Opposition Leader MIKE HARCOURT New Democrats have been waging a strong fight against Bill 28, the Vander Zalm government’s attempt to eliminate election day registration and voting in British Columbia. We have spoken out in the Legislature against Bill 28 and have mounted a province-wide petition and letter-writing campaign. Should you care about this? I think so. Bill 28 could disenfranchise 150,000 British Columbians. In 1986 over 157,000 votes were cast'in the provincial election by Section 80 voters — people who registered on election day. They were students, and tenants, and seniors, and new citizens, and people who moved from one community to another-for job reasons. In my own riding of Vancouver Centre, a full 16% of votes cast came from voters who registered on election day. Bill 28 eliminates Section 80 voting. Why is the right to register and vote on Election Day needed? Through no fault of their own, in 1986 thousands and thousands of British Columbians 19 years of age and older were left off the voter rolls. Yet, rather than make voting easier so as many people as possible exercise their right, the Social Credit government is making it harder. Repealing Section 80 is unfair and Ottawa Viewpoint Jim Fulton MP MULRONEY HIKES TAXES — AGAIN! Enough is too kind a response. The ordinary taxpaying British Columbian has had more than enough of Mulroney government tax increases. “=-Fhe=government’snew=1988. budget is a blue- print for lost opportunities. Finance Minister Michael Wilson had: the chance to move to greater regional fairness and to make the tax system fairer. Instead we have an unfair budget that takes another $50 per year from the average British Columbia family. And because it is a tax on gas, those of us living in the northern part of the province are doubly hit. The Prime Minister warned last year that “we are in the process of building two Canadas: one which is rich and promising and one which is underdeveloped and underemployed.” That warning remains true today but is totally lost on a government known for promising one thing and doing another. The new Mulroney budget ignores the fact that unemployment in British Columbia is still at the level that prevailed during the 1981-83 recession. OFFICE OF THE PREMIER VICTORIA - There’s no doubt our province is coming off a good economic year. The key indicators like manufacturing, housing starts, retail sales and the like make that clear. One of the prime reasons for our good perfor- mance is that B.C. businesses and their employees worked together to increase.productivity. That increase, along with developments in the world economy that were favorable to British Columbia and its resource industries, made our private sector highly competitive. But that was last year. The issue today is whether our good price and wage performance can be maintained in the coming 12 months. If we're to continue to enjoy the benefits of increased productivity and keep and expand our place in the international marketplace where as a trading, province, our prosperity lies, it’s essential that wage growth stays moderate and that we maintain a good labour relations climate. For its part, our government will continue to approach contract talks with employees in a “tough” but fair” way because there are very definite limits as to what taxpayers can afford. Wages, of course, make up a significant part of government spending. About 65 per cent of the money we pay out in B.C.. goes- for-,public sector. salaries, . including those... . unjust and adds another obstacle which will keep many British Columbians from having access to the ballot. The government says Bill 28 is necessary. They claim massive cheating occurred in the 1986 election -- yet not one shred of evidence has been provided. I’ve challenged them to present evidence of cheating. If it’s there, lay charges. We believe strongly that anyone abusing the voting process should have the book thrown at them. But we don’t accept phoney excuses for chang- ing the election law. It seems the government’s chief reason for, eliminating election day registration is sparked by revenge -- two Socred candidates were defeated by Section 80 voters. New Democrats believe voting is your right, not a privilege that can be removed by government. The government has shown its opposing view. One Socred minister actually equated gaining the vote with entering law school! We want as many people as possible to use their voting rights. Our spokesperson on fair election prac- tices, Gordon Hanson (MLA, Victoria), has introduced a private member’s bill aimed exactly at this. It calls for: * full enumeration after the election is called, as is done throughout much of Canada; * the right to register and vote on election day for those who miss the enumeration process; * 18-year-olds to have the right to vote, as hap- pens in every other province in this country; * easier access to advance polls; * a permanent non-partisan electoral boundaries commission. Voting is at the heart of our democratic process. The fight to make voting as accessible as possible for all British Columbians is one I’m proud to lead. The budget ignores the fact that almost half the jobs created since the Conservatives came to power have been in Central Canada in a small