The record, 18 juin 1998, jeudi 18 juin 1998

Looking to buy something?Thought of the Day Classifieds Sherbrooke: 569-9525 k Knqwlton: 242-1188 J RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 Two men look out through the same bars; One sees the mud, one the stars.— Frederick Langbridge 60 CENTS Thursday, June 18, 1998 Townships Digest UPA calls for boycott Members of the regional tree growers association of the UPA are calling on fellow members to boycott the production of all trees bound for the pulp and paper industry in Trois-Rivières.The boycott is part of an effort to maintain solidarity with the employees of Abitibi Consolidated who are on strike in Grand-Mère, Shawinigan, Trois-Rivières and across the country.Local tree growers produce 75,000 cubic metres a year.Propane tanks banned The city of Sherbrooke announced plans to ban and remove all propane tanks with a capacity of 90 litres or more.Officials say tanks that large are dangerous and should not be in residential areas.If a problem occurs call 911.From June 22 to November 27, citizens can dispose of this hazardous product at municipal offices in five communities: Sherbrooke, St-Élie-d’Orford, Ascot, Fleurimont and Rock Forest.• Sherbrooke: Monday to Friday 9:30-11:30 a.m.and 1:30-3:30 p.m.• Ascot and St-Élie-d’Orford: Monday and Friday 1:30-3:30 p.m.• Fleurimont and Rock Forest: Tuesday and Thursday 1:30-3:30 p.m.Delegation gathering Phone lines are humming in the Magog region as plans are made to attend next Tuesday’s regional health board meeting in Sherbrooke.The delegation will ask the board to keep the surgery unit operating at la Providence Hospital.Hospital supporters are encouraging everyone to attend the public meeting.Inside Ann Landers .16 Crossword .19 Births and Deaths .15 Community Forum .6 Classified — .18,19 Sports .13 Comics .17 WORLD .9 .* » ¦; v cfSI m7M m WORK EQUALS PLAY RICK FOSS/COORESPONDENT Recess at the Richmond Elementary School is better than ever thanks to the hard work of Daphne Dykeman, Donna Smith and Penny Parizeau and over 30 other volunteers.A year of planning and fundraising efforts resulted in last weekend’s installation of a super play area with the latest in slides and Monday bars get in a bed or rounded pebbles.Older playground equipment was spruced up with bright paint.The renovations were a big hit Monday morning and will be for years to come.Defence says Benoit suffers from mental illness Arguments heard in murder case By Maurice Crossfield The fate of Bernard Benoit is now in the hands of the jury, as closing arguments in the murder trial wrapped up Wednesday.Benoit, 49, is accused of second degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Louise Dubreuil at his Centre Street apartment in Granby on June 21, 1996.Dubreuil was killed by a single .270 calibre bullet as she lay asleep in his bed.The fact that Benoit was the man who pulled the trigger was never dis- puted by either Crown prosecutor Bernard Monast or defence lawyer Michel Barbant.Benoit himself did not testify during the trial, which has so far lasted nearly three weeks.However the defence is claiming that See murder, page 4 LMS-350A Father's ~ Day r ; Special mm mm mm TAX INCLUDED with this ad until June 20/98.IÏ LOWRANCE We find.V>i i lisli.I m X45 - LACHAPJCE ! PECK 3rop 2 CHASSE & PECHE ' Jean-Guy Lachance, Prop.1435 King E.Fleurimont 563-9676 page 2 Thursday, June 18, 1998 | TH Ei Celebrating 45 years of wedded bliss Love is a many splendored thing I can remember our wedding day in Sept-Iles, 45 years ago today.You looked so radiant and beautiful in your white embroidered dress bordered with lace.I could hardly understand the French-speaking priest.Lucky that we rehearsed beforehand so that I knew just when to say “I do”.I can recall the emotion and seriousness with which I took the vows to love, cherish and protect you.You will surely recall more of the details of the birth of our first child, delivered in our home that we built together.Honorable son number one.I do remember having to assist the doctor and the midwife at a critical point in the delivery.You suffered so much during the ordeal that we both promised that it would be the last.That was until our four other wonderful children came into our world.Remember the time in Baie Comeau raising our five healthy and very active children?Whenever 1 arrived at the hospital with an injured son or daughter, the staff would greet me with, “Not again, Mr.Cox?” We had already started to move family and furniture.Nineteen moves in ten different locations since we’ve been married.Probably won’t go in the Guinness Book of Records but it’s quite a feat.We have seen many beautiful sites in the province and made a lot of friends and acquaintances.Remember the huge turn out at our 40th wedding anniversary?Seems like yesterday.We attended the weddings of our children and became grandparents to seven healthy and active grandchildren.Most of them have also had their visits to the hospital for minor injuries.I have witnessed the tears you shed whenever we received news of our children’s or grand-children’s injuries or some problem that beset them.On the other hand, I have seen you elated and jumping for joy at good news about them.You often said that we are their parents all of our lives.Skating on ponds and rinks, you are a picture of pure joy and exhilaration.How you have always loved to skate! Cycling, skiing, hiking or golfing together you perform like an athlete.You rarely hold me back from my pace and lately I find myself pushing a little harder to keep out front.It’s remarkable all the