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pr oo ow gd Vol. 129 No. 50 WN7 PORT PERRY STAR urham reps leery of any special status for Quebec By Jeff Mitchell Port Perry Star Scugog's federal and provin- cial representatives are leery about granting Quebec the dis- tinct society status being pro- posed by Prime Minister Jean Chretien. In interviews last week Durham MP Alex Shepherd and John O'Toole, the Conservative MPP for Durham East, both said they oppose special status for the province. It's been reported the Prime Minister will introduce some sort of declaration on the dis- tinct society issue in parlia- ment, and seek approval of similar resolutions from the provinces. At the same time, both politi- cians sald they recognize Quebec's unique nature and cultural make-up. But politicians shouldn't rush to appease Quebec sepa- ratists with a declaration that could have far-reaching effects, said Mr. Shepherd. Contrary to charter Mention of distinct society in the constitution"s preamble really means little, and would- n't placate unhappy Quebecers, but a clause within the consti- tution could clash with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, he said. "If the distinct society clause is to be given any merit at all. it would give Quebec ultimate protection of language rights within the province," said Mr. Shepherd. "It would have to go to that extent to mean anything at all." And that, he said, runs con- trary to fundamental safe- guards against discrimination: Turn to page 5 COPY 65¢ ¢1¢ = 4¢ GST) Preliminary hearing ends McArthurs are going to trial The suspects in last year's Bank of Montreal bank robber- ies and shootings will be going to trial. The decision was brought down yesterday at an Oshawa court room, according to Assist- ant District Attorney Lori-Anne Turner, who is handling the case for the crown. No trial date has been set yet for the suspects, but the judge decided there was sufficient evi- dence to send Mitchell McAr- thur, 43, and his brother Angus, 29, both of Kingston, to trial. The two have been in custody since the day after the shoot- ings. The lawyers will meet on Jan- uary 5, 1996 to discuss matters 'prior to the beginning of the trial. a The preliminary trial looking into the Port Perry shootings, wrapped up at the end of Octo- ber after some 20 scheduled court dates. The two brothers will face more than 40 charges stemming from the October 20 incidents, including attempted murder, robbery, kidnapping, forceable confinement, break and enter and weapons offences, among others. Five people, including police officers Paul Mooy, Warren El- lis and Mark McConkey, bank manager Alan Knight and real estate agent Debbie Taylor, were wounded by gunfire on the night of the robbery. All have since recovered from their inju- ries. A publication ban on evidence was placed on the preliminary trial, which is routine practice. Although it was an open court room, no evidence presented at the preliminary trial can be published. By Kelly Lown Port Perry Star A decision is expected next week on charges that Mississaugas of Scugog Island Chief Gary Edgar threatened Joel Aldred. Chief Edgar pleaded not guilty last Tuesday (Oct. 31) to the charge that he made threatening and harassing phone calls to Mr. Aldred's Scugog Island store last October. It's alleged that the chief made several calls to Aldred's Corner store last year, and relayed threats to Mr. Aldred -- an opponent of Chief Edgar's plan to build a chari- Edgar threatened me, Aldred says table gaming house on the Mississaugas' reserve -- through an employee. After several hours of tes- timony last Tuesday the judge hearing the case called a recess, saying court would resume next week. The judge cited the need to check into a number of items regarding the two charges. He said there are two items under the Criminal Code dealing with harass- ment and threatening phone calls. The defense argues that one phone call -- during which the chief actually spoke to From Page 9