area around Toronto. The brightest spots in the West are Manitoba and the Yukon where New Democrat governments are making a serious effort to tackle unemployment. Last year the Mulroney government had an op- portunity to correct unfairness in the tax reform package. They did nothing. The result? This year the average B.C. tamily will be paying over a thousand dollars more in taxes than when Mulroney was elected. oy the richest 2% of taxpayers will pay less. ' Finance Minister Wilson had an opportunity to bring in a minimum corporate tax to ensure all pro- fitable corporations. pay their share. -The revenue gen- erated from such a tax could then be used for regional development. Yet with this budget 60,000 corporations will continue to pay no tax. British Columbians were looking for fairness in this budget. None is offered. The disparity between people in Central Canada and in the West is growing. The last handful of crumbs thrown to the West by the Mulroney government was attached to a $650,000 payment of Sinclair Stevens’ legal bills before the Minister was found guilty of 14 counts of conflict of interest. This type of Parliamentary shenanigans is an insult to” Western Canada. As has happened ail too often, Brian Mulroney could have done something for ordinary British Colum- bians in the new budget. Instead he chose to do nothing. of government workers and people who are employed by bodies and agencies funded by government, like hospitals and school districts. To put salary payments in perspective, every one per cent increase in salaries for these employees increases government spending by about $66 million. We also have to keep an eye on increases in in- direct costs that arise from fringe benefits that are some- times granted in lieu of salary increases. While these usually don’t show up in wage settlement statistics. They often add up to a significant increase in overall compensation costs. Given that 1988 is a year when there’s going to be a great deal of bargaining -- a total of 385 agree- ments involving about 212,000 employees -- all British Columbians should be aware how important it is it avoid slipping into a wage-price inflationary spiral. That kind of situation, which inevitably leads to lost time, strikes and lockouts, will hurt our economy and cause investment and new development to go else- where. : At this point in time, that we simply can’t afford. NECHAKO REGION GENERAL PUBLIC MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 19th, 1988 7:30 P.M. UPPER LEISURE ROOM CASSIAR COMMUNITY CLUB cratic-process,* Keep in touch with your M.L.A. = \5 PROBE INTO COQUIHALLA CORRUPTION ESSENTIAL With the ‘spring session now underway, New Democrat MLAs are’ gearing up for spirited saa in legislature on a number of contentious issues. At the top of the agenda will be a renewed call for a special committee to probe deeper into Coquihalla corruption. The massive coverup and scandal that rocked the province is a shocking affront to all British Colum- bians. And we believe that the public interest won’t be served until political.culpability is determined. Although a government commission completed late last year accuses Social Credit politicians and their staff of deceit and prevarication on the bogus book- keeping of Coquihalla, no fingers were pointed at individ- uals. The commission states: “The legislature was avoided, the legislature was misled by the documents presented to it, the true costs were not reported in a forthright way. These deliberate and planned actions were politically motivated and designed to give the impression that the Coquihalla was on budget.” The’ bare-bones outline sketched in by the com- mission - scathing as it is - is not enough, British Colum- bians need to know the full picture of who was involved in the multi-million dollar overruns. Premier Vander Zalm’s off-the-cuff response to New Democrats call for an expanded inquiry was negative. The premier says he doesn’t want a “witch- hunt” or “further mud-stirring.”’ That’s an outrageous response, especially con- sidering the secretive, back-room deal atmosphere that pervaded the Coquihalla scandal. By trying to sweep the affair under the rug, Vander Zalm stands guilty of perpetuating the terrible legacy of his Social Credit cohorts. ; The spectacle of a premier who refuses to look at the squandering of public funds is hardly surprising. This is a premier whose policies blame innocent victims such as hungry school kids and the less fortunate in our society. But the game rules change for those in power, as in the Coquihalla case. It is essential that. the government come clean on the culprits who swindled British Columbians out. of tax dollars that could have provided better health and welfare services. Money that could have created” more jobs. Money that could have ensured children weren’t going to school hungry. Just as important, British Columbians need a © guarantee that such flagrant misuse of public funds and assaults on our democratic traditions never happens again. AN OPINION JACK J. KEMPF M.L.A. FOR OMINECA Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. A common phrase and one we’ve all heard many times. Now, how- ever, it can be related to the way in which our province is being run. Recently while in Powell