NHA road trip hears health concerns - the Quesnel & District ...

Sunday, June 20, 2004 VOL. 91 NO. 83
JOYANNE PURSAGA
Observer Reporter
About 100 uplands residents
filed into the gym at
Voyageur school Thursday
night to prod city engineers
about declining property
values as their homes inch
eastward.
The open house and
meeting on land slippage
addressed the glacier:like ancient
landslide that has been
gradually shifting this area of
Quesnel since the ice age.
Since 1998, die area
bordered by Baker Creek
and Anderson Drive has
advanced between three to
seven centimetres per year.
The shift has caused foundation
cracks and declining
resale values in many of the
area's 750 homes.
Local homeowner Qiarlotte
Mastre said council's
plan to set aside $200,000 in
this year's budget to address
the issue ignores the extent pf
this damage.
"That's pocket change,"
said Mastre. "This is affecting
750 families."
No new construction has
been allowed in the slippage
area since 2002.
Mastre said the loss to homeowners
should make this
issue the city's top priority.
She paid $98,500 for her
home in 1996, which was assessed
at $57,000 this year.
The city has already put
$500,000 into researching
the problem.
But staff don't know how
much money reaching a solution
will take. The city plans
to approach the provincial
and federal govemment for
emergency funding.
"This is a bigger problem
than the city and the residents
can handle," said Jack
Marsh, the city's direaor
of engineering and public
works.
SCHOOLS
RATED:
Fraser Institute
report card out.
Page A3
The transportation ministry
carried out a study of the
area in 1973.
But no conclusive results
about the land movement
were reached until 2000,
said Marsh.
Research was renewed
after a 1997 gas explosion
killed six people, injured 20
and levelled two businesses
in the area. The blast was
linked to the land shift,
which was suspeaed of putting
too much pressure on
old metal gas lines.
Three years ago, BC gas
replaced the area's entire
piping with more flexible,
plastic models.
Marsh stressed that slippage
has not been proven
as the cause of the tragedy
and that re^dents are not in
danger.
The land moves faster
when there is more precipitation
and trapped ground water,
This makes the soil more
fluid and malleable.
The key to reducing the
slide is to reduce the ground
watei; said Nick Polysou, a
geotechnical engineer consultant
for the city.
Strategic pumping to extract
the water out of the
ground, a proposed solution
at last year's meeting, has
proven largely unsuccessful.
Polysou estimates wells
would have to be placed as
little as 10 metres apart to
significanriy reduce water
levels.
The new plan is for a new
drainage system. Residents
were asked to help by reducing
the amount of water they
use outside and installing
run-off systems that divert
water towards the streets.
Many audience members
thanked the city for holding
the meeting and volunteered
to be on a citizen advisory
committee to help plan for
a solution.
SINCE 1908
CARIBOO
www.quesnelobserver.com ^100 +7^ GST
A call to all gardeners
Sitting in Margo Nelson's lovely North Quesnel garden, committee members Logie (sitting) and Marge Nelson
are asking all gardeners in the Quesnel area to open their gates to the public and show just what a great garden
they have. For the compiete story see page A20. Annie caiiant photo
NHA road trip hears health concerns
ANNIE GALLANT
Observer Reporter
Northern Health Officer
Dr. Lorna Medd has conducted
an exhaustive tour
of many of the northern
communities to hear what
the citizens' concerns are
over health care.
The tour was in Quesnel
June 14-15, meeting with
special interest groups and
individuals, hearing con­
HAPPY
FATHER'S DAY:
Last-minute
gift ideas.
Page A12
cerns and discussing the
health of this community.
Out of the Monday
meeting, several areas of
concern were identified by
local residents.
Medd was very impressed
with their sessions
in this community.
"In terms of thinking,
farsightedness and taking
the challenge, Quesnel is
second to none," she said.
"We plan to present our
report to the NHA Board
in two weeks," Medd
said. "The report will be
considered in their strategic
planning sessions in
the fall."
A brief overview of
the evening's discussion
included a need to work
on prevention and injury
reduction, especially on
our roads. The health fair,
held annually in Quesnel,
needs to'be expanded to
SAFE
AT HOME:
West Fraser
edges Toko.
Page A21
provide ongoing information
on access to services
and testing in such areas
as blood pressure.
Support for mental
health services for consumers
in crisis~was also
identified in such areas as
reducing the stigma attached
to mental health,
engaging mental health
consumers and keeping
the QUESST crisis sta
See page A2
1

A2 QUESNELCARIBOOOBSERVER Sunday, June20. 2004
From front
-blization unit open year
round.
