The Caslopet Nowe 1s ‘Acetetian Arma bal onscaraacstan Us can ‘The it Lele for puacaton mnt be wcned s Pen” names wi aservee “Herelet the oress the Semmonity munly and 18 aaenaly prepteeentes by ADHEPE Vancourt 604) © V68 16, telephone iN Be uted on request, but I oe gh fo edt tern ie itaceta ot bree By WILLIAM F. GOLD (Froin the Calgary Herald, of which the author is editor.) THE NEWSPAPER AS official Opposition? ys That age-old Alberta ques- tion is to the fore again follow- inig the massive Conservative win.on March 14, Five Oppo-. sition b in the , legis-- CL COMMENT vnresnnas cna / Time for a Debate Not a Sideshow (t will be o tragedy if the terms of an ab- surd ultimatum cheat voters of a debate before May 10 between the two men who have successively steered B.C.'s affairs for more than eight years. :. Not surprisingly, Dave Barrett, provin- : tlal New Democratic Party leader and former : premier, took Premier Bill Bennett's ; challenge last week to take him on In open ; debste — on the condition Barrett assisted by former MLA Bob Williams and Jim ; + Kinnaird, B.C. Federation of Labor president n- cbout as seriously as he would a request tin wae a black cape and fangs while king. Despite whatever inferences one may ish to draw from the terms of the challen: isthe ue of the present jovernment.. : Hts neither Kinnalrd nor Williams who is posing to lead the next B.C. governm: it, fo insist on the Sepeerenee of those In- dividuals is in fact like asking the premier to share the Social Credit podium with P.A. Gaglardi and Robert Bonner. B. ay voters have watched the develop- ment of the Social Credit leader « a debater from his days as a wooden, hesitant novice In Sppesiiien to his conduct as a skilled, tough F today. Clearly,- he hos nothing to fear ina 1 confron- lature aren't many compared to Under such circumstances, and they have occurred often in this one-party province — the role of journalists is inevitably discussed. ’ SHOULD THE PAPERS move in and fulfil the role of official critic of government? Already, at least one paper in the province has indicated its intention of doing so. Actually, the question is a complicated and subtle one. A major opposition role, for in- stance, is to mould and improve legislation as it works its way through the law-making pro- cess, A suggestion here, an amendment thero, and it is possible to have considerable tation even with the formidable eloquence of the NDP leader. May 10 affords a unique opportunity for voters. They have a choice een two fies which have both deménstrated cir and i fa - a thie rovince. It Is appropriate that those jes’ leaders and mont etl ve spok in who over the resulting statutes. The government itself is often grateful, because it has been saved from making an eventual ass of itself. IT’S NEARLY IMPOS- have both served as premier and have in- disputable claims to grassroots support, face each other in open debate. We are at acritical point in the history of this province, Both the premier and the NOP teader owe us a chance to seo them advance and defend their policies face to face. Time to-Take a Peek Into the Crocodile Pit [A Nanaimo Times editorial published six days before the call for a provincial election.) The public may be happy that Pierre leau has finally dropped into the pit With the crocodiles. But Bill Bennett ap- « Borently feels cheated of an opportunity to $f Byt Social Credit back into power - for Mother four years. : 2 FE: Well-informed insiders in Victoria s ry lot Bennett was ready to call an election t+ fallowing next week's budget and is con- Minced the party would win. Even NDP in- : ders admit that the government would yobably triumph at this time and there is speculation that an election may still be Bdiled to follow the federal polling, 2 Berhaps in June. This would catch the NDP =: Sith its financial and physical resources £ Gpleted after a hard-federal campaign but it would also catch the public in a let-down mood. Is this the right time? On both sides of the House, there is much speculation and little agreement. Would it be better to wait until fall or “ next spring? Or would it be worse? NDP strategists believe they would’ have won an election last fall and their for- tunes will rise again in coming months. In B.C. as in Ottawa, the future is difficult to predict and the public appears more uncer- tain than perhaps ever before. Now that Trudeau has jumped, ‘it becomes Bennett's time to peer down into the crocodile pit. Castlegar News Headlines from one year ago: Blasting for uranium ore samples near the China Creek watershed, 15 kilometres south of tlegar, is creating “a potential disaster area,” a Genelle resident says, * Establishment of a bus system in the West Kootenays will be delayed until next fall, according to je municipal affairs and housing minister. . _ * A Thrums woman, who was the passenger in a car caught in a mudslide on | Highway 3A just past ‘tHe Brilliant Dam, says