OPINION Realization of a dream — PUBLISHER JON JARRETT SHARLENE IMHOFF EDITOR JOHN SNELGROVE PRODUCTION MANAGER DENISE GOLDSTONE CIRCULATION MANAGER JIM ZEEBEN REPORTER BRENDAN HALPER REPORTER DONNA JORY ADVERTISING MANAGER CATHERINE ROSS ADVERTISING REP. CHRISTINE COLLEN ADVERTISING REP. NICOLE BEETSTRA PRODUC TION/OFF ICE MARION ANDERSON PRODUCTION Direct Department Phones General Office Circulation Classified Ads Display Advertising Newsroom Fax teditorial comment | Economic deja vu Friday is D-Day for anyone who has an inter- f est in the sale of Westar sawmill and the trans- fer of Tree Farm License No. 23. to Pope & | Talbot of Grand Forks. The impending announcement by Forestry Minister Dan Miller on, whether the sale and transfer has met with approval is no doubt on everyone's mind. It might even be safe to say that every sawmill employee who was laid off last October has Friday, March 27 circled on their calendars. Once again, a large degree of Castlegar’s economic fate rests on a decision that will be made in Victoria. ’ We won't talk about the current track record—which hasn’t been positive to say the least. Like the bridge, Castlegar has rallied to sup- port the sale of the mill to Pope & Talbot, a company which has a reputation we can all | admire and appreciate. Through the eyes of for- fmer Westar employees, Pope & Talbot must Tepresent a sort of ‘saving grace’ that promises {4 productive mill with long-term objectives. E Castlegar realized this—and didn’t just talk about it. According to Paul Ramsey, an assis- Fant to Mr. Miller, over 700 written submissions ¥found their way on to the Minister’s desk, as jdid a 350 name petition requesting the announcement be in our favour and why. The input, is a prime example of a communi- ty and its citizens who are tired of getting kicked in the teeth, and desperately seek posi- tive news for a positive future. Castlegar is cautiously optimistic about Fri- day’s decision— and after the bridge fiasco, I don’t think anyone has to ask why. Juduanee 7M 1S POLITICALLY INDEPENDENT AND A MEMBER OF THE STERLING NEWS SERVICE Established November 2, 1990 Published by The Castiegar Sun Weekly on Wednesdays 465 Columbia Ave., Castlegar, B.C. viN 1G8 Aah Webbe eee There is a myth that is alive and well and thriving in our communi- ties. Even though we may be healthy and active now, some of us are looking forward to a day when we will cease working and withdraw from active life. The dream may dif- fer from one individual to another, but the them is similar. There will be no need to get up in the morning to go to work. There will be nq boss to Satisfy except ourselves, no dead- lines or work pressures, and we will do what we want when we want to do it. The reality may be quite dif- ferent from our expectations if we do not plan our financial future. The supposition is that the finances will be in place to enable us to enjoy our dreams. The desire for financial security has us all wrestling with fats and figures, balance sheets and financial Statements, as we try to understand the present economic trends while we watch world economies totter and fall. The plight of the countries that used to comprise the Soviet Union is not lost upon us. We view the political realities of our southern neighbour's economy with no less Suspicion than our own. It has become increasingly more difficult to plan for the future. Those of us who are working toward managing our own financial security are doing so in order that we may have some measure of control over the lifestyle we want to lead in the future. We cannot depend upon our Federal PROCESS ?.... More th Mulroney's trip to New York desi Cynics were quick to brand Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's trip to New York last week as just an excuse for Mila to do some spring shopping while the kids were on March break. Others suggested it was a way for the MP to have a 53rd birthday party in Manhattan al the taxpayers’ expense: while a third group had him. resume in hand, looking for a job - a replay of last fall's flirtation with the United Nations. The speed with which such out landish rumors Sweep the nation’s capital, and the readiness with which people here embrace them is yet another indication of the low esteem in which the PM is held It’s a message that should rever berate at 24 Sussex Drive - but it won't. The PMO is adept at shield ing the Big Guy from reality. The reality of the New York trip is a lot less sexy than the cynics’ line, but a lot more important to Canadians. Mulroney raced off to Manhattan in an attempt to convince the US media he has the unity issue under and Provincial Governments, that much is patently clear. Canadian bureaucrats located elsewhere than in our neighbourhoods are making, and will continue