places we know from cycling through villages or hiking in the mountains.I have caught you dancing alone several times to some lively tune.You stop from shyness when I enter the room.I often wait when 1 see you dancing so as not to break the spell.In these moments I picture you as a nymph fleeting about in the forest.Like other couples, there have been setbacks and disappointments, but together we have stood up against adversity and came out stronger from the experience.You never read my articles for this column until the paper arrives.Sometimes you are apprehensive about my using anecdotes from our life experiences.That’s because of the interesting life we are having together.I refer to you in my articles as “my companion.” You are, a 1 in the one person, my wife, my mistress and my lifetime companion.Happy forty-fifth wedding anniversary Prlicess.Lookfin the cookie jar for your gift.Editors note: On behalf of all of us at The Record and your many readers, Happy Anniversary to you both.Our Man Thursday William Cox Nunavut dream edges closer to reality By Norma Greenway Southam News Ottawa J-ack Anawak sees a treeless, sparsely populated tract of land stretching over two million square kilometres in the Eastern Arctic as the opportunity of a lifetime for his Inuit people.The former MP from Rankin Inlet insists the newfound hope and pride revolving around the territory's upcoming birth on April 1 as Nunavut will be potent weapons in the battle to address the region's aching social and economic problems.“Part of the problem has been the attitude that we were helpless,” he said Wednesday.“We always felt helpless to do anything about a government that we didn’t have any direct control over as private citizens.Here we have a unique opportunity for the private citizens of Nunavut to have more of a role in determining where the government is going.” Of course, it’s Anawak’s job to be optimistic.As the appointed interim commissioner of Nunavtit, he’s charged with recruiting a civil service and building the administrative framework for the territory's new self-rule government, slated to kick into action April 1.That same day a 19-member legislative assembly, to be elected early next year, will take over the political reins of Canada's newly created third territory and its population of about 27,000 people, the bulk of whom are Inuit.Anawak, whose job ends April 1, offered the upbeat assessment of the progress to date and the challenges ahead during a speech at the National Press Club.He and some key members of his budding Nunavut public service were in Ottawa this week to swap ideas with their federal counterparts.Still missing in the equation is the amount of money the federal govern- ment is prepared to put up each year for Nunavut.Anawak said he expects the figure, which must be approved by cabinet, to be in the neighborhood of $600 million, or about $22,000 per person.The new government faces daunting challenges trying to broaden economic and social prospects.The region boasts little private economic activity and has rates of unemployment, welfare, suicide and substance abuse that dramatically outpace the national average.Complicating the poverty problem is the region's high cost of living.For example, a loaf of bread costs $3, and two litres of milk cost $7.Anawak said the jobless rate could be as high as 50 per cent in some areas.But he said he’s optimistic expanded lead, zinc, gold and maybe even diamond mining can help lift the territory's economy and fuel a healthier private sector.He portrayed self-ruling Nunavut, the outgrowth of a 1992 land-claims settlement, as the ticket to launching an era of people-friendly government where residents gain control of their day-to-day lives and where programs to address social ills will be more effective because they will be designed at the community level.Anawak said he expects the civil service - where the working language will be Inuktitut - to peak at about 2,200, or about one government employee for each 12 residents.He rejected suggestions the number was too high, arguing the new government must be able to respond to the needs of a poor population scattered across 27 communities.“In preparation for Nunavut, we have been guided by a vision that places people first," he said.“We’re hoping to change the mind set.It’s not a case of you against the government, it’s a case of you utilizing the government.” Today’s Weather Æ j, Thltfofd.Mines < ) % - Richmond, ;f Uc-Méganti^» / SlltKHKllOKk» « .» A!- , j,Cowansviuj> ; 1 Stanstlad REGIONAL FORECAST /; X THURSDAY :Cloudy.A few showers.Low near 16.High near 24.Probability of precipitation 70 percent.FRIDAY : Mostly cloudy.A few showers.Low near 16.High near 24.Probability of precipitation 70 percent.Normals for the period.Low 10.High 24.BEN® by DANIEL SHELTON NOT QUITE H0LP STILL NICHOLAS/ FINISHER f «à* THE i Thursday, June 18, 1998 page 3 Money to be spent on move to larger Kayser factory Sherbrooke museum gets $4 million upgrade By Sylvia Warden Sherbrooke Thanks to a $4 million investment from the Canadian government, the museum of natural science in Sherbrooke is one step closer to moving into its new home and creating 10 new positions.Martin Cauchon, the federal Secretary of State responsible for Canadian Economic Development in Quebec, made the announcement Wednesday morning at the museum.“This is a remarkable collaboration in the region,” said Cauchon, as Sherbrooke Mayor Jean Perreault and Conservative MP David Price looked on.The investment is part of a $17-million project to revitalize Sherbrooke’s downtown core.The museum will move from its current location at 222 Frontenac Street to the old Kayser factory across the street.