she will send the provincial government a penton, urging it to take action to Prevent further slides. sible for newspapers to eke that Pp legis: lative. role. We can hammer away at the principle of a pro- posed law, good or bad, but only in rare cases can technical suggestions have effect when they come from outside the legislature. be done on the floor of the house, day in and day out, and during the important, but pub- licly-neglected, phase of the legislative process, So the press can’t do that terribly well. Nor, if we are goihg to be honest about things, are we terribly good at another opposition function — suggest- ing alternative policies. ACTUALLY, EVEN OP- positions a lot larger than Alberta's aren't that good at it, either. Only the government of the day, with ail those’ civil servants (some of them very smart and capable civil ser- vants, too) has the technical qualifications in this compli- eated age to come up with spe- cific policies as opposed to general suggestions. The press does, of course, have a very real responsibility to report the words of the dis- affected (even when the dis- ‘affected are talking rot, as they often are). This becomes more so large, because people tend to feel they have received a raw deal, just because the govern- ment is so strong. tion is, though, it is pretty routine journalism. We have a responsibility, and by and large most newspapers on this conti- nent fulfil it well and routinely enough. . ANOTHER LARGE RE- sponsibility is to report mal- feasance and wrongdoing. This, -—/ The Bierman Bite SHOW: OFF Press Not a Part of the Electoral Process -Newspaper as Opposition? Impossible- ion of the report It's something that must ~ committee © important when majorities are - As important as this fune-' again, is an enduring and” ae a BSAC’) AN UNIDENTIFIED JUDGE IN % AN CANADIAN ongoing responsibility. Too many papers pay too little. attention to it, but things generally are changing for the better in that regard. . And again, it is possible to overemphasize the relationship between great electoral power, and misbehavior. By and large, Canadian history indicates two things. The first is-that our poli- ticians tend to be overwhelm- {A recent editorial in the Kamloops Daily Sentinel.) THE INTERNATIONAL Woodworkers. of America, B.C.'s largest union, will de- mand an 18 per cent wage hike when bargaining begins next month in B.C.’s forest industry. The 18 per cent increase would mean a jump of $1.50 over the IWA's current base rate of $8.16 an hour. Moreover, the union will be looking for sundry other benefits and additions which ingly’ honest. morally, if not intellectually. The second is. that dis- honesty is more likely to occur with a weak government that is making deals to cling to power, than with a'strong government that simply doesn't have to, WHEN ALL IS SAID and done, the primary respon- sibility of the press is: still relatively simple and unroman- tic. It is to tell people what it is going on within their govern- ment, and who is doing what with their money. That's a steady, grinding Brocess of doing stories and analyses day in and day out so that people can get a grip on things. It’s hard work. It's not glamorous. But it is what newspapers are all about, big majorities or no big majorities. We have an example .in Calgary right now. It involves Another Round of IWA Demands Oh, Swell - Here We Go Again could cost the employers ano- ther $4 an hour per employee. IWA. WESTERN RE- gional president Jack Munro says the justification for these massive demands is simple — the forest industry is riding the crest of good times and can afford it, (Munro neglected to ex- plain why the IWA has not volunteered to take pay cuts in those years when forestry profits dropped.) "IN FACT, MUNRO AND. other IWA officials are making no secret of the fact that they believe this is the year to stick it to the forest industry. Munro himself has suggested the wage demands plus the new benefits the IWA is seeking could cost, the employers $5.50 per hour. Oh, swell, Here we go again. Does anyone hear the echo of 1974, when soaring union wage demands prompted wage and price controls? :.Does anyone recall 1976, Implications of Erasable ink Rubbed into Oblivion (From an editorial in the Montreal Gazette.). NEVER UNDERESTI- mate the power of Western man to invent the utterly unnecessary and sell it to a eredulous ‘public. As if pet rocks and padded toilet seats weren't enough, we are now to be given a chance to buy ballpoint pens with eras- able ink. . PAPER MATE, A. DIVE- sion of Gillette Co., says the ink Siren Songs Spark Swifter’ Stops (An editorial in the Vic- toria Daily Colonist.) WHEN IT COMES TO poor drivers, it is said that Tokyo has more than its share although you don’t have to go that far to find hair-tearing traffic. Anyway, Tokyo is try- ing a different approach to its problem, hoping to avoid total disintegration in vehicular flow. Police have