OPINION
Connected to your community
Government should create Department of Peace Support the Terry Fox To the community of Arnprior and area: In recognition of the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, the Arnprior and Area Chapter of the Canadian Peace Initiative (CPI) is putting forward some ideas and examples for increasing our capacity for building and maintaining peace, both nationally and globally. This letter focuses on efforts to establish a federal Department of Peace and also recognizes leaders and global efforts dedicated to peace building. It is encouraging that Canada seems to preparing for a renewed role as a peace builder. The apologies made by federal government representatives for past wrongs to Japanese-Canadians (internment during WW2), Chinese-Canadians (Head Tax) and, more recently, Indigenous Canadians (residential schools) and through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission show that Canada is seeking to be at peace with itself. Being at peace with oneself increases the ability to work beyond our borders for greater peace. Hopefully, Canada can play a greater peace-building role internationally, working to enhance alternatives that address emerging conflicts, arms reduction, human rights, and the security of persons and communities.
While such work may frequently occur in concert with friends and allies, at times Canada may need to challenge traditional ties. A federal Department of Peace could not only advance such efforts globally but could also support training of peace professionals, restorative justice programs and peace education at home. And Canadians working for this end are not alone. Organizations, citizens and officials in over 40 nations, including the United States and European countries, are similarly working for the creation of national peace ministries and infrastructures. You can support these efforts in Canada by going to www.canadianpeaceinitiative.ca and signing the petition to establish a Department of Peace as outlined in Bill C-373. Leaders, scientists and artists around the world are also giving us similar messages. Pope Francis has declared 2016 as the year to ‘Overcome Indifference and Win Peace’. Dr. Ursula Franklin, metallurgist and Canadian peace advocate, left us these words, which build on the Pope’s declaration, “Peace is not the absence of war. It is the presence of justice and the absence of fear.”
And the local CPI exhibit currently on display at the Arnprior Public Library showcases the work of artists in war-torn countries who have converted weapons into art or tools under the theme ‘Weapons to Art: Transcending the Past’. Such work can inspire us to create lifeaffirming artwork, tools and memorials as a way of remembering those in the military who died fighting for peace. We believe that they would choose not to be forever remembered with war and death but rather with the life and freedom they wanted to protect. Let’s never stop imagining and creating the future we want for ourselves, our children and all the people of the world. Please consider signing the petition at www.canadianpeaceinitiative.ca, visiting the exhibit at the Arnprior Public Library, or coming to a brief time for reflection at the Peace Pole at Galilee Centre, 398 John St. N., 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, the International Day of Peace. Join us in imagining and creating a more peaceful Canada and earth! Canadian Peace Initiative – Arnprior and Area Chapter Enid Blackwell, Theresa Dunn, Elaine M. Gibson, Dorothy Garlough, Mary Lunney, Keith Organ
Run this Sunday
To the Editor: We are now well into the month of September and for millions of Canadians, that means that the annual Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research is quickly approaching. This is the ultimate autumn tradition where families, friends, and work colleagues join together to raise money to help Canadian cancer researchers reach their important goals. For 36 years, Terry Fox’s dream of a world free of cancer continues to move forward. This year’s event on this Sunday, Sept. 18 will be happening in more than 220 locations across Ontario (including from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arnprior Fairgrounds). The Terry Fox Run is an event void of corporate sponsorship. This was Terry’s wish. Its success is due to the thousands of dedicated volunteers that organize local events, passionate participants that get involved year-after-year, and generous donors who know that their hard earned money is being managed responsibly. The Run does not charge a fee to participate, nor does it require a minimum donation or money to be raised. The Terry Fox Foundation thanks you for the support you have provided us over many years and hopes you will be able to continue the same this year. Paul Mateer, communications Terry Fox Foundation
McNab/Braeside Township Times UPCOMING MEETINGS:
Only YOU can
September 20 – Regular Council Meeting – 7:00 p.m. October 4 – Regular Council Meeting – 7:00 p.m. October 11 – Planning Advisory Committee Meeting – 7:00 p.m. October 18 – Regular Council Meeting – 7:00 p.m. Office Closed – Thanksgiving Please be advised that the Township Office will be closed on Monday, October 10, 2016 for Thanksgiving. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. Volunteers Needed – Accessibility Advisory Committee Council of the Township of McNab/Braeside is seeking volunteers with disabilities who are interested in joining the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Any person interested in joining is requested to submit a complete application form to the CAO/Clerk. The forms are available at the Township office and on the Township’s website at www.mcnabbraeside.com 2016 FINAL TAX PAYMENT NOTICE - Residential/Farm Only The final installment of 2016 property taxes is due on SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. The final tax bill mailed out to residents during the summer contains the payment information for this final installment. Additional property tax bills are not mailed out to residents for this 2nd installment. If you own property in the Township of McNab/Braeside and did not receive a Tax Bill or for additional payment information, please call the Township Office at 623 5756 or 1 800 957 4621 ext. 0. Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the taxpayer from payment of taxes or penalties.
prevent cooking fires COOKING IS THE #1 CAUSE OF HOME FIRES WHAT’S THE RISK?
How do I prevent a cooking fire?
Cooking fires account for 22% of all home fires.
v Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you must leave, turn off the stove.
Cooking left unattended is the cause of 52% of all cooking fires.
v Keep anything that burns — cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels and pot holders — a safe distance from the stove.
Stovetop fires account for 71% of all cooking fires.
v Loose-fitting clothes can come into
The average dollar loss per cooking fire is over $27,000.
Cooking is the #2 cause of fatal fires in the home. Statistics for Ontario between 2010-2014. Provided by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Office of the Fire Marshal & Emergency Management www.ontario.ca/firemarshal
contact with stove burners and catch fire. Wear tight sleeves or roll them up when cooking.
FIRE INJURIES and DEATHS v 32% of all home fire injuries occur in cooking fires. v 14% of all cooking fires result in an injury or death. v 11% of all home fire fatalities are caused by cooking
2508 Russett Drive, RR 2 • Arnprior, Ontario • K7S 3G8 Phone: 613.623.5756 • Fax: 613.623.9138 • Toll Free: 1.800.957.4621 Website: www.mcnabbraeside.com • Email: info@mcnabbraeside.com Arnprior Chronicle-Guide - Thursday, September 15, 2016 9