surveillance. surveillance. It's the equipment inside the Sea King, as opposed to the Sea King itself that's important. But a similar bidding process to replace them will occur shortly. Initially there were four bidders to replace the Labradors. Two couldn't meet contract specifications which left Boeing and Cormorant. Boeing was more expensive expensive in purchase price and to operate. Obviously these arc the two critical areas for Canadian taxpayers, so this left the awarding of the contract contract to Cormorant. In the final analysis the selection process is no different different than the family who wants a new car, preferably a Cadillac. They realize that with their income, plus the mortgage, they will just have to make due for a while with the vehicle they presently own. A number of years later, when a few bills are paid, they decide they can get along just as well with a new Chev instead of the Caddy. In selecting the AW520 1 believe the federal government government did the right thing regardless of what criticisms government's opposition tries to create. Business Directory To Advertise Phone 623-3303 ACCOUNTANCY HOBB BAKKER BERGIN HILL Chartered Accountants Peter A. Hobb, C.A. Wilmar J. Bakker, C.A. Ian F. Bergin, C.A Thomas F.G. Hill C.A. ' 118 King St. E„ Bowmanville 623-9461 STEPHEN J. SUTHERLAND Chartered Accountant 13 John Street West Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1W8 721-8600 N.L. WOODHOUSE & ASSOC. Certified General Accountant Training on NcwViews and ACCPAC Simply Accounting Installations and Support 8 Holgate Cres., Bowmanville 623-9650 LAING & McHARDY CHARTERED ■ ACCOUNTANTS Michael D. Laing, c.a. Stephen J. McHardy, b.a., c.a. Jeffrey L. Rohr, B.Acc., C.A. 40 King SI. West, Oshawa, Ont. L1H 7L1 (905) 579-6245 Michael Sullivan Chartered Accountant Audits, Reviews. Tux 697-3736 3 Silver St.. Bowmanville httiiV/liome. ican.net/- ms/cu AUTO INSURANCE /instate* HOME «AUTO'INSURANCE Darlene Ferguson 905-987-1611 BRIDAL SERVICES f WIkh If ou Know IfoWi lorn U Special, • Invitations • Announcements • Bridal Books • Napkins «Accessories 3 Books to choose from James Publishing Co. Ltd. 62 King St. W, Bowmanville Telephone (905)623-3303 BANQUET HALL RENTAL Licensed Banquet Hall lor up to WO people Coloring Services Available lor • Wedding Receptions • Business Meetings • Parlies • Dances, Etc. Bowmanville Country Club (905) 623-2670 FAX SERVICE Send or Receive Important Documents Anywhere In the World 24 Hours a Day James Publishing Co. Ltd. 62 King St, W., Bowmanville (905) 623-3303 or Fax: (905) 623-6161 BOOKKEEPING SERVICES My Bookkeeping Services LET US HELP YOU FIND TIME SAVE MONEY REDUCE STRESS We take care of "ALL" your bookkeeping needs on a timely basis. Call Linda at (905) 623-0775 FREE HALF HOUR CONSULTATION BUSINESS SERVICES I HANDS ON Business Services' New Business Set Ups Training on Simply Accounting, Bookkeeping, Payroll, Import/Export Consultation, Reports, Letters, Faxes, Copies. Teressa Handson | Ph. (905) 263-2983 Fax (905) 263-2966^ CATERING 25 Years Award Winning Customer Service Un Ifteimtesancc Catering • Gourmet Food Menu • Professional Staff • Surprisingly Affordable Donna Bégin 905-623-3339 CHIROPRACTIC OPTIMAL HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE Dr. Dianne Lott, D.C. Dr. Anthony Yearwood D.C. -697-0355- • Chiropractic Care • Laser Acupuncture Massage Therapy and Reflexology OPEN MON. THROUGH SAT. • Same day appls. available 152 Church St., Bowmanville DRESSMAKING SUPPLIES COTTONWOOD TCLOTHING & FABRICS Unique fabrics always 25% below suggested list prices. • Sewing Supplies • Patterns 85 Station St., Orono 983-9167 (Located in Orono Building & Decorating) FINANCIAL SERVICES Financial Advice You Can Count On! 1 Mutual Funds* • RRSPs/RRIFs 1 Life Insurance • Annuilics/GICs Cull for u quotation! Jnlm Willoughby 623-403* or 623-3108 The Mutual Group Lkonsod with Mutual Lifo et CnnadoAkituol Invoilco Inc.' two <xxnpanio$ of Tho Muiuil Group. FINANCIAL SERVICES t REGAL CAPITAL PLANNERS LTD. Since 1968 24 King St. E., Bowmanville "Canada's Largest Independent Financial Planning Organization" - RRSP's -RRIF's - Mutual Funds -Trust Funds -Tax and Estate Planning Steve Scatterty, Financial Advisor 623-1936 I FORTUNE FINANCIAL 4--3 - LOVranin • Mutual Funds • RRSP Products • RRIFs & Annuities • Stocks • Bonds • Life Insurance • Tax and Estate Planning Neil McGregor Fortune Financial Corporation, CO*! OAAA Member:CIPF& 040*44 I "f Montreal Exchange Freedom55 The freedom to choose. The power to get there. • Life Insurance • Disability insurance • RRSP and Investment planning • Annuities, RRIFs and LIFs • Group Products • Mutual funds Dwight L. Hickson Toll freo: 1-800-341-5586 Newcastle: 905-987-1345 GARDENING SERVICES VISSER'S NURSERY & SOD FARM Phone: S0D' Rclail (905) 263 - 2126 • Wholesale FRESH CUT ' DAILY Pickup and Delivery K fi s V/, I miles £ ■ Vlssor's Nursery Mllcholls Corners 5 Taunlon Rd. E. a i? To Couillco HEALTH SERVICES Counselling Service DAVID RADCLIFFE, B.A..M.S.W. Personal • Marital • Family Vanstone Mill-The Stable Building 116 King SI. W., Unit 1B, Bowmanville APPOINTMENTS: 623-8938 234 King St. East Bowmanville Family Wellness Centre % Clarington Rehabilitation Sports Injury & Massage Therapy Clinic 623-8202 Bowmanville (ouf | Family Chiropractic Centre Acupuncture * Homeopathy ■ 623-8388 Clarington Physiotherapy Registered Physiotherapist Sports Medicine Supplies 623-8202 Bowmanville Family Foot Care Clinic Foot Orthotics • Nail Surgery 623-8202 Walk-in Clinic Monday through Saturday We accept W.C.B., OHIP, and Extended Health lns,_ HOME IMPROVEMENTS Ed Piho Enterprises Residential •Commercial All Types of Construction ■ Repairs/Renovations • Kitchens/Bathrooms • Properly Maintenance • Landscaping All Types of Masonry 905-623-5799 MR. BRUSH Additions, Renovations Painting, Repairs Quality Work at Reasonable Rates ONE CALL DOES IT ALL 24 Hr. Emergency Service Tel. (905) 623-8673 Noel LIFE INSURANCE HUTTON INSURANCE AGENCY LTD. 52 King St. W„ Bowmanville Don Hutton Bus: 623-7688 Res: 263-8589 Lifo Insurance RRSP's RRIF's Your Ad Could Be Here! To Advertise Phone 623-3303 PIANO TUNING John H. Yates > 30 years experience in Niagara Region ' Recently relocated in Bowmanville ('95) » Looking forward to servicing your piano Phone (905) 697-1336 SERVICES Finishes tracyOsmond Complete Furniture Restoration and Repair Caninq, Veneering, Carving, French Polish 7 8 6 2 4 7 7 THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME INTERIOR DESIGN 2173 Hwy. #2, Bowmanville 623-7483 . Margaret Coombes Gloria Brooks • In-Home Consultations • Furniture ■ Window Treatments • Wallcoverings ,^-Jean Simone School of Dance ■ and Kid's Paradise , ( Ballet • Tap * Jazz * 2172 years - adult J3 Birthday Parties held in indoor playground! bk Private daycare provided. Now registering for fall classes. 1 697-1943 V 120 Waverly Rd. Plaza, Bowmanville t, IflLLlENGEi SECURITV SYSTEMS Complete Home Protection * s 29.99 per month* Call 905-885-0575 Sanrs Goldsmith 47 King SI. E„ Bowmanville (905) 623-9340 Specializing In Custom Made Jewellery Bring your old gold lor remolding and restyling. Glasses, rings, matching rings, Jacket rings, watches, chains, clocks, batteries, walchbands Repairs done as you wait WE BUY GOLD SNOWPLOWING SERVICES mr. trim lawn & garden services SNOW CLEARING Commercial_JL--.Residential We even do sidewalks!! since 1975 623-9711 (&£&£&*%££ 434-9428 SUPPLIES AND SAIÆS ORONO BUILDING & DECORATING Sinco 1935 • Plumbing • Roollng • Electrical • Paint • Lumbor • Decorating 85 Station St„ Orono 983-9167