“It is at least twice the size of the current building,” said Roseline Alric, the museum’s president.Kayser’s boarded up windows, peeling paint and rough exterior will be replaced SYLVIA WARDEN msm Martin Cauchon, federal Secretary of State responsible for \ Canadian Economic Development in Quebec, shares a laugh ) with museum president Roseline Alric and Sherbrooke Mayor Jean Perreault by new glass, and a new look to take the 119-year-old museum into the next century.The $4 million announced Wednesday will be added to a previously announced $4 million in government funding for the museum.The majority of the funds, $6.9 million, will be spent on upgrading the building andKl million will go to imVoving the permanent cowction, which is home towbout 100,000 pieces.\ “This is a tourism agree ment with considerable economic impact.It will benefit Sherbrooke and the entire Eastern Townships,” said Cauchon.Museum officials predict 10,000 new visitors to the museum which already hosts 40,000 guests annually.“I can hardly contain my joy,” said Mayor Jean Perreault, after the announce ment.In addition to improving the muse um a further $9.5 million, raised by the city and the private sector, will be spent on housing in the downtown core.While Cauchon and Perreault look to the future, Fanny Bluteau is concentrating on the present.As the activities co-ordinator at the museum, Bluteau is working on the Our Place in Space exhibit.The interactive, bilingual display allows users to learn about specific planets.Its bright orange and lime green colors and use of metal work attract the eye to different elements in space.The exhibit ends on Friday and will be replaced by one on the monarch butterfly.“The monarch butterfly is a topic known worldwide,” said Bluteau.Its beauty and broad-based appeal make it a natural choice for the museum during the summer months when tourism is at its height.“It’s a living exhibit which has traveled throughout the U.S.and Mexico.” Bluteau says the museum offers families the opportunity to learn about science in a user friendly way.The exhibits are easy to follow and a guide is available to help explain the exhibit.Museum’s president Alric, couldn’t predict the date when they’ll be ready to move into their new building but she hopes it will be by the end of the year.A move to a new building, she said, won’t change the museum’s ideals.“The museum will continue to bring innovative exhibits to the region.” Four in attendance turn out to be separatists Small turnout for Reform’s vision of Canada By Marty Patriquin Sherbrooke A total of four people showed up last night to listen to Reform advisor Gilles St-Laurent outline his party’s ‘New Canada Act’, the aim of which is, “to prepare Canada for the 21st century by making provision for negotiation of a new balance of federal-provincial powers, more accountable federal institutions, and the calling of a Constitutional Constituent Assembly”.By all accounts the audience was a hard sell.All four in attendance were separatists.The document is a departure from traditional Reform politics.It acknowledges the importance of provincial autonomy, and seeks to strengthen the exercise of provincial legislative and administrative powers in several key areas, while maintaining a less intrusive federal government.The act, said St-Laurent, is an attempt to create a “less meddling” federal government while maintaining national unity.St-Laurent wasted little time.Acknowledging the potentially hostile environment, he went through the agreement, point by point, in an attempt to gauge the separatist reaction to the act.His intent, he said, was to create dialogue about the act’s proposals.Concentrating first on the proposed legislative and administrative powers, he asked each audience member whether they agreed with the individual points.While few objected to the proposed provincial powers, a lively debate ensued when St-Laurent outlined the federal powers.Several audience members contested the federal regulation of financial institutions, particularly the idea that under MARTY PATRIQUIN Reform advisor Gilles St-Laurent outlines his party’s ‘New Canada Act' to a sparse crowd Tuesday evening.this proposed statute, the federal government would have regulatory power over the Caisse Populaire Desjardins.“Concerning control over Desjardins,I am completely against it,” said one man.“It is already ours.You can’t touch it." Another man suggested the Caisse Populaire is a matter of provincial pride, and could be considered a cultural, and therefore a provincially-controlled, entity Essential to the New Canada Act is the definition and separation of federal and provincial powers.They are as follows: FEDERAL Defence Foreign Affairs Monetary Policy Regulation of financial institutions Criminal law Establishing national standards Equalization International trade Interprovincial trade PROVINCIAL Natural Resources 822-9692 CENTENNIAL Bishop's University Thursday night is movie night WILD THINGS Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon 8:00 p.m.r$4” j St-Laurent countered by suggesting that while the Caisse Populaire is a historically French-Canadian institution, it is now a business with markets beyond Quebec.Despite the sparse crowd, the session lasted over two hours.St-Laurent made clear that the suggestions and apprehensions brought forward by those in attendance would be taken into consideration.Employment training Social Services, including health, ed ucation and social assistance Language and Culture Municipal Affairs Sports and Recreation Housing Tourism Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners pfiS BRITS Over 40?If you worked in the UK for about 10 years, hear about your rights to a UK pension and the ‘frozen pension’ issue Info meeting; 10:30 a.m.