Page 2 April 1985 Cassiar Courier Ottawa _ Viewpoint JIM FULTON ME of ye The $205 million summer student job programme recently announced. by the Conservative government will tely heavily this year on the small businesses, municipal- ities and non-profit organizations in Skeena. The new summer programme will put $163 million into the Summer Employment/Experience Development (SEED) programme which will split the cost of wages 50-50 with business, provide 75 per cent of the wages for municipalities and provide 100 per cent of the wages for non-profit organizations. Wages are to be subsidized for the private sector up to $3.00 an hour while municipalities will be reimbursed to 75 per cent of the provincial. minimum wage and non- profit organizations will be reimbursed 100 per cent of the provincial minimum wage which is $3.65. Employment and Immigration Minister Flora Mac- Donald has said her programme will create 95,000 sum- mer jobs for students. This will likely leave more than 160,000 students without jobs this summer. With or without wage subsidies it will be difficult and in a lot of cases, especially in Skeena where hundreds of mothers and fathers have been laid off, it will be near impossible for many operations to hire students. How will businesses and budget tight municipalities hire students when they have laid off hundreds of work- ers? This is not to say we don’t need to supply jobs for students but it appears that communities who have re- covered from the latest economic squeeze will be those who benefit the most from this programme. It is most ' difficult for businesses who are operating at 50 to 60 per cent to find the cash and meaningful work for stu- dents when they cannot justify re-hiring those that have been laid off from full-time employment during the past years. According to MacDonald’s statements funds under the SEED programme will be allocated on a “‘first come, first serve” basis. From that statement it becomes imperative that those interested in applying for funds under the SEED programme begin to do so immediately. Other aspects of the programme include $30 million in direct loans to students wishing to start their own business. A $24.2 million project for federal departments and agencies. This includes a $10 million programme for the hiring of students in the federal government, $13 mill- ion to the Cadet Reserve and Training and $1:2 million for a summer Special Constable programme. A $13.6 million programme has been continued for the Hire-A-Student campaign operated from Canada Employment Centres while $2.4 million has been placed aside for the Native Internship Programme which is designed to increase summer employment opportunities for Native students in various facets of Canada Employ- ment and Immigration Centre operations allowing them to gain an understanding of how the federal bureaucracy works. i In order to meet her quota of 10.000 jobs by private industry without subsidization MacDonald also ann- ounced the government will spend $1.3 million to encour- age leading corporations and ‘business organizations to promote the hiring of students. My research concludes that the Challenge 85 pro- gramme will still fall far short of this country’s needs. Last summer under the Liberal government’s student job programme 186,000 students were without jobs for the summer. This figure was unacceptable and under the Conservative government it is expected that a minimum of 160,000 students will not find work for the summer. This too does not make prospects of a working summer for our youth very bright. Our attention as a community to produce as many jobs as possible means we must get at it now. Those interested in hiring a student for the summer under the Challenge 85 programme can write to the Employment Development Branch. 215-4618 Lazelle Avenue, Terrace, B.C., V8G 185. NORTHWESTEL SCHOLARSHIP. Northwestel has announced a new scholarship pro- gram for students in the Company’s northern British Columbia operating area who wish to pursue post— secondary school education. The Company plans to award one five hundred dollar scholarship each year to a Grade 12 or post-secondary student graduating from schools in the Northern British Columbia system, in a pro- gram to promote the development of professionally. and technically skilled people from the Yukon for potential employment by Northwestel. The scholarship will be awarded for one academic year, although scholarship winners continuing in their selected course of post-secondary studies after the first year may be eligible for further assistance. New scholar- ships will be awarded on the basis of scholastic achieve- ment. Cont'd on Page 16 ‘ M.L.A. REPORT Al Passarell Now that the Legislature has reconvened, after a nine month absence, I will be writing monthly to the paper regarding legislative changes that affect the North. When the government presents legislation that helps the North, I will offer my assistance and help. When the legislation is detrimental I will offer my criticism. As the spokesman of the New Democratic Party for highways and transportation, | am the member of the official Opposition who responds to the Honourable Alex Fraser, Minister of Highways, on legislation for this area. Recently the minister presented excellent legislation in regard to the transportation