This issue that the NHA
should hnk more effectively
to the communities
, it serves was brought
up, as was the impor-
. tance bf palliative care
in this community. The
need for hospice service
in Quesnel needs to be
acknowledged and supported
by the NHA.
The community said reductions
in home support
don't make sense.
Women's and children's
issues should be focused
on in the community,
starting with the designation
of the baby
friendly initiative, more
women-centred care and
a move to promote more
Dr. Lorna Medd was quite impressed with Quesnel residents'input.
Annie Gallant
midwives.
The whole community
is-not healthy if the marginalized
segment of the
population isn't healthy.
Work needs to be done to
ensure food security, sup­
LOCAL NEWS
port for the poor in our
community and working
towards the elimination
of, racism, violence and
exclusivism.
At the meeting the
NHA was urged to lead
the way in advocating
for more health care
funding, encourage city
hall to take more of a
role, work towards better
health policies in schools
and improve the air quality.
And finally, the citizens
at the Monday night
meeting said that to ensure
high quality health
care, the NHA needs to
recruit miare specialists,
and work hard to retain
them, have more patientfocussed
facilities in the
hospital and the community,
work on chronic
disease prevention and
management, and to put
more dollars into staffing
to prevent burn out.
On Wednesday, an open
house held at the Arts and
Low work age sparks concerns
JOYANNE PURSAGA
Observer Reporter
B.C.'s child labour policy
is the worst in North
America and it's hurting
Canada's global reputation,
said a teacher petitioning
to change it.
"Usually when we talk,
sweat shops, we're looking
into third world countries
and now we have this in
B.C.," said Jinny Sims, the
first vice president of the
British Columbia Teachers'
Federation. "There's
no real reason for it."
Sims was referring to the
labour changes passed
with Bill 37, which became
law in November
2003.
The law eliminated
the permits needed for a
child between the ages of
12 and 14 to work in the
province.
This means B.C. now has
the youngest work start
t . ii Ml
age in North America,
said Sims.
"This is a huge black
mark on Canada because
we've got the worst child
labour laws in the developed
world," added Sims.
These young workers
now only require the written
permission of one parent
to work.
She says removing this
obstacle puts additional
pressure on the children
of low-income families.
They may feel obligated
to work to supplement an
unemployed parent's lost
income, she said.
"In today's climate,
when so many people
have lost their jobs, imagine
the pressure this puts
on the family right now,"
she said.
Sims says she's most concerned
about the psychological
effects on children
attempting to balance
work and school. The
teacher of 34 years says
she has witnessed higher
levels of depression and
stress in children with jobs
than their peers.
But Betty Nicholson, the
communications director
for provincial labour
minister Graham Bruce,
said the. new laws actually
protect children better
than before.
She says that the bill,
made fines for the abuse
of young workers mandatory,
reducing the chance
of mistreatment.
Employers can be slapped
with $500 charges for a
first offence, $2,500 for
a second, and a $10,000
penalty for a third regulations
abuse. Possible
offences include making
a child between the ages
of 12 and 14 work with
no adult supervision, or
for more than four hours
a day when school is in
session.
A weekly feature fiigtiligtiting meetings, proposals and events important to Quesnel residents.
The City of Quesnel will provide Its residents with outstanding quality of life
in a vibrant, prosperous and diversified community,
achieved through a process of public consultation and trust.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2004
commencing at 7:00 pm in City Hall Council Chambers.
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JOYANNE PURSAGA
Observer Reporter
A province-wide report
card r^tes Quesnel's elementary
schools as running
almost the entire
grading spectrum of educational
quality.
The 2004 Report Card
on British Colurnbia's
Elementary Schools was
released by the Fraser Institute,
a Canadian think
tank, on Thursday morning.
The report was good
news for Dragon Lake
school, which scored 8.2
of a possible 10 points.
This score made it the
highest-scoring school
in Quesnel and gave it a
rankingof 137of the 1054
schools studied.
'Tm happy with the results,"
said Dragon Lake
Principal Denis Lessard.
"It's the staff, the students
and the parents that do it.
It's a very committed community."
Each school's success was
measured through Grade
4 and Grade 7 students'
average scores on provincial
tests of reading, writing
and numeracy. Each of
these sections was weighted
to 8.3 per cent of the
total score to combine for
50 per cent of the total.
The schools gender gap
between learning accounts
for 20 per cent of the
score: the higher the difference
between boys' and
girls' tests performances,
the lower the score.
