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OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, August 7, 2009 · 6 OPINION & LETTERS The Oakville Beaver 467 Speers Rd., Oakville Ont. L6K 3S4 (905) 845-3824 Fax: 337-5571 Classified Advertising: 632-4440 Circulation: 845-9742 Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: NEIL OLIVER Vice ­ President and Group Publisher of Metroland West The Oakville Beaver is a division of Media Group Ltd. DAVID HARVEY Regional General Manager JILL DAVIS Editor in Chief ROD JERRED Managing Editor DANIEL BAIRD Advertising Director RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director SANDY PARE Business Manager MARK DILLS Director of Production MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager CHARLENE HALL Director of Distribution SARAH MCSWEENEY Circ. Manager Signs of relief While Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney's recent announcement that Canada's economy is showing signs of shaking off the recession was very welcome, we believe it's more prudent for Canadians to listen to and understand the more reserved tone of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Harper called the recovery "fragile" at this point and pointed to the fact that Statistics Canada reported 778,000 Canadians collected unemployment insurance in May -- the highest total in a decade. Carney's prediction that the economy would show growth in the July-September period and increasing signs that economic activity has begun to expand in many countries is a nice change from the doom and gloom of the first six months of 2009. However, that optimism must be tempered by the fact that, especially in Ontario, the manufacturing sector has suffered severe body blows. The higher Canadian dollar and the fact many firms are still undergoing restructuring plans will certainly moderate the rate of growth. On top of that, many financial observers predict Ontario will likely be the last province to enjoy economic recovery, having suffered the hardest manufacturing sector losses. Harper's less-optimistic take on the economic recovery is a sharp reversal from his views during the last election in which he underestimated how hard Canada would be hit by the recession. It's also likely his new-found cautious approach can somewhat be linked to his desire to avoid an election in the near future as he stated, "We do not need...another round of elections. We need Parliament to focus on the economy." He's correct in that regard, and with polls indicating there would be little change in the political landscape should an election be called, we hope Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff realizes that getting Canadians working, purchasing and building must be the top priorities for the immediate future. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline. Letter to the editor In need of a parking break I appreciate the Town must ensure municipal by-laws are maintained, particularly in regards to parking. What I take exception to is the aggressive enforcement techniques during downtown special events. With limited public transit, few offstreet lots available and even fewer curbside parking spaces, travelling to the downtown core for such events as Midnight Madness and the Jazz Festival, for example, becomes increasingly less appealing when you are almost assured of receiving a ticket. In light of the economic slump plaguing our merchants, can the Town not take a softer approach? We're not talking about parking in a fire route or blocking a hydrant. We're talking about maybe being the last car on the street, which may put you past the `No Parking' sign. With Lakeshore Road closed and all arterial roads also closed, where exactly do all the customers and patrons coming into town park as they support our local businesses and services? Give us a break -- at least during these major events -- or, I suggest, watch the attendance start to drop. SCOTT KYLE Letters to the editor The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. Y change shocks reader Re: Dan Ferrone terminated from the Y, Oakville Beaver, Aug. 5, 2009 To The Board of the YMCA: Mr. Dan Ferrone not being the "right fit" for the YMCA? I am shocked. I believe that the YMCA was not ready for a change that would offer energy and progressive business direction. What a loss for the Y and for the people of Oakville. K. DIGENNARO BY STEVE NEASE snease@haltonsearch.com Ferrone's fit I have been an Oakville resident for over 40 years and have a vested interest in our community. I took offence to the article "Y Terminates Hall of Famer Dan Ferrone" (Aug. 5 edition). Ferrone has been recognized in your newspaper numerous times for participating and raising awareness for many charitable organizations. With his past experience as a businessman, strong community support and high standard of ethics, I find it hard to believe he wasn't the "right fit" after only six weeks. I would like to know what they think constitutes a "good fit." MICHELLE NOEL-SMITH Pud