i _ a eee Page 2 May 1988 Cassiar Courier Ottawa Viewpoint Jim Fulton MP. MULRONEY STILL FAILS MISERABLY A Terrace resident told me that he was watching the polls closely to find out when the next election would be called. One certainly cannot argue with this logic. The most famous poll watcher in Canada is Brian Mulroney. His government seems to worry more about their position in the polls than the more important issues of integrity, leadership, and problem solving. Therefore, it only makes sense that the next election will be called when the polls decide it’s the best time. The government sees no point in worrying about whether there is an issue of great importance to the Canadian electorate. According to the government, the polls are more important. What’s more, Brian Mulroney and the Conserva- ‘tives claim they have performed an econmic miracle in Canada. Unfortunately, the Sinclair Stevens affair and the Michael Cote affair keep getting in the way. The Conservatives argue that if only the scandals would go away for even a short time, they would regain their rightful place among voter opinion. Ironically, a recent poll shows this is not the . case. When Canadians are asked to forget all the scan- dals, ignore their own party preference, and judge the government on its other merits, Brian Mulroney and the Conservatives still fail miserably. LARRY GUNO, M.L.A. (Atlin) SOCREDS SCAPEGOAT SENIORS For the nearly 24,000 elderly British Columbians in long-term and acute care facilities, life has become particularly grim under the Vander Zalm government. Starting this month, single seniors will be forced to pay 85 per cent of their combined pension and guaran- teed income supplements for room and board, leaving them little more than $100 a month. For a married senior who must pay the basic fee of $595 a month, disposable income will now amount to $16 a month. Don’t get old or sick in B.C. appears to be the Socred message. As one senior said despairingly: ‘“What do they want us to do- die?” The government is also telling married seniors to apply for single status to get around the combined income stipulation. That’s because married couples receive less combined income individually than single seniors. Rather than take into account that couples must pay for two households and adjust rates accordingly, the premier is forcing couples to separate, at least on paper. This despite the premier’s rhetoric about the sanctity of the .family; which clearly does not extend to the elderly. The government is also planning on implementing a means test for seniors in long-term care, based on their savings. It will also apply to the mentally and physically handicapped, and those on alcohol and drug treatment programs. For those British Columbians who have worked hard all their lives to attain a reasonable retirement standard, this sliding-scale swallow of their savings and wipe-out of their estates is the surest step to poverty. The Socred moves are hardly surprising. Last year’s budget ordered seniors to pay 75 per cent of the dispensing fees of prescriptions. This year’s budget reduces our elderly - who have worked hard all their lives and contributed millions of dollars in taxes - to virtual paupers. One shudders to think of what next year’s budget will bring. Judging from this government’s consistent de-, livery of poor get poorer budgets, it would be unreal- istic to expect fair treatment for seniors. Or average British Columbian families, who the Socreds regard as easy targets for tax gouges. Unlike this government, New Democrats have a history of speaking out for seniors. As British Colum- bians, we simply cannot tolerate this bully-like approach that makes scapegoats of our seniors and weakens the ‘ social fabric of our province. When it comes to tackling major economic pro- blems, people claim the Conservatives would dodge economic issues. The best marks went to the New Demo- crats, with the Liberals somewhere in the middle. The issue of unfair taxes is another example. For too long successive Liberal and Conservative govern- ments have shifted the tax burden over to the ordinary Canadian, while large profitable multinationals receive. Be: loophole upon loophole. This fact is not lost on the public. Conservatives will make the tax system less fair. Again the New Democrats come out on top with the Liberals placing second. On the issue of feb creation, the Conservatives finally creak out of last place, but still well behind the New Democrats. Only twenty-two per cent of Canadians think the party of Brian Mulroney will develop effective programs to stop unemployemt. On the issue of integrity. in government, the Conservatives drop right back down again. Only one Canadian in ten feels the