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4 - Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday, October 8,2003 Viewpoint by Alex Shepherd MP Durham Paying more than our share A new government ensconced in Queen's Park provides an opportunity to review the relationship between the federal and provincial governments. From 1993 to now I have watched the steady erosion of relationships between the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario. The lack of trust and infighting has poisoned relations. This is a sad commentary in a country where people want governments to co-operate co-operate for the common good. Whether it is health care, immigration, even crime, the Ontario government has constantly constantly pointed a finger at Ottawa in an attempt to divert blame from themselves. I understand the federal government have to bear some responsibility but not all of it. One of the fundamentals of this finger pointing is the province's so-called fiscal deficit which is the belief that Ontario taxpayers are bearing a disproportionate share of the cost of running the country. There is no question Ontario pays out more in taxation taxation than it receives in government government benefits. But as Canadians we, in Ontario, really have to ask ourselyes what it is that nation building, which is an ongoing process, is all about? We have areas right across Canada that receive more benefits benefits than they pay for. Look at the north, our aboriginal communities, communities, and western provinces like Saskatchewan. Do the math. These regions are not paying for all their health-care services, education, education, police protection etc. The radical right in our country would have us believe that each region should be self sufficient and when disparities occur that the population should simply move to a more advantageous location. All this would promote and produce is a nation of nomads constantly on the move to find our economic equilibrium. It s not the recipe for Creating a nation. While political posturing can be useful for media-savvy politicians, over the long run, it causes more damage than it cures. Ontario has a big role to play in nation building and this role transcends way beyond the borders of this province. It was Conservative premiers premiers like Bill Davis and John Robarts and NDP premier Bob Rae, who took these obligations obligations seriously. The actions of the last provincial government over their eight years in power showed a complete^ lack of understanding about what Ontario's history has been in building this great federation and what its position in this country is. It will be difficult for the new premier of Ontario to resist the temptation of asking what it is being a partner in the Canadian federation offers Ontario. Some will suggest this attitude attitude is driven by the baby- boom generation who have asked, "What's in it for me," all their lives. Now that we are all getting older, better health care, transportation transportation services and other public goods are becoming more important to us. We are starting to realize life is too short to be so greedy. We may have lower taxes but we also have crummy crummy schools and uncertain health care and that isn't a good combination. The Government of Canada, along with Queen's Park, should start focusing on the things that are important to Ontario and Canadians. I hope the new government will take a responsible role in the ever-evolving federation called Canada. And yes we are going to keep on paying a bit more than we receive but in the end our countiy is worth it. • Air Brushing ESTHETIC STUDIO • Eyelash Tinting • Electronic Muscle Stimulate (EMS) • Paraffin Wax ■ - 1 Brigitte Brown *** Gift Certificates Available 15 % DISCOUNT with coupon 171 Mill Street, Orono, ON LOB I MO • 905-983-8169 Carol McCulloch served a cob to William Jones at the Orono Crown Lands Trust 'meet-and-greet' barbecue/corn roast event Saturday afternoon. New public transit route questioned Some Clarington residents are questioning the wisdom of the municipally-run bus service service soon to be introduced for Orono and Wilmot Creek. At least a dozen people have signed a letter to town council expressing their concern concern that the pilot project is a duplication of Laidlaw's present present service. Faced with competition, competition, that company is likely likely to terminate its round-about route many have relied on for years, the letter-writers' fear. The new alternative, a town- run service, would not reach as many out-of-the-way hamlets. hamlets. Shirley Robbins, who does not drive, worries that she and others in Newcastle trailer park might not be served. For many with physical limitations limitations a walk even to the GO bus line is a daunting thought, she adds. Another rider, Daisy Morrison of Wilmot Creek wonders how successful a O'Toole Continued from front was 82 per cent. Voter turnout in Durham Riding was 1 per cent higher than the provincial average at 58 per cent. Bethesda House new Clarington service would be in her retirement community community where most folks have cars. "I don't see it (the new service) service) dropping people off at their houses." A copy of the letter published published in this week's Orono Times has been sent to Mayor John Mutton, and local councillors councillors Charlie Trim and Gord Robinson. Tor Your Support I look forward to continuing to serve as your Durham Riding Member of Provincial Parliament. John O'Toole MPP Durham paid for by the Durham Provincial PC Riding Association Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home THOUGHTFULNESS, SERVICE & CONCERN A Family Owned Business, Offering: Traditional Funeral Services Pre-arranged & Prepaid Services - Cremation Arrangements Alternatives to Traditional Funerals - Out of Town Shipping CORY KHI FERS - PRESIDENT 905-623-5668 OFF STREET PARKING 53 Division Street llowmanville,'Ontario MC 2Z8