Bose PROT qetel cgi at) aaeren Page 2 June 1988 Cassiar Courier Ottawa Jim Fulton MP. BANK CHARGES GETTING OUT OF HAND The federal government has got to put the brakes on bank service charges. Canadian banks are now charging service fees for. everything from not having enough money in your account to withdrawing or depositing funds. Most con- “sumers don’t even know they are being charged. Their banks have never told them. While at first glance the service charges may seem small, there are so many of them they are like termites eating away at the family home. In 1987 the big five chartered banks reached into customer pockets and hauled out over a billion dollars in service charges. If you include bank fees for credit cards, foreign exchange revenue, and a whole host of other charges, the amount the big five plucked out of the pockets of ordinary Canadians last year amounts to $4 billion! Many critics feel the service charges are levied against ordinary Canadians to make up for bad loans the banks made to third world countries. The banks plead that the fees are a normal part of doing business. : But when I checked into the cost. of getting a cheque in U.S. funds I found the following: a local credit union charges thirty-five cents, a Canada Post OFFICE OF THE | PREMIER VICTORIA - My position on privatization has always been that each individual project must meet the test of what’s best for British Columbians. While I’ve always maintained that no government operation was to be considered sacrosanct, I have also stipulated that privatization projects would have to produce demonstrable benefits. That rule of thumb was front and centre in our government’s deliberations over whether or not to pri- vatize smaller liquor stores in British Columbia. After careful consideration or recommendations which came forward from the committee in charge of privatization, our government decided not to sell off 140 of these smaller liquor stores. That decision was made because it seems clear that a mix of existing stores and a gradually expanding role for private sector liquor sellers is the best way to serve and meet the needs of B.C. consumers. What that means is that when we identify a need for a new store, the private sector will be given the first chance to bid on the operation of these new outlets. Ha The record shows private stores can work while still maintaining strict control levels. Licensee retail stores, which sell B.C. wines and beers, have been well accepted, and we have decided to lift a moratorium on new wine and beer stores. People who apply for licenses for these new out- lets will have to get municipal approval and they may also be required to conduct public referendums. The net result of our decisions -- which I stress were taken only after very careful consideration of all the factors involved - strikes a fair balance between selling alcohol and the need to control access to a sub- stance that can trigger tremendous social ramifications. Viewpoint Bill Vander Zalm | E money order costs $1:15, and a Royal Bank bank draft costs $8.50. It’s obvious. to me_that bank ‘charges are. out of control. : The Conservative Minister of Consumer Affairs. has told Canadians if they don’t like the charges they can change banks. This is no answer for the many north- ern Canadians who don’t have access to alternate financial institutions. It’s no answer for the many consume who don’t even know they are being charged servic fees. r Rett Under the federal Bank Act, banks can’t charge extra costs without the customer’s “express agreement.” The big five chartered banks claim they obtained this agreement when the customer signed a card to open an account. : That hardly fits within the spirit of the Jaw. Under the Bank Act, the bank must post a notice of service charges. ae In a recent survey of banks, two thirds did not post service charge information. Half the banks had no information on just what fees were being charged. Canadians are fed up with these hidden and unauthorized fees that cost.each of us an estimated $200 per year. Unfortunately, the Conservative Minister of Consumer Affairs refuses to lay charges or consider re-imbursing customers. Instead, the Hon. Harvie Andre wants to pursuade the banks to initiate voluntary “behavioral changes.” This is the same Minister that said extending.a monopoly : over patents to large drug companies would not result in a rise in prescription drug costs. Some drugs doubled in price after the legislation passed. Come on - let’s have some protection for the Canadian consumer. The government has got ‘to step in and take action that is fast becoming one of the worst rip-offs in this country’s history. LARRY GUNO, M.L.A. (Atlin) Religious faith does not put food on the table, pay the rent and bills or provide for child care. That irrefutable fact may come as a shock to Premier Vander Zalm, who recently defended his. $50 a month welfare cuts to some single parents by saying they should turn to Christ for sustenance. "Spiritual sustenance is one thing. _ Real food to stave off