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- Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday. Bcceoibcr 20, 2000 "*^ 1 Provincial fonds will expand programs DURHAM REGION - Every baby bom In Durham Region will be checked for hearing problems through a new infant hearing screening program program announced December 18, 2000. The new program will receive $232,883 in start-up funding and $331,983 in ongoing annual funding to ensure babies and their families get help and support as soon as possible. Making the announcement announcement on behalf of Health and Long Term Care Minister Elizabeth Witmer were Janet Ecker, MPP Pickering-Aj ax- Uxbridge; Jim Flaherty, MPP Whitby-Ajax; Jerry Ouellette, MPP Oshawa and John R. OToole, MPP Durham. The MPPs also announced an additional $184,804 for Preschool Speech and Language programs in the Durham Region. This new funding will expand the program program to serve more children. As a result of December 18th's investment, preschool children who turn five before they enter senior kindergarten kindergarten will continue to receive speech and language support as they make the transition into school. With the additional funds, the Preschool Speech and Language Program will receive a total of $1,084,935 in 2000/2001. "These two important child development programs are helping Durham Region families families give their children the best start in life," said Durham MPP John R. OToole. "Tour government is making sound investment, in Ontario's future -- our children." children." "Our government believes strongly in creating services that help children get a better better start in life. These investments investments will directly benefit children in Durham Region at an early age and help to identify problems that are best treated at an early age," said Janet Ecker, MPP Rckering-Ajax-Uxbridge. Jim Flaherty, MPP for Whitby-Ajax, said: This government government believes Ontario's best resource is our children. Therefore this funding is truly an investment in Ontario's future. Mr. Flaherty went on to say, "this announcement is important becausfe it gives babies and preschool children access to screening and audiology support support and services within the community." "By providing these two child development programs, children in Oshawa will benefit benefit and parents can be assured that their children will receive an opportunity to grow up healthy and receive the very best start in life," said Oshawa MPP Jerry J. Ouellette. Babies bom in Ontario are currently tested for hearing problems through the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program. The new Infant Hearing Screening Program will expand testing for babies in neonatal inten sive care units and will ensure that infants with hearing problems start treat- -«I wMomf "With so many good people here, Santa will he making an extra-long stop in, Orono!" Many thanks from Taylor Sand &. Gravel Doug, Gary & Minnie ment sooner and that they continue to receive support as they grow up. "December 18th's announcement is part of our government's commitment to support healthy child development," development," said Elizabeth Witmer, Minister of Health and Long Term Care. "We want to ensure that every child in this province is given every opportunity to grow up healthy and happy." The new multi-million dollar dollar Infant Hearing Screening Program is the first ever provided provided in Ontario. The $23 million Preschool Speech and Language Program was launched by the Harris government in 1997. This year, it is expected expected to help over 60,000 preschool children across Ontario. RECYCLE 'To all our patrons, friends and neighbours, wishing you the very best this holiday season, and good health and happiness in the new millennium." ORONO ELECTRIC "Herb" Keep on Santa's 'Good Lisf'this year by using two Blue Boxes All I want for Christmas is a second Blue Box... Blue Boxes can be purchased for just $4 Call the Region of Durham's Recycling Centre at 1-800-667-5671 Please Recycle Rit)ht» ■ ■ . Use one Blue Box for 'Fibres" Newspapers, Inserts, Flyers, ' Magazines, Catalogues, Junk Mail, Envelopes, Paperback Books, Greeting Cards & Wrapping Paper, and Telephone Books Use'a second Blue Box for . 'Containers" Glass Bottles & Jars, Metal Food & Beverage Containers, Aluminùm Pie Plates, and all Plastic Containers with a number " 1 " in'side the recycling symbol. Cardboard and Boxhoard are flattened.ahd bundled on top of or beside your Blue Boxes.