www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, January 20, 2010 · 8 By Tim Foran Halton MP Lisa Raitt gets shuffled to Labour portfolio "In my experience, Lisa Raitt as Minister has shown a remarkable grasp of complex files. I think she has a great future and I think this move will give her a little more varied experience in government." A former CEO of the Toronto Port Authority, Raitt was in charge of weighty files such as the nuclear industry, the Alberta oil sands, and the forestry and green energy sectors. Her position made her one of the government's most travelled and most lobbied ministers. In her new role as Minister of Labour, Raitt will oversee issues related to workplace legislation and regulations, including employment standards, health and safety, compensation issues, equality in the workplace, labour law, and workplace trends. The portfolio might not be too much of a stretch for the trained lawyer. Raitt's father, Colin MacCormack, the man she credits for her interest in politics, was a union activist. Raitt had a sometimes rough ride in her time as Minister of Natural Resources, beginning with a small leak at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.'s NRU reactor, which supplied much of the world's medical isotopes, in early December 2008. Though the problem was fixed, a similar leak reoccurred in late February 2009, and then another in May. That last one initially shut down the reactor for a temporary onemonth period, which was subsequently extended to three months, and now close to a year. AECL's last update Jan. 13 foresees a March or April return to service of the reactor. Since the shut down, Raitt has had to work with other worldwide isotope providers to secure their supply. Medical isotopes are used in nuclear medicine for diagnosis and the treatment of some diseases, including some types of cancer. During that time period, Raitt also had to face public criticism over other issues, including: · A binder of secret documents was left at the offices of CTV in Ottawa following a visit by Raitt last spring. Her press secretary resigned for the oversight. · About two weeks later, the Halifax Chronicle Herald, printed a private conversation apparently inadvertently recorded last January between Raitt and press secretary. On the recording, Raitt described the isotopes crisis as a politically "sexy" issue, a comment that drew criticism from some cancer victims. The complaints prompted an apology from Raitt, who herself had lost her father at a young age to cancer as well as her brother. OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Halton MP Lisa Raitt has lost her job as Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, ending her sometimes controversial first tenure in a cabinet post. Prime Minister Stephen Harper moved the rookie MP, who took on the high profile cabinet position two weeks after being elected in October 2008, to the more minor role of Minister of Labour as part of a small cabinet shuffle Tuesday morning. Raitt could not be reached for comment. However, she attended yesterday's televised swearing in ceremony, smiling and thanking Harper. Political pundits had predicted the apparent demotion for Raitt, who has faced some calls over the past year to resign from her post following what Halton MP Lisa Raitt Opposition parties have characterized as mishandling of the isotope crisis and scandals, including a binder of secret documents left behind by a Raitt staffer at CTV Ottawa last spring. Asked if Raitt was being demoted for such missteps, Harper responded: Vision To be the most livable town in Canada Ward 6 drop-in session Special guest Mayor Rob Burton Saturday, January 30, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Iroquois Ridge Community Centre, 1051 Glenashton Drive Northridge Room Ward 6 Councillors Tom Adams and Max Khan are hosting a drop-in session to discuss any issues of concern to you. They look forward to hearing directly from residents of Ward 6. This is an opportunity for you to provide your input on the issues, challenges, and opportunities facing your community. Tom Adams Regional and Town Councillor 905-849-7915 tadams@oakville.ca Max Khan Town Councillor 905-845-6601 mkhan@oakville.ca Winter 2010 C.O.R.E. workshop series Don't miss this opportunity to build on your networking skills and then practice them at a networking lunch. Networking Skills Workshop presented by Genworth Financial Canada January 28, 2010 Registration: 8:45 am Workshop: 9 a.m. to noon, light lunch to follow Location: Town Hall, Community Room 2 $25 for C.O.R.E. members, $50 for non-members Workshop fee includes all materials and refreshments. This workshop will help you: H Distinguish between networking and selling. H Appreciate the benefits of networking. H Feel comfortable and confident meeting and chatting with strangers and potential clients in small or This workshop will help you learn how to build and maintain large-group events. relationships with contacts, which will help you develop opportunities for your organization. Visit www.oakville.ca/core.htm for more information. Scheduled tree maintenance near Hydro lines Please be advised that Oakville Hydro has retained the Town of Oakville's Urban Forestry section to carry out regular scheduled tree maintenance in various neighbourhoods abutting hydro lines. Starting this week and continuing through April 2010, Oakville residents may notice forestry staff pruning trees near hydro lines. This maintenance ensures the safety and security of the hydro supply by establishing necessary clearances between hydro wires and any trees in the immediate proximity. It is possible that sap may run from the ends of pruned branches of birch and maple trees. Please do not be alarmed, as this will not cause injury to the trees. Unfortunately, some hazardous trees may have to be removed when there are no alternative techniques such as pruning, cabling, or wrapping to minimize safety concerns. For residents with hydro lines located in their rear lots, staff will need to gain access through your property to the Hydro easement. When possible, we will notify homeowners before entering the property. Under normal growth conditions, trees beside hydro wires will not be pruned for another three years. If you have any questions or concerns please contact: Richard Jean, I.S.A. Certified Utility Arborist, Supervisor of Urban Forestry Services, Town of Oakville 905-845-6601, ext. 3354. forestry@oakville.ca Mark Cybulski, System Control Supervisor, Oakville Hydro 905-825-9400, ext. 2338. trees@oakvillehydro.com For more information visit www.oakville.ca/winterpruning.htm or www.oakvillehydro.com. Proposed revisions to road corridor by-laws Intention to amend and establish new rates and fees In accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, the Town of Oakville hereby gives notice of its proposed new road corridor user rates and fees for 2010 and associated by-law. Further information and details of the proposed fees and rates are available at www.oakville.ca, or by contacting the town's Engineering and Construction department at 905-845-6601, ext. 3337. Written comments on this matter must be received by February 5, 2010. Comments received will be included as part of a future staff report to the Community Services Committee. Comments may be sent to: Bob DeHoog, Road Corridor Permit Coordinator, Town of Oakville, 1225 Trafalgar Road, P.O. Box 310, Oakville, ON L6J 5A6. Fax: 905-338-4159. bdehoog@oakville.ca Dated January 18, 2010.