hunger is another. Once again, Vander Zalm, is acting like a preacher guiding his wayward flock. By allowing his own religious convictions to interfere with his responsiblity as premier, he has gone way beyond the bounds of government leadership. While the premier is free to follow the dictates of his religious beliefs, he must not confuse the two issues and impose his own views on the rest of us. As a pluralistic society, we embrace a wide variety of re- ligious and belief systems. . Before the last election, Vander Zalm said he was in favour of increasing welfare rates for those who need it. What he has imposed, on the other hand, is the order that single ‘parents leave their 15-week-old babies to work outside the home or else have their income assistance docked by $50 a month. Of course, this means thousands of single parents will have a more difficult time than ever in making ends meet because there are too few jobs as it is. As for infant child care spaces, the supply is virtually non-existent. The premier would have us believe that through. the power of prayer everything will be all right for those parents who worry about their kids getting enough to eat. The problem of increasing rents, scarce jobs and suitable care for their babies will all too miraculously vanish, according to the premier. My New Democrat colleague - MLA and United Church minister John Cashore - summed up the alarming events succinctly. Said he: British Columbians should all be praying - praying for a change in government before it’s too late. VETERINARIAN IMPORTANT NOTICE Please note that the dates have been changed for the veterinary’s visit. Dr. Matthews of the Central Animal Hospital in Kamloops, will be in Cassiar on the following dates: . Friday, June 17, 1988: Saturday, June 18, 1988: 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. SURGERY 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. SHOTS, CHECK-UPS etc. _ In recent months I’ve met with business and professional groups throughout British Columbia. I’ve taken them one central message - New Democrats are listening and consulting. I’ve spoken to the mining institute, small business people, doctors, professional foresters, chambers of commerce. I’ve told them what they can expect from the party I’lead and why it’s different from the Socreds. Socred policies have not helped the business climate in B.C. They’ve created a chaotic, unpredictable environment for labor-management relations, particularly through Bill 19. They’ve harmed B.C.’s international reputation by the Premier’s interference on his friend’s behalf in the sale of Expo Lands. And they’ve failed to invest in education to make sure our young people have the skills and opportunities they need. B.C.. businesses can’t operate effectively that way. They can’t flourish in an unpredictable and unstable environment. They have to know where they’re going in order to prosper. And when they prosper, British Columbia prospers. I’ve told B.C. businesses three things they can expect from New Democrats: ; 1) We'll bring in a fair labor code that will restore healthy collective bargaining. We’ll bring stability and certainty to labour-management relations. And that will go a long way. to improving the business climate. 2) We'll make it a priority to adequately fund education and therefore provide opportunities for young people. A good education system attracts investment and jobs, and all British Columbians will benefit. 3) We'll sit down and talk with business people, as I’ve been doing in my travels across B.C. We’re serious and committed to furthering the dialogue with business. We’re open to their ideas. There’ll be no precipitous actions from us. No surprises. What we put in front of British Columbians is what we’lldo. ~ So that’s what business can expect from us: stability in labour-management relations; adequate fund- ing for education to ensure a skilled work force; and genuine consultation between their industry and New Democrats. I want business people to know where the party I lead is coming from. Just as they knew when I was Mayor of Vancouver. I set out three simple ground rules then that I applied fairly and equally. Business knew where Harcourt stood, and that led to a stable, healthy business climate. Those basic ground rules are: treat your workers fairly; pay your fair share of taxes; don’t spoil the en- vironment. Those are rules I know business can live with, and that we can all prosper by. And with a healthy business climate, we can have what we all want -- a pros- perours stable future for British Columbia. SECOND CONSERVATION OFFICER FOR DEASE LAKE Environment and Parks Minister Bruce Strachan announced the creation of a second full-time Conservation Officer position to serve Dease Lake and the surrounding area. The selection process to fill the position has begun and the new Conservation Officer will be on the job before the fall hunting season opens. _ “Environmental protection is increasingly im- portant to British Columbians,” said the Minister. ‘“‘The reinforced Dease Lake