& 12 noon Sat.June 20th, 1998 at Royal Canadian Legion Hall 470 Bowen South, Sherbrooke, QC page 4 Thursday, June 18, 1998 THE( Subscribe to The Record today.Call 569-9528 FINANCIAL PLANNING By Frank Cameron C.ADM.R.F.P.Your home: A place to live, or an investment?There was a time when a home was considered a money-making investment.Not only were you buying a place to live, you were almost guaranteed that your house would be worth considerably more when you sold it.However, fluctuations in housing prices during the 1980s and 1990s put an end to that certainty.Some homeowners now find themselves with houses that are worth less than they paid.And with forecasters predicting lessening demand for housing as the baby-boom generation ages, the prognosis for housing prices is cloudy.That doens’t mean it’s no longer possible to make money on a home.Most long-term homeowners are still ahead of the game, and with prices on the rise in many Canadian cities, the situation is improving.What’s more, the profit on a principal residence is tax-free, unlike gains from most other investments.However, the changing real estate environment means you shouldn’t necessarily regard your home as a growth investment.This change in attitude calls for a few adjustments to your overall financial plan.Ideally, you should diversify your investments so you offset the potential of lacklustre or declining returns from real estate.The first step is to ensure that building home equity by paying down your mortgage isn't such a priority that it excludes other savings and investments.You should structure your finances so you have enough left over after housing costs to put into other investments, such as a Registered retirement Savings Plan.For most people that means striking a balance between mortgage payments and savings.It may even mean being careful to not overspend when you buy a home.Just how you strike that balance between housing and investment depends on a number of factors, including your age, your income and the equity you’ve already built up in your home.For example, with today's low interest rates and high returns from investments such as stocks, it may not always make financial sense for those who have low-rate mortgages to pay them off quickly.Money can sometimes be better put to work through other investments, especially under the tax shelter of an RRSP.If you’re older, and your children have grown and you have already built up substantial equity in your home, you may want to free up capital by downsizing.Moving into a smaller home will provide additional cash for investment purposes without having to change residences is through an equity take-out, sometimes referred to as a leverage loan.There are many ways to balance your housing and investment needs, and to make the best use of the money you’ve already invested in your home.But because everybody’s situation is different, there is no universal stragety.That’s why it’s important that you consult your financial advisor to determine how your homes fits into your overall financial plan.This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc., is presented as a general source of information only and is not intended as a soliciation to buy or sell investments, nor is it intended to provide legal advice.For more information on this topic or on any other investment or financial matters, please contact your financial advisor.Mr.Frank Cameron is a Chartered Administrator, and Registered Financial Planner, with Investors Group.Briefs New regulations in Waterville The town of Waterville passed into law new regulations on parking, bike paths and water supply infractions at a June 1 council meeting.Regulations No.381-1 and 381, as the laws are known, are designed to make it easier for the police to do their jobs.Those who break the law will be penalized.Lennoxville loses Sherbrooke Auxiliary The Sherbrooke Hospital Auxiliary has disbanded its Lennoxville wing.Members Jackie Patrick, Bud Allanson and Joan Moore extend their thanks to all the volunteers from Lennoxville who have helped make the auxiliary a success over the years.Calling the next Tiger Woods The Waterloo Golf Club will host the Eastern Canadian Junior Optimist Golf Championship on August 2 to 4.It’s the first time the event is being held in Quebec.The tournament is open to all golfers between the ages of 10 and 18 - play will be divided into four age groups.Run by the Opr;mist Club, the tournament gives winning golfers the opportunity to go on to the Optimist Junior Canadian Championship in Ontario and the Wittnauer-Optimist International Junior Golf Championship, at the PGA National in Florida.Past winners of the Wittnauer-Optimist include Tiger Woods, Nancy Lopez, Davis Love III, MURDER: — Continued from page 1 Benoit is not guilty by reason of a mental illness.During the defence’s case, two psychiatrists were called to testify, both of whom agreed that Benoit had a history of mental illness dating back to at least 1987.Since that time he has been on medication to treat his disorder.It was also revealed during the trial that Benoit’s sister was shot and killed by her frustrated boyfriend in 1988.As Benoit sat quietly in a shirt and tie, Barbant told the jury his client made no attempt to hide what he had done.Instead he called police and told them what happened.He said Benoit was not in control of his actions at the time of the shooting.