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Speaking to You Iy SCOTT FENNELL, M.P. (PC - Ontario) Not surprisingly, nothlng new has been proposed from the Tlwone Speech by the Liberal Gover- nment, and ail that this one appears to be is a lot of election promises; very similar to their election promise that the increase in the price of gasoline would remain below 18 cents per gallon. Since the last Throne Speech, the Canadian economy has struggled through four disastrous, years of recession, and the Canadian people have nothing more to look forward to. The faet that there is no definite assistance -proposed for the small business commumity is flot a good sign, particularly when one' considers that 80,00-businesses declared bankruptcy in 1982. One would think that the' Government would give top priority to this area,ý but the Liberal idea of reinfor- cing small business is to expand the "Shop-Canada" program, while at the samne time a Liberal Senator aivises uanadians to buy Russian produets. There was no mention of assistance to those who are being hit the hardest during these tough economie times; the middle class. These are the people who are scrapingby from one pay cheque to the next, but they have been left out in the cold. Granted the Goverument has recognised the high rate of youth unemployment, and they are propoeing educational and training programs, but I really wonder if it is necessary to expand the size of the federal. government by appointinig a new Minister of State for Youth. Have they not studied this problem in full, without having to create a new sub-department? 1 wonder how much this is going to cost the taxpayers? As I have said, one shouldn't really be surprised, as the Government has typically not listened to the concerna of the public or the business eommunity, and, the Throne Speech just proves that they are going to continue to follow this tradition. Fire Chi'ef, outtinesI-,ý Christ mas^ safety precautions "A happy Christmas can change in a few moments into a family tragedy in homes where fire safety precautions are neglected, 9 warns Fire Chief E.M. Crouch. The Fire Chief urges the publie to exercies special care in the set- tmng up and decoration of Christmas trees, and draws attention to the following important points: 1. If plans cail for a natural tree it should be bought fresh and green, and kept outdoors or in an unheated garage before being brought in- to the home for decorating. Then, one or two inches should be cut diagonally from the butt, and the tree should be set up with the butt in water which should be maintained above the level of the eut. 2. Check strings of electric lights careful ly for worn insulation, broken plugs or loose bulb sockets. Only CSA- approved lighting sets and only non-flammable decorations should be used. Declare the tree a no-smoking area and keep matches out of the hands of children. 3. Do not allow discarded gif t wrapping to accurnulate under the tree. Dispose of them as soon as the gifts are opened. Even a green tree will burn if ignited by burning paper around the base. Set up the tree away from heat sources such as fire places, TV sets or radiators. Do not allow it to block access to doors or windows in the event of fire. Switch off tree lights at bedtime or when leaving the house. "Such precautions should head the list of every sensible family's preparations for Christmas," says Crouch. SPRINTING5/ inivitations - matches.- serviettes St. John Evangeliet R.C. ChurchWHTB confession and mass sehedule St. John The general absolution on at 8 p.m., lu p.m. and 12 Evangellst Roman Dec. 21 to 23. Regular p.m. midnight.; Catholle Church, 903 confessions from 7:30 Christmas Day, Dec. 25 Gifford St, Whitby, an- p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on1 at 9 a.m.,t 10: 30 p. m. and nounces that con- Dec. 24 at 4to5p. m. 12:15 p. m. fessions wlll be held on Masses will be held on_____ Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Chrstmas Eve, Dec. 24 FR EE PRESS, WED NESDAY DECE È14~93.Pd POa ricipauion Or à 0%70ý woop 110001LOW qooomý*