Page 2 Cassiar Courier May 1989 LARRY GUNO, M.L.A. (Atlin) The Social | Credit government's new-found , concern with the environment -=°. 15S unfortunately little more than a sham. RGESS aes te The Socred: throne speech jumped on the bandwagon -to . both defend its indefensible track record and ‘promise to clean up the environmental mess it has created over decades of neglect. That's out and out hypocrisy. In the last year alone, the Socreds have been plagued by one environmental scandal after another. The revealing series of indictments include: -~ the sell-off of the province's environmental lab, where leaked documents show there was a concerted effort to cut back on water, soil and wildlife pollution tests to pave the way for privatization; — two studies, including one from the University of Victoria, showing the Socreds aren't enforcing the pollution limits set out in waste management permits and not charging even repeat offenders; Opposition Leader Mike Harcourt March 30th was budget day in British Columbia. By now you should know that the Socred Cabinet had a_ chance to bring some fairness to the tax system for middle-income and working British Columbians. Instead, they brought us a "forgive and forget" budget. Forgive them for their years of neglect on issues vital to British Columbians - education for our kids, a clean environment, affordable housing for working families. And forget just where. the money they're spending is coming from —- your pocket. This Socred budget is a short-term attempt to gain political support for a government in deep trouble. It addresses important concerns like the environment and education for our kids when it suits the government politically - and uses the money raised on the backs of working people in ae shameless attempt to buy the Socred government popularity. I. don't believe British Columbians are that easily fooled. We can't be bought off by a budget that has more to do with politics than a believable commitment to our future. We can clearly ~...9ee ©. ‘the 4. Socred - series of charges that wasteful logging is occur- ring throughout B.C.; - the heavy-handed decision of the environment minister to dump Lower Mainland garbage in Cache Crek, despite overwhelming opposition from residents and the government's promise to "consult" before dumping occurred; - failure to respond promptly to the oil spill off the coast of Vanvoucer Island; and, : - closures of shellfish fisheries all along the coast because of toxic dioxin emissions from pulp mills, rated among the worst industry polluters in the country because of lax regulations. These few examples speak volumes about the Socreds' environmental track record. And despite the rhetoric contained in their latest list of promises, yet more leaked documents reveal the shallowness of the goernment's new commitment to the environment. Just days after the speech, New Democrats leaked another environment ministry document pinpointing 30 serious problems with the Socreds' environmental monitoring and protection. Once again, this evidence further backs up the fact the government lacks the political will to clean government's continuing unfair tax system and its failure to treat regions like yours fairly Despite all their talk of a balanced budget, the Socred government hasn't done anything to balance the unfair tax burden ine B.C. Over the past four budgets, the Socreds have given a huge $500 million tax break to corporations while increasing personal taxes for British Columbians by the same amount. In fact, if that same tax break was provided to families instead of corporations, your income taxes could be cut by 20 per cent. Yet there was no tax break for you. The Socred government had a choice between you and their wealthy friends. They chose their friends. Because of Socred policies, we've seen the emergence of two British Columbias. One B.C., the lower mainland, is experiencing unmanaged rapid growth which is~- threatening our quality of life. The second B.C., outside the lower mainland, is experiencing high unemployment and the loss of young people who are moving away. As with taxes, the budget does little to deal with these inequities, nor provide new jobs from our rich resources across Bac New Democrats are going to make sure this budget isn't going to be a one-day Socred promise. Where the government has made promises such as on the environment, in education and health care, we'll be _ pushing them to do the things that, after years of neglect, they suddenly “say they now, believe in. -i:iys.. - “up its environmental protection rerord Ses hint tr aceaees 8 Clearly, if the government _was.,serious about safeguarding our environment, it would support. .-the™ New Democrats' 23 private members": bills put ‘forward as part of our sustainable development program. Our bills offer concrete solutions to create jobs while protecting the environment. AN OPINION ~ Omineca Update Jack J. Kempf M.L.A. For Omineca When the third Session of the 34th Parliament was called to order in Victoria on Thursday, March 16, 1989, for the reading of the Throne Speech, a figure familiar to so many of us _ was once again absent. The seat of Alex Fraser, first member for Caribou, remains empty as he continues his battle with cancer. He is now in the hospital in his home town of Quesnel. I was certainly saddened, remembering well the robust speeches given often on behalf of ‘his beloved constituents in the Caribou and northerners in general. Strong, fiery speeches, always emphasizing the plight of rural British Columbians and the need for a return of our fair share. Saddening as well was to note that government decision had relegated this long standing member's seat from its prominent position in the front benches’ to its present back row opposition side position with the backbench rump group. Unfortunate, but not surprising as I recall the absence of even the mention of his name at last fall's party convention in Penticton. One gets the distinct feeling that to speak out, against government policy, even from a hospital bed, brings dire consequences. Whether present in the House or not, however, Alex's many years of service will be remembered, with his words’ still echoing in the Chamber. I'm sure all members, on both sides of the Legislature, join me in wishing him well, and look forward as I do to seeing him fill the empty seat wherever it may be located. Please contribute to the Canadian ~ Cancer Society today. Canadian 4 [= Cancer Society p Pp } Can Cancer Be Beaten? You Bet Your Life It Can! a ee OPE OE —— a — | | . | | BITS & PIECES -. In last month's Minor. Hockey ‘column, the report of the Fort Nelson Tournament .