THE
SERVING THE MAPLETON COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY NEWS Volume 48 Issue 42
Drayton, Ontario
1 Year GIC - 1.85% 3 Year GIC - 2.19% 5 Year GIC - 2.35% Daily Interest 1.00%
638-3328
Friday, October 16, 2015
www.jackfinancial.ca
Debate in Alma - Perth-Wellington federal candidates gathered in Alma for a debate hosted by the local Optimist Club on Oct. 6: From left: Christian Heritage Party candidate Irma DeVries, Conservative John Nater, independent Roger Fuhr, NDP Ethan Rabidoux and Liberal Stephen McCotter. photo by Patrick Raftis
Trans Pacific trade deal, infrastructure cash among topics at Alma debate by Patrick Raftis ALMA - The newly minted Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement was among the issues sparking debate at a Perth-Wellington federal candidates meeting here on Oct. 6. About 100 people at the event, hosted by the Alma Optimist Club, had a chance to question NDP candidate Ethan Rabidoux, Liberal Stephen McCotter, Conservative John Nater, independent Roger Fuhr and Irma DeVries of the Christian Heritage Party (CHP) on topics of their choice. Green party candidate Nicole Ramsdale did not attend. News that the 12-country TPP had been signed, but not yet ratified by individual countries, was released on Oct. 4 and candidates at the Alma meeting were asked for their perspective on it. “International trade is important. It always was, always will be,” said Fuhr. “I am sure a lot of dairy farmers are breathing a sigh of relief and producers of other commodities are probably at home raising a cold one.” However, Fuhr cautioned, “the concerns of the auto sector are the largest downside … there are always winners and losers in trade agreements.” “I’m proud our government has finalized negotiations,” said Nater, noting the TPP countries represent a combined economy of $28 trillion. “We can’t afford not to be a part of this important trade deal,” he added, noting “supply management has been protected for future generations.” “The Christian Heritage Party would like to keep jobs in Canada and export valueadded products. Not just our raw materials,” said DeVries. “It’s great we’ll be able to send our beef and pork to other countries because we certainly don’t eat very much of it ourselves.” However, she pointed out,
“We’ll have to keep working at it. There are a lot of new laws to be written.” “The Liberal Party is a big supporter of trade,” said McCotter, who added he will be in favour of the deal, “If it’s good for farmers in PerthWellington.” However, he said, “I hope this isn’t the end of supply management.” McCotter also expressed concern over the source of a promised $4.3-million fund for transition assistance for affected domestic sectors. “I worry where that money’s going to come from … it will have to be cut from somewhere else,” he stated. “Process matters,” said Rabidoux. “This agreement was built in secret, behind closed doors, during an election campaign.” Rabidoux pointed out the government will now “have to spend $4.3 billion on an industry that did not require subsidization before. I’m not buying it. I’m afraid there’s going to be a lot of Kinder Surprises buried within this.” Noting NDP leader Thomas Mulcair pledged not to ratify the deal if it didn’t hold up to scrutiny once full details are released, Rabidoux said, “We are not bound to those commitments.” Partisan politics Candidates were asked their thoughts on partisanship in politics. “On my very first day on municipal council, we had a new mayor and I was a new councillor and our mayor pointed to himself and said ‘I’m one vote,’” Nater responded. “I take the same approach to government … We need to work together and work across party lines as much as possible to get things done for Canadians.” “I don’t doubt Mr. Nater is a bi-partisan person,” said McCotter. “The problem is
Main St. W. Palmerston
Rated G
HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 *HELD OVER*
Happy Thanksgiving!