to make, deci- sions as to what our basic standard of living may be and that level is very basic indeed. I am increasingly concerned that some members of our community do not have a clear concept of what our Canadian Pensions are all about. It does not mean that we can give the family home to our children, (unless it is sold at fair market value,) 10 move into a taxpayer-sub- Sidized apartment and live off “The Government”. The Government of Canada is us! The Old Age Pension and The Canada Pension, together, are not sufficient to allow us to live extravagantly. The concept of an Old Age Pension was discussed Federally in 1908 and was meant to help support those who, through old age or infirmity, or both, could not support themselves. It came into being in 1927 as a Federal part- repayment to those provinces who actually spent revenue on assistance to the old and needy. It was payable WEDNESDAY, M at age 70 and access was strictly controlled by means testing. Pen- sioners who held asseis received only a portion, and repayments were made from the estate upon death, often with five per cent interest. It took the efforts of seniors, unions, churches and others interested in Pension reform to bring about changes until the present system evolved, a system which still is not Perfect. Means and income tests, for those 70 and over, were abolished in 1951 and in 1952, People ages 65 to 69 could get the pension by passing an income test. Indexing was added in 1965. In 1966 the age rules were lowered, one year at a time, until the age for everyone became 65. The Guaranteed Income Supplement was introduced in 1967 and is still sub- ject to an income test. Every Cana- dian who reaches the age of 65 is entitled to the Old Age Pension, regardless af income, but the Guar- anteed Income Supplement is income-tested. These are non-con- tributory pensions, the funds for which must come out of taxes and Canadian general revenues. The Canada Pension Plan was introduced in 1966 to give some security to those in the workforce who have been unable to save suffi- cient resources to support them- selves in old age. It is a limited plan and was never intended to keep Canadians in a style anywhere near that which many of us may wish, or to which we may have become can you afford it? accustomed, The Plan requires workers to pay into a retirement plan which gives an income based On past earnings. Both employers and employees must contribute. Top and bottom limits were set upon which to base contributions and benefits. Those who are self- employed must pay both shares. Since ten years of contributions were required, it was not until 1976 that our seniors began to receive a full pension. Many of our seniors today are not fully covered or receive very little because their con- tributions, over the period of their working lives, were small. There is now concern that the Canada Pension Plan will not sus- tain itself if the present demograph- ic profile of workers continues, and the benefits may not accrue to the level anticipated or expected. This situation will occur once the so- called “baby boomers” cease to contribute and become beneficiaries towards the end of the first decade of the 21st century. What this means to our near seniors and younger workers is that they may be in a very poor position to realize any dream. It is for this reason that so much information presently exists to help you through the maze of options for planning your own financial future. Thus, you would be well advised to not wait until your working life ceases to plan what to do afterwards. This may well be the season to save. CAMDING YEE CURRENT CONSTITUTIONAL control and to stop the international sell-off of the Canadian dollar. For the past couple of weeks, influential US publications like the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Washington Post and Business Week, have been dusting off the Quebec separation story Mike Duffy Syndicated Columnist In Canada it has become the book with no ending, the longest and most boring story we've ever known. But in the US media this latest round of “Quebec vs. Cana da” items struck a chord. Here's how William Symonds put it in Business Week: “Canada has never been this close to the brink. Even if the Canadians main- tain a single nation, there are likely to be permanent shifts in relations between French and English-speak- ing Canada. The consequences will resonate throughout the continent.” Symonds concluded by predict- ing, “whether Bourassa’s or Parizeau’s view Prevails, Quebec’s future direction is clear. It is only a question of how far, and how fast, it goes.” For those supposedly sophisticat- ed financial types who manage money on Wall St. Business Week’s suggestion that de facto separation is only a matter of