of dangerous goods in British Columbia. In the ensuing debates I praised the minister for presenting superb legislation to the benefit of all B.C. residents. Your ideas and suggestions would be most helpful in the following months, since often the North is neglected in decisions made in Victoria or Ottawa. We need to work co-operatively to alleviate the many prob- lems facing the North. In the province of Manitoba, the provincial govern- ment has presented a positive mining policy. The pro- gram is called the Manitoba Mining Community Reserve. This program provides financial and employment sup- port for mining towns, workers and their families, faced with layoffs caused by short-term cyclical factors or when the area reserves of a mine become depleted. The province of British Columbia has had one of, if not, the highest mining tax in Canada. Where does this - tax go? It goes to finance Expo, B.C.Place and into gen- eral revenue. In Manitoba which has a lower mining tax than B.C. a part of the tax goes into the Manitoba Mining Com- munity Reserve fund. This fund provides relief for com- munities hit hard by the recession. There is no such pro- vision. for help in B.C. and when our mines close, people’s lives are changed. If the B.C. government cared about mining, a similar program to that of Manitoba would have been,in place. Very few mines are in operation in B.C, now, and more and more mines closemonthly. The Manitoba fund does not increase mining taxes, but uses the taxes wisely. Pro- fits in good years should be viewed in the context of the need to provide for lean years. The present B.C. govern- nent does not have economic planning in place to help the hard hit mining industry, as does the Manitoba gov- ernment. The Manitoba Mining Tax Act, authorizes the trans- fer from the reserve monies “‘for the welfare and employ- ment of persons residing in a mining community adver- sely affected by the total or partial suspension, or the closing down of mining operations attributable to the depletion of ore deposits.” This program set up years ago by the NDP govern- ment of Manitoba, also helps to off-set shortfalls in revenue and to help retire infrastructure debts of the employer. In Stewart, which has seen the boom and bust syn- drome for years, a program of this nature would help the community and it’s residents when times are tough. This present government does not have the foresight, and often forgets about one industry towns when they are down. Stewart has a bright future and this govern- ment is lacking in assistance and planning. LODGE OWNERS PROTEST NORTHERN POWER COSTS Eleven lodges along the Alaska Highway between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake closed down their operations for 10 days last month to protest the excessive taxes on fuel ‘used to generate power in the north and the lack of gover- nment concern for the problem. The lodge owners who op- erate’ gas stations, motels, cafes, post offices, weather stations and ambulance services have come to an impasse with increasing operating costs and reduced revenue from highway traffic. Jack Gunnes, spokesman for the lodge owners said it costs the lodges in the area of $26000.00 to $30000.00 “per year to run their power plants with the bulk of that cost being incurred in the winter months when tourism is slow. This is about 5 times what it would cost for the same power usage in a larger center. “It costs some of us up to $100.00 per day just to open’’, said Gunnes,’’ we can’t afford to be open.” Owners are also angry over the few services they re- ceive from the provincial government for the high prop- erty taxes they pay. The problem arises because of the fact that the Alaska Highway is federally maintained. The provincial government does not provide any service for the area despite the fact that it keeps it’s full share of the taxes paid by the residents. Cont'd on Page 16 PostOffice _ finallyreplies — —editor’s note: The following tardy-letter, dated Feb- ruary 21, 1985, was recently received by Town Admin- istrator Frank Buckley, following a complaint to the post office over last summer’s mail delivery. We hope it means five day a week mail delivery will be provided again this summer Dear F.J. Buckley: It has come to my attention that I have not yet responded to your letter and petition of July 14, 1984, concerning your request that the frequency of mail delivery service to your community increase during the summer months since more transportation service is available at that time of year. I apologize for the delay in responding. I agree with your position on the matter. My offic- ials informed me that an oversight delayed the start of five day a week service by one month. As you know, however, five day a week delivery service was provided to your community during the last three summer months. Action has been taken to ensure that the problem does not recur. Please accept my apologies for the inconvenience the residents of your community were caused. I hope that matters have been resolved to everyone’s satisfac- tion. R. Michael Warren President and Chief Executive Officer Canada Post Corporation SHIFT CHANGE FOR MINE EMPLOYEES Brinco Resources employees at the mine, primary crushing plant, tramline and concentrator have been on an unconventional work schedule since