SN, Castles: PAGE A4, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1990 EDITORIAL Worthwhile try sday to study Canada’s C: is, of course, Tories time and to let some of the wounds heal from the f Meech Lake accord, if in fact the wounds aren’t mortal. And yet the the will also of i important purpose and fulfil a fundamental right of i democracy — the right of citizens to be heard. The Tories and seriously by not secking the spl if « RE of C before the ill-fated, secretly concocted Meech Lake accord (Canada has paid quite a price for that = the will correct that Now, omission by holding try. Better late than never. The 12-member commission, headed by Keith taken leave of absence from his job as Radio-television and T: public townhall-type meetings across the coun- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Spicer, who has of the Canadi: Dire consequences External Affairs Mimister Joe Clark's recent the and between men and women. A particularly good appointment is that of Jack Webster, 72, the former broadcaster. The involvement of Mr. Webster, who has been described variously as crusty, blustery and outspoken, should heip guarantee a straightforward report that doesn’t pull when it’s delivered, hopefully by the deadline of July 1, 1991. In a television interview, Mr mission can stitutional debate in Canada. It certainly can’t hurt. Webster said he hopes the com- some “‘common sense to the circus” of Con- Cc is weil balan- ced with people from all regions of the country and all walks of life, any punches VIEWPOINT of (Camadian forces going to war against Iraq is @ a and reckless ip the extreme. it is 2 complete reversal and of Canada’s i role as peace maker. it flies im the face of most Canadians’ support for that role. kt will have Serious comsequences. Firstly, it jeopardizes the weil being and lives of those Canadians now im Kuwait and Iraq. Secondly. = commits Canadian services Unlikely pair face to face By GERARD YOUNG VICTORIA — Twenty years ago it would have seemed unlikely Bill Wilson and Jack Weisgerber would ever cross paths Wilson was a radical native rights activist who spent the odd night in British Columbia’s jails. Weisgerber was working on a business career in Edmonton. Now Wilson is chawman of the Firs: Nations Congress. a b-oadly based provincial native lobby group, and Wi is British Columbia's first full-fledged native affairs minister They often find themselves face- to-face over native issues which have suddenly moved to the political forefront Wilson, a 46-year-old lawyer, says of Weisgerber: “‘My impression is he is a kind, open fellow who isn’t set im any of bis approaches.” Weisgerber, 50, laughed when told Wilson thinks he’s all right “He’s a likeable guy, very in- telligent,"" the cabinet minister said, but added Wilson sometimes gets wrapped up in emotion. Not as emotional as he once was, comments Wilson. As a young radical he spewed militant Red Power slogans and fought for immediate change His behavior didn’t go unnoticed. The RCMP followed him, in- vestigated him and even arrested him on minor nuisance charges, recalls the stocky Wilson. “They thought I was an anarchist or a communist or whatever name they put on me when | was only fighting for our people."” And lie often settled issues in bars with his fists. But law school changed Wilson's view of resolving disputes. One of the roles, Wilson thinks, is to persuade natives they must work together and use their brains, not brawn. But Wilson, a member of Van- couver Island’s Cape Mudge band. can still be brash. After recent meetings with Prime Mimister Brian Mulroney and B.C Premier Bill Vander Zaim, he suggested the two politicians “duke it out” over financial responsibility for native land claims. The gentler Weisgerber, mean- while, admits he still is getting his feet wet A bespectacied, white-haired man, he appeared genuinely surprised that natives refused to talk to him when JACK WEISGERBER he recently showed up unexpectedly at a road blockade they had sex up about 140 kilometres north of Van- ted to the legislature from the nor- thern riding of South Peace River in 1986. Named to the cabiner two years later, he was promoted a year ago to native affairs minister and appointed to the powerful inner cabinet committee on planning and Priorities. “My understanding is that gover- mments generally have been unwilling “We felt Indian people generally in British Columbia were not en- joying the same standard of living. the same quality of life as non-native le” Weisgerber has a lot on his plate advocate for all 197 bands, 30 tribal councils and 78,000 natives, who don't always see eye to eye. for the first time is committed to negotiate land ciaims with a tribal would escalate to 2 