time came as a shock. Since last fall international uncertainty had driven the dollar down from 89 cents to below 84 cents US. But the recent media push, adding unity to the serious trade problems between Canada and the US, sent the Beaverbuck into a steep slide. Investors, who've grown used to collecting an interest rate premium with virtually no risk in good old boring Canada, began selling off their Canadian dollar holdings. In an attempt to slow the sell-off. the Bank of Canada raised interest an spring shopping gned to woo back investors rates; which made mortgages and bank loans more expensive for Canadians; which threatened to choke our already week economic recovery; that further lowered inter- national confidence; which further weakened the dollar, and so on. By last Thursday afternoon the dollar had stabilized, and the Bank of Canada cut the bank rate to 7.65 per cent. It was a drop of 17 basis Points over a week earlier, and an indication Bank of Canada Gover- nor John Crow doesn’t want to choke off recovery if he can help it. Ron Meisels, of Montreal's P&C Holdings, says the constitution and the economy are closely tied. “For- eign dollars whose investors drive the Toronto Stock Exchange are sit- ting on the sidelines.” Mulroney's trip to New York was designed to get those investors back on Canada’s side; to signal the world he'll find a way to keep Canada united, and get our econo- my back on an even keel. Mike Duffy is a syndicated colum- nist writing about Parliament Hill Wednesday, March 25, 1992 The Castlegar Sun Page 7A Letters to the Editor Castlegar mall needed I was reading last Wednesda: column by Marilyn Strong, “Have You Received Good Customer Service Lately?” in the Castlegar Sun. I decided I just had to get the pen out. There is no doubt some mer- chants give good service but since I've moved to the city of Castlegar last summer I've found I am unable to purchase many clothing items for our daughter. The size she requires is for a for to five year-old and I know there are a lot of children in this age group living in Castlegar. First I went to a sli for underneath bee deen 2 could not find one, and in one of the Stores, I was told their dresses came with sewn-in slips, they were of no help! Then I went to purchase some tights, couldn't get any in her size, though every other size was avail- able. Now just today I went to pur- chase some shoes for her. There was One pair in her size but it was a winter shoe. I finally drove to Nelson, guess what? No shoes in her size at the Mall and the show stores’ employ- e's all told me they do not sell children's shoes anymore, I couldn't believe it, neither City’s priorities still out o Dear Editor: The evening began with a pre- sentation of the proposed Castle- gar Centre Mall by Mr. Jim Laing. Area representative, Mr. Terry Moon, followed with a presenta- tion on behalf of the residents wanting assurance that their quali- ty of life would not be affected. Mr. Moon was very reasonable and I am sure that after a meeting with Mr. Laing the two groups will be able to work things out to everyone's satisfaction. After a short break the regular meeting of council began. After the usual proclamations were dis- Posed of, a presentation on the Interior Access Network was pre- sented by Cathy Lafortune and Kris Stanbra. Well done and very re ivevind . Systems of Kelowna for $950,200 for the construction of a new city works facility to be located on Prime industrial park land. The Treason given for moving the works facility are: 1) shop floor is cold and pitted, 2) No shielded area for welding, 3) No alarms or exhaust fans, 4) Lighting is not adequate, 5) No space for painting, 6) Poor land use and finally, 7) Must store equipment out in the cold. Our point is this: the above rea- Sons are not sO great that they can- not be dealt with and the Corrections and cost would certain- ly in no way approach anywhere Near a million dollars. To say to a Person who already owns a lot in the south end that you cannot build because the city cannot provide a sewer ion is ludicrous. It to Kris on her appointment. Now as the council got into the meat of the meeting, things got a little more complicated. After two very informative reports by Mr. Joon Bahk and Mr. Barry Comin, some very important information that CURB has been asking ques- tions on has now been document- ed, and as CURB has been saying since its inception, there is a prob- lem in the south end in relation to development in regards to the Sewer treatment capacity. It is seri- Ous enough that if three major pro- jects continue ahead, all development in the south end could be stopped until the sewer facility is expanded. With this information before council, council authorized Mr. Comin to proceed immediately to obtain