“He had no capacity for reason at that moment because of his mental illness,” Barbant said.He said the calm demeanor shown by Benoit when police arrived was due to the effect of tranquilizers.Barbant quoted psychiatrist Dr.Francisco Pinero, who told the jury earlier in the week that Benoit was suffering from a dissociative disorder, in which he lost touch with reality and the memory of his actions.During the investigation Benoit told police he had no realization of what was going on from the moment he was looking at a bullet in the living room until the sound of the gun going off jarred him back into reality.During that time Benoit removed his gun from its cabinet, loaded it, and walked into the bedroom, where he shot Dubreuil in the head at a range of less than five feet.Barbant wrapped up his closing arguments saying that the fact of the murder would be a heavy burden for his client.He said no one, even Benoit, doubts who committed the homicide.“But you must return a verdict of not criminally responsible because of a mental illness,” he said.John Daly, Ernie Els, Michelle McGann and Corey Pavin.Details: llze Epners (450/514) 534-2384.Play is limited to 280 golfers so call today.CRD-Estrie picks president For the ninth year in a row Janvier Cliche has been elected president of the council of regional development in the Estrie region, CRD-Estrie.Between 1993 and 1998 the council has helped de velop 264 projects in the region.Help the environment Composters to collect and store all biodegradable waste materials such as vegetable peelings and egg shells are on sale in Sherbrooke and Fleurimont for $35, taxes included.•Sherbrooke:June 20 and 22 call 821-4357.• Fleurimont: June 18, 7-9 p.m., at the Centre Julien-Ducharme, 1671 Duplessis.Details: 565-9954.New hours at CLSC-CHSLD Beginning July 1 the CLSC in Cookshire will expand its hours to serve both the communities of East Angus and Cookshire.To see a doctor the hours are: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.and Wednesday night from 4:30 to 8:30.To see a nurse the hours are: 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.For mental health information: in Cookshire during the day call (819) 875-3373 and at night in Weedon call (819) 877-3434 or visit Monday to Friday from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.Infosanté CLSC is a 24-hour telephone service, call 562-3692.In the afternoon the prosecution presented its arguments that Benoit was fully aware of and responsible for his actions.Monast said Dubreuil, who had been in and out of a relationship with Benoit for about six months, had made him borrow $400 in the days leading up to the shooting.“Benoit hated debt, it was horrifying for him,” Monast said.The money was borrowed apparently to support Dubreuil’s drug habit.Benoit, on the other hand was a devout Christian who never took illegal drugs.Monast said the events put a strain on Benoit, causing him to contemplate the murder as a way to eliminate his problems.Monast also referred to transcripts of interviews authorities carried out with Benoit.During one interview Benoit said he was on medication, even though he was never asked.In another interview he stated he was under the care of a psychiatrist, even though he was never asked that question.“No one asked about the doctor,” Monast said.“He was trying to justify what he had done.” Monast also referred to Pinero’s testimony, in which he said the periods of dissociation could last anywhere from several minutes to several days.He argued the defence claims the dissociation lasted only a few seconds.Monast wrapped up by asking for a verdict of guilty on charges of second degree murder.The jury was then dismissed until Thursday afternoon, at which time Quebec Superior Court judge Paul-Marcel Bellavance will give his instructions to the jury.Included in those instructions will be the important points of law, essential elements of the crime, and the principals of reasonable doubt.Following the instructions the jury will then be dismissed to deliberate on the fate of Bernard Benoit. Thursday, June 18, 1998 page 5 RECORD Richmond MNA Vallières says closing of Danville Home was politically motivated Rochon responds to Foyer and food criticism By Rita Legault Sherbrooke Responding to questions by Richmond MNA Yvon Vallières, Health Minister Jean Rochon defended the closing of the Foyer Sainte-Anne-Marie in Danville and the use of more frozen dinners and prepared foods to feed hospital patients and long term care residents.Rochon took two weeks to answer questions asked by Vallières on the effects of the reorganization of health care services in the Eastern Townships.The Health Minister said the closing of the Foyer Danville was part of a move to cut beds in long term care facilities in favor of investing money in home care services to keep elderly people at home longer.“When historically we have only developed long term care services in beds, we have an interest, now that we have new ways of doing things, to take that money and develop a wider range of services better adapted to the needs of people,” Rochon said in the National Assembly on Tuesday.But Vallières said he has heard those promises before and people in the Asbestos region are doubtful.Vallières said after a regional consultation it was decided to reduce the number of beds at the Danville Home from 55 to 32 beds and reinvest the savings in home care services for the elderly.Color of money “But we never saw the color of the money here at the local CLSC,” Vallières said.