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~ VIEWPOINT Canadians are getting ready to celebrate Canada Day with the traditional fireworks and a long weekend. The country is 127 years old this Julyl. Whether Canada is still in one John B. McClelland mm and exhaustive in terms of dollars and in the sheer amount of energy the country has devoted to this issue over this period of time. In English Canada, there is a feeling of fatigue over this issue that piece to celebrate its 128th r to be seen. The country and Quebec are marching rapidly towards a date with destiny, likely this October, when Quebeckers go to the polls in a provincial election that could decide * whether Canada continues to exist as we know it. If the Parti Quebecois, aided by their buddies from the Bloc Quebecois, win the fall election, a referendum will follow on whether Quebec stays in Confederation or declares itself an independent state. Following the failure of the Meech Accord two years ago, there are many astute observers who now helieve the PQ will win the election and a majority of Quebecois will vote to take themselves out of Confederation. At this point, I tend to agree. What I can't accept, however, are the predictions by some that if Quebec "goes it alone," the entire country will go down the tubes economically. Neither do I believe in the hypothesis that separation will lead te some kind of civil"war between Quebec and Canada as the federal government moves troops in to protect federal assets and the property of those who want to remain in Canada. Perhaps 1 am naive, but I prefer to believe that if there is a permanent split, the citizens of Canada through their federal government will negotiate with the people of Quebec through their federal government. Civil wars and armed confrontations are not the way we have done things for 127 years and I dor't believe we are about to start now. Having said that, however, let there be no doubt that Quebec separation will cause a very large dislocation on both sides of the new border. The Canadian dollar will take a big tumble, interest rates will sky-rocket, there will be long lines of unemployed and the standard of living that we have enjoyed since the end of World War 2 will drop considerably. But the country will survive, and so will the new country of Quebec. Of that there can be no doubt. And slowly, over a period of time, both egonomies will re-build and recover. Canada and Quebec have been on this collision course for more than three decades. It has been both costly has d ted the national d for so many years. To be 'sure, English Canada hopes the country stays together, but many have come to the conclusion that the final decision is out of their hands, and they just want things settled one way or another. Still others have the belief that the status quo is unacceptable and "official bilingualism," perhaps a noble idea, is far too expensive and in a practical sense, simply unworkable. There has been too much give on one side and too much take on the other. Not too many years ago, I strongly believed keeping Canada together was worth it, no matter what the cost. These days I'm not so sure. After all, we've been at it more than 30 years. If we haven't figured it out by flow, we never will, One has to wonder where this country would be if we had put as much time, energy and money into economic development, education and research as we have into "national unity." If Qdebec dogs decide to separate will this mean the demise of the rest of the country? Will the Maritimes end up as part of New England, Ontario a have not country, the western provinces in some kind of loose economic and 'political federalism? Only if the people allow it to happen, which personally, I don't think they will. After the initial shock and economic upheaval of separation subsides, the rest of the country will stiffen and get on with life. Do we have a choice? I think not. IN CLOSING: Looking for something to do this coming Canada Day long weekend?.Why not stay right here in Scugog. On Friday evening there is entertainment in Palmer Park leading up to the fireworks display at nightfall. It is also the weekend for the Fields of Dreams slo pitch tournament with over 60 teams playing on several diamonds from Friddy to Sunday. On both Friday and Saturday evenings, there is entertainment at the Scugog Arena. Why go anywhere wheh there is so much happening right at home or right on your door-step this weekend? Happy Canada Day. ~~ Bougog Citizen -- Tuesday, June 38 994 = Durham East MPP Mills responds to open letter To the Editor: I am replying to the "Open Letter to Gord Mills" penned by a T.Wilson, Port Perry. The last thing I wish to do is offend anyone with any letter, leagt of all those who served overseas in the RCAF. But to set the record straight, I never used the words "Like it or Lump it® those words unpleasant some may feel about it. Insofar as taxes paid by Native People, surely we don't have to go over the history of Canada for T.Wilson to understand the how and why of the status of native people across Canada y. If we do, I would be pleased to devote oné of my weekly columns to that " of C History, if it would are not mine, nor were they ever included in any letter I sent out for information purposes on the subject of the gaming facility. What I did write was that "no if's or