‘LARRY GUNO, M.L.A. (Atlin) SOCREDS SLASH JOB, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Perhaps the biggest failure of the Social Credit government in providing training opportunities for British Columbians is its neglect of apprenticeship programs. Typically the government has systematically slashed vocational training to the bare bones. The result is far fewer apprentices, and a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople. For example, back in. 1982, apprenticeships accounted for nearly two per cent of the workforce, or about 19,000 people. In 1988, apprenticeships comprise only .7 per cent of the workforce, a signi- ficant cut. Looking at some of the primary industries across the province, we can see the failure of the Socreds in addressing job concerns. At the Alcan Aluminum plant in Kitimat, for example, there are a mere four apprentices out of 363 tradespeople. At the Harmac pulp mill in Nanaimo, there are 300 workers and no apprentices at all. _ While government and industry neglect to address the need to train our young people, and retrain our unemployed, two curious newspaper ads placed by the federal government appear in the BORNEO BULLETIN. One is for business immigrants, the other is for skilled immigrants. Opposition Leader. MIKE HARCOURT On June’ 8th the people of Boundary-Similkameen sent a strong message to the Social Credit government and to alll British Columbians. By electing New Democrat Bill Barlee as MLA in a riding that had been staunchly Socred for decades, they said they were tired of a premier who doesn’t listen. They said they were-tired of a government. that encour- ages confrontation and increasingly speaks out for its wealthy and big business friends. They said it was time to shake up a Social Credit government that creates uncertainty and confusion, and spends too much time on personal issues and not enough on important bread and butter concerns. But they said something else, too. They said they’d looked at the New Democrat alternative and looked hard. They came out to meet Bill Barlee and I as we campaigned in every community - in Penticton and Grand Forks, Summerland and Oso- yoos, Greenwood and Oliver. We discussed issues im- portant to the people of Boundary-Similkameen, and they responded. They looked at our alternative and liked it. They FIRST QUARTER REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS ENDED MARCH 31st FINANCIAL RESULTS The earnings for the first quarter of 1988 were $1,289,000 compared to restated earnings of $1,217,000 for the corresponding period of 1987. A tax refund of $293,000 was credited to the current period’s taxes, thus reducing the total tax provision. Revenue for the period was comparable to the first quarter of 1987.° Cost of sales was higher than the cost for the equivalent period in 1987, due to the anticipated lower grade of ore being mined. The ore grade is scheduled to increase _ during the year as the current mining phase gets closer to the centre of the ore deposit. Cash flow, prior to. debt repayments of $2,334,- 000, was substantially higher than the first quarter of. Fa ae The: ad for: skilled: tradespeople reads!’ “Canada: is looking for fully qualified immigrants in a wide —.- variety of occupations.. Some of those most needed are: draftsmen; secretaries; repairmen and servicemen » of electronic equipment, radio and television, precision instruments; office machines and computers. commercial artists and technical illustrators; technicians and technol- ~ : ogists for laboratory, chemical, dental and petroleum process operators; textile and x-ray; engine and turret lathe setup operators; machinists; various types of qualified mechanics; millwrights, plus many others.” Why is it that we must advertise abroad for workers when in some areas of the province unemploy- ment is hovering around 20 per cent? It would, of course, make far more sense to provide the necessary vocational school training in B.C. and boost apprentice on-the-job training. The fault, to be fair, does not lie entirely with government. Industry too has demonstrated its un- willingness to hire and retain new apprentices in suf- ficient numbers to sustain B.C.’s apprenticeship training system. Instead the major industries have chose to invest capital in machinery and equipment. Clearly, the government has a responsibility to all British Columbians to ensure that adequate train- ing facilities are in place. And it has an overriding responsibility to pressure industry to accommodate apprentices. Such a move would increase industry’s prosperity by eliminating the job scarcity. And just as importantly, it would end the denial of opportunity for our young people - a denial which this government has exacerbated through imcompetence and neglect. Larry Guno - 387-6094 liked our commitment to speaking out for the average British Columbian and to open, honest and tair represen- tation. And they voted for that alternative, in over- whelming -- indeed staggering - numbers. I recognize this was no small decision for many people. Many