the second week in February. They have been working Friday through Tuesday with Wednesday and Thursday off. Mine Manager Keith Jones said the new schedule, initiated to build up Dry Rock Storage inventory, has been working very well. He said the ore comes down from the mine, is concentrated and dried, and then stored until it is sent to the mill. Jones said the company has had a hard time keeping enough dry rock in storage. On the regular Monday to Friday schedule they were doing maintenance during the week, so they were only getting 13 shifts of operation per week. Also, because of the two shifts for maintenance, they had three start ups of the concentrator during the week and all of these caused delays. On a temporary basis they changed the work schedule to run the ore preparation plant nonstop Friday through Tuesday with maintenance done on Wednesday and Thursday. Jones said they like to have 30,000 tonnes of ore in the Dry Rock Storage. This amount of inventory allows the mill to run for a week and a‘half. He said, “If we have major problems somewhere we have to have enough material on hand to keep the mill running.” Inventories are up again and management hopes to go back to the regular schedule the first week in April. Jones added that it’s always possible they could go to a Friday to Tuesday work schedule again if inventories fall, but he hopes not. R.C.M.P. News On March 8, 1985, Mike Botel rolled his truck near Plaza, enroute to Cassiar. Minor injuries were incurred. On March 19, 1985, George Drzimotta was operating a vehicle pulling out of the mine parking lot. James Whit- taker was proceeding into Cassiar and ran into the Drzimotta vehicle. Damage -was approximately $600 and there were no injuries. On March 19, 1985 a pick-up, driven by Floyd Joseph, was proceeding up the hill at the Erickson Gold Camp. ~ Bruce Simpson was operating a skidoo, coming over the top of the hill. He tried to pul! over the embankment and slid back down into the path of the pickup. Simpson was flown to Whitehorse with a broken elbow and num- erous other injuries. On March 7, 1985, Jennifer Walters was crossing the street between intersections and walked out in the front of a vehicle driven by lan Stallwood. Walters received bruises and abrasions. On March 19, 1985, two fire alarm boxes were pulled on Malozemoff. Footprints found at the scene would indic- ate the culprits to be about 5 or 6 years old, possibly kindergarten students. When a fire alarm is pulled, the Fire Department must respond as though it were a real fire, taking the men away from their jobs and other actiw. ities. It would be appreciated if all parents would im- press upon their children the seriousness of turning in false alarms. TOTAL ACCIDENTS 1984 — 20 TOTAL ACCIDENTS 1985 TO DATE — 16 PERSONS INJURED — 4 CASSIAR Bits & Pieces Who was the Dease Lake teacher seen recently te Tungsten looking a little green around the edges! Speaking of Tungsten, wonder who the Master Chef was who brought spaghetti sauce 300 miles to be thrown down the toilet??? However, we've heard another version of this and that is that Judy W. was turning brown under the heat lamp at Tungsten while the spaghetti sauce for supper was burning black! You be the judge. At a recent party Guido deC hoisted a baby up thru a lampshade, smashing it to smitherines on the floor — must have been some fun time...... really brought the house down. Baby is doing fine but Guido is still pink in the cheeks. Congratulations to the Engineering Dept for win- ning in the “649” draw! A big $10 to split five ways. Great! Gail C. really likes Bruce Springstein — especially at3 A.M. Congratulations to Jutta Voss and Dale Hoben- shield of Hazelton, who recently became engaged. They will be married in July. Karl and Hilde will be really busy this year with weddings, since Ralf is also getting married in July in Whitehorse. How come the C.C.C. bus always seems to have motor problems, etc., when Durk Mc. is following behind? Could he be a jinx? A prominent mother says .that Gary P’s lap is more like a waterbed than a rocking chair. Even the local police truck needs to be pulled out once in awhile, eh Bob! Overheard conversation between husband and wife recently at Annual Mixed Bonspiel: Husband: “Think I'll go to bed at 10 o’clock tonight’. Wife: “You've never gone to bed at 10 o clock in your life’. Husband: “I did so. I went to bed at 10 o'clock on Thursday night’. Wife: “At whose place?” i Wonder where Gordon stayed the night of this Does anyone know why all the chaperones from the Tungsten trip are “sparkling” all over town? Maybe the kids know!!! If you're wondering why there has been no men- tion in this section about Kerry Jones and the office curlers from Vancouver, John Oughtred, Gordon McKnight and John York, it’s only be- because we promised because we want them to come back again next year! Wonder if John is singing for his supper or if he’s just eaten it! The Dept. of Highways crew, under the super- vision of Mel Callbreath, at Good Hope Lake are to be commended for the fantastic job they have done this winter in keeping the roads clean, es- pecially with the heavy snowfall we have had. ‘This winter has been an real boon for snow shov- ellers. Bob Larocque has an answer to how to simplify getting the snow off the roof but he hasn't figured