office will ensure that the safe- guards are effectively applied.” at Conservation officers enforce fish and wildlife regulations, the Waste Management Act and other legisla- tion, as well as providing a vital link between the general community, user groups and provincial environmental programs. Strachan said that improved access to hunting and fishing areas has resulted in greater use, which in turn puts increased pressure on the Conservation Officer Service. For further information, please contact: Earl Warnock, Regional Director, Ministry of Environment and Parks Prince George, 565-6400 ——~ 2 ~ SRE I TREE RE SETS SES I RT oe ' Office. z De nis was a healthy 9 Ib, 4 oz. baby. ; A party was held in the Curling Club on Friday night, May CASSIAR Bits & Pieces What were Ellie, Karyn and the infamous Miss B. doing cruising around Cassiar, windows down, music blaring out _ the “Dirty Dancing” tape and laughing? Could it be those Special memories?? We've heard of table hopping but Joyce H. at Erickson is a table banger. It’s o.k., Joyce - Joe will fix it! What's this, Duncan - corn flakes and. bananas? Sounds interesting! Who is Gigi’s second choice as a travelling buddy after Walter? Why his dog, of course. According to Gigi, “At least when I tell my dog to stay in the truck, he listens!” A big bouquet to all those people who gave of their time to. “fix up” the ball field. It’s people like you who make Cassiar a place kids remember. What's this about Bob Langford figuring that because he is ‘old and crotchety’ Lorraine can have her way with him? Lee Coran recently got “hung up’ at the Courier Seems she needed to use the facilities but some essentials were missing. Why is it that Claudia Huber always has a smile on her face at Aquasize? Many thanks to John Lanteigne, Tom McGrail, Mike Homer and Brenda K2ndal for their floor and carpet-laying abilties. The Ralph Voss Centre thanks you as well. We understand that Chris has a new hobby - reading palms, or is this a bold innovation in hand-holding? How did Marg W. put her back out? We tried to get a straight answer but no luck. Marg just wanted the pain to go away. Which pain, Marg? Get well soon! The local travel agent either needs glasses or maybe just a little more sleep. Why else would she mistake a rocky beach for several praying citizens? Or were the travel photos just that boring, Brenda? Advice from Karen - don’t go shopping with Brock and ask for opinions. You might be told that a cosy woolly outfit made you “look like the Michelin Man”. The saleslady was waiting for things to fly. Cathy and Bruce Spracklin are the proud parents of not-so-little Dennis Allan McRae Spracklin, born May 8, 1988 at Whitehorse General Hospital. Pictured below, 20 to bid farewwell to Rick and Deb Gabel. The event was hosted by Anita Wilson, Pat Lanphear, Ethel Song- hurst and Gayleen Connolly. A mad time was had by all who partied into the wee hours of the morning. HAPPY BIRTHDAY , MARG!! This edition of the Courier is dedicated to Pauline Woodrow , Erickson Creek See Lorraine Lanteigne Reality. Is it here where you work and live, or is it at home with your family? a In a transient business such as’ mining, people leave and we wave goodbye. The person leaving seeks reality, some tangible substance in this mining life that provides focus. ; ; I am convinced that mining is a hard industry. The money men and women are not interested in the quality of life in mining camps and towns around the country, they want a return on their investment. Miners are tools, like jacklegs, or shovels, while they are “new” and “strong” they produce. But miners get tired, and there is no “underground mechanic” around to “fix them up”. The miner’s family is subject to the ups and downs of the industry. Long separations are not uncommon in mining families. Some miners miss their child’s first word or step. Others miss births, deaths, weddings, anniversaries, holidays and other family occasions be- cause they are in “camp” or in the “bush”. Some mining wives become the victims of the “work lots send money home” syndrome. These women are keeping the home fires burning, but many a miner loses trac of “reality” and those home fires become.a burden to keep burning. If the women travel with their husbands they (for the most part) live in less than appreciable condi- tions raising young families. Or as older women end up lonely, with few close friends and dreams quickly fading from a past filled with promises. I think that an information package should be developed for miners and their families. Some of us who have “‘ived the life” could put a lot of experience down creating a useful guide to get through this mining game. Its time to expose the myth makers and help ourselves, for WE are the people that power this industry! - So much for my philosophy! Goodbye to Lois McGrail who leaves us for Halifax. The family plans to buy a house and make the east coast their home base. Daughter Erin, will join her mother in July and looks forward to a summer ° of sailing, swimming and tennis. Husband Tom, will (as