A seperate measure
gauges the percentage of
students scoring "below
expectations" on the
Foundation Skills Assessment
test expectations affects
the final 30 per cent
of the score.
Some Quesnel schools
didn't benefit by the lowranking
measure.
Bouchie Lake school
scored 3.4 out of 10 points,
ranking 982nd. About 35
per cent of its students
scored in the "below expectations"
category.
17 «u.ft Upright Frost
Fran Freezer
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QUESNEL CARIBdO OBSERVER Sunday, June 20, 2004 A3
schools pass muster
Principal Denis Lessard stands in the playground of Dragon Lake elementary, the only Quesnel school to score over
six points out of a possible 10... on the Fraser Institute's school report card. Joyanne Pursaga photo
"We recognize that we've
been struggling with these
results," said Bouchie Lake
Principal Cyril Tobin. "I
agree we have problems
with our FSA scores."
But Tobin said that the
school has introduced a
new literacy program to
change that.
"In fact, I'll go out on a
limb and predict that our
scores will consistently go
up in the next few years,"
said Tobin, adding the
measures don't overlook
the school's strengths.
In particular, he believes
his school is being penalized
for its accessability.
"We take everybody
that comes in our door,"
said Tobin. "The private
schools we're compared
to don't take in (students
with) learning difficulties
or special needs."
But study co-author Peter
Cowley said the empirical
data the study is based on
provide the best measures
available.
"These findings are not
subject to the prejudices
or the feelings of the teachers,"
said the institute's
Director of School Performance
Studies.
Cowley said that private
schools with entrance
exams and high tuitions
often do get the highest
grades.
In fact, this description
fits nine of the 14 schools
that recieved first place
rankings with perfect 10
scores.
But he says parents
should only compare their
children's schools to others
with similar socio-economic
status.
This means comparing
their child's school with
those who have the same
economic, social and educational
backgrounds and
access.
"If the school gets a
low ranking, that doesn't
mean (parents) should
feel demeaned or embarrassed,"
said Cowley. "It's
an opportunity to look at
what the other comparable
schools have done right."
The report includes mea­
Willis N^irpQr
Qaesnel's
ONLY
BFRIGIDAIRE
Clall«ry
20'du.ft
Chest Free»r
SAVE MOO
sures of the average years
of parental education and
the percentage of students
who didn't take the provincial
tests solely to aid
readers in making this
comparison, he adds.
"The thing that concerns
me is that the rankings be
useful to every parent in
the province," said Cowley.
"One of the effects of
report cards of this kind
is it gets to a very broad
group of people, it generates
a greater, clearer focus
on results than was there
before."
Results are measured in
a way that allows schools
with the same number of
points to tie in rank, but
places the schools below
them at a position that relfects
the number of schools
ranked above them.
This is why St. Francis
Xavier school in Vancouver
is given a ranking of
15 even though it recieved
a score of 9.9 out of 10,
the second-highest score
allotted.
Rankings
Quesnel's schools were
ranked by the Fraser Institute
and were excluded
from the study if they
had any pf the following
characteristics.
• fewer than 15 students
enrolled in Grade 4
• a Type 1 school (who
enrol lioth Grade 4 and
Grade 7 students) with
fewer than 15 students In
Grade 4 or Grade 7
a Type 2 school (with
only Grade 4 students)
lacking Grade 7 data,
which was otherwise
provided by testing
Grade 7s who had previously
graduated from that
school.
Here are the results of the
10 local schools studied.
School
Dragon Lal

A4 .QUESNELCARIBOOOBSERVER Sunday, June 20, 2004
LOCAL NEWS
Smart women finish rich
JODYJACOB
Observer Reporter
They were 30' women
looking to get ahead in the
game of life.
The seminar, Smart
Women Finish Rich, was
brought to Quesnel on
June 16 by Jody Schlottman,
who was more than
happy with the turnout.
"This is an overwhelming
response for a first dme,"
said Investment Representative
for Edward Jones.
"We are hoping to make it
an annual event."
The workshop seminar
was based on the book
Smart Women Finish Rich
by David Bach. It encouraged
women to become
financially secure by establishing
their values and
goals, aligning them, and
taking steps to initiate and
achieve them.
Michelle Kay, primary
speaker at the workshop,
said it is important for
women to try to find out
what their ultimate value
is.
"Our goals change
throughout our hves," she
said. "Find out what truly
makes you happy, wliat
makes you get up in the
morning, and think of your
money as something in line
with your values."
The seven steps to living
and finishing rich were a
main component revealed
through the workshop.
