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Residents showed they cared Democracy alive and well Looking warily up at the threatening skies at noon on Saturday, June 2, I was delighted to find the Towne Square in downtown Oakville grooving to the music of the Canadian Caribbean Connection Steel Band. These tremendous young people were drawing attention to a democracy rally, one of many events staged across the country that day, with the encouragement of Lead Now. Swaying to the music, there were people in red cowboy hats with signs and chants and fiery speeches, urging our local MPs to vote against the Omnibus Budget Bill. It was a delight to discover that there are others who feel that the Budget Bill is being railroaded through Parliament with little opportunity for discussion. It was clear that many of the passers-by had no idea how significantly the changes to more than 70 laws could affect their lives. They stayed to listen and sign a petition. The rally ended with a rousing three cheers and O Canada sounded marvelous when played on the steel drums. I was proud of the residents of Oakville who turned out to show they care what is happening to democracy in Canada. Tina Agrell, Oakville Continued from page 6 9 · Friday, June 8, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com A bid to ban front licence plates Editor's Note: this letter was addressed to Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn and a copy was filed with The Oakville Beaver. I reside in Oakville, your constituency. I would like you to bring a change of the law, to ban front licence plates on automobiles in Ontario. A small idea that could go a long way. 1. There are now six provinces and three territories that use only the rear plates. 2. The double plating is more expensive. In 2004, a small province such as Saskatchewan, saved $370,000/year by banning front plates. Our province has ten times the population, imagine the saving. For us, Ontario taxpayers, it would be a ongoing saving in the millions. 3. The law enforcement agencies I spoke with are indifferent to a front licence plate ban. 4. The 407 Toll Highway uses the rear plate only for billing. 5. It is an eyesore on car design, and reduces millage efficiency. 6. It increases damages on low speed bumper to bumper collisions. I am imploring to your sense of urgency and commitment to get it done within the shortest time possible. You have the support of millions of Ontarians. It is the logical choice. If we all do a contribution to our beloved province, we will get it back on its feet. Claude Levasseur, Oakville Furthermore, being an immigrant has absolutely nothing to do with Bill C-38 because I, as an immigrant, understand that the country's needs are going to change as the years pass and as the economy has ups and downs. Because the needs of Canada in 2012 are different than in 1946, and we need to make sure that we adapt to reach our full potential. Ms. Sandford it concerns me what your definition of democracy is. You can be against the changes of the bill, but please do not say that democracy is at risk. It is simply that you do not like what the current leaders want to do. I completely agree with you that when it is too late, it is much too late. And I agree that people should get more involved, and do their homework. But that homework should be factual, it should not be one sided or misguided, so that an opinion can be properly formed. There are a lot of things I would like the government/Canada to do different, and I agree that when it is too late, it is far too late. But please do not say that the democracy of this country is being threatened, because I see it alive and well. Silvia Barreto, Oakville Follow Oakville Beaver staff on Twitter @OakvilleBeaver or @NewsHooked @DavidLea6 @DominikKurek @BeaverSports or @Halton_Photog WE That's why we're working so hard to protect them. On behalf of the Town of Oakville, Arborwood Tree Service is currently treating qualifying ash trees this summer to protect them from the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The Coalition for Urban Ash Tree Conservation has published an article where they "strongly endorse ash tree conservation" and believe that "in many cases, tree conservation is economically and environmentally superior to tree removal." View the Coalition's full article at www.oakville.ca/eabresources.htm by clicking "Emerald Ash Borer Management statement". Support the Oakville Canopy Club! You don't need an ash tree to do your part to help save Oakville's tree canopy. Visit www.oakville.ca/eab.htm. Mention this ad on the Oakville Canopy Club Facebook page and get a free t-shirt! (T-shirts are available to Oakville residents only. While supplies last.) Spread the word! Oakville Canopy Club @OakCanopyClub arborwood.ca 1.888.721.8882 | 905.681.9933