the neces- sary information. No, bearing this in mind and also the cost of such an expansion, (the council hopes it will come in under a half a million dollars) what does our illustrious do ...2 They authorize $91,500 in fees for the renovations of city hall and award a contract to Advance Building seems to us that a city is duty bound to provide water and sewer to its citizens, that is what we pay taxes for, isn’t it? In order for a city to grow it must have serviceable Property for people to buy and be able to build upon. By adding new residences or businesses we are increasing our tax base and our city will grow and with the increasing the tax base we will continue to enjoy the services that we not only want but deserve. If we continue to allow our council to do as they please, we will pay higher taxes for the simple reason that they have not been setting pri- Orities and listening to what the cit- izens are saying. The executive of CURB at the direction of our membership has been lobbying alderman on the many issues that have come up Over the past few months. Prior to the council meeting of March 17, I received assurance from one alder- man that he was in fact going to vote against the city works facility and that he had a commitment from another alderman to do the same. Well, when the vote was taken, he Castlegar’s participation recognized Dear Editor: Thank you for joining the Community talks on January 29 and helping to publicize these important discussions about improving Canada’s prosperity. We read with great interest the ibutions and ideas di in Castlegar. We believe that your community's suggestions for a Participation approach to build family and individual responsibil- ity deserves further study. Encouraging industry to tell kids in school more about industry is another recommendation from your community which we believe must be addressed. Castlegar's ideas have already been sent to the Steering Group on Prosperity, who is developing a consensus-based plan of action using these contributions and those of the many other partici- pating communities. We will keep in touch to update the Castlegar Sun on new developments. Your meeting with our team has shown us that Canadians are concemed about Canada’s future. The people of Castlegar showed they were genuinely interested in the issues. The degree of enthusi- asm and commitment that you and your friends and neighbours brought to the discussion will, we hope, be shared in other Commu- nity Talks across Canada. Bernard Valcourt Minister of Employment and Immigration voted yes on all recommendations as well as the rest of council. Not one word was spoken against the move and not even a mention of dissatisfaction of any citizen or group. It make one wonder if coun- cil is listening to or reading the briefs that have been submitted. On a final note and nearing the end of the meeting, Alderman Smecher questioned the chair on what the procedures were for the planned wip to China. She won- dered why most of the arrange- ments had been made without to squell sho Could my partner who was with me. The food stores put out a week- ly flyer. In one of the stores I am always having to ask for raincheck after raincheck, and more than one al a time. I've even had to ask for an item several times and the employee goes in the back to get it. I've always wondered how many consumers don’t get a chance at the cheaper price because they hate to have to ask whack consultation with council with- Out Council’s approval, She asked Many questions and as a spectator I don’t think she got the answers she was looking for — join the crowd. Sound to me, Alderman Smecher? could qualify for a membership in CURB — ASK QUESTIONS — GET NO ANSWERS. Hang in there Alderman Smecher, you are doing a good job. for it. It should be on shelf! Just recently a birthday cake was bought at a well-know food store in Nelson by an old age pensioner, she asked if it was fresh that day being they have an in-store bakery, The Clerk assured her it was. T cut the cake, it was hard & Actually I would say uneatable! Most of it went in the garbage! These are just a few annpying shopping trips I've had, there has been more! Now I wonder why some mer- chants in the Kootenay area cannot understand why people are shop- ping elsewhere. I read in this local newspaper Michael O'Connor, President of CURB In memory George Taranoff On Thursday, March 19, 1992, George Taranoff of Castlegar passed away at the Trail Regional Hospital at the age of 86 years. Mr. Taranoff was born April 1, 1905 at Kamsack, Saskatchewan . He grew up in Saskatchewan and moved to New Westminster, BC in the early 1930's. He came to Castlegar in 1980. During his life he worked in sawmills, He is survived by is wife, Annie of Castlegar, one son, Mike