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WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 23, 1983, PAGE 7 Report from Queen 's Park By The lion. George Ashe. .MPi (PC- I)urha m West) Minister of Government Services On Nov. 8, the Provincial Treasurer outlined details of our government's new public sector wage and price restraint program. I would like to explain some of the highlights, and how this program will contribute to our continuing fight against inflation. Real restraint can only be achieved through the commitment of all those involved in the bargaining process. To provide fairness and flexibility for both employers and employees in the public sector, there will be full collective bargaining. In order to contain inflation, the government will Speaking to You By SCOTT FENNELL, M.P. (PC - Ontario) One of the matters which the Finance Minister, Mr. Lalonde, is trying come to terms with is whether to extend the "6 & 5" program or to let it end. We should not be surprised that the Minister refuses to give an answer to this question, and most likelv. will not do so until the last moment. But I feel that it should be noted, that with all the heralding by the Liberal Party of the great achievements which were reached because of the introduction of this program, it appears that they do not feel that they should restrict Government policy Î,ýto the program as well. From available data the average increase in Government expenditures is 11 percent. The average increase for wages within the federal Government is also il percent. In addition, the Liberal Government excempted employees of three Crown Corporations from the "restraint" provide for average compensation increases of up to 5 percent. Limits will be placed on grants and transfers to municipalities, public agencles and school boards, and on the funds allocated for the government's own civil servants. The principle of limiting funding increases in transfers will also be applied to the OHIP fee schedule which determines payments to physicians. The schedule of benefits was to have been increased by seven percent on April 1, 1984. Instead, it will be adjusted to 5 percent. It is important to note that the 5 percent guideline on compensation increases applies to groups of em- ployees, not individuals. With the return to collective bargaining, it will be up to the parties to decide how wages should be distributed in a settlement. In any bargaining unit, some employees might receive larger percentage increases than others. The point is the average group increase must remain at or below the accep- ted limit The 5 percent figure is not tied to any current or anticipated rate of inflation. Rather, it is a fair, reasonable and responsible amount, given current economic conditions and the need for continued restraint. Although there are a number .of positive in- program. This action was never explained to the Canadian public, as it was passed by order-in-coun- cil by the Cabinet Ministers. In September 1983 the excise duty and tax on tobacco and alcohol was increased by 13 percent. Exactly one year before, these same duties and taxes had been raised by 15 percent. This isn't what I would call following the "6 & 5" guidelines. Without a doubt, the most~aggravating example is the 12 percent wage increase for the employees of CP Entreprises Ltd.; this is the company which the Government hired the Chairman to promote the glories of "6 & 5". I feel that if one decides on a course of action, one should certainly follow the rules, as an example for the Canadian Public if nothing else. I guess what angers me the most is the fact that if it hadn't been for the policies and gross over-expenditures of the Liberal Government we wouldn't have needed this program in the first place. As usual, the Canadian public are paying for the Governments' mistakes. APOLOGY We goofed...the columns by Scott Fennell and George Ashe in the Nov. 9 issue were switched so that Scott Fennell's column Speaking to You ap- peared under George Ashe's Report from Queen's Park and visa versa. Sorry. dications that recovery is now underway, this is not the time to back away from our restraint efforts. If rapid inflation recurs, the jobs which have been created and many more, could be lost. We could be risking all we have regained. As a government, we are prepared to do our part to meet our obligations by establishing fair and reasonable levels for public sector wage and price increases. . But the burden of restraint cannot be shouldered by public sector employees alone. Business and labour leaders, too, must set and make realistic wage agreements which reflect their own commit- ment to restraint. A key element of Ontario's inflation restraint policy over the past year has been the program for administered prices, including such items as hun- ting and fishing licences, provincial park fees, drivers' licences and rates for independent telephone systems. Last year's system of restraining those prices was fair, and an ad- ministered price program will be continued this year. We must accept the realities of today if we are going to be able to provide the quality of life for our children and their children that we have all come to know and expect in Ontario. mD CAULEY BRIDGE RESULTS The following are the results of duplicate bridge club play. North and South: Dr. and Mrs. Richard Ket- chell, 92½; Mrs. P.M. Spratt and Mrs. Donald Wilson, 79½; Linda An- derson and Lee Chalmers, 75½; and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Spencer, 69½. East and West: Mrs. Bruce McColl and Mrs. Doug Maundrell, 82½; Georgie Bovay and Mrs. George Steffler, 79½; Burt Van Noord and Hank Hellendoorn, 73; Mrs. Jacoba Schram, 64. The club welcomes any new members. Those interested can call 668-3605. cail 668-3605. Furniturch &Q Rpptlànrp, GENERAL.* ELECTRIC MICROWAVE OVENS •DUAL WAVE MICROWAVE SYSTEM •COOKING CONTROLS to •*TIMER ou •ATEMPERATURE PROBE *TIME COOKING •TEMPERATURE COOKING •DEFROST •MICROWAVE GUIDE•COOKBOOK YOUR CHOICE FROM 0$479Go To $79900 """C AUEY 1618 Dundas St. E., Whitby 725-1133 Funtv Apoe:OpenODaily Io a.m9.4.St O .-p.m Furnituro ptine "OUR AIM IS TO SATISFY" Enter viaDundas St. or Free Delivery In Durham Region IMary St. off Thickson Rd. STARGAZING Most of us have gazed skyward on some dark night and admired the beauty of the heavens. Autumn evenings are perhaps the best time of the year for stargazing, since we have early sunsets, crisp clean air and relatively mild temperatures. If you would like an opportunity to "make friends with the stars", then mark Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. on your calen- dar. On this date, the Cen- tral Lake Ontario Con- servation Authority will host a stargazing and film night at Enniskillen Conservation Area. A nature interpreter will meet the group at the barn. The evening will begin with an introduc- tory talk, films and refreshments. After- wards, we will move outdoors for a look at the stars and con- stellations. With luck, we may see some of the nocturnal wildlife of the area. Everyone is welcome to attend. There is no charge for this activity. Please dress warmly and bring along binoculars if you have them. The event is held at Enniskillen Conser- vation Area. For further information contact Steve . LaForest at the Authority office 579- 0411 Spend our talotickets local) up to $1000 on memberships at The Station Gallery • Whitby Museum Your non-winning Wintario tickets are now worth 50 cents each toward the purchase of new memberships to your local art galleries and museums. . Save up to $10.00 on the price of each membership for yourself or as gifts for your family or friends at galleries and museums all across Ontario. Take advantage of your local culture. Visit your art gallery or museum today for complete details of the Wintario Half Back program. ONTARIO MINISTRY OF CITIZENSHIP AND CULTURE il ~~mn.. .usdlI rli, inuitr J' Save .i