Page 2 May 1986 Cassiar Courier M.L.A. REPORT Al Passarell THE 1986 CENSUS — COUNT YOURSELF IN As the Atlin M.L.A. I feel it is important for your readers to be aware of the upcoming federal census and its ramifications for British Columbians. On June 3rd, 1986, the federal government will be conducting a census in Canada of Population and Housing. This census is the larg- est survey in the country, not only counting the total pop- ulation, but collecting basic information on the character- istics of every person of every household on a specific day in one year. Great care is taken during the enumeration process to ensure that no one is missed, as undercoverage could have implications for both the democratic process and per capita grants. Census information is used to determine the alloc- ation of federal grants and transfer payments on a per cap- ita basis. Each unenumerated person will cost B.C. about $3,000 in lost revenue over the five years of the current Federal Provincial Fiscal Arrangement and Established Program Financing Act. This is because many provincial social programs — health, education, welfare — depend on federal transfer payments. Census counts are used to adjust electoral boundaries. Missed population could affect the drawing of boundaries between electoral districts and therefore equitable repre- sentation would not be attained. In addition to the use of census counts for adjusting electoral boundaries and determining per capita grants to the provinces, census data is used by federal, provincial and local levels of government for planning and evaluating programs. Services often taken for granted, such as health care, fire and police protection, education, public transit and public utilities are dependent upon census inform-¢ ation which is used in planning for the future. Business and industry, social service agencies and private individ- uals also use census information to develop programs and plan for the future. The selection of the questions to be asked begins with a review of relevant legislation that may place new de- mands on the census. Following this review process, con- sultation is carried out with federal and provincial govern- ment agencies, businesses, universities, town planning de- partments, financial institutions and many others who inake suggestions and recommendations based on their need for information. The final selection of questions is made on the basis of such factors as usefulness of a ques- tion, the cost involved in collecting and processing it, the relative difficulty of getting reliable answers and the bur- den on householders to provide the information. It is very important that all residents be ‘‘counted”, otherwise it could mean millions of dollars to B.C. taxpay- ers — everyone should make a special effort to “COUNT YOURSELF IN”. Lasser Re-elected Chairman Of Northern Lights College Charlie Lasser, Chairman, Northern Lights College Board, was re-elected to the position at the meeting held March 20 in Dawson Creek. In accepting the chair for a term, Mr. Lasser re-emphasized his support of the College and its programs. “Wé must continue to keep in touch with the needs of the community,” he said. “Of particu- lar importance are the needs of the small businessman - our students must be prepared to meet the problems of competition in the marketplace.” Mr. Lasser cited as an example the complete re-design of the Agriculture pro- gram. “The average farmer and rancher can’t afford to take off two years to go to college.” “The new curricu- lum makes it possible to take only those sections of the course that an individual needs.” Mr. Lasser expressed optimism with regard to the future and confidence in the growth of the College. Another item of business approved by the board included 12 bursaries to be made available to students studying Agriculture at high schools throughout the province. It was agreed that this would help to estab- lish positive relationships at the high school level. Administration reported that several proposals have gone to the Ministry to access the “Excellence in Educa- tion” fund. These include proposals for: a new motor- cycle repair program, a small manufacture program that would be of service to the small businessman, and a new student enterprise program. The enterprise program would finance students attending various college programs to develop and market either a product ora service. This actual experience in having to plan, cost, manufacture, and sell at a profit would add a note of realism to class- room instruction. The next College Board meeting is scheduled for May 9, 1986 and will be held in Fort St. John. Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, The attached bulletin was published in the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety News. It is this type of biased article which is having an incredible effect on the asbestos industry and our livelihoods directly. I have also enclosed my response to this article. I believe that it is time the asbestos industry took a stand and worked towards public education and some positive imaging. Ross Harper Environmental Technologist at Cassiar Mining Corporation Industrial Hygienist Questions Quebec’s Asbestos Measurements The validity of Quebec’s procedures for measuring asbestos fibres in the air has been called into question by an industrial hygienist who says the province faces a conflict of interest. William Charney, occupational health and safety coordinator at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital, says the phase-contract optical microscopy (PCM) used to test for fibres from insulation in public buildings cannot adequately detect small particles. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung or stomach lining. Generally, the smaller the particle the easier it penetrates cell walls. When the province’s asbestos industry began to falter in the 1970s, the province tried to protect jobs and whole commynities by investing heavily in the industry. The government’s official position is that, “in general, asbestos mining, manufacturing, transportation and _ handling do not pose undue risk to workers or the public if regul- ations placing limits at appropriate’ levels of exposure are properly enforced.” These limits are measured by the PCM method. Dr. Irving Selikoff, a world authority on asbestos- related diseases who is associated with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, agrees that PCM testing is inadequate. “Most of the fibres — probably 99% of them — can’t be seen. You have to test them with an electron microscope.” Charney says asbestos testing conducted by the province is ‘‘a fraud.” Charney conducted his own testing at a high school in Ste-Adele at the teachers’ request. “There’s no way a health risk doesn’t exist,” he says. “I wouldn’t send my children into that school.” The Ministry of Education contends that no hazard exists. Deputy Minister of Education Thomas Boudreau, in a December 1985 letter to Charney, wrote that all schools were surveyed in 1979 and 1980, and repairs were made at that time. No testing was needed, he said. Why do we have to pay more for mail service? Have you been wondering why your parcels have by Pat Lewis Beaton “been taking so long to get to Cassiar? Well, it seems the government has changed its definition of first class mail when it comes to parcels to and from this community. Early in April, the staff at the Cassiar post office was informed that all first class parcels will now be shipped by truck to Dawson Creek where they will be re-sorted and then sent by air. First class letters, however, are still sent by air from Watson Lake. i If you have a parcel that has to go somewhere in a hurry - send it by Special Delivery. It will cost you an additional $1.25 - but at least it will get out on the next flight! As for incoming parcels...well - it took ten days to two weeks for a parcel to travel across the country before the new policy was initiated. We have yet to see how much longer they will now be “on the road”. New store at Good Hope Lake Money has been approved from Special ARDA (Agriculture and Rural Development Agency) Grants for construction of a store and gas station at Good Hope Lake by U.N.N., Local 167. . Vic Wells, Band Advisor for U.N.N. Local 167 at Good Hope Lake, said they are currently looking at plans and they hope to begin building in May. The store could be either log or frame construction or a trailer. Wells said they will be selling leaded and unleaded gas and a range of goods including meat, dairy products, vegetables, fruits and some dry goods. They hope to employ 3 or 4 full-time people and a couple of part- time workers. The proposed site for the store/gas station is across the highway from the community hall. The Department of Indian Affairs and the Good Hope Lake band are also contributing funds to the pro- ject. The target date for completion of “Good Hope Lake Services” is the July Ist weekend. ROSS HARPER’S RESPONSE Dear Sir: I do not know the premise upon which you published the article “Industrial Hygienist Questions Quebec’s Asbestos Measurements”. At present there is a. great deal of paranoia within the public domain regarding “ASBESTOS”. Publications which are one sided and ill informed such as the aforementioned, do nothing to treat the controversy objectively. A few points which you may wish to consider: A) Asbestos is not the only known cause of Mesothel- ioma. Mesothelioma has been discovered in young child- ren with no exposure to asbestos in any form. Glass fibres typical of those used in batt insulation and glass reinforced plastics have been linked to Mesothelioma. Some other causes of Mesothelioma are: — aluminum oxide — attapulgite — dawsonite — silicon carbide — potassium titanate — erionite-zeolite — polyurethane — ethylene oxide — ethylene