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Orono Weekly limes, Wednesday, February 23, 2000 - 11 Christmas committee Board holds meeting Residents at the Fosterbrooke Long Term Care Facility in Newcastle were treated to an extra special Christmas party this year, complete with individualized gifts, thanks to the volunteer staff committee. The committee fundraised all year, to be able to put on the party that met the individual needs of each of the Facilities' 88 residents. Committee members, back row, left to right - Sharon Mahamod, Cathy Ford, Pauline Lynde. Front row - Doris Mason and Phyllis Foster from the resident's council, and Bev Leskiw. Absent - Judy Molica and Vicky Blight. PARLIAMENT HILL Alex Shepherd . SAME SEX BENEFITS The government this week Introduced an omnibus bill designed to amend over 160 statutes to allow for the entitlement entitlement of benefits and obligations obligations in same-sex relationships. relationships. The courts indicated many federal government statutes do not stand the test of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by discriminating against same-sex relationships. relationships. Many of the provinces have already passed similar legislation. legislation. For many of us, including me, it is difficult to second-guess second-guess what the opinion of the people of Durham is. I've listened to the debates and read various briefings and it seems to me the question question becomes one of discrimination. discrimination. Most of us would agree that - irrespective of what we think of alternative lifestyles, people shouldn't be discriminated discriminated against. However, you have to take a big step backward to see the issue of benefits and entitlements entitlements in a larger context. One of the acts being amended is the Income Tax Act. The amendment would allow same-sex partners, who live in a dependency relationship relationship to claim the other, much as heterosexual couples now claim a spouse who is techni cally dependent. Is this a form of discrimination discrimination against same-sex relationships? relationships? Some people in Durham would argue it is not. But for the sake of argument let's assume it is. The second test of a relationship relationship in order to qualify for a benefit is that people must be living in a conjugal relationship. relationship. This, probably more than anything, enrages many in our community. By definition this means' couples must be having sex. There is likely a case to be made that even some heterosexual heterosexual relationships may not now be conjugal and, ultimately, ultimately, who is to decide? (Remember, "the courts don't belong in the bedrooms of the nation," line used in the 60s). It is instructive that the word conjugal, as opposed to, co-habitation is used. And this is the crux of the matter. Are homosexual relationships relationships discriminated against any more than say a daughter living with a sick mother and supporting her or any other combination of family relationships relationships where dependency exists? Frankly there is all sorts of discrimination in our country, country, Is a single mom discrim- Transportatien consortium Trustees' voted to approach the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Claringtoii Catholic District School Board to establish an ad hoc joint transportation committee "to explore shared transportation opportunities." opportunities." If the Catholic Board agrees to formation of the committee, Kawartha Pine Ridge will be represented by Trustees Christopher Nelson and Roy Wilfong. The committee committee also would include the two directors of education or designates, and other members members of administration as necessary. The Kawartha Pine Ridge Board's representatives on the joint committee would provide trustees with an update after each meeting. "As trustees, we wholeheartedly wholeheartedly support any opportunities opportunities to share services with other school boards, and we have been successful successful in implementing many shared programs," says Board Chairperson Catharine Tozer. "They allow us to combine our efforts and continue to meet our students' students' needs, and they make financial sense." Following its recent review of the Kawartha Pine Ridge Board, - the provincial Education Improvement Commission noted existing inated against? What about the disabled or children living living in poverty? So the issue becomes one of prioritization. Why do same-sex couples who cany on a conjugal relationship relationship have a priority over other groups? There are two reasons. First, economically the finance department tells us that to include this provision will only cost the government $10 million. To include a broader form of dependency would cost at least $300 million. million. The impact on private pension plans could be horrendous horrendous and would likely result In entitlements being reduced. The second reason for prioritization prioritization is simply the fact that you don't see daughters or sons parading up and down the streets demanding an end to discrimination. The point about discrimination discrimination is what I have the most trouble with. I ask myself, if we are truly the champions of ending discrimination then why don't we find more holistic holistic ways to be more inclusive? There's no question politicians politicians have shirked their duty by allowing the courts to Interpret society's changing attitudes. It seems like politicians politicians are the last to act. And in this case, acting last still doesn't catch us up with people in an aging society society who are entitled to similar treatment. successes at the Board, in shared services, and recommended recommended trustees move towards developing a regional regional transportation consortium with the Catholic Board. The Kawartha Pine Ridge Board and the local Catholic Board successfully implemented implemented joint busing for the Grafton area in 1996 and for the Campbellford area in 1998. Two other joint approaches approved by Kawartha Pine Ridge's predecessor predecessor boards in the past few year were turned down by the Catholic Board. "We are very optimistic that we will be able to come to an agreement regarding increased sharing of services," services," adds Tozer. "We agree with ■ the Education Improvement Commission that it's the way to go." The motions related to the transportation consortium were made by Trustee Joyce Mackenzie, who noted Kawartha Pine Ridge's predecessor' predecessor' Boards had been engaged in discussions with the Catholic Board on this issue as early as December 1986. Dedication Ron Sudds' dedication to children, through his work as former Board business superintendent and through his personal life, was lauded during the ceremony dedicating dedicating the Kawartha Pine Ridge Education Centre in his memory. A full house attended the dedication ceremony ceremony for Sudds, who died almost a year ago on the job. Tozer was joined by Board Vice-chairperson Bob Willsher, Trustee Judi Armstrong and Director of Education Dick Malowney in lauding Sudd's high personal personal standards, boundless energy, devotion to his family family and his church, and province-wide influence, "He had great impact on the lives of children," says Tozer. "He based his financial financial recommendations on doing what was right for students. students. He was deeply respected by his peers, and he earned that respect." "Ron's energy and enthusiasm enthusiasm were legendary and he ' worked tirelessly to make the world a better place to be," agrees Malowney. "In many ways, he succeeded. His personal personal integrity was beyond question and he was dedicated dedicated to students and to public public education. It was an honour honour and à pleasure to work with him." Sudds' wife, Frances, joined at the ceremony by their children and other family family members, unveiled a dedication dedication plaque. Its inscription states: "This Education Centre is dedicated to the memory of Ron Sudds, Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer, whose unfailing leadership and unparalleled contributions contributions to public education gained the respect of his colleagues colleagues and trustees, and won recognition provincewide. provincewide. He died on 19 March 1999, while doing what he 'loved: working on behalf of all learners of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. He left a legacy from which students will benefit for years to come." The plaque was placed in the garden near the main entrance to the building, which will continue to be known as the Kawartha Pine Ridge Education Centre. f/i 1 Pedicures/Manicures Waxing Nail Extensions Ear Candling Eyelash Tinting Air Brushing Electronic Muscle Stimulate (EMS) ESTHETIC STUDIO Brigitte Brown Gift Certificates Available ^ 171 Mill St, Orono, ON LOB 1M0 • (905) 983-8169 For your convenience, CISC Orono offers you extended hours for RRSP season. • Thursday, February 24th 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Friday, Februaiy25th 9:30 am - 8:00 pm Saturday, February 26th 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Sunday, February 27 Closed Monday, February 28th ' 9:30 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday, February 29th CIÎ 9:30 am - 8:00 pm ►C