Page 2 January 1988 Cassiar Courier | Ottawa Viewpoint Jim Fulton MP A new flaw in the Mulroney trade deal could throw hundreds of Skeena residents out of work. Our country requires that certain fish caught off the waters of British Columbia must be processed in B.C. fish plants. Over 6,000 jobs depend on this regulation. Many of those jobs are right here in the north- west. The fish packing industry employs thousands of people in Prince Rupert, Kitimat, the Queen Charlottes, Terrace, the Hazeltons, coastal communities, and in the Nass. Many of them are women. They pack fish to earn the money that will take them through another year, and keep our small businesses in business. Enter the General Agreement on Tariffs and - Trade, or GATT as it is more generally known. The international trading body, under American pressure, has issued a preliminary ruling against a Cana- dian regulationsthat has created 6,000 direct jobs for British Columbians and thousands more through spin- offs. In total, $750 million is at stake, if the GATT ruling goes ahead. The GATT ruling is only preliminary, and Canada ‘can and should do more to fight it. But, if jobs are lost it will be as a result of the Mulroney trade deal which of- fers scant protection for our products. The Mulroney trade deal quite clearly states: “Both parties have agreed they will not maintain or intro- duce import or export restrictions except in accordance with the GATT or as modified by the Agreement.” In other words, the Mulroney government, supported by powerful Liberals like Donald MacDonald, bargained away our right to respond to GATT decisions in our own best interests. OFFICE OF THE PREMIER BY RNLL VANDER eEN| VICTORIA -— While the year-end figures aren’t in yet, B.C.’s economic performance over the past 12 months shows that our government’s policies and pro- grams are producing results. The upward trend, and it was apparent right a- ~ cross the economic spectrum, came about amid a new sense of confidence that our province, after suffering some tough times during the recession, is back on the move. The best signal of all, though we’re going to keep treating job-creation as a priority, was that between last October and October, 1986, employment in actual terms in B.C. was up 4.2 per cent which translated into 54,000 more British Columbians collecting paycheques. What’s particularly interesting is that growth in employment is better than the Canadian average of 3.8 per cent. There were many other positive signs that show we're into a period of steady economic growth . The value of manufacturing shipments rose by - seven per cent over 1986 and orders for B.C. products went up by more than $1 billion. The percentage increase was almost three times the national average of 2.4 per cent. Our exporters were also busy with our interna- tional customers increasing purchases to $10 from $8.8 billion, an increase of more than 15 per cent. In the forest sector, which continues to be the driving force behind the provincial economy, lumber pro- duction was up by more than seven per cent while strong demand for B.C. pulp and paper pushed production up by 8.4 per cent from:the top level in 1986. And one of the best barometers of economic acti- vity and of consumer confidence - retail sales - showed an increase of 8.5 per cent to $11.2 billion from $10.3 bil- lion last year. There was also spectacular growth in house con- struction with 1987 starts up by a whopping 43 per cent over 1986, and tourism which was expected to show a sharp decline after Expo, turned out to be the second- best year in our history. All these figures are encouraging but as govern- ment, we don’t intend to become complacent. In the coming year, we intend to strengthen our efforts to diversify our economy and attract new secondary and manufacturing industries so that we see continued steady economic growth, rather than the boom and bust kind that can trigger: inflationary patterns that hurt everybody. There’s good reason for optimism. The past year saw investment levels increase and the free trade agree- ment with the United States, besides creating new employment and new opportunities for our business sec- tor, can only be of major assistance in attracting even more investment to British Folumbia:s SDSS SOPSOOSOOOSOOD In 1986, Tom Siddon was asked about a possible GATT ruling against Canada. The Fisheries Minister re- plied that it would be a good issue to resolve at the Mul- roney trade talks. This was not done. Time and again we were told across the floor of the House that the Mulroney trade deal would solve all our problems. Not only does the agreement fail to pro- tect B.C. products against unfair trading laws, it will force us to comply with international trading laws that are un- fair. The result: average Canadians are thrown out of work. One Cabinet Minister estimates the toll could be as high as 800,000 Canadians losing their jobs as a result of free trade. The recent GATT ruling has been praised by some fishermen who hope to take advantage of offshore cash sales. In the long run, however, when we gut our domes- tic fish packing industry, fishermen will be at the mercy of foreign buyers. What’s more, the GATT ruling undercuts our abili- ty to manage the