The steps were:
Step one: Learn to earn.
This means to gather
knowledge about money
and investments through
books, clubs, advisors or
classes.
Step two: Put your money •
where your values are, and
set goals to make your
values real. Make your
goals specific, measurable,
achievable and compadble.
Step three: Figure out
Michelle Kay helps women to devise a financial strategy
and stick with it. Jody Jacob photo.
where you stand financially.
Step four: Build your retirement
basket.
"The single most important
thing to do to help
yourself become a millionaire
is pay yourself first.
You are a very important
investment," said Kay.
Statistics show women
should save 12 per cent of
their monthly earnings to
ensure a financially stable
future. This is two per cent
higher than men because
women live an average of
seven years longer.
Step five: Use the power
of the Latte Factor, meaning
find out what your "extra"
expenses are (such as
your morning coffee from
your favourite coffee shop)
and see what could be cut
back and saved instead of
spent.
Step six: Build your security
basket. Make sure you
are properly insured, have
an emergency money stash,
and have a will.
Finally, Step seven: Build
your dream basket. Work
towards not only financial
security, but financial free­
dom and fun.
The importance of RRSP's
was stressed throughout
the seminar. To have a million
dollars by the age of
65, a 20-year-old would
only need to put $8 a day
into an RRSP until they
were 30. A 40 year old
would need $38 a day for
25 years.
"The key here is, it is never
to late. Don't think you
have missed the boat because
you are older," said
Kay. "It is financially easier
when you start young, but
important to build your
RRSP at any age."
Planning guides, worksheets
and investment strategies
were also provided
to all who attended the
seminar.
According to a statistics
sheet provided at the
workshop, women have
out-performed male investors
for nine of the last 12
years in North America. As
entrepreneurs, they start
businesses at three times
the rate of men, and 53
per cent of all stocks sold
in North America are purchased
by females.
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the keys
Bach opus
Oval-nest
builder
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child
14 Inns
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the road
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motion
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animals
19 Kind
of roast
23 Pow!
26 Sit for
an artist
28 Institute
litigation
29 Joins
forces
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defenses
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34 Household
funds
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Iowa
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In comics
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vivre
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fruit
46 Lazes about
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acid
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58 Banister
post
D O W N
Cause to fall
Cry
of dismay
Vatican
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Slur
together
Get
the point
Chow
Beneath
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1
•After an Ontario Court
of Appeals ruling last
June declared that denying
same-sex couples the right
to marry was unconstitutional,
political candidates
have been forced to take a
stand on what the definition
of marriage means in
Canada.
The candidates of
Quesnel's Cariboo-Prince
George riding stride the
entire political spectrum
of opinions on the matter.
"I don't support it," said
Conservative candidate
Dick Harris. "It's the
court that's taken it upon
themselves to change it on
a provincial level."
In response to the ruling,
the federal government
designed Bill C-23, which
would extend the definition
of marriage to include
all lawful unions of two
persons, regardless of sex.
The Liberal government
has not tabled the bill, but
referred it to be considered
by the Supreme Court of
Canada in October.
But the results of the
June 28 national election
could sway the decision
once again.
While Harris argues to
protect the traditional
definition of marriage as
a union between one man
and one woman, Doug
Gook takes a much different
view.
"I personally feel very
proud to be in one of the
three jurisdictions in Canada
that recognizes samesex
marriage," said the
Green party candidate.
The June 10, 2003 Ontario
court ruling has since
been echoed by verdicts in
B.C. and Quebec.
This means same-sex
marriage is now legal
in Canada's three most
populous provinces.
"In a world that we have
Texan cowboys dropping
bombs on people so they
same sex
JOYANNEPURSAGA can get their oil, I think, matter.
Observer Reporter bring on the love," said But unlike the other
Gook.
candidates, his personal
Over the past year, Can­ If elected, he hopes to opinion doesn't mesh with
ada's federal stances on reduce homophobia and his party's platform.
controversial topics have hate crimes against gays "The definition of mar­
triggered plenty of politi­ and lesbians through new riage should be a union
cal debate and some calls discrimination laws. ' between a man and a
for reform.
NDP contender Rick woman. But I am willing
This is why we asked Smith agrees that all cou­ to find common ground,"
Cariboo-Prince George ples should have a legal said Saini.
candidates where they
"The charter has to be a
stand on some of the
country's most divisive is­ "If you're a
guiding force in any of our
decisions," he added..
sues ajid how they would
address them if elected to couple and
parlicfment.
