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.. . g PAGE 34, WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987 Mayors study free trade effect The effects of a free trade agreement between Canad and the United States on Durham Region will be the subject of a study to be completed by the Region's eight mayors. The question of what effects free trade might have upon residents of the Region was debated in length during last week's council meeting after a motion was brought forth by Oshawa councillor Brian Nicholson and Whitby councillor Tom Edwar- ds. The motion suggested a special committee of council be set up to investigate the effect of the free trade agreement and to co-ordinate the response of Durham to the proposed agreement. Nicholson stated that although the issue was a federal one, council could not afford to be left out of the debate. We cannot advocate our respon- A free trade deal between Canada and the United States would give Canadian com- panies a crack at a $3 to $4 billion American government market. That message was delivered by Georgina Wyman, Deputy Minister of Supply and Ser- vices. to a recent meeting of the Durham Region Manufac- turers Association (DRMA). That same deal would give American companies a crack at a $500 to $600 million Canadian government market, added Wyman, whose ministry handles government procurement. She said she is not sure how the agreement would affect government procurement but she added it may need a "microanalysis business by business." The department of supply and services has 10.000 em- ployees who buy for 153 client departments of the federal government. The department had 300.000 contracts totalling $8.7 billion in the 1986/87 fiscal year. said Wyman. She added that in Durham sibility in this matter that will ultimately affect us," said Nicholson. In hisaddress to council, Edwar- ds said: "Unfortunately, some people will see this as a partisan approach, as a criticism of our prime minister. It is not." He said it would give the Region an opportunity to articulate to the leaders of the country the wishes of the 300,000 residents of Durham. He said council had an added obligation because of the thousands of people within the region who are employed through some form of the auto industry. Oshawa mayor Allan Pilkey said such a move would serve to put Durham "on the record" as to where they stand on the free trade issue. "Council would not want to have to explain why they did not express Region the government has 212 suppliers who sold $60 million worth of goods to the government. Fifty per cent of the purchases were for defen- ce, she said. When purchasing equip- ment. Wyman said her depar- tment has to make sure the item works has to'treat all businesses fairly, respect in- ternational obligations. keep in mind regional disparity and get the best for the purchasing dollar. She told the audience of about 250 that the gover- nment's market is becoming more and more "high tech." "Opportunities for small companies lie at the sub- contract level," she said. She admitted small firms will have a tough time if they want to do business with the government but she said businesses that have a chance are the ones that do their homework and market them- selves. "it is difficult for small fir- ms,' she said. adding organizations such as DRMA can help. their concerns about something that affects all of us so much," he said. Ajax representative Jim Witty, who is chairman of the finance committee said it was imperative that regional council take a stand on the impact free trade will have. "There is no doubt in my mind our area of Ontario will be impac- ted the most," said Witty. "We may be a little premature with this motion today as no one knows what free trade includes, but it is better to be premature than ton late." Uxbridge mayor Gerri-Lynn O'Connor pointed out that the auto industry wasn't the onlysector in Durham that could be adversely af- fected by a free trade agreement. "No one has mentioned the agricultural community yet," said the mayor. "But that will be one of the areas to be hardest hit." In closing, Nicholson indicated the issues were not cut and dry. "Some areas will benefit. others won't. there are many other areaq that will be affected," said Nicholson. "We have a general agreement with the United States and the fine tuning will be done in the next year. We must secure in- formation from the federal gover- nment to give everyone within the boundaries of our region the chance to come forward and express their concerns.. The management committee, consisting of the eight mayors and the regional chairman, will send the terms of reference back to council for review at an undeter- mined date in the future. UNICEF CARDS AVAILABLE FOR INFORMATION AND ORDERS CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-268-6364 Unicef Canada 1t WITH SOME help from the South-Pickering amateur radio club, members of the 4th Whitby boy scouts troupe had an opportunity recently to talk to people from Florida, England and Yugoslavia. Talking on the radio is Ron Morrison while Norbert Hensel, a member of the club, listens. Free Press photo Fennell takespride in free trade agreement By SCOTT FENNELL MP Ontario riding During the late hours of Oct. 3, 1987, history was made when this government signed a free trade agreement with the United States. i know you have read and heard much through the media since that day, and I would like to take this opportunity to discuss as well as explain some of the aspects of the agreement. Statements have been both positive and negative. I cannot stress enough my whole-hearted support of the agreement as I know it is good for Ontario. The agreement will definitely strengthen our economy, not to mention the Canadian economy as a whole. This government promised the free trade agreement would not threaten the Auto Pact, and we have kept that promise; the Auto Pact has been left intact. The agreement actually will provide ad- ditional benefits to the automotive industry as it strengthens our duty-free access to the United States market as well as increases content requirements. The agreement liberalizes measures for trade in agriculture by opening U.S. markets to our farmers, markets they could not deal with before this agreement, and at the same time, as we promised, it does not threaten our agricultural marketing boards. Canadian consumers will also benefit from the agreement. All tariffs on goods between Canada and the United States will be removed by January 1, 1998. The agreement will also assist all Canadian businesses which are affected by duty drawbacks or customs user fees. These will be eliminated I have only touched on a few positive points of the. free trade agreement, and I truly believe Canadians who are realistie, have vision to understand this agreement is of great importance to Canada. I am very proud of this achievement. Women's club Now there's more Express in the Airport Express. The bus is as nice as a plane: reclining seats, air conditioning, the w/orks! Board at Scarborough City Centre. Time to Airport: 35 to 45 minutes. Cost: $15 round trip - > $10 one way. ¢' Now - board at the Pickering GO Station. Time to Airport: 60-75 minutes, depending on traffic. Cost: $18 round trip - $12 one way. PLUS: there's a lot of parking. PLUS PLUS: there's a Kiss'N Ride (now you can get bussed before the bus!) Or, if it's closer for you, climb on board at mov A the Howard Johnson at 401 & Markham Rd ewe ops along the S3OLn 54T20 7:3030a Gray Coach Airport Express is founded FROM PAGE 23 knowledge in researching target markets, slogans and catch phrases as well as providing professional writing skills. The new Durham Business and Professional Women's Club slogan, "Why walk in someone else's shadow. Cast your own!!" is an example of her work in this field. Treasurer Kim Bradshaw received a business administration degree at Wilfrid Laurier Univer- sity. Since 1981, she has been in- volved in the computer industry, providing high level consulting ser- vices to various corporate entities. She is now senior data processing communications analyst for Management Systems Limited. Donna P. Taylor, chief executive officer and manager for the Port of Oshawa was appointed secretary of the club. Prior to joining the Oshawa Harbor Commission in 1977, she was involved in the in- surance and investment fields in Toronto and Oshawa. From 1977 to 1983 Taylor assumed responsibility for many different aspects as manager of finance and ad- ministration and corporate secretary. Deputy minister speaks to local manufacturers NOW