dibromide, etc. Another source of Mesothelioma is a compound heralded by organic gardeners as a natural pesticide. This is diatomaceous earth. B) The size of the fibres which have been linked to Mesothelioma is eight (8) micrometres in length or greatere The size of fibres counted in the phase contrast method is five (5) micrometres in length or greater. The counted size has been established over years of research and allows a safety factor to, provide additional protection. C) There are five known types of asbestos, plus naturally occurring talc fibres. Synthetic glass fibre is very similar in physical characteristics to Amphibole asbestos which has been strongly linked to pulmonary fibrosis. Canadian Chrysolite asbestos is a long spiral spring type fibre, not at all like Amphibole asbestos. Research by many countires indicates that chrysolite asbestos, like any other compound, poses a risk at high concentrations but under controlled use and low concen- trations the risk is comparable to riding a bicycle. D) Dr. Irving Selikoff is not considered by everyone to be a “world authority” on asbestos related disease. There are many others in England, France, Japan, West Germany, and Canada’s Ontario Royal Commission on Asbestos Use which have performed as detailed or much more detailed and in depth studies than Dr. Selikoff. I do not consider the province of Quebec, U.S.A., England, France, West Germany, Japan, and the province of British Columbia to be “frauds” for our standards of monitoring asbestos levels. The point of view given by Mr. Charney, appears'to be poorly researched, does not Continued on Page 15. scholarship discontinued Cassiar Mining has discontinued the Sir Mark Turner Memorial Scholarship previously awarded by Brinco Limited. The Scholarship had been instituted by Brinco Limited as a memorial to Sir Mark Turner, Chairman of Rio Tinto Zinc Ltd., who were a major shareholder in Brinco for many years. Cassiar students who received the award included Gale Fugere, Ralph Wong and Wendy Cartwright. -High grade gold found at Cusac Work is continuing on the Cusac orebody located in Cassiar, B.C. Total Erickson Resources is the operator and have an option to earn a 60% interest in the project. Total has forwarded assays from advances within the ore zone to March 7th, 1986. These assays are confirming the spectacular high grade nature of the property first encountered during last summer’s surface drilling. Work on the main drift has recommenced and will decline parallel to the rake of the ore body. Further, Total has announced that the reconstruc- tion process has begun on their new 300 tpd mill. They anticipate that production will commence at the begin- ning of the fourth quarter. Engineering studies are nearing completion on the Alaskan Yakataga Beach placer deposit. A 500 yd/day plant is anticipated to be in place and operational by mid-summer, 1986. This property has the potential of developing into a world class deposit when its ultimate size is further defined. Mr. G.H. Brett is manager of the project in which Cusac has a 26% interest. By all indi- cations it appears that Cusac will enjoy a strong second half. CASSIAR COURIER STAFF Pat Beaton Lee Coran Karen Taplin Thank you to all contributors to the April issue. We would like to remind everyone that May 9, 1986 is the deadline for submissions for the June, 1986 issue. a CASSIAR Bits & Pieces Herb Wright and Jane Tashoots of Iskut had company for the birth of their daughter, Tiffany, in March. The ambu- lance crew of Sonja Willits, Juanita Nuyens and Peter Schneeberger helped Dr. Larry Otto deliver Tiffany at the Dease River Bridge. All are doing well. What's this about Vicki doing the dance of one veil while sorting rummage. The All Saints’ ladies do have fun! Why didn’t Marlene come to class on Monday night? Was it really business or have her tablemates finally driven her away? This is the time of year when some areas around Cassiar are very avalanche prone. We understand one local skier recently ventured some distance above the treeline on the ski hill and got caught up in an avalanche. Fortunately, he wasn't hurt. Our hearts really go out to that “poor” Oldtimer Hockey Team from Cassiar who are basking in the 85 F. weather in Hawaii in between games. We're looking forward to a full report in the next issue of the Courier. Jackie Brand from Kamloops and Alexia Jones from Vancouver were in Cassiar during the Easter break vis- iting Jenny Pewsey. After many months of negotiating with B. C. Lotteries the Lions Club has been successful in obtaining a Lotto 649 machine for Cassiar. Stan Carter, who has spearhead ed these negotiations, advises that they expect to have the machine in operation early in May. The machine will be located at Radio Shack, 641 Bateman Street, Cassiar. Don’t forget the Annual Mother’s Day Brunch at the Curling Club on May 11. This event is put on by the Lions Club every