Conservatives would be the most likely party to provide open and honest government. The Liberals fare little better and only the New Demo- crats receive any respectable level of trust on this point. There is one area where Brian Mulroney and the Conservatives excel, however. They are given a high score for their handling of foreign affairs. Still, the results are confusing. The Conservatives are given the least confidence among the three political parties. on their ability to negotiate effectively with the United States on such issues as acid rain and Arctic sovereignty. Brian Mulroney is hoping that once people forget the scandals, the government will see a quick turnaround in popular support. That may not happen. Even when Canadians ignore all the scandal — no small feat - the government fails to capture the con- fidence of Canadians on issues that count. More and more it looks as though the next elec- tion will be a three way fight. The Canadian voter will have more choice, and that’s good for Canada. OFFICE OF THE PREMIER VICTORIA - 1987 was a solid year in terms of economic development for British Columbians. Our Province experiences economic growth in the order of four percent and our economic indicators have been looking great. All the arrows that should be pointing “up” are “up” . . . those that should be pointing “down” are “down”’. British Columbians, through their hard work, created more than 90,000 jobs between January of last year and January of this year. People are finding stable and productive employ- ment. But while things have improved, more needs to be done. That’s why this year’s budget takes aim at building on that success. The philosophy of this government when it comes to building a healthy economy is straight-forward . . . give our businesses the tools to do the job and let them go to it. British Columbia business is the backbone of our economy. 5 Government’s role is not to interfere. Govern- ment should not be in the way of business, nor should it be in the “‘business of business’’. Our small business sector leads all others in creat- ing jobs and effective July 1, 1988, we will cut the income tax rate on small business in B.C. - from 11 percent to 9 percent. Our service sector, where most of our small businesses operate, already provides over three-quarters of all jobs in B.C. Lessening the tax burden will allow small business to expand... and create even more jobs. SAVERS OPTICAL WILL BE IN CASSIAR MAY 10th & 11th For an appointment, please call 778-7435, local 145 Forty per Be cent of Canadians feel that: Brian Mulroney and the ‘whatever credibility HE has. Opposition , _ Leader _MIKE HARCOURT In recent week we've witnessed a remarkable and disturbing spectacle in our province. ~ The Premier, his principal secretary, his economic development minister, his attorney-general, feuding in public and conniving in private over the sale of B.C.E.C. lands. Let’s be clear. What’s at stake here is BILLIONS of dollars of public resources. Land we ALL own across this province - not just the B.C. Place Lands, but land from the 140-hectare Duke Point Industrial Park on the Island to Kamloop’s 59-acre Campbell Creek Indus- trial Park and the 69.3-acre Chetwynd Industrial Park. The Socreds have surrounded the important public business of the management of our valuable public . lands with the odour of deceit. Something is rotten. And we can all smell it. I’ve called for three necessary steps to put a halt to the biggest Socred land scam yet. Firstly, before we lose control of these lands -- or it’s shilled to some friend of the Premier — theré must be an immediate freeze on the sale of B.C.E.C. lands. Secondly, no one must be allowed to lay a hand on this public property until an independent assessment of its true value has been completed. And thirdly, in order to ensure that the public’s business is done in PUBLIC -- with the public’s interest protected -- there must be a full commission of inquire on all the proceedings to date. When and if these lands are sold, leased, or re- tained, the overriding consideration must be that British Columbians get a FAIR deal. And whether put to use for housing, recreation or commercial development, New Democrats say it is essential that local communities have a say in the development of these public lands in their domain. Bill Vander Zalm may be ready to surrender And he may be ready to drive another nail into his promise of “open and honest” government for British Columbia. But New Democrats are NOT prepared to have the Socreds forever erode public confidence and respect for the office of premier, and create further distrust among British Columbians of government. And we are not prepared to sacrifice billions in public resources that