had supported Social Credit for years. But for these people of integrity this is not the same party anymore. The Vander Zalm Socreds have moved away from them. Like people throughout this province, many of whom have been Social Credit supporters, the people of Boundary-Similkameen want political representation that is open, honest and fair. This is a message I hear from British Columbians everywhere I go. It’s clear we’re not going to get that from the Socreds. Even after the landslide defeat the Premier refused to acknowledge voters’ concerns. Despite the fact voters said listen to us and stop trying to do too much, too quickly, the Premier said: “I don’t intend to change. We'll certainly be proceeding with all of those things, and proceeding very aggressively.” He added that the only message he received from voters was not to change what he was doing, but simply to “package it more effectively.” As New Democrat leader, I’m proud that the people of Boundary-Similkameen have placed their trust in us. It’s a responsibllity we accept and we will work to maintain that trust. jae : I pledge to you that we'll continue working to earn the trust of people all across this province - working to make sure the message sent in Boundary-Similkameen is one repeated over and 1987. At the end of February, the Company redeemed $1,689,000 of its subsidiary’s preferred shares according to the requirements of the banking agreement. A further redemption of $2,325,000 will be made at the end of May asa result of the first quarter’s cash flow. MCDAME DEVELOPMENT On March 17, 1988, Grace McCarthy, Minister of Economic Development, Jack Davis, Minister of Mines, and Stephen Rogers, Minister of State for the Nechako region, simultaneously announced the B.C. Government’s agreement to provide a $25 million project loan. The loan is repayable from 50% of the cash flow generated from the McDame deposit. Tenders for®the mine development have been received from contractors and an initial review of their prices confirms the estimates in the feasibility study. The bids obtained also confirm that the mine develop- ment schedule can provide a smooth transition of pro- OPINION: Jack J. Kempf, M.L.A. for Omineca Believing in giving credit where credit is due, I want to commend the Minister of Forests & Lands Dave Parker for his remarks last week with respect to South Moresby. I only wish that we would have heard from him before, not after, the fact. Then possibly a more rational decision with respect to that area and its resources could have been made. The decision on South Moresby was truly a tragedy. example of politics, taking precedent over logic. As the present controversy shows, there is a very valuable resource on South Moresby, whether one thinks the forest companies should or should not be reimbursed for the timber. This resource could have been harvested, providing wealth for the Charlottes and British Columbia, without destroying another very valuable. resource - its beauty. We had a challenging opportunity to have the best of both worlds. We could have proven that we really could practice multiple use and do it well, but we blew it. j Now we agree between governments as to what compensation should be paid and who should pay it. But we all know who will ultimately pay for such ri- diculous blunders. The taxpayers -- who else! It has ever. been thus and will continue to be so as long as politi- cians make decisions on the basis of attempting to look good, rather than what is good for all in the long run. I can be reached by phoning 387-3038 days, 384-9285 evenings, or by writing c/o Parliament Build- ings, Victoria, B.C., V8V 1X4. SUPPORT THE DEMO— CRATIC PROCESS. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR M.L.A. CASSIAR MINING CORPORATION duction from the open pit mine to the underground operation. GOLD PROJECT The Company continues to actively pursue financ-. ing alternatives to advance the Company’s gold project in Bissett, Manitoba to production. Equity markets remain soft which as necessitated reviewing other financ- ing methods. Discussions are ongoing with potential joint venture partners. OUTLOOK Sales and prices of fibre are expected to remain at the 1987 level. The new wet milling pilot facility is well underway and is expected to be operating by mid summer. Due to the continuing strong demand for Cassiar fibre, there will be no shutdown of mine opera- tions in 1988. James C. O’Rourke, President and Chief Executive Officer It will go down in the history books as an en | OIE LO IO OO a NE a _ CASSIAR Bits & Pieces Shawn complained that his picture has never been in the Courier. Well, here you are Shawn, finally a STAR!! We understand the MacRaes had some problem hanging onto their wallets on a recent trip to Vancouver. Paul left his on the plane and Julie left hers at Eatons. But Newfoundland luck was with them both and their pos- sessions were returned untouched! GiGi builds interesting greenhouses, but now we hear he is going into the deckbuilding business. “The best layed plans of mice and