installed tape cassette Players at selected of the Ji may be rubbed to oblivion with an ordinary eraser up to several days after the offending words were first committed to paper, after which the ink hardens to traditional . dura- bility. Left aghast are banks,” ‘lawyers and others accustomed tothe notion that writing in ink is writing for the ages. What, they say, is to prevent the unscrupulous among us from surreptiously altering the fi- gures on a cheque, cashing it ‘and pocketing the difference? Are we in for a rash of signed Come On, (An editorial in the Kam- loops Daily Sentinel.) FOR. SHAME! WE'RE A crabby, ungrateful lot, we are. That's what Robert Andras tells us. Andras, a federal cabinet minister and p: of the capital, not for the board of ment of but to give them appropriate sounds gear- ed to the mood of the traffic. TO CRIMP THE STYLE of drivers who run red lights — which is a favorite pastime there apparently — the speak- ‘ers emit a piercing siren “song” * each time the light changes. Initially, at least, the reaction of drivers has been to slam on their brakes at the sound or at least go slower, which is exactly what the police were hoping for of course. During rush hours, when traffic is barely moving, the cassettes send forth the sooth- ing coo ofa nightingale which is supposed to be balm for frazzled nerves. WHETHER IT IS, ‘NO one is saying, but the sound of "the plan itself is catchy enough, to consider having it echoed. close to home. A little Japanese- style mood music for our lane- jumpers and tailgaters? Give them a rendition of that old favorite: Nearer My God to Thee. recently that Canadians are suffering from “crabbiness” at a time when a positive outlook is necessary for a healthy econ-. omy. CANADIANS SPEND far too much time brooding about economic problems, said Andras, and not enough time looking at the bright side. Okay, then. For Robert's sake, let’s list all the things we have to be grateful for. After months of sinking steadily, the Canadian dollar rallied briefly to 84 cents last week, leading to speculation that we may have as much as several months’ respite before it submerges completely. INFLATION, ALTHOUGH steadily climbing, is not climb- ing quite as quickly as it was two years ago. Unemployment is no long- “er the problem ‘it once was, since a goodly portion of the population is now accustomed to going without work. contracts suddenly becoming unsigned? A BAN ON ERASABLE ink hardly seems necessary. We already have all sorts of laws on the books with which to hammer con artists, But is erasable ink itself necessary? PAPER MATE SAYS students and those who fill out lots of forms will love it. Nevertheless, a little more care by students and form fillers in the first place seems like a better idea. the into the Kerby Centre, then the apparent willingness of the people who run the place to try, and sanity their business in eerNOT ONLY IS THIS place pald for overwhelmingly by the. taxpayers, it is of interest to them at the emotion- al, as well as financial, level. We are all going to get old our- selves, In the meantime, we may well have relatives in a position to avail themselves of the excellent facilities there. So, today by coincidence, we are publishing excerpts of the report, and we have eover- ed the story in detail since first’ breaking the news that most of the report had, in fact, been suppressed. None .of this had made us terribly popular with the very dedicated (but we think mistaken) people who run the centre, That's our. job, be it a relatively small local facility, or the multi-billion dollar govern- ment of Alberta, While there's lots of room for individual nobility on the part of the reporters pursuing it, the task itself is, in principle, unchanging, unremarkable, and what we are in business to do. WE. FEEL WE HAVE A distinct and useful social role, essential even. We don't, how- ever, feel ourselves to be part of the electoral process as such, and I think it would be rather dangerous if-we did. when massive disruptions in B.C.'s forest industry hobbled the . province's economy and toppled the NDP government? MUNRO, OF ‘COURSE, maintains he-is hopeful that improved conditions in the forest industry will aid contract talks and pave the way for a settlement without need for job action. But when the IWA is talking about $6.50 an hour, we must suggest that Mr. Munro is whistling in the dark. + No employer — even the currently- Prosperous forest industry em- ployers — can afford that. MOST DISTURBING OF all is the notion that the IWA's demands may signal the be- ginning of another round of union demands such as we saw in 1973 and 1974°— demands which, combined with various other economic factors, sent inflation spiralling out of sight. Admittedly, some unions fell slightly behind the rising cost of living during the period of wage and price controls. But surely, unions ought to per- ceive that nothing but ill will result from