year. What Erickson strongman opens lobster shells with his teeth? Lee oS 2 sey What a view from the living room window! This picture of a trailer on Malozemoff Avenue in Cassiar was taken on April 14, 1986. = Surprisingly, Ida, Norma, Ellen and Christine did get back from Mexico. However, one thing Ida did find out was that you can’t snorkel with your sunglasses on. We under- stand Vonnie Stefanishion and seven of her friends from Fort Vermilion were staying at the same hotel. It’ll never be the same again! FAREWELL: Phil Hansman and Rae McGregor who went back east to Ontario. They will be moving once again when Phil Starts school in the fall at the Colorado School of Mines. Louise Varin and Dirk McIntyre who left for the bright lights of Vancouver. Louise Hara and children - Louise is working at the Royal Bank, Guildford Branch, Surrey, B.C. Shu will be Joining her in the fall. Doug Brandes who is now with the Royal Bank Inspection Branch in Vancouver. He will be travelling throughout B.C. in his new position. Jim Gilpin who’s off to Whitehorse (temporarily he is painting a house). THANK YOU I would like to thank everyone who supported me in the Hunger Walk recently. Because of your generosity, I was able to collect $497.00 in pledges. Pat Watson LIBRARY NEWS The Annual General Meeting of the Cassiar Library took place Wednesday, April 16th at 8:30 p.m. At this time the proposed annual budget was tabled and a new library board was formed. It consists of: Chairman: John Marks Members: Sandy Crawford Chuck Molloy Gary Swift Karen Taplin Also present at the meeting were Peggy Brohman, the Librarian, and Joan Cass, Assistant Librarian. Look for more information in the next Courier. who's news DALE PROPP This month we welcome Dale Propp and his wife, Kathy, to Cassiar. Dale has taken over as Branch Administration Officer at the Royal Bank in Cassiar. Dale and Kathy come from ‘Armstrong, B.C. Dale is a motorcyle and snowmobile enthusiast and looks for- ward to participating in both of these in Cassiar. 4 )-4 ) )- 4 DD ?--4 ?-D-4 >-- EMPLOY A STUDENT | During the summer, do you need someone to housesit, plant sit or mow your lawn? Students at Cassiar Secondary are available for employment this summer. wZ Pe | Cassiar Courier May 1986 Page 3 Erickson Creek Column —_- =— Cy : 6 Cd ae « AS - hy te by Pat Lewis Beaton Spring for some people seems to be a time of new beginnings. Like New Year’s Day - resolutions to “get in shape” or do a full scale house cleaning abound this time of year. Pussy willows are out to the delight of children who revel in this first sign of life after winter’s long sleep. Here and there a spider, an ant, a fly awaken in a window sill. Spring is a mixed season in the north. Cross country skiers claim the mountains are the most glorious in the spring. They stretch the ski season long into May. At the same time, joggers are out - their feet searching for dry spots on the roads which so recently were covered with winter’s legacy. ! There appears to be a new beginning taking shape just north of Erickson on Highway 37. An industrious entrepreneur has been clearing trees as the first step in a _ new business venture. Apparently plans are for a tourist stop and cafe to be built on the site. Several lots there were zoned commercial a few years back. Meanwhile, all of us are anxiously awaiting the beginning of construction of our new mill. The sound of hammers ringing in the mountain air will be music to all our ears! The exploration season will be getting underway soon too. The flood of geologists, core samplers, and diamond drillers will soon descend upon us - and add to our dimin- ished population. Eavesdroppers would not have known our population is diminished if they had listened in to the “‘Maritimers Spring Celebration” hosted by Lorraine & John Lanteigne one night in April. Live lobsters were flown in from Nova Scotia and the pots were a-boiling half the night! Brian and Stan Farrell entertained us with their singing and guitar and banjo playing. I understand Gary cooked breakfast for everyone at 4 a.m. and Phil even did all the dishes. Next month I hope Ill be able to report on the progress of our new mill construction. Now - if only the snow would melt! Happy Spring! Just waiting for the show to go on! Maura Beaton, waiting for her turn to go on the ice during the Blue Valley Figure Skating Carnival held recently. THANK YOU The Cassiar Community Club would like to take this opportunity to thank all the ladies who were Aerobics instructors over the past winter season. Without realizing it, these ladies work consistent- ly to provide a complete program to the commun- ity, free of charge, and on a very professional scale. Thank you to Bonnie Gibson, Donna Taylor, Shannon Carlow, Joan Cass, Cookie Gilchrist, and to Bernald Borsato and Karen Farrell for the morning Keep Fit class.. Your help is certainly appreciated in the com- munity. car te