OPINION ESTABLISHED AUGUST 7, 1947 LV. CAMPBELL PLANT FOREMAN \ sy, Castlegar News PAGE A4, WEDNESDAY, MEMBER OF THE 8.C. PRESS COUNCIL INCORPORATING THE MID-WEEK MIRROR PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 12, 1978-AUGUST 27, 1980 PUBLISHER, AUGUST 7, 1947-FEBRUARY 15, 1973 PUBLISHER — Burt Campbell EDITOR — Simon Birch — Peter Harvey ADVERTISING MANAGER — Wayne Stolz OFFICE MANAGER — Linda Kositsin CIRCULATION MANAGER — NOVEMBER 14, 1990 TWICE WEEKLY MAY 4, 1980 RUPT INTO B ROC....... EDITORIAL A new era for Castlegar News Sale of the Castlegar News by the Campbell family ends an era spanning over four decades for this newspaper. But a new, and challenging, period now begins. Started by L.V. (Les) Campbell. out of the office of the Castle Theatre with a small gestetner machine, the CasNews has grown to twice-weekly publication with a standard for excellence envied by many in the newspaper industry. The new owners, Trinity (N.A.) Holdings Inc. in B.C., produce quality newspapers and journalistic integrity is the company’s hallmark, as it is of the Castlegar News Purchase of the CasNews by Trinity is not only a strong in- dication of faith in the future of the Castlegar News, but also a strong indica n of the company’s belief in the economic future of Castlegar and that of the West Kootenay region. As C bell family sp ‘CasNews publisher) commented: Burt C bell (who c as “The only real hope for an independent twice-weekly newspaper today is that the community grows to the point where they can suc- cessfully make the transition to daily publication. While I am con- fident that day will arrive sooner rather than later for the Castlegar News, that day was still too far off for me to personally contem- plate.’’ The Castlegar News has always considered itself a true com- munity newspaper, and this tradition of journalistic integrity will con- tinue under our new ownership. We have been a part of our com- munity’s history and a part of the fabric of Castlegar for 43 years and cc to we pledge to our readers our and service. VIEWPOINT Counsellors help control debts By ROB CARRICK Imagine your weekly paycheque shrunk by close to half — with a top limit of $384 no matter how much you normally make. If you’re laid off and collect unemployment insurance, that's what happens. severance is $4,000 and weekly pay is $500, then eight weeks — plus the two-week delay period — must pass before UI payments begin. The amount of time you must have worked to qualify for UI, and the length of time you can receive benefits, depend on the severity of AN THe senaTe cnomBeR Fence PARTISAN RIVBIRIES FREQUENTLY iGHTROUS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Out of tune Only in Castlegar! I read the announcement of the Remembrance Day ceremony in your paper. As I looked at the program I did not know whether I was amused or appalled. In the program it stated that the Star Spangled Banner would be played. This is ironic to say the least. The Star Spangled Banner & written in 1812 rate the American Defence of Fort McHenry in the War of by Francis Scott Key to commer 1812. During the war, the American Army invaded the colonies of Canada. This was the only time in Canada’s history that our country was occupied by a foreign power. Canadian and British soldiers fought to keep Canada an independent land. Many of\them died in this war. I realize that Remembrance Day should include all who died in war and I agree with that. But please remember history when you commemorate it. Mickey V. Kinakin ‘Castlegar e : Support questioned As a candidate for the Castlegar school board in Area I, I want to offer my views and stand on the subject of Russian immersion. If you want support for Russian immersion, why is it when all the parent groups of the Castlegar school district came to the Russian immersion parent group with their support, the chairman at that time turned it down. Why is it when the parent groups of Castlegar put Russian i jon on a priority list for a budget While personal finance and banking officials have ways to help keep debts under control even on a reduced income, a layoff can be tough on a family. “Spouses and children may have to take a job,’’ says Dennis Atkin- son, a vice-president of a local of the United Food and Commercial Workers in Winnipeg, which has seen 2,000 members laid off in the past decade. “Sometimes people have to give up cars or sell their home."’ For 1990, unemployment insuran- ce benefits equal 60 per cent of gross weekly salary, but with a ceiling of $384. “People deplete their savings living on’ UI,’’ says John Bradford of Toronto’s Metro Labor Education Centre, a government-funded organization that counsels workers> “Min this city, just paying for a roof/ and food is tough.”” Some laid-off workers don’t have to rely on unemployment benefits right away. They may have worked long enough to qualify for severance pay provided for under provincial law, or their union agreement may include severance pay. With the economy in recession, though, most who are laid off will have to claim unemployment in. surance before they find a new job, Bradford says. Application for unemployment benefits can be made at any of the some 400 Canada Employment cen. tres across the country and should be done immediately after being laid off. It generally takes between six and eight weeks for the first cheque to arrive, says Ron Woltman of the federal Employment and Im- migration Department in Hull, Que Benefits are paid for the period starting two weeks after the date of application, he says If you've received severance pay, however, benefits will be delayed because severance is c to be in your y Under new to the Unemployment Insurance Act, the minimum number of weeks of work needed to qualify for benefits ranges from 10 weeks in communities where the unemployment rate is more than 1S per cent, to 20 weeks where the rate is six per cent and under. The maximum duration of benefits is also tied to weeks worked and ranges from 35 to 50 weeks. You may not be able to pay all debts in full while collecting unem- ployment cheques, and many banks, stores and other creditors understand that. At the Royal Rank, people having trouble meeting loan payments are encouraged to go in and discuss the situation “It puts someone in better stan- ding with us if they come to us first before the loan goes into arrears,"’ says Glenn Campbell, who is with the Royal’s personal depar- tment in Montreal. Campbell says the Royal has a “hardship policy’ under which clien- ts may be allowed to defer monthly Payments, or make interest-only payments for a set period “We're prepared. to help those clients who have a good track record with us,"’ he says. ‘But it doesn’t mean we're forgiving any of the debt." The same policy also applies to mortgages at the Royal, says Dianne Gannon of the residential mortgages department The mortgage is the debt people try hardest to keep us with, Gannon says. If they falter, the Royal will consider such options as temporarily letting them make partial Payments. As an alternative for clients who have significant equity in their home, she says, montly payments can be reduced by extending the amor- tization period on the mortgage. When it comes to credit card bills, Samantha Hastings of the Credit loans an extension of regular salary To calculate the length of the delay, divide weekly salary into the total amount of severance money. If @ Service of advises making the minimum monthly payment Toronto please see DEBTS page AS our support was turned down? Why is it the more we've tried to support the program, the more we were pushed away? Explain to me for whom does Russian immersion have to fight? Is it the supporter or the non-supporter? I always thought if you want support you would deal with people tactfully, and diplomatically. Yet repeatedly, people who are supportive have been dealt with abrasively. I don’t think I'd have much business if I threw the blueberries I sell at my customers. Russian immersion is an excellent way to teach a language. It's a curricular mandate by the government that every child in the elementary schools learns the same things. It is then combined with a language and the way it is taught makes this a unique learning experience. Russian immersion is books, children and teachers. It has classrooms like in any other school and is supported by a parent group like in any uther school. There is nothing wrong with Russian immersion. Nina Koodrin Thrums * Nobody listens Mr. Gordon Turner says there is lack of interest in the school trustee race. Well, he’s right. People are just fed up with all the bull they've been getting for years. Nobody listened no matter how loud they expressed themselves. It didn’t do any good. The school board did what it wanted. The board closed all the rural schools, didn’t think or care about our children, that they had to get up early and travel the dangerous roads. The board only saw dollar signs because the district gets more money for having our children bused out. I want to make a clear stand. I support the Russian iminersion program. I do not support some of the representatives of the program. It’s really a laugh when you hear trustees say the bull. Pass Creek VOG 2C0. Slocan they think about the children. In my opinion, they didn’t and they don’t. These local elections are like the federal and provincial elections — all candidates talk good andmake promises but after it’s all Gver we get Helen Tereposky Best promised As your regional director on the Regional District of Central Kootenay for the next three years, 1 will continue to represent Area H to the best of my ability. Remember, I can only help when I-am made aware of an unsatisfactory situation. My