“Will we get it this time?” Vallières points out that the ratio of long term beds to elderly residents is the lowest in the region, despite the fact the Asbestos area has the highest percentage of seniors.“It’s my duty to demand guarantees," he said.“We have been swindled too many times.” Vallières repeated his assessment that the government is getting people to accept cuts “by administering them through an eyedropper rather than by the shovelful.” He added that the cutback strategy of the regional health board has been to consult the population, and then change decisions based on the mood of the government and Health Minister Jean Rochon.Vallières added that if Rochon had taken the two weeks to investigate the dossier, he would have realized the closure of the Danville Home was a political decision.The vote to close the 30-year-old private nursing home was taken after a lengthy debate, much of which occurred behind closed doors before the board’s public meeting.During the meeting the board disputed the savings and presented a controversial last-minute survey designed to get directors on side.The board, which voted by secret ballot, ended in a 7 - 7 tie, broken by presi- dent Jean Belle-humeur.Two of those voting included the director general, who was unlikely to go against his own recommendation, and the mayor of Asbestos, whose municipality would end up with a new facility and most of the long terra care beds in the region.Vallières said he had hoped the announcement of $3.6 million investments in the regional health, much of it earmarked for home care, would help reverse the decision.“That should mean more money to invest in home care in Asbestos - the excuse that is being used to close the home,” he pointed out.Fifth-grade food On the issue of food quality, Rochon accused Vallières of not doing his homework and using the issue of fourth- and fifth-grade foods to create political hay.“But people have good food adapted to their needs,” he claimed.The Regional Health Board announced in March it plans to go ahead with a pilot project to introduce a controversial plan to save more than $1 million by reducing the quality of some foods they serve and by using more frozen and prepared foods.In its plan to reorganize administrative and support services without affecting services to patients, the board claims it can save $900,000 by adapting new work methods and using fourth grade foodstuffs, and an additional $495,000 by reheating fifth grade prepared dinners.In the National Assembly Rochon explained that the first grade food were products that had not been transformed such as fresh meats and vegetables.Second grade food is canned, and third grade is frozen.Fourth grade is prepared foods ready to use such as peeled and cut vegetables and meal-sized portions of meat and fish.Fifth grade foods are ready to eat, ready to serve meals that have been prepared elsewhere Saves time and money.Rochon said institutions are using more and more fourth and fifth grade foods to save time and money.He admitted the use of fifth grade foods has led to some dissension by unions worried about the impact it could have on jobs.Despite reassurances the prepared foods were every bit as nutritional as meals prepared with fresh goods, Vallières said he doubts that Mr.Rochon would enjoy a regular menu of fourth and fifth grade food.“People in long term care facilities are there for many months and many years,” Vallières said, adding he’s concerned about the long term effect on the loss of nutritional values from prepared foods.“They are playing with fire,” he added.“This is close to playing with people’s health.” Vallières said the lesser quality food will also have an effect on the quality of life for long term care residents.“I would prefer to eat at home than to eat what they are proposing,” Vallières said.“1 think Mr.Rochon would too.” TQM PIPELINE PROCEEDING 1 MS Ms m .: .V-.' a BRUCE PATTON/CORRESPONDENT By Rita Legault Construction of the TransQuébec Maritime pipeline through the Eastern Townships is proceeding quickly as workers along more than a half dozen different stretches of the route begin clearing land and laying pipes.On Route 147 at the north end ofCoaticook, workers have inserted a length of pipeline under the highway.About a dozen men and tonnes of heavy machinery have slashed trees to create a corridor through the woods to bring the pipeline south-east towards East Hereford on the U.S.border and northwest to Lachenaie, near Montreal.Construction is also underway in Kingscroft, East Hereford, Magog Township, Waterloo and along five stretches of the pipeline in the States.Meanwhile, more than two dozen landowners, two municipalities and a gas company are contesting the pipeline route.FILE PHOTO Yvon Vallières page 6 Thursday, June 18, 1998 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Anglos should withhold taxes Dear Editor, It seems that if you want a mess made, just let the government get involved.The latest bash being the school board elections.It shows how incompetent the bureaucrats really are.No one has to try to make the Parti Québécois government look bad.They do an excellent job of it all by themselves! What Education Minister Pauline Marois should have ruled was - pay your taxes to the same board as always unless you specify that you want to change - and let the people come forth to request the changes as they so wished.I like to think that we still live in a democracy but when we are dictated to like the school board issue, I have to wonder what has happened to the voice of the people, the