third world war and the use of From the outset of the crisis in Kuwait when Prime Minister Brian Muironcy sent Canadian ships to the Persian Gulf. Canada’s involvement has been im lockstep with those of U.S. President It is mot good enough for Mr. Clark and Minister of Defence Bill McK night to claim that (Canadian mes and women might give them lives and that casualties could be high. it is incumbent on them to inform the Canadian peopie as to how they see a war im the Maddie East as being im their interest. How can such a war end? What would constitute a successful conctusion from a Canadian point of view? How many Canadian deaths and casualties will be enough to ensure a questionable victory? How many lives of the people im the area will be enough to ensure a questionable victory? How do they estimate the cost to the (Canadian economy of a war im the Middle East? For how many years will Canada be required to be imvolved both financially and militarily to establish and ensure stability in that part of the world? What is the long range design of the United States why Canada should go to war in the Middle East. Mr. Clark has not done that. Francis DeVito Freievate Idea ‘flawed’ I read with imterest Mr. Evin’s letter citing the effort he has put in since 1971 regarding a road on the east (Robson) side of the Arrow Lakes. Though I respect Mr. Evin’s dedication, I fee! his ideas are fundamentally flawed. In his leer, Mr. Evin makes reference to the 10.5 miles needed to join with existing roads to complete the link. What he neglects to mention, however, is that such a connection would be of those at Cape Horn north of the Village of Slocan, or going over the top. Think of the cost of such a project. He continues by saying such a road would give us access to Revelstoke and Highway |. Weil, Nakusp highway. A road up the east side of the Arrow Lakes would be approximately 100 miles from Castlegar to Nakusp. The existing road through the Slocan Valley is approximately 100 miles from Castlegar to Nakusp. Thus, we won't be saving any time whatsoever im reaching Revelstoke and Highway 1. We will, however, existing service. I have read in the Castlegar News where it has been suggested a highway from Nancy Greene (Lake) to Kelowna would be of substantially more benefit to our area by giving us direct connection to the main transportation arteries of the future. If our major reason for a highway up the Arrow Lakes is quick access to Revelstoke and Highway 1, this will not be achieved because there will be no savings in time or distance over existing routes. If, however, our main objective is to access the Okanagan and the province’s main transportation corridors, then I would urge that some sober thought be given to where our tax dollars would do the most good. An idea that may have had merit in 1971 may not necessarily be one that is suitable in the 1990s and beyond. Then too, possibly Robson can “‘retain its peace and tranquility”’ just like the residents of the Slocan Valley for whom Mr. Evin is concerned. Ken Poznikoff PERSPECTIVES NDP candidate says party committed to Nelson university Evans described the present gover- mment as ‘‘full of sound and fury signifying nothing” citing the pre- electioneering over the past year as an example of irresponsible fiscal spending. At the height of the ac‘ government advertising, more than enough to run a university in Nelson, he said. “We have a province with no leadership,"’ he said. “‘The questions are asking are real He listed B.C. Hydro taxation, the re-establishment of rail transpor- tation, the italizati of the sustainable environment, forestry i @ and women's ready to govern, and what this package of legislation shows,”’ she said. Although noting that conflict of interest_legislation had been _in- troduced by the Socreds, Cull Kootenay Lake fishery, marketing boardsand the forest industry as other issues of concern to Kootenay residents. Joining Evans at the podium was Elizabeth Cull, MLA for Oak Bay- Gordon Head. Introducing Cull as “the dragon-slayer,”” Evans .noted that she had won her seat in a byelection last December that had traditionally been regarded as a Social Credit. stronghold, the first New Democrat ever to win in that riding. Describing her victory as an in- dication of a province-wide desire for a change of government in Victoria, Cull also noted that although most People regard the last sitting of the government as rife with Socred scan- dal and conflicts of interest, the NDP had a good year in the legislature. Over 20 bills were in- tivity, the was $100,000 per day of public money on by NDP MLAs, ghe said, including such areas of concern as a it as seriously flawed. The sets up the of a commission to hear conflict of interest cases, but once a case has been referred to the commission it cannot be discussed in the legislature and it gets buried, she said. The NDP’s conflict of interest legislation would permit anyone to bring up conflict_of interest issues in an open manner, she said. Cull told the group that the NDP caucus members have identified three major areas of concern — fair taxes, women’s equality and management of resources. In answer to a question from an audience member about Hydro taxation, she said: “Fair taxation is a fundamental principle of what a Mike Harcourt government will be all about. The NDP will support Hydro paying its fair share of taxes.’’ NDP MLA Tom Perry, in his visit to Nelson-Creston last week, also in- dicated support for Hydro taxation. the writer's first and last names, and a t number at which the writer can be reached between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The writer's name and city or town of residence only will be published. Onty in exceptional cases will letters be Published without the writer's name. Nevertheless, the name, address and telephone number of the writer MUST be disclosed to the editor. The Castlegar News reserves the right to edit letters for brevity, clarity, legality, grammar and taste. Revision to be held at the Village of- fice. ‘Castlegar has taken a step-up and will elect a five-man Commission in- stead of three as in previous years. . 6 « At Tuesday night’s meeting of the Kinnaird, Robson, Castlegar ie and Welfare Society, a A grant of $250 was voted to the ian Legion Branch 170 for Poppy Day. BRIAN’S REPAIR SERVICE SMALL ENGINES * AUTOMOTIVE GENERAL MECHANICAL 613-13th St., © 365-7233 ‘Plain vanilla status quo out' powers im areas such as Supreme ““We'll end up with something that (Court and Senate appointments. may propose all kinds of changes but council, the Nisga’a in nor British Columbia. Wilson admits be was skeptical But now he and Weisgerber at least have some good things to say about each other And that, they admit, hasn't always been the case between goves- ments and natives. Gerard Young writes for The That's because Bourassa and Parizeau both economists — flucat by Dec. 31, 1991 1.5 kilograms per tonne of pulp level set for Dec, 31, 1994," RT RECESSION SALE! NEW STOCK HAS ARRIVED ALL CRAZEE WEAR KIDS SWEATS 15% ofr United Way From the Nov. 4, 1965 (Castlegar News About 200 people attended the three-party political forum at SHSS Tuesday night at which candidates for the forthcoming federal election compensation failed miserably. policies . 8 6 The night for trick or treating tur- ned out to be a tragic one for the Pongracz family of Robson Saturday at 7 p.m. when Alexander Edward gave an i and session on why they should be clec- ted. Sponsored by Local No. 1 Pulp and Paper Workers of Canada, the forum was conducted by moderator Ed Mosby with candidates H.W. Herridge, NDP; Stan Horswill, Con- servative and George Cady, Liberal Johiv Hobson, Social Credit can- didate, had a prior commitment with Water Resources Minister Ray Williston at Nakusp. . 8 6 An attempt by picketing members of the executive of the Arrow Lakes Property Owners’ Protective Association to halt work on Arrow dam on Tuesday in protest against B.C. Hydro’s relocation and P. . Si, his daughters Margaret, 6, and Sandra, 4, drowned in the Columbia River. Castlegar RCMP said that the Pongracz car had apparently gone out of control on the ferry slip on the Robson side, jumped the guard rail and plunged into the water 15 YEARS AGO From the Nov. 6, 1975 Castlegar News Education Minister Eileen Dailly slashed the budgets of B..C.’s com- munity colleges Friday. She ordered budgets held to a maximum 15 per cent overall increase. Selkirk College principal Mitch Anderson said Selkirk College was made aware of the freeze that after- noon through a press release phoned out from Victoria. . A general election for British Columbia has been called by Premier Dave Barrett who made the announ- cement Tuesday setting the date for Dec. 11. 4 Following the announcement, in- cumbent Chris D’Arcy indicated he would be seeking re-election. 5 YEARS AGO From the Nov. 3, 1985 Castlegar News Castlegar city council has voted to apply for a $200,000 grant for the Expo Legacy Fund for renovations and an addition to the downtown library. . © The Central Kootenay regional board agreed Saturday to take another look at an application to rezone a_ six-acre parcel in Ootischenia for commercial development Your Castleg SAFEW. rying harder for you! FRESH MEAT SOM | Oorr WEST COAST SALE Beef, Poulty, Veal, Lamb, Pork or Sausage ... Fillets From Our Produce Dept. LARGE BARTLETT LETTUCE PEARS California No. 1 “Unerapped B.C. 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