This is the first instal­ you choose to
Though the Canadian
Action party has not declared
a position on the
issue, local candidate Bev
ment of a three part series:
Cariboo Context. get married,
Collins says she personally
supports allmarriages.
nothing is
She disagreed with the
argument that acknowledging
same-sex marriages
going to take devalues the sanctity of
heterosexual unions.
away from the "If you're a couple and
you choose to get married,
power of that nothing is going to take
away from the power of
commitment." that commitment," said
Collins.
• Bev Collins
But Collins said her first
priority is to reflect the
views of her riding.
"If the majority of this
riding said absolutely not
to legalizing same-sex
marriage, then I would
vote against it," said Collins.
All of the candidates
agree that religious groups
have the right to refuse
performing marriage
ceremonies for same-sex
couples.
right to marry.
He says the idea of extending
civil unions to gay
couples, but not calling
them marriages, is not
enough.
"Equality means total
equality," said Smith.
"If you've got a different
name for the institution,
then it's not equal."
Smith also believes that
same-sex couples deserve
the same parental and
adoption rights.
Liberal contender Gurbux
Saini says he respects
the court rulings on the
Our Suriday issue will
contain part two of this
series: The War In Iraq.
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A6 QUESNEL'CARIBOO OBSEVER Sunday."June 20th, 2004
Sun-Peaks
Corporate
Retreat
Results in Riot
A local company took all of its employees
on a team building corporate
retreat to Sun Peaks Resort on Sunday
June 13th, 2004, and received
mixed results. The retreat began at
6:00 am in Quesnel when organizers
split the staff into two groups, and departed.
Trouble arose early when the
junior employees decided to stop for
a snack without telling anyone.. As a
result, the two-vehicle convoy split up,
but reunited quickly after senior management
spotted the other vehicle at
a drive through. Organizers noted the
lack of communication between staff
members, and worked on this problem
during the trip by requesting the team
members speak with each other at
strategic points using cell phones. The
drive also encouraged junior managers
to show initiative by encouraging
them to lead the convoy. This also
discouraged further snack breaks. As
they drove towards the resort, senior
staff members discussed conflict resolution,
trust issues and leaderships
skills while occasionally yelling at each
other about interior temperatures and
personal hygiene (Bob forgot to put on
deodorant...again). Junior management
trainees complained about the
lack of a CD player in their vehicle,
and...ate doughnuts.
The next phase of this team bonding
experiment included unloading
the vehicle's cargo into a Sun Peak
condo. Organizers timed the crew, and
found that they unloaded, set up and
assembled all products within about
three-and-a-half hours. This set a new
company record for setting up a complete
home. After the team building
exercise, the event organizers scheduled
a lunch, and encouraged employees
to discuss matters unrelated to
work as a means to generated bonds
between individuals. This resulted in a
great deal of embarrassment for Bob,
a senior manager who revealed that
he really enjoyed cutting his toenails
in shapes that resembled eagle talons.
Patrick shared details of his last
visit to the resort concerning a band,
a girl who fell to the ground after being
struck by a drumstick, and a blonde
girl that laughed at him. The personal
sharing continued with stories ranging
from Dan's Killer Shetland Pony to
Sue's abnormal fear of Jell-0. Finally,
a black bear interrupted the lunch and
everyone screamed with fear as they
ran to their vehicles.
A few employees felt that the retreat
resembled work a little too closely,
despite its exotic location. In addition,
they felt that the one hundred-dollar
deduction form their pay cheques for
the travel costs seemed a little excessive.
Senior manager. Bob Sunner,
refused comment on this matter; however,
citing that he awaited a Labour
Board decision on the matter.
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Observer Reporter
The waiting list is long and
the need is great for senior
housing and care.
Martin Gardner and Eric
White opened the doors
of the Wildwood senior's
facility late in 2003 and welcomed
their first residents in
time for Christmas.
But many local senior
citizens, who would like to
relocate to more supportive
housing, have been waitlisted.
Gardner and White broke
ground on a 10-room,
2,400-square-foot addition
this spring and expea to
have residents in place by
Aug. 1.
White, is a member of
ICON, a local construction
company. He drew up the
plans for the addition and is
overseeing the construction.
Each room is' specifically
designed to include large,
bright windows, an outside
access door and virtually
barrier-free living while remaining
closely connected
to the original home.
"Residents can easily move
from- their room to the many
activities in the main residence,
or stroll the park-like
grounds. "
Lois O'Regan was the first
resident to move into Wildwood
and is happy living
there.
She said it only took her
one night to become comfortable
with the surroundings
and the staff often send
prospective residents to ask
her about the home.