right to be consulted, the right to make choices, and the right to dissent.Many people have told me that they do not know where they are registered to vote.They sent in the forms but got no notice in return.As the candidate in our region was acclaimed and no one votes, there is no way you can check to see if your name is registered for an English board.You will know only when you receive a tax bill from the board that you were assigned.I phoned the Eastern Townships School Board and they hadn’t received a list of registered tax- payers.If you are one of the unfortunate ones to be bumped off to a French board, wait until your tax bill arrives.When you see that it is not of your choice, DON’T PAY IT! Simply tell them that you have always paid taxes to the English board.Be prepared to prove that you have done this with your receipts of former tax bills.If they will not take this for an answer, all of the people who fit this category should take out a class action suit.Charge the Catholic boards with trying to embezzle money from you, as you had never consented to pay taxes to them in the first place.Of course, Madam Marois has agreed to remedy the situation, of people being placed with the wrong board, in the next millennium.Just tell them that you will wait until they correct it in year 2002 and pay your taxes then.In the meantime you have the use of your own money.It can be invested until the time you have to pay up to the English boards and you will still be in control of your rights as guaranteed in a democratic society.If we sit back and let the government dictate at will we are getting what we deserve.With a government acting as it is, we must stand up and get involved.Elaine Laraway Georgeville Thanks for Streetlight Dear Editor, We want to take this opportunity to thank the community for their overwhelming support, through financial contributions and the volunteering of time from busy schedules, to help with the new entrance and completion of the Youth For Christ “Streetlight” Drop-In Centre at 99 Queen Street, Lennoxville.We also want to thank all those who purchased Christmas trees last winter, the revenues of which supported the renovations and new entrance to “Streetlight.” Without the community’s help and support, our vision for “Streetlight” would not have been realized.Please drop by at 99 Queen, Lennoxville for a visit and a look around.You are always welcome.With sincere thanks and appreciation, The Eastern Townships’ Youth For Christ Ministry Committee Trudy Aiken, Ed Anderson, Harry Brown, Leslie Buchanan, Ron & Cynthia Drew, Joan Hatch, Dennis Noble, Paul McLean ¦ THE i a division of Communications Quebecor inc.2850 Delorme, Sherbrooke, Que.J1K1A1 Fax: 819-569-3945 Newsroom e-mail: record@interlinx.qc.ca Randy Kinnear Publisher .(819) 569-9511 Sharon McCully Editor .(819) 569-6345 Sunil Mahtani Corresp.Editor .(819) 569-6345 Susan Mastine Community Relat.(819) 5699511 Julie Vinette Adv.Dir.(819) 569-9525 Richard Lessard Prod.Mgr.(819) 569-9931 Mark Guillette Press Superv.(819) 5699931 Francine Thibault Prod.Superv.(819) 5699931 DEPARTMENTS Accounting .(819)5699511 Advertising.(819)5699525 Circulation.(819)569-9528 Newsroom .(819)5696345 Knowlton office 88 Lakeside, Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax: (450) 243-5155 SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Canada: 1 year 104.00 7.28 8.35 $119.63 6 months 53.50 3.75 4.29 S61.54 3 months 27.00 1.89 2.17 S31.06 Out of Quebec residents do not include PST.Rates for other services available on request.The Record is published daily Monday to Friday.Back copies ofThe Record ordered one week after publication are available at $1.00 per copy.The Record was founded on February 7.1897, and acquired the Sherbrooke Examiner (est.1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Gazette (est.1837) in 1908.Canadian Publications Mail Service Product Agreement No.0479675.Member ABC, CARD, CDNA, NMB, QCNA THINKS FOR THE /HflMPH, AAR.HESm |stahler55@aol com % Letters to the Editor Reclaiming tax will be big challenge Dear Editor, The PQare amazing.So are the media that are supposed to be able to see through smoke-screens and detect red herrings.The media wrote stories about misleading notices to “Occupant.” They called attention to the clumsy revision process.Some took credit when the authorities finally admitted that there had been “a few mistakes.” Some doubted that everything would be fixed on the day.Few pointed out that unless anglophones moved fast, their taxes were going into the French system.And they essentially ignored the political malaise that caused these symptoms.The PQcaused the rush by its delay in asking for constitutional changes.They made the system worse by setting up a system that forced only anglophones to struggle for their rights.The towering intellects in the PQ could have used the tax and voter lists from the former confessional boards and revised them.They could have forced English and French voters to decide where their votes and tax money went - a fair solution, but one that might have irritated some PQ militants.The election is over.The PQwill claim success because English voter turnout rose dramatically.Sure it did.We’ve never seen such publicity for a school board election.Nothing will be said about the gap between ‘those eligible to vote’ and those ‘on the voter list.’ In 1995, almost by accident if you believe the Electoral Office, “a few misguided militants” stole over 50,000 referendum votes Did they learn from this?You bet In 1998, they’ve stolen even more votes - from people who didn’t know they’d been robbed - and even better, votes that can’t be counted.In addition they arbitrarily allocated millions of dollars of our tax money to the French system.That money will have to be reallocated to English boards at a considerable cost this year and will be lost completely next year unless ang-los do a great deal of work and spend thousands of dollars to reclaim it.Clinton won his last election by focussing on essentials, the economy.With a provincial election coming soon to a voting booth near you, the thing for the media to remember is this, IT’S THE SYSTEM, STUPID! J.A.Sheltus Bedford Giant sale was giant success Dear Editor, The Lennoxville Library’s Giant Book Sale on Friendship Day was a great success, netting over $600.Many thanks to everyone who helped make it possible.Ginny Cartmel and Janice Fraser helped sort books prior to the big day.Barbara Gosselin and Esther Cowhard kept the library operating throughout the confusion.The intrepid sales crew, in fair weather and foul, included Liz Warlund, Louis O’Neil, Sheila McLean and her “troops” - Brian Talbot, Keith and Glenn, Janice LaDuke;Jim Church, Bernie Epps, Dorothy Hewson, Margaret Owens, Catherine Dean, Aran McCormick and Cynthia.Sylvia Smith provided us with a generous supply of strong, new plastic bags.Unsuspecting students cheerfully helped bring the books in out of the rain.Jim Mas-terson helped us tidy up afterwards.Thanks also to anyone who donated all the books, and, of course, everyone who bought the books.Thank you, one and all.Lu Rider, Book Sale Co-ordinator *THE< Thursday, June 18, 1998 page 7 ON THE WILD SIDE COSEWIC lists what’s hot and what’s not Two new ‘vulnerable’ A small mammal and an even smaller amphibian are the latest local species to be added to international worry lists about the future of the planet.The Woodland Vole and the Mountain Dusky Salamander have both been permanent residents of the Eastern Townships since prehistoric times.Wildlife experts are worried that one or the other may be in danger of disappearing.The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has decided to list both vole and salamander as “Vulnerable,” which it defines as “a species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.” In the public eye of course some species are much more sexy than others.Just for fun, today let’s treat them as equals.The following is condensed from Mammals of the Canadian Wild, by Adrian Forsyth, The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals, and the Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians, with a few additional thoughts from my naturally-twisted mind.• The Woodland Vole, Microtus pina-torum, or Campagnol Sylvestre, is a tiny thing most people never get a chance to see.Contrary to its name it prefers to live among leafy trees rather than conifers.“They are subterranean and usually do not come above ground, except for brief periods at night.Their eyes and ears are reduced.Tunnels of the woodland vole are shallow and run through the leaf litter, so this vole favors well-drained mature forests with light soils and a thick leaf mulch.It feeds heavily on the roots and underground tubers of perennial wildflowers, which are cached in underground stor- Northern type Southern type» Salamanders can be tricky little critters.age chambers.Leafy material and seeds are also eaten.Females aggressively defend their nests.” The woodland vole sometimes lives in colonies, sometimes not.It resembles its giant cousin the common muskrat.The fur is rich and soft; head, body and tail are reddish-brown above and silver-grey below.Voles may eat their young when threatened or starved; their other enemies are snakes, the short-tailed shrew, fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk, mink, weasel, coyote, and domestic dogs and cats.• While the vole lives mostly underground, the Mountain Dusky Salamander, Desmognathus ochrophaeus or Salamandre sombre des montagnes, lives mostly in and around water.And it can be a tricky little critter.An “amazing variation” of this amphibian is the Imitator Salamander, which is born to look like its cousin the Appalachian Woodland Salamander.This amphibian grows to about 4 inches in length.Its coloration varies too much to get into here except to say that it may or not be striped, or spotted or “yellow, orange olive, gray, tan, brown or reddish.” “More terrestrial than most other dusky salamanders, sometimes wandering far out into the woods during wet weather.Normally found under stones, logs, leaves etc., near springs, seepage areas, or streams, not actually in the water but where the ground is saturated.Often congregates in winter in large numbers in shaly seepage areas or near springs.Frequently found abroad at night, when it may climb trees and shrubs while foraging.” Hmmm.I know some people like that.At its recent annual meeting in Ottawa the wildlife committee also changed the status of several other plants and animals found in Quebec.This is not the full COSEWIC list (we’ll go over that in a future column) but only this year’s changes: • The Black Bear, Ursus Americanus or Ours Noir, was determined to be not at risk.This comes despite increased poaching of bear species all over the world.Some bear body parts are in great demand in Asia, where they are believed to boost sexual potency in the human male - you guessed it, Homo Sapiens Erectus.Maybe now’ they’ll start taking a dose of Viagra instead of powdered gall bladder.• The Cougar, eastern population, Puma Concolor Cougar or Cougar de l'est, was downlisted to ‘indeterminate’.On the wild side Charles Bury '