fishery. This hurts shoreworkers, fisher- men, anglers, guides, and both coastal and inland com- munities. The Canada/U.S. salmon treaty would be of lit- tle value without our historic regulations. To make matters worse, the Mulroney government is unwilling to take strong action against the GATT ruling because this would point to weaknesses in their own trade deal. They are clinging to their political hides. In their desperation for phony political mileage, thousands of British Columbian jobs are at risk. One commentator de- scribes the recent ruling as either incompetence or gross negligence by the Prime Minister. | and my New Democrat colleagues told the gov- ernment to work for fair international trading rules. We warned the government not to neglect the GATT and other world trading partners. They refused. They put all of Canada’s eggs in one basket and lost. - Hundreds of northwest shoreworkers are worried about the future of their families tonight. Ottawa must finally get its act together. They must get together with other coastal fishing nations, and not stop lobbying until this ruling is overturned. | will be working hard as human- ly possible to ensure this is done. TO THE EDITOR Spearheaded by many Church denominations, a coalition of concerned citizens from all walks of life, and many organizations has been formed to _ protest: the undemocratic procedures of the Provincial Government in making radical changes in the structure of Government, without calling the Leg- islature, and without public input or debate— “ the breach of trust of the Premier, who promised wide consultation and lack of confrontation, but has fulfilled neither of these promises— A the demoralization of the Provincial civil service, by creating widespread uncertainty, and under- mining the livelihood and family life of thousands of employees— * the growth of central contro! from the Premier’s Office, in spite of his protestations of “decentral- ization” — * the division of the Province into regions, with poli- tical appointees in control, responsible to the Premier only— = the inevitable usurping of local authority, and eventually the destruction of the autonomy of locally elected boards, making also the local MLA redundant, without any real power to represent his or her community. If you are concerned about these issues which are basic to our democratic way of life, and wish further information about this non-partisan group, please write to the: Coalition for Democratic Process No. 8, 9855 Resthaven Drive Sidney, B.C. V8L 3E9 Contact Person: Jara Smith 101 - 11 Douglas Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 2N9 Phone: (604) 385-8184 PPCPOOOOD HONORABLE STEPHEN ROGERS Minister of Transportation and Highways Minister of State - Nechako : : | Opposition Leader MIKE HARCOURT As 1987 closes, think for a minute about Bill Van- der Zalm’s promise of a “fresh start” with a new open government. Then think about the events of the past year. PRIVATIZATION: Bill Vander Zalm made the plans yet he refused to fully debate the scheme in the Legislature - indeed, we had to fight like hell just to get a. one-hour emergency debate. So a plan that fundamental- ly affects all British Columbians proceeds without direc- tion or consultation, and without clear indication as to what the benefits, if any, are for the average fainily. DECENTRALIZATION: — Social Credit party members heard the Premier’s plan before the rest of us. And what Bill Vander Zalm told the Socred convention adds another level of costly bureaucracy to government. The Premier will continue to pull the strings through his newly-created “Ministers of State’ and bureaucrats, while the role of your elected MLA (which the Premier’s office has called ‘‘overrated”) is reduced. UNITED STATES OF B.C.: The Premier gave $1 million to each of his eight new “states” through an order- in-council - by-passing the normal democratic procedure of bringing it first to the elected legislature. Even now there is no clear idea what the money is to be used for. Increasingly, it appears the $8 million will simply be sunk into the new bureaucracy. The bottom line on each of these events is that a major decision greatly affecting all British Columbians was made behind the closed doors of the Premier’s ever- expanding Victoria office. There was little or no consulta- tion with the average British Columbian family and com- munity. Little opportunity was provided in the Legisla- ture for full debate by your elected MLAs. This is not an open government. that creates uncertainty and fear among British Columbi- ans and distrust of their Premier. Let’s hope that 1988 brings a “fresh start” for Bill Vander Zalm. EDITORAL 1988. That means 1990 is two years away. I’m going to be fifty in the year 2000, and that is only twelve years away. If time truly does fly when you’re having a good time, then I think maybe I should be miserable and slow the whole process down! I mean, who really wants to get old, especially when the whole worldly system is geared to unlined skin, flat bellies, and everything else being lifted up and pointed out. Wrinkles, varicose veins, drooping anything and greying and/or balding heads are not acceptable, unless you are a character in a play that supposes