men!” Welcome back to Tim and Debbie. Wonder how Tim’s ball injury healed?? Dianne and Graham really wanted to share their wedding video with their firends, and apparently they did, except it‘wasn’t exactly the ceremony!!! Mary, Mary, quite contrary, what does your greenhouse grow? Pat H. is teaching Ross how to cook her style. According to family reports the kids always knew when supper was ready cause the smoke detector went off!!! Oh well, Pat, atleast you get a whole new paint job!! We hear Ken is enjoying the beaches and weather now that he’s back in Penticton. Your relatives miss you! Jim Peaker, do you think you have enough room in your yard for all your collections? Love that boat and trailer! A big bouquet to Chris and Nancy Gleason and family. They completely cleaned up the Simmons Lake Camp Ground. a few weekends ago. Louise Creyke is to be also commended for going out to pick up the garbage bags. One qitestion who is responsible for garbage col- lection at Simmons??? % “Tm a grandmother,” said Lorraine. ‘‘Those two puppies look just like my Sonny!!!” Really, lets not get carried away! Overheards at court by a local male auxiliary, “Since you women have been liberated we’ve all been screwed!” The reply from a female court worker, “I don’t believe in being liberated. Any woman who wants to be equal to a,man has no ambition.” -(horray, horray, horray!) We hear there are new T shirts being ordered by a certain day shift crew. The motif, “When the rocks come tum- bling down”? Ted Beck is a man of many talents. He is also tall, dark and handsome. Some interesting facts about Ted Beck. Linda is not his wife or daughter, Karen is “just a friend” and yes, they are thinking of bronzing his shoes at C.S.S. June, throwing balls at people and hitting them does not qualify an out! No matter how sure you are. Eck Trask before driving out, “I’m going to drive until I’m too tired, then sleep.” Friend to Eck, “What do you think, you'll make Vanderhoof?” Eck said, “HECK I may make it past the gas station!” - that they are the main course. Erickson Creek See Lorraine Lanteigne I drove around Table Mountain a couple of weeks ago. It was a magnificent northern morning. The heat from the sun burned my face, and as we climbed higher, the air lost its humidity and became dry, cool and totally refreshing. As I visited Cusac, Volag, 57 hundred (The Yellow Brick Portal) and the main mine with Super- intendant, Elwood, my thoughts travelled back to the first time I explored this mountain. John and I went for a ride (so he called it) one Sunday afternoon. I am terrified of heights and driving around, having to contend with the drama of switchbacks while peering into the depths below, held no thrill. However, I attended this first adventure on the mountain following it again, with a few more, including a moose kill with Frank and Carol Kollar. Now, as I ready to leave this part af the country I find I love this mountain. It is beautiful. The roads aré in superb condition (thanks to grader operator, Ray McPhee) and watching’ the tiny streams gurgle along through a tundra filled with shrubs and wild flowers creates an array of mountain scenry very few glimpse. Inside of it’s body there lies the gold that.has sustained all of us at Erickson. Without it there would be no mountain people, creating a legend. I said a very long time ago that we really should have a huge celebration on top of the mountain. “We could have it in Honour of the Universe. Simple, just celebrate not only our own existance, but that of our planet, solar system etc., etc.,! It didn’t happen, and now I’m glad. . This mountain, and what it has stood for is celebration enough. To all who have walked over it, driven around it, blasted it, and drilled into it, may you have found what you’ve been looking for! The Longest Day of the Year Party was another fine success. Apparently there was a problem with not enough lobster! To anyone who had difficulty please accept the apology of the rec committee. John O'Brian was responsible for the care-taking of the lobster. “Actually,” says John, “it’s quite a pro- cess, I invite them up to the party, but I don’t tell them Once they are here, I talk to them in Nova Scotian, then I get them drunk. I hate throwing them into the brine sober, but once they are drunk they get ignorant and I don’t mind at all!” I know that the two lobsters Katherine an Tate were delicious, the best! The Boulder City Outlaws did a fine job of playing at the party, especially considering how cold it was. Even with the wind and a little rain, spirits were high. The bonfire, the music and the refreshments all added a unique atmosphere to the antics of the evening. Chris Tates proved to anyone who cared to look that, yes, he is a brunette. Just a little gray around the edges! Doug Desjardins was wired for sound and ready for action, which apparantly he handled very well later that evening. Tom McGrail has plans to build a dome over the ball field for next year, “Just to keep us warm!” he says. I say with guys like Chris and Doug around