many mining men do) travel to his home in Halifax when working conditions allow him the time. Erin celebrated her tenth birthday on May 13th. Special thanks to Karyn King and Doug McConnery for their help. They made it a very wonderful occassion. Goodbye to Mike Homer and Jim Street, two of Ericksorfs best miners. Both men are heading south to work at another mining venture near Burton, B.C. This puts them in closer contact with their families, which in this industry is rare. Good luck to you both, you will be missed. Karyn King is on her way. After eight years at Erickson Karyn leaves for a new job assaying at the same mine outside of Burton that Jim and Mike are heading to. All will be working for ex-Erickson Super- intendant, Frank Kollar. TEN YEARS AGO - VICTORY -IN SMITHERS: “We're number 1, we’re number 1” was the ecstatic cry from the members of the Cassiar Mine Rescue Team . Winners of the 7th Annual Mine Rescue and First Aid Competitions were announced by Brian Pewsey during the presentations program after the banquet on the evening of May 26, 1978. Team members included: Gary Smith as Team Captain; Brian Chandler as Vice Captain; Don Toth as Ropeman; Wayne Mayell as First Aid; Al Jubenville as Spare Man; Lynn Duff as First Aid Man; and Mike Zemenchik as Ropeman. The team is ably coached by Kinky Borsato and John Forbes. The Cassiar team has won the honour of advancing to the Provincial Open Pit Rescue Competition to be held in Bowen Park in Nan- aimo, B.C. on June 17, 1978 where they hope to repeat their winning performance and become Number 1 in B.C., and the Dominion of Canada. POSITIVE PARENTING CONFERENCE: Cassiar’s first Positive Parenting Conference, sponsored by the Cassiar Parents Advisory Council, Cassiar School and Cassiar Asbestos Corporation, held on June 2 and Se was a huge success. NEWS CLIPS FROM IONA CAMPAGNOLO: Yukon highway signs will switch into metric in June. The top highway speed will be 90 km/h. The speed zone in Whitehorse will read 50 km/h and the Alaska Highway will be posted at 80 km/h. : SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsSsSsSsSsSssssssssssssssssssssss Cassiar Courier June 1988 Page 3 Its hard to wave that goodbye to friends, I could not in all faith fail to express my deep and abiding friend- ship with Lois McGrail. We have been pals for almost twenty years. She is a fine intelligent woman with the most wonderful wit I have ever encountered. Karyn King has been a loyal friend, one who enjoyed life with me, but would cry too. Karyn’s friendship is constant and I would think any of the new people she will meet will find in her a true “bud”. E The Longest Day of the Year party is just around the corner. June 18th will be the day of Solstice Cele- ‘bration. A live band, Boulder City Outlaws, has been booked, lobster ordered and steaks are set to broil. So come out and celebrate with the Mountain People, have the time of your life! Just remember NOT to drink . and drive. See you there! Welcome to Jude McBride,our new 3rd cook. Jude replaces Terry who is out at Tagish in his cabin eating wild things, while Willie takes pictures. That’s it for this month, however I have a special piece of poetic prose for all of those who -are leaving Erickson and to whom this time of being part of the Mountain People will pass into memory. ne _ SILENT CROSSES by Lorraine Lanteigne !n the graveyards of my mind ! feel the gentle wind that blows Round the tombstones that are memories Some rise, as leaves lifted to the sky Others rise but fall quickly back to hallowed ground! Memories, some buried deep, resting still Until at night | begin to dream And the special ones rise and say “Hello, We are here, a part of you, reminding you ‘that as memories we will always follow!” Each day lived has in its many hours Memories collected in a peaceful place, Somewhere deep within the self of human Spirit Waiting for the time they are meant to be recalled, For the purpose of advancing the soul. And in the meditation sought in memories When | recall the word, deed or thought / find a guide in my troubled days As memories are often lessons learned From the school of life not always praised. !n the graveyards of my mind Gentle breezes blow through the rows Of silent crosses marked in names of the Past ’ The leaves rise as if appointed And 1, my life of memories do assess. SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS JUNE SMILES AND STYLES: As the photo and title suggest, this shop, managed by Phyllis Hardy, caters to the fashion minded ladies in town. Of special interest at this time of year is the selection of swimming suits that Phyllis has in stock. eoGE CADETS HONOURED FOR Best Cadet, Lisa Steadman; Improved, Todd Most Whiteside; Best Marksman, Rich Leclair. BENEFIT DANCE: A benefit dance, auction and raffle was held on May 26th at the Recreation Centre. The total amount raised was $2,017.10. The money was for: the Loverin family who have graciously donated it to ‘the Swimming Pool Fund. The total now available for winterizing the Pool is approximately $8,500.