trying to make up the loss — and more — all at once. Unfortunately, that is exactly the point Mr. Munro and the IWA seem to be missing — or ignoring, Crabby Compatriots Let’s Count Our Blessings Most Canadians have al- ready decided to wash their hands completely of the whole national unity: cireus, so that the problem is no longer causing anyone to lose sleep. ‘IT’S BEEN MORE THAN a year since the prime minister last felt obliged to shout “Vive Castro.” Since we're no longer wor- ried about inflation, there's no need to worry about the way - the massive federal deficit is , fuelling it. Our balance of trade pic- ture is looking better ‘and better and better. Jack Horner promises us this is so, and, just as noon ag he can find them, he's going to show us some fij to back it up. get AND, ON TOP OF EVERY- thing else, there is the com- forting notion that, no matter how bad the Liberals are, Joe Clark and his Tories don't look much like they'd be any better. There! Feel better now? on't you feel at about having been sepeetried Community Puts Best Foot Forward “Rossland Fashion Show a Success The Rossland ‘business community ‘marked: up's first last week as co-ordinator of the “New Look of Spring Fashion Show.” peat “Pashlons for both sexes and all ages were presented by Michael's Family Clothing and Lyster's Clothing. Hair stylings were by Super Look and Hair Flair * Coiffures with makeup by Al ~ +pine Drugmart. ‘ Behind the scene activities -, were co-ordinated by the ; United/Anglican Church group with proceeds to go to local youth projects. v The reaction was excellent said a spokesman, with many comnienting it was nice to see ‘all the business people getting ; together. Indications are there _ will.be more ‘of the same in the future. News/Mirror Fotos . by. Bill Haden A very fine offer on Eastern Suites’... Bedroom suites |. EASTERN OAK VENEERS $595 - 9695 - 9749 a NEWS, Thursday, April 12, 1979 | disagree with the idea of anonymity. admitting he or she is an alcoholic Is abso A spokesman for the group Invited mi * open to the public and | admit | was moved As an outsider, | was surprised to sea church, { saw sincerity at work. It remind always felt In my Alberta days when | had ¢! didn't have time for anything but honest fi 1 sew rough tough working men have tt that alcoholiam was surely as much ad understand thelr‘alling partner, They, were, personalities In the problem and come to made us laugh and cry a little. Someof the means simply admitting you have a problem. The basic honesty Involved In a man or. Insecurity and drinking with the boys to make them feel even tougher. | women say that alcohol.had nbarly festroyed thelr marriages until they came to realize One Man's Opinion Moved by Honesty By FRED MERRIMAN ( promised the good lady that would reapect thelr wishes to remain anonymous. But woman standing In front of an audience and lutely refreshin; ing. In a world full of dishonesty, decelt and ulterior motives, it is simplicity Iteelt fora grown adult to say in public that he has a problem. Yes, | am talking about Alcoholics "Anonymous and Alanon. a je to attend one of the | tare meetings that ere by the mood of honesty and obvious efforts by an overflow audience In the basement of ut led me of the friendliness and concern that he pleasure of knowing people of the land who rlendship, he courage to speak In public about things like heard attractive several to humanty care one for the other, jsease | cancer or the common cold. After this realization, they had eure ihemeciven better. able to D008 with and mehow able jetach from the help ‘ai mates and instead of nagging the 8. Poor souls even deeper into the bottom ofthe It always gives me a certain sense of humility, allen to my arrogant and know-it-all attitude, to know that many. good people: work selflessly behind the scenes In-a * community to help alleviate auch social probleme and diseases as alcoholism. We heard storles and personal testimony. from: formerly-hallucinating ‘drunks that Incidents rang very close to home for manyot us social drinkers and | found myself saying there, but for the grace of God, go |. «1 The mesting was a genuine experience for m for those who think It cannot happen to them, to make a telephone call to one of the secret ‘few and find out for yourself whether there are people In your community. who do cate and will do practically anything to help, even at 6 a.! They will not come to you. You have to take the ‘iret big atép all by yourself and that ly. | cannot hesltate to say, ve lot. Reduced Hundre It may be the most Important step you have ever taken In your life. . Ot unbelievable j prices! ds of Dollars! Sectional Chesterfield Chairs of all kinds .. . Swivel Rockers, ” French Provincial Decorator Chairs - Suites, Love Seats] Recliners, Kitchen - Dinette Suites BIG SELECTION! _ BIG DISCOUNTS! Electronic Organs by Galanti ‘All Reduced! 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