out yet how to dig himself and his snowblower out of ten feet of snow! Keeping our readers up-to-date on Cassiar snow- fall for this year, we have this month’s total once again. For the month of February, 139 cm (4’7”’). For the month of March to date (March 21), this brings the year’s total snowfall to 454 cm (14’10” While we're on the subject of heavy snowfalls, the picture below shows what two ladies, Pat Harper and Karen Muir, who arrived in Cassiar mid-win- ter, think of all the shovelling, etc. They are seen picketing with signs saying “On strike. We’re not a trade union — we want cash!” and “‘Less snow- More Pay!” Wonder if it worked? Maybe that is why Ross H. was inviting his friends out for din- ner at one of the local eateries!!! DP Some recent bird arrivals (could even be finches) in Cassiar didn’t come from Vancouver ‘the way the crow flies’. However, we hear they survived the CP. flight and bus ride, but we're not so sure about Ida and Ellen! A reminder to all fishermen and hunters that all licenses and tags expire March 31. Anyone leaving their house or trailer for the weekend can always ask Dave Tripp for some pointers — he’s an expert!!!! GOODBYE TO: Bob and Linda Andrews ana children Harris, Mat- thew, Darcie and Reg, who have moved to White- horse, where Bob will continue working for Fin- ning. Brian and Cecile Beaudry, and their children Van- essa, Chad and Troy. Jim Gilpin, who has moved to Vancouver. — SS SS THANK—YOU The Fire Department wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff of the Cookery for the lovely dinner you perpared for us last month. We all had a wonderful time. SF SS——E SESE SS SS Eh who's news Dr. Patti Skidmore o eo The. Cassiar Dental Clinic now has two dentists serving the public. Dr. Patti Skidmore arrived recently’ to give Dr. Paul Comparelli a hand with his very busy practice. Dr. Skidmore is a graduate of the U.B.C. School of _ Dentistry. She has come to Cassiar for six months to help Dr. Comparelli catch up. However, Dr. Skidmore says she’s now also very busy and her length of stay here will depend on what happens in the future. Dr. Skidmore works full time in Cassiar while Dr. Comparelli works here and in Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek. Cassiar Courier April! 985 Page 3 Erickson-Creek Column. The mining community is a mobile community. Over the years we've said good-bye to a lot of good friends and co-workers. In March we again said good- bye — this time to Production Superintendent Tommy McGrail, his wife Lois and daughter Erin, — Tom has been a driving force behind the Erickson team. He moved to Erickson in 1981 and has served as Project Superintendent on the Troutline Operation, as Surface Foreman, and at the time of his resignation, as Production Superintendent . He was a great asset to Erick- son and will be missed. Lois, too, did her share. She was on the executive of the Jade Mountain Gymnastics Club for the last two years, as well as on Erickson’s Recreation Committee. She always. had a pot of coffee brewing, and with her generosity and organisational abilities was always a key person in planning many of Erickson’s events. _ We said farewell to the McGrails at a goodbye party on March 9th. Tommy has gone to work as Mine Super- intendent at the Lupin Mine in the Northwest Territories. We \ . Following Tom’s resignation there was a reorganis- ation of staff at Erickson, effective March 11th. Frank Kollar is now Mine Superintendent and Acting Mine Man- ager when Al Beaton is off the property. Surface Foreman Dennis Best now reports directly to Al Beaton. Kieran Loughran is Acting Mill Superintendent when Jasman Yee is off the property and Jim Whittaker is Acting Mine Engineer, reporting to Al Beaton. We would also like to say good-bye and good luck to Brendan Morris, his wife Jo and daughter Seanna. Brendan was a. surveyor at Erickson. He has gone to work at Cantung as a surveyor. And we have congratulations to extend this month! Congratulations to John Hilchey and Irene Marks on the occasion of their engagement to be married. John was a surveyor at Erickson but left recently for the Regional property west of Watson Lake. Irene is a teacher at Good Hope Lake. A summer wedding is planned. Best Wishes to both of them and good luck to John at his new job. At the mine itself, the 14 Level Portal is currently being driven on a 24 hour per day/seven days a week basis. Erickson is on the attack and everyone is in good fighting form. Mine Manager A] Beaton has been overheard recently quoting Mark Twain. The story goes that Mark Twain was reading a newspaper when to/his surprise he saw the obituary on his own death. He turned to his friends and said, “I think they are slightly premature!” POD OGQ OG OO OG GO GO GOL GOLDOLPOGrGr PUBLIC SPEAKING GROUP APRIL 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the ARENA LOUNGE The first organizational, meeting of the new public speaking group to be hosted by Sherry Sethen and Julie MacRae. Any interested persons are welcome to attend. DODD DD DD DDD DOD DDD Hducational Information Inquiry Session An open meeting for the public to address the school trusteets will be held on April 17, 1985’ in the High School Gym. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding education and the future of the Stikine School Board.