in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, N ov em be r 8, 20 18 | 8 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised family of newspapers is comprised f of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. 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Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail kmossman@metroland.com or call 905-631-6095. OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT INSIDEHALTON.COM EDITORIAL We, as Canadians specifically, now enjoy a time of prosperity and luxury previously unmatched in the course of our history. We have freedoms and advantages that are still unfortunately well out of grasp for many nations of the world. Canada was in essence a dominion of the British Empire when the First World War broke out in 1914. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers would ultimately enlist and be conscripted by war's end four years later, forming the Canadian Corps that would distinguish itself as a formidable and tactically adept fighting force in battles at the Somme, Vimy and Passchendaele, among many others. Soldiers who have lived through war are the only ones who truly know what it was like. "The Great War," was likely seen as anything but for those who made their home in the trenches of France and Belgium from 1914 to 1918. The trenches were muddy, they were cold, they were claustrophobic. There were flies, there was lice, there were rats. You slept there and you ate there. There were long periods of boredom and morale often sagged, as a kilometre of territory that was gained the day before at the cost of hundreds of lives would be reclaimed by op- posing forces days later. There was constant fear of artil- lery or sniper fire. When forces were ordered over the top for an attack on the enemy line of trenches, soldiers had to negotiate a literal no man's land littered with craters, bodies of the dead and wounded, barbed wire, bullets, artillery bursts and mud. Sometimes the mud was so deep, able-bodied soldiers would be sucked into holes and drown before it was even noticed they were lost. It was hell. There is no other suitable word to de- scribe it. The last Canadian veteran of the First World War passed away eight years ago at the age of 109, but that doesn't mean we should move on from remembering all that was given up so many years ago. On the contrary, it is all the more reason to do so. Remembrance Day is held every Nov. 11 in relation to the signing of the First World War armistice and subsequent ceasefire between the Allies and Germany, and this Sunday marks 100 hundred years since this took place. And while the con- flict is long since ended, our respect and regard for those who made the ultimate sacrifice should never cease. That of course extends to those who took up arms for our country in the 100 years since, and who continue to put their lives on the line every day in conflicts around the world. On Sunday, wear a poppy, attend a cenotaph service, shake a veteran's hand. They didn't fight wars for fame or glory, they did it so their families and the generations to follow could live in peace and prosperity. And here we are. Respect them, honour them, remember them. ON THE ELEVENTH HOUR, OF THE ELEVENTH DAY, OF THE ELEVENTH MONTH Since July our govern- ment has been busy work- ing for the people of Onta- rio. We have moved swiftly, and efficiently, to ensure that Ontario gets back on track, and returns to its status as Canada's econom- ic engine. I would like to inform you of two opportunities for you to participate in this process, and provide your input to government policy with respect to the environment and the edu- cation of our children. We recognize the chal-We recognize the chal-W lenges and effects of climate change. Our government understands that we need to reduce emissions, and pre- serve our environment for future generations. Howev-future generations. Howev-f er, the cap and trade carbon tax was not the answer for Ontario families. Ontario has always been an industrious province with an ability to innovate and find solutions without raising taxes. That is why we took decisive action, and have begun a public consultation on developing a new plan to address envi- ronmental priorities. Please visit www.onta- rio.ca/form/tell-us-your- ideas-climate-change. Con- sultations will be open un- til Nov. 16. Our government prom- ised Ontario parents a thorough consultation pro- cess. Ontario needs an edu- cation system that will sup- port our children's growth and development, and pre- pare them for their future. This consultation will cover areas from health and physical education to STEM, and cellphones in the classroom to mandatory classes. Our goal remains to ensure Ontario's children are prepared, while their parents are respected. Please visit www.onta- rio.ca/page/for-the-par- ents. Consultations will be open until Dec. 15. Your voice matters. I en-Your voice matters. I en-Y courage constituents of all perspectives to participate and provide their feedback. This Sunday, across our community, we will pause to mark Remembrance Day, in which we remember the sacrifice made by all of those who have fought for our country. In 2018, we re- member the 100th anniver- sary of the armistice, ending the First World War, which was signed on the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month. We will never forget the sacrifice that hundreds of thousands of Canadians have made, and continue to make, serving our country, at home and abroad. Lest We Forget. For assistance with pro- vincial matters, please con- tact my office at ste- phen.crawford- co@pc.ola.org. Stephen Crawford is the MPP for Oakville. PROVINCE UNDERTAKES LARGE PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS CONSULTATIONS SOLICIT PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON ENVIRONMENT AND EDUCATION, WRITES MPP CRAWFORD STEPHEN CRAWFORD Column