the Socreds are giving away - at a cost equal to or greater than the $500 million missing dollars lost by Socred mismanagement of the Coquihalla. DEAR CITIZENS OF OZ, We thank you all for our wonderful stay in your magic kingdom. A very special thanks goes to those un-cow- ardly lions who had the courage to open their hearts, homes and refrigerators to that rather bizarre life- form known as “musicians”. Before we came we had numerous conversa- tions with several of the many Sorceresses of the North (is there any other kind of woman in Oz?) who believed all this was possible. We met the Sorceress of the South when she magically appeared at the airport bearing music for one and all. Yet another Sorceress was reached at the Marvelous place who magically removed all the last-second obstacles in the path of our flight to Oz. Thanks to the Chiefs of the White Hat Tribe for opening the Palace for us to play in, and to all the other Oz-ians who have so generously supported this production. Our guides through Upper and Lower Asbes- tos City were wonderful and we found the tours fascinating. Life in Vancouver will seem awfully dull after all the lunches, dinners, parties and special visits. Even better than being treated like royalty, you have treated us like very special family. Thank you, Yours friends, the members of the VSO Roni Wagner, Terrence Dawson, Ron Milne, Adrian Chui, Lynne Piening, Bill Good Catherine Whelan, Jason Hall, Sue Dallyn Bob Growcott, Ann Stafford CASSIAR Bits & Pieces Congratulations to Mrs. & Mrs. Gilmore of Dease Lake on winning the free trip to Disneyland at the Ist An- niversary of the Cassiar Shoping Centre. A big thank you from Chico and Cashanda to Bob Sethen for his quick thinking and fast work at their recent fire. Thanks also to Richard, Robert and Roland Rudkowsky for their help. Special thanks to Bill Zemenchik for al- lowing the Cassiar Fire Department to attend the fire, and to the Cassiar Fire Department for their assistance. Congratulations to ex-Cassiarites Gordon and Sonja Willits of Smithers on the birth of their daughter Amanda Kath- leen, born March 1, 1988 and weighing 2000 grams. Why was Frank Z. seen in the Post Office taking candy from a child? Bad boy, Frank. We understand Peter Howard received a ‘BIG SCARE” lately. Not into “witches”, hey Peter? Brenda K. did an outstanding job as the hostess for the V.SO! The only thing she forgot was that musicians do need their sleep! The musicians who recently visited our town were im- pressed with their observances of Cassiar life. We know that Jason has a fondness for daffodils and that Roni be- came love-struck with Cassiar! Bob now enjoys the nick name “trip” and Bill is really a subtle commedian! Then there is Terry who is now known as the 8 minute kisser. Then there is Adrian, who was a quiet guest ina “crazy” household. The teens in town decided that Susan was “cool” and there is Kate who loves to dance! Ron is a northerner at heart and we know that Ann is a singer at heart. And Lynn, a true northern lights gazer! Bill Z. recently presented each of the members of the Courier staff with “1,000,000 Man Hours” hats. Very funny, Bill! (from Jake.) THANK YOU d We would like to send a loving thank you to all our wonderful family and friends for your comfort and support through the heartbreaking loss of our little son, Skylar. ‘ A special thanks to the hospital staff, Lorraine Drzimotta and Frances Gleason for the funeral arrange- ments and to Rev. Allan Studd and Lillian Kamlah . for such a beautiful service. Also thanks to pallbearers Rick Calloway, Brien Kellar, Bill Zemenchik and [Frances Gleason and the CCC staff for the reception following. To our beautiful friends and family that helped take some of the pain away in anyway they could, words just don’t seem to be enough and there is so much to say.” We thank you all so very much for the food, loving letters, cards, flowers and the talks that were right from the heart. The many dona- tions made to the B.C. Children’s Hospital were very generous. Skylar would have liked that very much as all he wanted was for everyone to be happy. Most of all we miss our little ‘Skyrocket’ so terribly much. No one can ever replace the special little boy we had, and we will never forget our sweet little Angel. Skylar will always live on in our hearts ‘and we believe his little soul will always be with us as well as in the world beyond. He touched the hearts of so many. Lisd and Wal y Erickson Creek S Lorraine Lanteigne Wet and Muddy! Watching the crummy descend the hill last week spattered and caked with mud, my nind recalled my days at Erickson and all the “crummy” _ tips that have been taken up and down the hill. Time spent inside this transport is