but's, the bottom line is, the First Nations are a self governing people. We just can't dodge that fact of get around it however give a better insight and understanding of the rights accorded native people in Canada. Sincerely, 1) Gordon L. Mills, MPP Durham East. A first hand look at the Vancouver riot To The Editor: It was a great day to spend time in Vancouver on Tuesday, June 14, 1994 to enjoy the festivities associated with the seventh and deciding game, of the NHL playoffs. Driving around town I watched with interest as literally hundreds of children paraded on residential street corners, happily waving banners and overjoyed at the anticipated victory all day long. Leremembet thinking how proud this city should be. Sunlight, mountains and a shot at being the best in the world. Checking into a hotel next to the PNE to possibly joini#he locals in viewing the game from New York on wide screen, I was dismayed to find out it was sold out. From my room, I decided to enjoy the game which started at 5:00 o'clock locally. though the numbers were swelling, all seemed under control with probably an average age of 36-18 years old making up the majority of the crowd. Blue jean shorts, bandanas and tee shirts were the dress of preference. Proceeding west four blocks to Thurlow Street, I felt the crowd slowihg up and wondered why? Looking up I noticed a building completely covered with the media cameras and it seemed everyone wanted to be on camera. With this presence, the normdl small minority of hooligans seemed to congregate for the action. A minor skirmish broke out beside me as | was accidentally struck with a hockey stick previously carried by an overzealous fan. d to me as he had been Throughout the game disapp was felt as the hometown heroes were being out scored and by the end of the game it was clear frustration and disappointment was going to be a part of . the Vancouver mystique tonight. By 8:15 I had decided to take the short drive down to Robson Street to join in the festivities and see how this town 'tompared to our Yonge Street celebrations of past given the loss. 1 He apologi struck by another person who apparently didn't like his potential weapon and tried to take it away. Throughout this congested area, I remember more people saying excuse me than creating problems or looking for trouble. Numerous regular police officers stood by and watched with no problems "associated with the crowd, but the i sd Cruising towards the core, it imp d me to see the numerous cars filled with appreciative fans waving banners, honking and generally having a good yet controlled time. Numerous people lined the streets, everyone waving and sense of gratitude filled the air. I remember the dtalian World Cup victory in Toronto in then early 80's as the closest comparison in my memory complete with flags, pride and sincere To the Editor: As a committee member of The Port Perry Hospital Auxiliary, for the annual Tag Days (June 3 & 4). | express sincere Thanks to the generous people of Port Perry ( and surrounding areas). As a result of that brief campaign, over $5500 was collected - no §mall feat! This, of course , could not have heen "done without the help 'of over 50 taggers and whether a tagger took in Thanks very much from | the Hospital Auxiliary " purchase of equipment for the Hospital- for years! 50¢, is ndithe pdint. The fact that each tagger stood in the heat for at least two (2) hours (some for 4) is what made it all possible. It may be of interest to the Town to read that the monies raised go to the something the Auxiliary has been doing Muriel Leitch Marj Tripp Pauline Carter a PP Parking within two blocks of Robson Street, | passed by Georgia where hundreds of cars slowly pas: in both directions. Hundreds of excited fans gave "high fives" and shared a time of joy and satisfaction, seemingly understandihg that this loss was truly still a victory for the Canucks. Approaching Robson on foot, I came upon literally thousands of fans equally happy, enjoying the moment and { continually cheering. ""Numerous bars lined both sides of the street filled with the same cross section of fans. Every few hundred feet, groups of 4 regular police officers stood watching the crowd and the entire street seemed safe s and controlled. The time was now 8:45 P.M, and even <a Looking up I saw two young men climbing the telephone poles and one attaching a tree branch on the top some 40 feet up. Numerous other people were climbing to get the best exposures either on the buildings or poles directly in front of the cameras. Regular police were hing as all the media zeroed in onthe antics which was interesting but obviously dangerous, keeping cool and distant. 'As 1 kept with the flow and got to the centre of the intersection, a sudden scream filled the air as one climber had fallen into the Srowd. The time was approximately 9:25 P.M. and the swell of the crowd continued with all cameras and eyes pointed back west toward the scream. Suddenly a major wave of force hit us from behind pushing one person into the next with no way to control it and no place to go. The white top of the ambulance was distinguishable only 10 meters away with numerous police officers generally trying to,make way for the ambulance, an almost impessble task given the numbers with no place to move. The ground swell seemed to diminish in Turn to page ten