River for a caucus retreat, the Premier, when approached by reporters with respect to caucus members views on abortion, put his hands over his ears and closed his eyes, and said he didn’t want to talk about it. “Don’t ask me those questions. I don’t want to hear them’, he’s quoted as saying. That’s all very well, but whether it be the abortion issue or any other facing British Columbians, the Premier must respond. Where has the promise of ‘“‘open govern- ment” gone in a short sixteen months? Is this the “fresh, new start” so widely touted during the election campaign? To say “I don’t like hearing that. I don’t like those questions”, is simply not good enough from a Premier who has thrown the province into turmoil. We as citizens have a right to ask and a right to know. This Premier, any Premier, has an obligation to respond. Many questions remain unanswered, i.e. where will regionalization lead and at what cost? Will privatiza- tion reduce services or cost more? What about a two tier health care system in British Columbia? Are home- owners to shoulder a further burden because of govern- ° ment taxation policies? Many radical changes are taking place in our province and there are many questions to be answered. But the Premier covers his eyes and ears to public opin- ion, striking out blindly in more and more directions without consultation with either elected representatives, the people, or even his own caucus. FANTASTIC!! I can be reached by phoning 387-3038 days, 384-9285 evenings, or by writing Parliament Buildings, Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4. Remember - support the Demo- \ ‘" -CASSIAR Bits & Pieces What’s this we hear that Bob Randell figured he could ski in the Yukon Cup recently? REMINDER TO ALL HUNTERS AND FISHERMEN: Your licences expire the end of March ... Don’t get caught without a valid one! What was the “large” attraction at the Pizza counter in Fort Nelson - Keith and Patrick can tell you! Chris and Louise Creyke get the “Avid Fan Award” from minor hockey. At the last minute, they decided to drive to Fort Nelson for the kids’ hockey tournament ... Son Justin was definitely happy to see them! Also a big thank you for bringing all the hockey equipment home - getting through the airport was a breeze without the extra bags! What is that “funny cigarette package” in the candy vending machines? In the “olden days” the boys used to chase the girls - now the girls chase the boys! Oh such is the life of a hockey star! Note to Ricky, Robby, Stephen, Damian and Scott: If you guys start calling Fort Nelson, you will be in VERY BIG TROUBLE!!! If Pat Borsato could see what is on the bulletin board in her old office, Norma Ray would be dead! Congratulations to John and Judy Gwillam on their recent marriage -- did you keep it a secret just to do the Joseph family out of a party? ‘ We understand that the Garbage truck Mascot met an un- timely demise just shortly after this picture was taken. Congratulations to Gloria Dostie on winning the $500 jackpot at Figure Skating’s recent Bingo. Have you spent it yet, Gloria? From all reports Shirley won’t make the mistake of wearing her coaches shirt to the arena... she ended up in the Player’s Box! Greg won an exercise bike for taking second place in the A: Event at Watson Lake . . . we’re wondering if he’d had the bike beforehand, if he would have won Ist place? Who but Gord could go from a size Small toan XXL ina dance contest? Bob Wilson was happy to receive a small token for his af- fection at the Curling Club recently. His only problem was that in the dim lights he mistook the small sealed package for ketchup! WEDDING BELLS FOR SCOTT AND BERNALD Bernald Borsato and Scott Smith wish to announce their recent engagement on Christmas Day. Wedding bells will ring on July 23rd, 1988 in Danville, Quebec. Cassiar friends are very welcome. Attention Mill Maintenance and School Maintenance people. Speaking of weddings, we hear that -ex-Cassiarite Sue Thirwell’ will -be“getting married -in> Whitehorse in’ Mays « * ae See Erickson Creek C—) Lorraine Lanteigne Driving into Erickson to cover this column I thought back to my first trip into this mining camp. ‘It was four years ago (almost to the day) and I had tra- velled to B.C, from New Brunswick to “look over” the place the family might move to. The road into the camp was a little different than it is now, but just as snow bound and pitted. My experiences in that week of inspection are for other annals, but the change in the course of my life by experiencing existance in this mountain com- munity is a point of personal importance. Erickson changes, as most places do, and some of the older residents have expressed concern that she is losing her 1890’s spirit. “It’s not the same,” one ‘fellow said. “We pretend it is, but it’s not!” ‘I say, of course it’s not the same, but something of her original essence still lives on and always will. Erickson is a part’ of so many people. Whole lives have been altered as the people of the mountain toil on. Theré is much to be remembered, much to be thankful for and much to look forward to. Goodbye to Nelson Pinto who recently left Erickson’s mill to go to work for Kiernan Loughran in Smithers. Hello to Ron Hebert, formerly of Taurus who is the mill’s newest employee. According to Arnie (Erickson’s mill foreman)’ everything is running smoothly in the mill. (He also said he didn’t care to discuss issues with the media as he doesn’t trust it). According to Chief Chef Tim the cook, his kitchen is as busy as ever. “I’ve been here ‘a year and it’s been running at a steady pace!’ Derek Walker recently re- ceived “The Burnt Buns Award” from the kitchen staff. Very artfully accomplished Derek. A going away party was held at Erickson’s Rec Hall for Barry and Karen Devlin. They are moving to Nakusp, B.C. located in the Arrow Lakes district. The March 12th party was well attended as the people of the mountain gathered to say farewell to this popular couple. Speeches given by Tom McGrail, Debbie Desjardines and Gloria Peters were well received. The Rumour has it that there are two Presidents using the Women’s Mine Dry ... Right Dave? P.S. If you want to be one of the girls, we could vote on it! Congratulations to Anita Wilson, Bryan Lundale, Dennis Anderson and Betty Carter who were recently elected to the Cassiar Community Club Board, for two year terms. MORRIS (PETE) TASHOOTS October 12, 1938 - March 12, 1988 My sincerest thanks to all the friends and rela- tives who attended the funeral services of our Dad, Morris Pete on March 17, 1988 at Holy Family Church in Lower Post, B.C. Father Jim Bleakley officiated and the deceased was interned at ween Lake Cemetary at Lucky Lake. To the people who travelled from Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek, Iskut and Cassiar, thanks for your kindness and sympathy. A last supper was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stan Henyu in Dease Lake. Morris will be sadly missed by his father, Jackie (Pete) Tashoots, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Mclsaac, Brenda Tashoots and many relatives and friends. Thanks again to all our friends, God bless you all. Mr. and Mrs. Dan Mclsaac Brenda Tashoots MONTH OF FEBRUARY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE: MINIMUM TEMPERATURE: MEAN TEMPERATURE: TOTAL SNOWFALL TO DATE: AVERAGE PRECIPITATION - FEBRUARY AVERAGE TEMPERATURE - FEBRUARY SoSoSooCoCoooo oC C OC OOOO OO COCO OOC COCO COC OCC COOCOCoCr CASSIAR WEATHER TRIVIA 1988 5.0C -37.5C -11.41C RAINFALL: 0.04” SNOWFALL: 28.8” TOTAL RAINFALL TO DATE: 0.04” 150.4” > Cassiar Courier-April-1988 Page3 - - Devlins were presented with gifts and entertainment was provided by Chris, Marty, Donny and Roy. The food was good, the company delightful, the couple surprised, and the evening another of Erickson’s social successes. Barry was Ericksons mine: geologist and Karen worked part time for exploration as a draft person. Barry will be employed by Esperenza as their mine geo- ‘logist and will commence work on April 15th. To Barry, Karen and Claire, goodbye, good luck, and may you always remember the good in the spirits of the mountain people! . _ Exploration is picking up steam according to head project geologist, Jim Lehtinen. Two surface drills, both working on the Katherine vein are operating in the Cusac area. “The exploration crew is so busy logging core that they core that they are beginning to twitch,” says Jim. “They would rather.be in the bush hammering rocks!” (and blowing whistles at bears I add). Two underground diamond drills are running at Cusac and at Finlayson. There seems to be a new improved exploration crew at Erickson with more to come. “We are looking forward to a gold filled summer of exploration at Erickson,” quips Jim. Some familiar faces are back though, such as Chris Seabrit (alias the Shadow!) “I’ve seen him lurking about,” says Jim, “he logs by nite and works by day.” Happy vacation to the McGrails who have left left for Banff. Good skiing Tommy and Erin and good hot tubbing Lois! Congratulations to Richard and Rasella Mercier on the birth of daughter Natalie. Miss Mercier was born January 3, 1988 in Apia, Western Samoa. Richard has returned to work at Erickson, continuing his dedication to his dream. For those of us who have lived apart from our wives, husbands and families we understand what it means to feel the loneliness of separation. While working towards our goals often personal sacrifices must be made (for a time) to ensure the tulltillment of the future. In the duration it is a fact that one pleasure in living at such a place as Erickson is that good friend- ships are developed. It is often these relationships that help ease the boring loneliness of camp life. >pring 1s coming to the mountain. As the snow begins to melt, the lake opens up and small rivers of water pour through the campsite, may the promises of a new season fill your heart. New Arrival CODY JAMES ANDERSON Colin and Laura are pleased to announce the safe arrival of Cody James on March 1, 1988 at the Whitehorse General Hospital, weighing 7 Ibs. 13 oz. Big brother Seth is very proud of his little brother. Thank you to Shauna Babiuk and all the ladies who attended Cody’s baby shower. LOGOS OOOO OOO OOOO OOOO OOOO OOOO OOOO OOOO OOOos 1987 1983 1978 1.0C 2.5C 5.5C -29.5C -30.0C -33.0C -9.23C -14.6C -11.8C - - 0.1” 26.02%: 12.6" 6.4” _ — 0.1” 115.9°% 60.1" 63.5” 24.0" -13.8C SOOOBoOOOCOSCOOOOOCOOOCCCOOCCCOCO OOO Ooo Nt eo 0.00.0 0.0.0 0.0 0 010 0 0.0.0 00 00 © 6 6 00 6 6 60 0 6 0s 6 0 4 0 0 0 60 nis 4 tne