interesting. Coffee’s gleaned quickly from the kitchen are sipped between bumps and good natured joking on the way up the hill. Crummy gossip is exchanged between the men and sometimes aven the truth is told! Whatever the season the daily thifts are hauled up and down the mountain in the crum- my. If only the crummy could reveal all of its conversa- tions, why that could lead to a best seller! Spring is here along with the melting snow and sunny skies, and as I stated earlier, mud! But ah, soon it will be dust and that most fleeting of all northern seasons will be upon us! It is grand to see the melting of a long northern winter. To Erickson Gold it brings promise of an expanded season of exploration, hopefully revealing more of the golden fruit of the mountain. ” “It is a little different this year,’ says manager Tom McGrail. “Usually Erickson gears down in mid winter, then picks up the pace heading into summer. This year we have been going flat out and our work force has stabilized.” Erickson currently employs about 130 people. McGrail sees little change in this number with the exception of four summer students. ‘Our exploration and development program continues,” said McGrail, “‘and is scheduled right through the fall.” Min- ing also continues as planned. Goodbye to Stewart and Corrine Spencer whx« are leaving Erickson for the South. Stewart was Erick son’s Mill Superintentant and Corrine worked as a ‘“‘buck- er” in the assay lab. Cassiar Courier May 1988 Page 3 Also saying goodbye are the Nelson family. Barry. Dorthy and daughter Karen say goodbye to the moun- tain people. Barry leaves to join Royex as Chief Mine Engineer in Saskatoon. Erickson played host to a tour for the Vancouver Symphony members and guests on Saturday, April 23, 1988. According to Roni Wagner who organized the Symphony’s trip to Cassiar this was a highlight of the trip. ” said Roni. ‘None of the members had ever seen anything like this, or experienced being underground. At one point we all turned our lights off. Now we know what “dark” really is!” Erickson provided a luncheon for the orchestra and tour organizer, Brenda Kendal. Brenda would like to thank Tim Walters and Derek Walker for this exceptional meal. I conclude this months column with a piece written with Erickson Gold in mind,+ “Elwood Anderson showed us an excellent tour, Reflections cast on mirrored stone * A history in Rock is shown And in this panaramic view Reveals the nature of the ‘““You’’. Miners, millers, and surface too Six days a week work through The ups and downs of the mining Reaching towards goals and dreaming. Reflections cast on mirrored stone Some old, some new, some alone For changes occur every day Shifting images another way. But still the mountain people do All they must to get through The good, the bad of their lives Working for the dream to be realized....... Reflections cast on mirrored stone A history that is Ericksons own One with a past, present and future Which only memory will censure! SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsSssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssSssSssSSSSSSS WELCOME TEACHER POOL SUPERVISOR Cassiar Secondary School is pleased to welcome to- their staff Mr. John Blair. Mr. Blair takes over in the Computers and Science Departments, as well as Counsel- ling. As John is here on a temporary assignment, his wife Julia is-staying at their home in Campbell River. In 1969 Mr. Blair spent a year and a half on Baffin Island, so the Cassiar snow was not unfamiliar to him. John’s philosophy is “Take things as they come and panic slowly!” In the short time John has been here, he has found Cassiar residents and the staff and students at CSS very friendly and have made him feel most welcome. MONTH OF MARCH 1988 MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 4.0C MINIMUM TEMPERATURE -22.0C MEAN TEMPERATURE -6.4C RAINFALL nil SNOWFALL 23:01 TOTAL RAINFALL TO DATE .04” TOTAL SNOWFALL TO DATE 174.0" AVERAGE PRECIPITATION - MARCH AVERAGE TEMPERATURE - MARCH CASSIAR WEATHER TRIVIA Welcome back to Eric Glynn-Jones, former program director at the Cassiar Community Club. Eric has been living and working, in Vancouver for the past two years. “J am attending a commercial jazz program at Capilino College,” says Glynn-Jones. “I have found my niche and have now put together a high tech single act with which I can perform in a lounge or pub atmo- sphere.” Glynn-Jones has been writing music for the past few years and hopes to eventually take it into a studio to record. He also has played in six different bands since leaving Cassiar in 1986. 1987 1983 1978 4.0C 4.5C 3.0C -37.5C -31.0C -33.0C -11.4C -10.5C -10.0C nil nil 0.1” 17.2" 5.4” 10.3” nil nil 0.1” 133.1” 65.4” 73.8” 18.9” -10.0C Eee eee 2 —