most of your systems have shut down except for your use as the “old person” and what sentiment that may inspire! And oh, how unfortunate we are when the sins of the past catch up with us in the present. How many of the female gender did the exercises after the birth of the babies? I couldn’t have tightened anything up if | tried. Then, (oh no!) the belly is flabby! Okay, Jane Fonda, let’s work out - come on, we must be perfect, look won- derful and be acceptable! How many of the male gender regard their thin- ning hair and wonder about (secretly of course) buying that miracle cream? (What is it made of, anyhow?) Will it make the hair really grow? Oh, it is so important to meas- ure up! Well fellow citizens of the earth, the fact is time marches on and the wrinkles, popping veins, grey hair, bald heads, drooping things and weight differences are go- ing to happen to each and everyone of us to one degree or another. However, you know what? It is the person inside who isn’t visible to the naked eye, or the camera lens who doesn’t get old, for the spirit is ageless, eternal and one heck of a lot of.fun to live with. There’s no plastic sur- gery, support items or exercise plans in the world that is needed to make the human spirit acceptable. It is the energy upon which all else depends and a persons’ beauty or ugliness is found here. Think about it in the New Year - LOVE a little, GIVE a little, FORGIVE lots, and let the mirror on the wall tell you the physical story, but let your heart reflect our beauty! - PSO CoC CCC oO COCO OOOO OCC OOOO OOOO OOO OOoR THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU TO THE WONDERFUL LADIES AT THE POST OFFICE FOR ALL THEIR HELP, LAUGHTER, AND THE USE OF THEIR BACK ROOM HAPPY NEW YEAR! WENNDEE It’s government a CASSIA Bits & Pieces Tony Brummet, Minister of Education, officially opened the new elementary school at Lower Post on December 4th. Teachers and students alike are enjoying the new facilities at Denetia School. The Board of Trustees for School District No. 87 recently approved a $500 scholarship for a graduating student of Cassiar Secondary School. How come the ‘party animal’ from the Accounting Department ‘chickened out’ at the Fireman’s ball? Rumour has it that a lady from the Government Office pays for her dancing partners ... $20.00 a dance is it, Marg? Congratulations to Warwick Elhorn who was recently named to the All-Star Rugby Team at Brentwood College. We hear that Mary received many compliments on the new hat she modelled at her birthday party! There’s a Mine Garage General Foreman who insists that “he used to be sleasy - but now he’s just easy”?! Jim has taught us a useful lesson, . Check through all the paper used to fill a mailed parcel. Sometimes a parcel will include more than the obvious! A “Lambchop” party?? A little birdie told us Devon Walker has a unique way of hanging flags in Penticton! Upside down! Helpful Hint - drop one Efferdent tablet into a thermos full of warm water. This is an effective way to ensure a good clean thermos. (Do about once a week.) We hear a couple of men in town received an interesting earring for Christmas. Ask Wenndee why she didn’t see the “full moon” on her way to the Finning party! Reminder from the Government Office -.dog tags are renewable the first of the year! And speaking of dogs, there have been several hit by cars the past few weeks, Please keep your pups tied, particularly with the heavy snow - it is next to impossible to see those little ones! Someone said that Dave should have bought skis for his truck as the new tires just don’t make the grade. We know that people love their animals, but why were the Pewseys walking down the street, kissing and hugging their neighbour’s dog? There’s a truck driver in town who hung a “whistling key chain” on his bird’s cage ... take it off, John, before your poor bird becomes neurotic! Karen Campbell has joined the staff at the Cassiar Post Office. Karen, who is Senior Assistant, comes from Monte Lake, B.C. where she was Postmaster for the past three years. Husband, Don, will be joining Karen in May. She is no stranger to the north as she spent six years in the, NWT, oP SPO SS POO SOVSSSSOS SOS OCSOSSS Erickson Creek Column CS — vee —s——" - Rana: Lanteigne The recreational centre at Erickson Gold is now complete. Two events have been held at the centre which have been hailed as very successful occasions. The first, the opening of the centre also served as a farewell to Matt and Dianne Ball, and the Lanteignes. Both couples received gifts from the people of the mountain and a fond farewell. The annual Christmas Party was held on December 12th. From most reports it was one of the best parties ever held at Erickson. One of the reasons for this was the excellent music played by D. J.’s Dave Chapple and Glen Compton. These two fellows have always done a superb job at Erickson, choosing mus- ic that entertains, is fun to dance to and lifts the party spirit to its intended heights. Then a big thanks must go to all of the helping hands that made the food for the buffet - outstanding to say the least! For those of you who may not comprehend the history of the Erickson Rec Hall, perhaps you may be in- terested in a little knowledge. A gold mining camp