- contained a couple of errors. In fact, Dylan Thibeault-Johnston won the Lucky Draw after the first game on Friday night; in the third game, Dylan won the Hustler Award, and Alun. Evans |» would like everyone in Cassiar to know that >this time (June hopes). he "didn't leave home without them". We recently received a note from former resident Christine Ball, who says: Md Although I have now been gone for over two years, I still -enjoy keeping up with the news and activities of "Cassiar Country." I still miss the town and my friends immensely and find the big city of Toronto not to my liking. I will be finished my 2- year photography course at the beginning of May and then will set my sights on at least a trip back North (cameras et al.!) "Big Hello to all there!" Congratulations to Mickey Johnston and Dave Tripp, who were married March 23 in Cassiar. Congratulations also to Debbie Ireland and Tim Williams, married April 29 in Cassiar. A reception was held in the Ralf Voss Centre. Farewell to Mel and Lucy Taylor, who are looking forward to settling into their house near Kimberley. Farewell also to Randy Reichert and Donna Taylor, who are leaving for Kingston where Randy° is going to work on his M.Sc. at Queen's. THANK YOU, CASSIAR As a child I was always fascinated by the stories of folk who had the courage to leave the old country to make a new life for themselves in other countries but more particularly in the Northern parts of Canada where the challenges of the extreme weather conditions re- mained a mystery to me. When I grew up I had the opportunity to travel with my work, but I was given only the choice of Africa and the Far East which were a far cry from the snowy North of Canada which continued to fascinate me. However, just a few weeks ago I had the oppor- tunity to see and touch snow and ice like I had never im- agined existed - in short, I arrived at Watson Lake and drove to Cassiar for a short stay. My stay in your lovely cosy town was a delight. People were so friendly, helpful and always ready to wave as they drove past (because I did a lot of walking), even your four legged friends were always ready with a wag of their tails. My camera didn’t stop clicking and recording the wonderful shapes the wind had made with the snow and melting ice. What beauty there is in the sound of crunch- ing snow beneath one’s feet and the tranquility one feels because of the quiet. To those who feel they are missing out because they are away from the City life, may I say: enjoy the beauty and gentleness of Cassiar, its people, mountains and way of life and the good clean air. Elizabeth Burgess, Vancouver Minister Mel Couvelier today confirmed: and Indian Bands will continue to be exempt from social service tax they purchase or take title remain subject to social services ‘ tax on off-reserve purchases. - minister: announcement to clarify applica- Service Tax Act following a March 23, 1989 a. Fort St. John player. )$.wo1 the ———————————————————— . Lucky Draw. aes Sr = the Social Mother’s Day : May 14th Cassiar and the Stikine were treated to a rare experience with district in third week musician to most of the district as well as public performances and Dease Lake. accordionist and thought that this can emphatically Leo Aquino is an accordion music is nothing of the As Mr. Aquino described accordion is an instrument that sound by through banks which can be unlimited combinations a myriad of different In the capable hands a trained musician the result very pleasing linked together orchestral Mr. Aquino's hands virtually the keyboard repertoire traditional Spanish compositions overtures, proved that the accordion variation. is hard to which was the more interesting watching Mr. accordion, Cassiar Courier May 1989 Page 3 CASSIAR Tax Regulations Claritied tor Natives decision of the British Columbia Court of Appeal on a challenge by the Metlakatla and Kitamaat Bands. The Court of Appeal ruled. provisions of the Social Service Tax Act were unconstitutional and conflicted with sections of the federal Indian Act. : While goods purchased -by Indians on reserves are exempt: from social service tax, the provisions which were struck down levied tax on specific items pur- chased. exempt on the reserve under the Indian Act’ and subsequently used off the reserve. Couvelier also dismissed the need for a class action suit for recovery of.taxes wrongly collec- ted. Any Status Indian or Indian Band who paid tax under the provisions which were struck down may apply for a refund. The minister added these refunds will be subject to the same verifica- tion procedures as any other application. Couvelier repeated his belief British Columbia's posi- tion is fair and said he will continue to examine options open to him. . "The Indian Act provides Status Indians with the right to be exempt from tax on goods pur- chased on reserves. I respect tnat right, said Couvelier. "Off the reserve, however, tax Should apply equitably and con- sistently toa Indians and non- Indians alike. 5 Leo Aquino, Accordionist Extraordinaire by Allan Studd listening to the amazingly beautiful sounds that emanated from it. Many of the _ pieces were arranged by Mr. Aquino himself so one got a sense that he not only was technically proficient but has a deep inborn musicianship as well. Those who missed his performance, missed a real treat which managed for a few hours to lift us out of the spring Cassiar doldrums onto another plane completely, somewhere far away from the snow and mud. We were pleased to have Mr. Aquino visit Cassiar. We were very sorry to see him go, but for those who attended the concert and bought his tapes, the memory. will live on. ; Axis Mime Performs Submitted by Roland Rudkowsky Recently the Axis Mime Theatre performed a shortened version of H. G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man”. Both performances were held at the Cassiar Secondary School on Wednesday, April 12. The first performance was held for the students of Snowridge Elementary, Cassiar Secondary and the students of Dease Lake Elem- entary Secondary School. In the evening, the people of Cassiar were invited to attend the funny and excit- ing performance, which was fifty minutes in length. The Axis Mime Theatre is a group from Van- couver who perform various plays and mimes across Canada. The cast and crew captivated the audiences with their wild and wacky scenes, which were enjoyed by all who watched. With only four cast members and _ one crew member,.the play was outstanding. we 2 on