and daughter-in-law, Verna Taranoff of Blueberry Creek; six grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. He was prede- ceased by one son in 1974, Funeral service was held at the Castlegar Funeral Chapel, March 22, and March 23, 1992 with burial at 12 noon at the Glad Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Castle- gar Funeral Chapel. Ron Campbell On Saturday, March 21, 1992 Ron Campbell of Glade, BC Passed away suddenly at Okana- gan Falls at the age of 49 years. Funeral service will be held at the Glade Russian Hall beginning Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. and will continue Saturday, March 28 at 10 a.m, with burial at 12 noon at the Glade Cemetery. Ron was born September 11, 1942 at Nelson, BC. He grew up and lived in Glade all his life. He married Elsie Poznikoff on April 9, 1966 at Glade. Ron was presently employed by Westar Timber. He was a member of the IWA and the USCC. He enjoyed fishing, playing and coaching ball. He is survived by his wife Elsie of Glade, one son, Leroy of Kelowna and one daughter, Lana Lozier of Crescent Valley. One grandson, Alexander and one granddaughter, Sherissa. His mother, Pearl Kennedy of Nelson. One brother, two sister, aunts, uncles and cousins. Ron will also be missed by his many friends. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Castle- gar Funeral Chapel. Silver Rattle Antiques 301-11 Ave. Castlegar. (in Tulips Building) 365-5191 course to survey methodology, application. we bd ico ATTENTION CERTIFIED SILVICULTURE SURVEYORS! The Ministry of Forests is offering a re-certification people renewing their Silviculture Sur- veyor Certification. Prerequisite for admittance is current or recently expired certification. The regis- tration fee for this course is $125.00. The course will be held in Nelson on April 22-23, 1992 at the Savoy Inn. The course will review concentrating on changes. An exam will be held on the second day and new certificates will be issued to successful Surveyors by the Ministry of Forests. To register, please phone Selkirk College for an our application will not be considered unless payment is attached. For further information, phone: April Anderson Selkirk College Box 1200, Castlegar, B.C., V1N 3J1 Phone: 365-7292, ext. 363 FAX: 365-6568 Gouvernement du Canada recent FORT ST. JOHN - Pioneer Inn guiture experience”; OR Five seasons’ silviculture of six months. technicians and emelcyens who currently PARKSVILLE - Island Hall Beach Resort * Gardens 15 Schedule is tentative and subject to amendment depending on region and the course is targeted at e: le field personnel, prospective students crrnisity degree in forestry or equivalent with two seasons” siviculure Technical school diploma in foresry or equivalent with two seasons" sii A f i is ornplon tin orie calendar season of experience ment in ore for a minimum . Two seasons of experience is empio) oo i is Galendar years for a minimum of six months in each re @: once shall be deemed to include classi ba. Columbia Ministry of STOOM activity, one day foresters employed by forest pave a iat May 11. can be made by wrine handing the registration tor all courses. Arrangements pping frustrations that Castlegar may be getting a mall. Hooray for Castlegar if it does!! Frustrated Consumer, Castlegar, BC Name not published, We Want to Make Your Business Look Good. GOLDRUSH Date: Price: Nelson: Castlegar: Pete’s TV. Trail: L & J Books SELKIRK COLLEGE PROFESSIONAL MUSIC PROGRAM Presents PAUL JANZ in concert at the Capitol Theatre, Nelson featuring Faculty and student musicians of the Professional Music Program Thursday, March 26, 7:30 p.m. $10 (proceeds go towards a : Music Scholarship) Tickets are available at: Capitol Theatre, Eddy Music and Local Motion Music Castlegar Foods Hours: Mon. - Thurs., & Sat. 9 - 6, Fri. 9-8 OPEN SUNDAYS 10 am - 5 pm Castlegar Foods will honour all competitors coupons while stocks last We reserve the right to limit quantities. Prices in effect to Sat. Mar. 28, 1992 Castlegar Foods - 635 Columbia Ave., Castlegar * 365-5755 BEEF Regular * 1.74 5° b, paclage, Limit of 1 per customer M9, CUCUMBERS long English. Canada #1 Hothouse Rogers 2 kg. bag Limit 1 per family purchase 99. 2 Litre plus 12 pack deposit cans-plus GROUND | PRIME RIB STEAK Cut from Canada Grade A Beef. © 7.67 kg 348 ORANGES California Grown 20 Ib. box 5°99 SUGAR *oprw.; MOUNTAIN DEW Reg. or Diet deposit 37? WEINERS NeW COFFEE Nabob * 300 g Reg., Fine or Extra Fine. 17? 49 Imperial 907 g AVAILABLE WED. MARCH 25 Special pricing on one semi- trailer load of the following: BUY NOW & SAVE}! MARGARINE| BATHROOM TISSUE Purex 24 Roll CHEESE SLICES No Name 500 g | SURPLUS DAVE’S| ! This week's featured item | i} | ! ! ! ! ! ! | Rubbermaid Garbage Cans 17 gat. 8.99 Surplus Dave Castl