such as Erickson established itself in terms of invested work, eating and sleeping. In the early days there were no families, although as the mine prospered, the camp grew, and families moved in. With Cassiar close at hand, it was thought that the infra- structure supplied in this community would fulfill the needs of families in camp. In 1984 a group of residents at Erickson, with the co-operation of the Mine Manager, Al Beaton and Surface Foreman, Dennis Best, as well as other workers, hauled two trailers down the mountain from the “old camp” Nice to-see a lot of familiar faces in town over the holidays - David Madore, Jennifer and Catherine Pewsey, Jackie Molan, Sheena and_ Shelley Billingsley, Tracie and John Sethen, Joanne Coran, Lisa Ray, Dyonne Zubek, Jenny and Danny Walters, Chris and John Shepherd with son Ryan, Kathy and Chad DeCecco, to name a few. Also many children had _ their grandparents here for a visit, as well as other relatives. Sure hope that everyone enjoyed their visits and that Santa was able to find you okay! Hope that Amy enjoyed her Christmas turkey - even if she didn’t have one with “a little thing that popped up when it was ready”?! Question of the week: Why did the phone not stop ringing or the doorbell quit chiming the week of December 28th until January 3rd at 771 Malozemoff? Answer: Lisa was visiting! A big thank you from Tim Walters at Erickson to the many people who helped with Christmas dinner: Tom Lois and Erin McGrail, Jenny Walters, Bonnie Connors, Myrna Kornelson and Terry Geroux...So Santa’s elves do things other than make toys! When Albert says that “‘he isn’t feeling well’, everyone has learned to believe him! Glad everything is okay and he was able to make it back in time for the holidays! Did everyone know that the ladies at the Post Office met the bus on the evening of December 23rd and sorted mail until two in the morning? This was definitely not something they had to do, but many thanks. from all who were waiting for those last minute parcels to arrive for Christmas! SPOSPOPSPPSPSOPSOSPSPSSPSPOSPOOSPOSOOOOOOO®D EN YEARS AGO-JANUARY'78 A photography and sound crew was in Cassiar from January 13th - January 19th, 1978. This crew was mak- ing an audio-visual presentation for Cassiar Asbestos to show at the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. January 3/78 - Marie Lynn Voss, now of Dease Lake, 9lbs. 2 02. SSSOSLSS COS OCSOOCSO ST VED * January 9/78- Aaron Robert Tripp Olbs. 11 oz. , PPP PPPS PO EL SL POP ILOEP LG VSO POSS S OS Cassiar Courier January 1988 Page 3 and the rec hall began. The philosophy at the time was that the existing kitchen and T.V. room and bunkhouse complex was simply not adequate considering the growth of Erickson. Much was done to complete the building, but with the lack of funds, all work ceased. Jim Whittaker, a former surveyor at Erickson, Lorraine Lanteigne, Bob Best and Dianne Ball main- tained a lobby with the head office in Vancouver, sub- mitting a proposal to complete the centre. Vic Jutronich and Jean-Pierre Januard considered the material submitted and in the final synopsis loaned the Rec Association the money to complete the centre, on the understanding that the people of Erickson, as a community, would be responsible for the operation. Now it is complete. A new recreation committee is in place and the people of Erick- son are ultimately’ responsible for the operation of this valuable centre. Only through the spirit of time willfully given, positive enforcement of ideas and an understanding of community involvement will it be possible for the ‘centre to become the success the dreamers of the past hoped for, New faces in camp. Welcome to John O’Brien and his lovely wife Elizabeth. John joins Erickson’s staff as a shifter. He and Liz have enjoyed a honeymoon journey across Canada that apparently had a point of interest in every province! AnnaMaria Anderson has joined husband Mine Captain Elwood Anderson in late November, along with their guard dog, Bear. Welcome back, AnnaMaria! The children’s Christmas Party held at the Rec Centre was a success! Santa arrived with goodies for all, and the children were entertained by a puppet show that included an appearance by a most interesting moose! A note from Vic at the Vancouver Office - it seems Tina has now completed her debushing and has become quite the city girl! - From Total Erickson - a Happy New Year to all, and special greetings are extended to Cassiar and their ven- tures in the New Year! i CHRISTMAS STORY WINNERS Andrew Johnston, Jason Clark, and Tannice Carter Each received a cheque for $25.00 from the Cassiar Courier at the Snowridge Christmas Concert. Our congratulations to each of the winners and thank you. to all who entered the contest. THANKS EVERYONE We would like to say a special thank you to all our friends and neighbours for their kind words and thoughts during Albert's recent illness. Special thanks to Pauline and Woody. Wenndee and Albert Quinn Five new three-bedroom log homes are under construc tion at Good Hope Lake, under a contract let by ‘B.C: Remote Housing’ for C.M.H.C. and the Provincial De- partment of Housing. rs JANUARY 1978 - ELEVEN BABIES BORN AT CASSIAR HOSPITAL! - January 20/78 - Bobbi-Gail Storie 8lbs. 4 02.