address is Box 270, Slocan, B.C. Robert Barkley Please address all letters to the editor to: Letters to the Editor, Castlegar News, P.O. Box 3007, Castlegar, B.C. VIN 3H4, or deliver them to our office at 197 Columbia Ave. in Castlegar. Letters should be spaced and not longer than 300 words. Letters MUST be signed and include the writer's first and last names, address and a telephone 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. Only in exceptional published without 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. itten, double- cases will letters be the writer's name. Personal quirks irk co-workers By MARLENE HABIB Many managers dream of a work- place where employees have no com- plaints, no idiosyncrasies, no irritating habits. But that’s all it is — a dream. Employment heaven. In reality, some co-workers borrow things without asking, make personal phone calls and smell as’ if they bathed in perfume — or haven’t washed in days. These and other personal quirks and habits may seem petty, but they can affect relations with co-workers and even job productivity. Larry Shetzer, an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia who specializes in human resource management, says even ‘‘lit- tle things that wouldn’t normally bother you could get on your nerves over the long term. “It becomes even more bother- some in an open office environment because you have little privacy,"’ Shetzer said from his Vancouver of- fice. Sheila H. admits she sank to an all-time low in her hairdressing job when she resorted to guarding a special pair of shears against a light- fingered co-worker. “It really got on my nerves — she kept taking my shears and not retur- ning them until days later,’’ said Sheila, who didn’t want her full name used to avoid alienating other stylists at a salon in Burlington, Ont. “I know it seems like something small, but I like things to be exactly where I put them. I finally put an end to her unwanted borrowing — now I take my shears home every day and keep them on my body at all times. “IT know it seems silly — a grown woman sneaking around with her shears — but at least I can cut hair without worrying about whether theyll be in my bin when I need them.” Mitch Shack, an Ottawa-based in- dustrial psychologist, says: “Across the workforce, snapping gum and other annoying habits don’t have a significant impact on produc- tivity, but it can be a problem for some people if they let such things drive them crazy. “*When it comes down to it, these people work themselves into a tizzy by worrying too much about things they can’t control, which is not feel helpless about the situation,”’ says Shack, who conducts seminars in Toronto on how to deal with dif- ficult people. “They should be concentrating more on how they are looking at the situation, such as whether they’re blowing it out of proportion . . . and how to act on the problem. In his seminars, Shack hears about many common grievances,such as co- workers who are chronic complainers or who unleash emotional and hysterical displays. “Then there are some people who unplug a telephone operator's head- set as a joke, or who scream across the room and disturbs people.”’ Shetzer says some companies have formal guidelines on how to proceed with complaints against co-workers. “Some companies are more mechanistic with more rules and Procedures, while others are more organic, where people tend to work things out by mutual adjustment."* In general, experts recommend dealing with co-workers’ annoying habits informally — face to face — because they’re of a personal nature and don’t generally involve a com- productive. Their in- creases because they make themselves Pany’s di day “Talking it out with the person in- volved is by far the better route to take,"’ says Shetzer. ‘‘Formal ways such as complaining to management may leave ill feelings. As in a relationship or family situation, when conflicts aren't resolved peacefully, it could leave a residue of bad will."” Shack says people are often reluc- tant to confront offenders for fear of causing a scene or creating more animosity. But dealing with the issue often clears the air, he adds. “In fact, the catastrophe that you feared would happen often never materializes because that person may not evey know what they're doing is bothersome. “Take a person with body odor. Somebody needs to take the person aside in private and say, ‘This is hard for me to say, but you have this odor and it’s noticeable,” and then talk about what can be done. The reac- tion is often, ‘Gee. I’m embarrassed. I didn’t realize 1 had such a problem.”" “The key is to put the words together to get through to a person in the least offensive way."’ Marlene Habib writes for The Canadian Press. Crisis provides testing ground By JOHN FULLERTON CAIRO — With or without war, the Persian Gulf crisis is proving to be an expensive but vital testing ground for some of the world’s most advanced weapons. “Equipment is being exposed to conditions it has not experienced before,”’ said Don Kerr of the Inter- national Institute of Strategic Studies. “You get hot places in the United States and you get humid places, but you don’t have anything like north- east Saudi Arabia in late summer."’ Sand, heat, huge distances and tortuous communications among allies using different languages and procedures have already thrown up Problems, military analysts said. Even the most basic items of military equipment, from a soldier's uniform to the gas masks he carries for protection a st chemical weapons have sent defence equip- ment makers scrambling back to their drawing boards in search of better designs. “The gulf certainly has proved a useful testbed,"’ said Tony Banks, Political editor of Jane’s Defence Weekly. “‘A lot of manufacturers are going to have a close look at thei? equipment and the way it has fun- ctioned in the gulf.”” The analysts gave some examples of military hardware showing signs of wear and tear in desert conditions: * Some critics say the McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache attack helicopter spends too much time in maintenance, with several members of the U.S. Congress demanding a delay or cancellation of the $34.2 billion Apache project. The makers deny any failure. But the roter blades of all helicop- ter types tend to be worn down. by the area’s frequent dust storms. © Nightsights used by infan- trymen, tank crews and pilots are in please see CRISIS on page AS MeCN PROVINCIAL /NATIONAL NEWS PM jokes about himself EDMONTON (CP) — A self- effacing Brian Mulroney, beseiged over the unpopular goods and ser- vices tax and the growth of the Reform party in the West, sayed some of his best zingers for himself Tuesday. “I've been prime minister for six years,"’ he began, as about 200 anti- GST demonstrators outside a fashionable downtown hotel called for his head. ‘“‘And I’ve got to tell you the toughest thing I’ve had to get used to is the adulation. “*I just want to tell my friend Peter Pocklington that after I get the GST behind me, I'm going to have a chance for an easier job — goalten- der for the Oilers,’ said Mulroney, who has used the same self- deprecating approach in recent visits to New Brunswick, Vancouver and Toronto. Pockli owns the BRIAN MULRONEY . . self-dep 7 Oilers hockey team. The defending Stanley Cup champions are currently in last place in the 21-team National Hockey League. In an apparent attempt to peddle the tax in a province where it is probably the least popular, Mulroney promised any surplus from the GST, which is designed to be revenue neutral, will go toward deficit reduc- tion or reducing the tax. He said it will not be spent on new programs. “Alberta is going to benefit more than any other province from the GST because Alberta’s economy a a 9 OPP Standing before a backdrop of Canadian flags, the prime minister called on Conservatives not to let splinter groups lure them away, but never mentioned the Reform party by name. He blamed splinter parties for the the meeting with the prime minister was “*the first step in negotiations.’’ He said an estimated $10 million to $30 million in today’s dollars was seized from Ukrainian immigrants. None of the Ukrainian internees are believed to be alive today. Mulroney said compensation was not discussed. “There was no request of anything today and no offer of anything today,’ he said. The prime minister made a formal apology last week to Italian Canadians and offered compensation to Japanese Canadians in September 1988, “IT have no hesitation whatsoever in telling you that the policy we followed in regard to the Japanese and my statement last week in regard to the Italians are believed to be the proper policy,"’ he said. Vour satistaction is our main concern CASTLEAIRD PLAZA “Better you bet" VOTE:.. and concerns for benefit of our city. © A25 year resident. FOR ALDERMAN a man who can devote his FULL TIME the (CHAPMAN, jim [Xx] Get all 4 $25.00 in groceries purchased entities you to get all 4 of these products at these super low prices get! 2 get3 of wach with $75.00 THE MORE YOU BUY, THE MORE YOU SAVE! Foremost california citrus sale defeat of the John Di government in the early 1960s and for toppling Joe Clark in 1979. Mulroney was to meet this mor- ning with wives of some of the seven oil workers trapped in Iraq. The women are asking Ottawa to send a depends most on export industries,’’ he told about 750 well-heeled party faithful who paid $300 each to dine on tenderloin bor- delaise at the Westin Hotel. “The GST is going to boost out- put in this province by $2 billion.’’ He promised Albertans won't pay “tone nickel more’’ on the tax than they now pay through the 13.5 per cent manufacturers’ sales tax. When party supporter Mary Cameron said during a question-and- answer session that she supports the GST, Mulroney jokingly promised to recommend her for an Order of Canada distinction. to to try work for their husbands’ release. He said earlier the government won't approve sending a delegation out of fear of being seen as trying to curry favor with Saddam Hussein. For the first time, the prime minister called the Canadians in Iraq and Kuwait ‘‘hostages.’” Earlier, Mulroney offered Ukrainian-Canadians hope but made no commitment to compensate im- migrants interned during the First World War. Ihor Bardyn, chairman of a reparations committee for the Canadian Ukrainian Congress, said B.C. Hydro forms subsidiary VANCOUVER (CP) — B.C. Hydro has formed a subsidiary to license its Power Smart electricity- conservation program name, logo, Products, software and technical backup throughout North America. “Over the past two years, Power Smart has become recognized as the best conservation program in North America because of its high market penetration,’’ Arthur Geike, Power Smart Inc., chief executive, said. “Consequently a lot of utilities have been contacting us to see what we're doing.”” It soon became apparent to Hydro staff and other utility executives that starting other conservation programs Debts___ continued from page A4 “The first responsibility is to oneself,”” she says. “If you use your money to pay off a department store instead of spen- ding it on food, the store isn’t going to say, ‘You've been a good customer, here’s some money to go buy food for the family.’ ’’ In a strike support manual that doubles as a layoff survival guide, the Labor Council of Metropolitan Toronto has some further tips for managing on unemployment in- surance. They come under such headings as: Credit cards — ‘‘Using credit car- ds is generally not recommended, but can be used to buy time. You will have to pay back the money plus in- terest, but a card can be used as a credit line to obtain some cash.’" Rent — ‘‘Contact your landlord before rent is due. Try to reduce or defer payment temporarily until you are back at work.”” Auto or home insurance — ‘*Con- tact the insurance agents and discuss ways to spread out the premium.”’ Child support payments — “A child support payment is always due and payable. Contact your ex-spouse before payment is late or missed. Try to work out a repayment plan to make up for back payments."” Rob Carrick writes for The Canadian Press. TRUSTE from scratch didn’t make much sen- se, he said. That’s when it was decided to set up Power Smart Inc. to sell the program in Canada and the United States, although it’s not only aimed at ul S. ““We want the Power Smart name HOM Kita hy E-BASED BUSINESS WORKSHOP STARTING A BUSINESS Join the 130,000 other people in British Columbia who are running successful home-based businesses Learn how to put your business together or learn the things you never had time for when you started your business TOPICS COVERED: + Assessing vour entrepreneurial skills * Choosing your business = Planning your business + Introduction to marketing surveys * Financial planning * Pricing and cost control Be 8 8 ne oe de wT eeee ee ee WORKSdOP: DATE & TIME: Nov. 23 6-10 p.m. Nov. 24 9a.m.-1 p.m. LOCATION: Room B14 SelkirkCollege CONTACT: Continuing Education Kathy Markin 365-1207 FEE: $35.00 (Includes workbook) SPONSORED BY Ministry of Regional and Economic Development The Honourable Stanley B. Hagen, Minister IN PARTNERSHIP WITH The Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce and Continuing Education Calif. rr satsuma sore 299 and logo to become as r as the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval so that when consumers see an electrical product they know it’s efficient,’’ said Geikie. BCA¥ Farmyard Friends 500 Swarovski ‘5 Crystal Figures in stock now!! Aeroplane Gd We made Crystal the Star CHOOSE ONE OF THE NEW SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL FIGURES FOR YOUR COLLECTION The G'Day Bear With all purchases until Christmas, your name is automatically entered in the Draw for a GRANDFATHER CLOCK LAUENER BROS. JEWELLERS mandarin fancy apples se usem 209 tray buns peasant : stewing Ga kg. 2.18/71. laundry ~~ ty y detergent oranges approx. 9 lb. box California grown * no. 1 : medium tomatoes doz. pkg. GG bread 454g. loot q Gq cut from Canada grode ‘A’ beef * boneless hens Pacific * great price Robin Hood ¢ limit 1, over limit 5.49 * unbleached * whole wheat or i cy top sirloin § § kg. 6.35 /Ib. a evaporated all purpose SuperValu steak pork picnic. * Gainers * smoked * shangless yj a shoulder . milk flour Maxwell House * regular * © limit 2, over limit 1.99 ground coffee cheez whiz or cheese slices 32's, 48° 12 Western Conedton Company Advertised Prices in Effect , Nov. 14toSat.,Nov. 17 - “WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT SALES TO RETAN QUANTITIES ~