things should be quite “warm enough”! Thanks to everyone who worked at the party. It was fun, funny, and the food was very good. Speaking of food, the old kitchen had a minor accident one fine Sunday not long ago. Seems the health SSSSSsssssssssssssssss Overheard at the Cassiar Bar. “Smoke if you want, I don't care but I’m going to get my moneys worth out of that hypnotist!” Congratulations Margaret and Ellie, who celebrated their birthdays in early June. Both gals say they are getting better as they get older (when they get a chance to prove it). Ellie’s favorite gift was a button which read, “I'd rather be 40 than pregnant.” Ce la viel! Mike R. is a wonderful party guest. He is also a great host. Furthermore this is a man who knows how to clean up after a party! Apparently Michelle has Alfred, James, Barbara and W.C.. hanging out in her phone. Sort of like a Cassiar Polter- geist “They're here”! For.a good time phone Michelle’s phone! he OLD CASSIAR PROVERB He who uses contact cement near stove is assured things will go BOOM! For further information contact Walter. We're glad everything turned out o.k. Condolences to Mary whose plant was fried in the mishap. SSSSssssssss ..Cassiar Courier July 1988 Page 3 inspector-visited and-gave his stamp of approval to the * operation, Sunday dinner was in full swing when BINGO- the heat from the kichen stoves set off the chemical fire extinguishers and boy did they work well! Everything in the place was coated in the powdery fire retardant. “The health inspector-had commended our opera- tion!” said head chef, Tim Walters. The fan is now fixed in the kitchen, It took a year and a half to get -the belt tightened, The kitchen staff seem to be rolling along. Gloria has a unique solution for dental work, I found interesting, A lot of people may have found the tooth story humour- ous, however I think it is very practical. I just: have one question. Is crazy glue poisonous? Good recovery to Joyce Hebert who was injured off the job. Her bruises are healing and her spirits are high but she’ll be off work for awhile. - Also to Norm Korchenko, a speedy recovery is wished for him. Norm is in the Watson Lake Hospital taking a series of tests. Welcome to Eric Glyn-Jones who is now Ericksons_ Rec Co-ordinator. He will be at the mine until the end of August. The company has now assumed financial responsibility for the rec facility. The McDame Creek Rec Association remains the steering committee, Eric has a range of activities planned for the summer months. There will be bingo’s, swimming and horseshoe tourna- ments. The schedule is up at the rec hall and in the kitchen, so have a look and come out and enjoy! There are new miners:‘in camp. I have noticed! One in particular is a fine fellow by the name of Bootleg Bill, Actually (and this is for the history record) he lives up to his reputation, twice. Now he is known as Double Bootleg Bill, from Pickle Lake, Ontario. It has been reported that this jumbo operator is an extrodin- ary man, however, we are not sure why! Tornados have been hitting Erickson lately. Mini ones, but strong enough to disrupt the carpenters at work. (Mind you it doesn’t apparantly take a lot to disrupt this crew!) Anyhow, Joe, Tim and Bruce were building a small snow roof on Ron and Nadine’s trailer. Doing a good job, the men set the roof on the trailer, in an instant the wind gusted, and blowing with fast fury lifted the roof right up! Some damage was done, luckily no one was hurt. But as Joe Hebert said, “You'd have to.see it to believe it!” Accountant Pat McGurie, from Total Erickson’s Vancouver office, spent some time with the mountain people recently. He was at Erickson setting up accounts procedures for the rec hall as well as overviewing all of the statistical records and procedures utilized at the Mine Site. We hope that upon his reutrn to Vancouver he’s recovered from the Longest Day of the Year Party! The summer students have returned to work. A variety of job experience can be had at Erickson. Given a good learning experience, the summer student develops an attitude that is positive and work habits that are safe and productive. It is important to realize for those supervising these young people that “Donkey Training” is a responsibility placed in their hands, and it is their hands that will help mould future workers. Remember its the future workers that will look after us in our “‘old age”! Chris Creyke is off the hill for the summer. “I’m * gone for four months,” said Chris. “I’m going to enjoy my holiday and the guiding I do!” Chris has been driving for Tra-John for eleven years. Summer is officially here. Good travelling to all who are taking holidays and welcome to all who have chosen to work here for the season. SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsSsSssssssssssssss The Taplins added a new member to their family. Welcome to Aran, a pure bred Sheland Sheepdog. We would like to thank Jaime, Lisa, Chuck, Ron and Karen for their quick thinking and fast actions ‘during our recent fire. Ross and Pat Harper and family