"Lois needed support to remain
in her ovm home. She
QUESNEL CARIBOO OBSERVER Sunday. June 20, 2004 A7
BUSINESS
expansion: weleomed by seniors
Eric White (left) and Martin Gardner (right) are excited
about the new addition on their Wildwood facility.
Annie Gallant photo
wasn't quite able to handle
all the demands of independent
living," Gardner said.
"Other than some minor
assistance, like ensuring she
takes her medications, Lois
does whatever she wants."
From the comfort of lawn
chairs on the garden patio,
residents have watched the
construction of the new
wing with avid interest.
These two young entrepreneurs
already have plans in
place for the development
of a seniors condominium
complex.
This independent living
facility will be adjacent to
the assisted living residence,
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For more information
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offer, contact Gardner or
White at 747-1633 ore-mail
wi Id woodal@sha w.ca
Residents may be eligible
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Health Authority and
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Orange shift, Specialty Sawniill, Canfor Quesnel
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1920 Brownmiller Road
Quesnel, B.C.

A8 QUESNEL CARIBOO OBSERVER Sunday, June 20.2004
Publisher Darcy Wiebe • Editor Matt Wood
Forum
"hile we're still basking in the news
that we're rated poorly by some of
the province's elite, now we're being
snubbed by the would-be elite.
It turns out, and we're a bit embarrassed we
hadn't noticed sooner, that there is to be no
open public forum for us to attend in order to
grill thd candidates who would represent us in
Ottawa.
Sure, there was a forum at QSS for high
school students to meet the candidates, and
kudos to the organizers for setting it up.
And the Quesnel and District Chamber of
Commerce is hosting a forum on June 23,
although it's going to cost 10 bucks to get in
($12 for non-members, the proceeds going to
the Ladies'Auxilliary, a more than worthy
cause). And a local radio station is hosting a
call-in forum that morning.
But how did a regular, evening debate or
forum, like the many we've had here during
past elections, not get slated for Quesnel?
We'll take a fair bit of heat for not figuring
this out sooner,, but ultimately, it is not
the Observer's job to put something like this
together.
In fact, it's kind of hard to pin the blam^e for
this on anyone.
Rather than blame, this whole issue reeks of
voter disinterest in the region.
We can already hear many of you rushing
to the computer or e-mail to fire off a letter
letting us know that you are interested. We
know many of you do care.
But a whole lot more couldn't care less
whether there was a federal election coming,
or if the Queen of England's second cousin
split a fingernail.
It may be too late already, but someone
needs to step up to the plate and try to organize
something.
Perhaps a school gymnasium could be used
free of charge to hold a forum in?
Maybe a local business person coiild find
a PA. system and offer to run it for a few
hours.
And lastly, maybe the candidates could find
a way to all be here on one evening this coming
week. It's a lot to ask, but maybe it can
happen.
Maybe an evening full of heated debate and
honest questions can provide concerned voters
with a bit more information upon which
they can base a most important decision on.
We're sorry if we seem to be harping on
about these issues in this space lately, but we
believe this is an important time, and we're
going to keep hammering away, for at least
eight more days.
After that, you may not hear from us on the
subject for a while. Or at least until the minority
government crumbles.
^"—W QUESNEL - CARIBOO
'OBSERVER
I TAPEP rne I>€\3ATE$ -
TA?e$: I cAMe lo KNOW CAOI
CANI>|PAT€ INTrMATetY- i NOW
HAVe AClltMt /MFReSSlON OF
THt llBO^tS, CONSCRVATlVeS,
Nr>PAKll>
Harper wins, Martin loses
S tephen
Harper
should sleep more
soundly after the
big debate.
And for Paul Martin,
more restless nights.
The whole winner-loser
commentary on debates is
a bit of a mug's game.
But if you look at what
the leaders needed to
achieve in this week's TV
debate. Harper had the
best showing. (Except
perhaps for Bloc leader
Gilles Duceppe, but he's
irrelevant in an Englishlanguage
debate.)
Martin, who needed to
rescue a faltering campaign,
couldn't shake off
the big liabilities he's dragging
along behind him.
Debates are mainly a
chance to take a quick
measure of the person,
and to contrast the media
image with a somewhat
twisted form of reality..
(The leaders are wearing
make-up, and have spent
hours rehearsing. Bright
lights are shining in their
eyes and they're talking
to a camera lens. It's not a
normal setting.)