SHOWTIMES: Friday and Saturday 8pm and Sunday 7pm
For more info call 519-343-3640 or visit www.norgantheatre.com
Stephen Harper isn’t. Stephen Harper is a party of one.” McCotter pledged to “work with my fellow MPs to get Canada back on track.” “The Christian Heritage Party is not going to form government, but if we are sitting there in the House of Commons we certainly want to work with other parties for the good of Canada,” said DeVries, who added a switch to proportional representation would give supporters of smaller parties like hers a voice in parliament. Noting he agrees “Stephen Harper is a little authoritarian,” Rabidoux said the NDP also supports proportional representation. “It’s a system that works in many other countries and we think it will work here in Canada.” As the only local candidate not affiliated with a party, Fuhr said, “Of course I’m looking forward to going to Ottawa and working with the other MPs in the House. “I’ll likely be the one chasing you down to find out how you think on issues, rather than being told how to vote by a party leader.” Doctor assisted suicide Another questioner stated a recent poll found a “large majority” of Canadians are in favour of “doctor-assisted suicide” and asked for candidates’ thoughts on the issue. “I have a lot of respect for the Supreme Court of Canada and they’ve spoken unanimously,” said McCotter, adding his party will bring forward a motion to change the law to match the court’s decision favouring right-to-die legislation. Rabidoux agreed the courts have “already given instruction on this.” However, he added, “we have to move forward and construct a new law.” Fuhr said he believes, “Too many people suffer far too long Continued on page 3
Dredging underway - Rehabilitation of a 500-metre section of a channel on the Conestogo River in Drayton began in late September. The work is expected to be completed by mid to late October. During this time the section of the trail along the river from Main to Mill Streets are closed to the public. Barriers have been set up at both ends of the trail. photo by Caroline Sealey
Joint committee on hospital integration confirms commitment to three sites WELLINGTON COUNTY - The joint steering committee working on governance integration of Wellington County hospitals met for a second time on Oct. 7. A press release issued by North Wellington Health Care board chair Tom Sullivan and Groves Memorial Community Hospital board chair Howard Dobson states the group had a preliminary discussion about
how the alliance will be structured and will function. The group is working toward a Nov. 30 target for integration with the assistance of facilitator Mark Rochon from the consulting firm of KPMG, who was appointed by the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network in August. The two hospital corporations have worked together for
over a decade in an alliance that includes sharing a CEO and other key staff. “The Joint Steering Committee has made excellent progress and we are confident that we will reach a successful outcome,” the release states. “At this point in the process, we want to reiterate to our community the importance of three vibrant hospital sites and supporting foundations.”
Council considers recording meetings by Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - Township residents may soon be able to watch local council meetings from the comfort of their own homes. At the Sept. 22 council meeting, councillor Michael Martin said he would like to
see council consider putting the cost of audio-visual equipment to record all council meetings in the 2016 budget. A notice of motion requesting a report on possible costs for an audio/video system that would allow the recording of all public meetings of council
was on the agenda for the Oct. 13 meeting (the results of that meeting were not known by press time). Martin said if the proposal is accepted he would like to see the recordings posted online via the Mapleton Township website.
Local youth encouraged to participate in Legion Poster and Literary Contests DRAYTON - The Drayton Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion would like to invite local youth to participate in its annual Poster and Literary Contests. Participants are asked to explore the theme of remembrance by creating a colour poster, a black and white poster, an essay or a poem. One entry may be submitted for each category. The poster contest is divided into four age groups: prima-
Weekly Wacugum.
s a va Politics hate with hope, If it isn’t filled ar. l fill it with fe someone wil - Naomi Klein
ry (kindergarten to Grade 3), junior (Grades 4 to 6), intermediate (Grades 7 to 9), or senior (Grades 10 to 12). Posters cannot be larger than 56 by 71cm. The literary contest is divided into three age groups: junior (Grades 4 to 6), intermediate (Grades 7 to 9), or senior (Grades 10-12). Essays must be less than: 350 words (junior), 500 words (intermediate), or 800 words (senior). Poems, regardless of the age group, are to be 32 lines or less.
BILL’S
Anyone needing additional information is encouraged to visit the Drayton Library or Dippel’s Garage in Drayton, or contact Mary Miller at 519638-3324. All posters, poems, and essays will be picked up from local schools (Drayton Heights, Maryborough PS, and Community Christian School) on Nov. 12. Completed entries may also be dropped off at Dippel’s Garage by Nov. 12.
PAINT and COLLISION Specializing in... Collision and Complete Re-Finishing, One Mile East of Moorefield.
519
638-2048