That makes it an advantage
to enter the debate as
the underdog. The lower
the initial expectations,
the easier it is to surprise
people with your insight
•IHCI ISO*
Vour award winning community newspaper publi.shed Wcdne,sday & Sunday
The Quesnel Cariboo Observer was founded in August 1908. All material contained in Ihis
publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction of contents, cither in whole or part are
not [lermitted without prior con.sent. Publications Mail Registration No. 1001572. Member
of BCYCNA - British Columbia and Yukon Community Newspaper Association, CCNA
- Canadian Community Newspaper Association & the BC Pre.s^Council.
Published at 188 Carson Ave., Que.snel, B.C. V2J 2A8. Phone 992-2121
Fax: 992-5229 email: advertising@quesnelobserver.com
newsroom@quesnelobserver.com
Publisher/Adv. Mgr. • Editor
Website:www.quesnelobserver.com .
Paul Willcocks
VICTORIA REPORT
or warmth.
Stephen Harper is still
an unknown quantity for
many Canadians. All he
really needed to do was
show up, avoid big mistakes
and reassure people
that he isn't a maniac anxious
to arm Canadians,
gut the health care system
and make heterosexual
marriage a legal obligation.
Harper succeeded, especially
with the people
who matter. By now, each
party has a firm base. The
leaders' target audience is
the 30 per cent of voters
who are uncommitted or
wavering.
Harper didn't seem
crazy. (It is a great advantage
to start a debate
knowing that you win if
you don't seem nuts.) He
didn't hide from his views,
and he didn't shout. He
didn't seem the obvious
bogeyman the Liberals
had claimed in their attack
ads.
Darcy Wiebe Matt Wood BevWdghtman J aiceyFonnan
f
IMI W1NNCW
coHCiTrriOH
Martin had a much
bigger challenge, and
he couldn't meet it. The
sponsorship scandal
was like a yoke on his
rounded shoulders. His
commitment to health
care waiting list reduction
was mocked, as the other
leaders pointed out that
inadequate federal funding
under the Liberals had
helped create those waiting
lists.
Martin had the huge
task of convincing voters
that he would be a strong
and decisive prime minister,
delivering a clear - and
different - type of government.
But ultimately he
appeared to offer more of
the same.
Jack Layton had a
tough job as well. He tried
to convince people that
the Conservatives would
be very bad for Canada,
while dissuading them
from the obvious conclusion
that they should
thus vote Liberal to block
Harper. That would have
required a huge leap in the
perceived credibility of the
NDP. It didn't happen.
What now?
The Conservadves just
have to keep doing what
they are doing, targeting
their efforts toward close
ridings.
But the Liberals need to
rethink a campaign gone
wrong.
The attacks on Harper as
a social conservative have
not worked, and the debate
should confirm that
they won't. He's to the
right of many Canadians.
Harper looked weakest
on fiscal policy. The Conservanve
plan calls for tax
cuts and more money for
the military and health
care. Harper says he won't
cut spending in other areas,
just slow the growth.
But Mardn argued that
the plans will leave a
$50-billion shortfall over
the next five years, and
the Conservatives will be
forced to make significant
cuts. It's a good issue for
the Liberals to push in
the coming days. And it
will find the most receptive
audience in critical
B,C. and Ontario ridings,
where provincial government
tax cuts have raised
awareness of the risks.
Footnote: Not much
for B.C. in the debate. A
passing reference to the
softwood lumber dispute,
but nothing on treaties, or
First Nations generally, or
energy policy. Not even
a token reference to the
broader issue of Western
alienation.
Advertising Consultants: Roger Marthinsen, Karen Powell, George Dougherty,
Amanda Drew, LaRee Mariash - Telemarketer.
Ad Designers: Debbie Matthews, Len Nickel, Lorrie Milsom
Editorial Staff: Annie Gallant - Community Reporter, Joyanne Pursaga - City Reporter
Jody Jacob - Student Reporter, Matt Wood - Sports Editor
Production Mgr. Circulation l\*gr. Front Office: " Brandi Kimberley
IS a
Editor:
I watched with interest
the Leaders' debate on
Tuesday evening.
After the debate, the
opinion of the "man in
the street" was solicited
about whether seeing the
Leaders in action had influenced
whom they will
vote for.
Watching the Leaders
was very interesting.
However, I would like
to see and hear our local
candidates.
Apparently, Quesnel is
not to have that opportunity.
It is my understanding
that the candidates have
been invited to a Chamber
of Commerce luncheon,
which is a great opportunity
for the business community
to listen to their
platforms.
This does not, however,
satisfy my need to address
my concerns to the candidates.
I feel deprived and,
honestly, somewhat of a
second-class citizen,
I know as the campaigning
grinds towards election
day, many of us are
getting tired of the almost
constant barrage of "he
said, he will" jockeying,
but I believe we should
have been afforded thei opportunity
to see and hear
our local candidates.
How cart^e make an informed
decision by a brochure
delivered in the mail
or a sign asking us to vote
for a particular candidate
or party?
We are being inundated
with statistics telling us
how close this race is going
to be.
We are also being advised
that there are a large number
of undecided voters.
Whether they know it or
not, this group holds the
balance of power, not only
in Cariboo-Prince George,
but across the entire country.
We need to vote. It is our
democratic right.
I understand that there is
a public forum in Williams
Lake,
Why, I ask myself, is
Quesnel not given the
same courtesy,'
Are we so important or,
on the other hand, are the
candidates suggesting that
our vote does not count?
Traditionally an all-candidates
forum is an integral
part of the elecdon
process.
Why not this time?
Pat Adams
Quesnel
It does indeed
take a community
Editor:
To the parents, students,
staff and community of
Red Bluff School, thank
you for your participation
and support for our Green
Stone Day on June 4,
The co-operation theme
for our Social Responsibility
unit became more
meaningful with your
presence.
We are grateful that each
of you made time in your
busy schedules to be a part
of this experience.
It is a perfect example of
"It takes a community to
raise a child,"
Leanna Garner
Principal, Red Bluff
school
Editors note
Last issue, a letter enti- the author's name,
ded A tour of the Goldpan Thanks to Norm Gillies
city offers hope for future of Quesnel for writing
inadvertently ran without about the city he loves.
TWO-WAY RADIO
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Casli for centre
QUESNEL CARIBOO OBSERVER Sunday, June 20. 2004 A9
Mayor Nate Bello presents a grant-in-aid cheque for $5,550 on behalf of council to co-chaifs Shawn Laidlaw and Amber Pitman,
and Dana Napier, the co-ordinator, ofthe North Cariboo Comprehensive Youth Centre. The funding will assist the centre
with its operational expenses for 2004. Photo contributed
Use the wood for something good
Editor:
I was pleased to . read
that Minister of State for
Forestry Operations Roger
Harris and Economic Diversification's
Jim Sproule
have been on a tour to the
communities affected by
the pine beetle.
We need all levels of
government to face the potential
impacts of the pine
beede epidemic.
Long-term planning
and creadve soludons are
required to mitigate the
potentially devastating
consequences on our local
communities,
I was intrigued that they
are busy looking for projects
that "would help utilize
the massive amount of
beetle-infested dmber,"
Mr, Harris stated that the
government is "looking for
non-traditional types of
projects"
Why is it that these politicians
never tie the actual use
of beetle infested wood to
the 2010 Olympic Games?
It seems to me that using
the opportunity presented
by the Olympics would
be the smartest marketing
tactic of all.
Given all of the infrastructure
that will need to
be built from scratch or
renovated, would it not
be appropriate for our
"denim" pine to be used
whenever similar lumber is
needed?
If we want to sell our
lumber to other markets,
we need to be willing to
promote it ourselves.
When an event the scope
of the Olympic Games
comes to our province, a
great deal of natural resources
are consumed.
From pamphlets and
papers, to benches and
bleachers. From souvenir
wood products and art objects,
to flooring and paneling.
The eyes of the world
will be upon us.
Beetle "stained" wood has
nothing structurally wrong
with it. The "damage" is
simply cosmetic.
Government needs to do
its part by insisdng that
beetle stained wood is
used whenever possible in
taxpayer-funded Olympic
projects. The Olympics
are coming in less than six
years.
We need to harvest the
wood now and prepare it
appropriately for use in
Olympic projects.
The government can
not wait undl after the
Olympic Games have come
and gone to take further
action,
Sarah Hilbert-West
Quesnel
Letters Welcome
Letters must include full name and contact phone number and should be 250 words or
less. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity, brevity and legality.
Letters to the Editor, Quesnel Cariboo Observer, 188 Carson Ave., Quesnel, BC V2J 2A8
email: newsroom@quesnelobserver,com Phone 992-2121, Fax:992-5229
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Many
thanks
to good
neighbours
Editor:
A "thumbs-down" to
whoever stole my two
hanging baskets in front
of my house, which were
there for everybody to
enjoy.
"Thumbs-up" to my
good neighbours, who
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Thank you so much
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Thank you again to
Ron and Val Mitchell
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Quesnel
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