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fThe Canadian Champion, Tueaday, January 18,2000-O GST break encourages rentai housing construction t ram LEGISLATION on page 1 Under the current new housing rebate polie: purchasers of homes priced under $350.000 pz 4.48 per cent GST, reduced from the normal per cent. But purcliasers of bornes in the $350,000 $450,000 range psy a higher GST rate whi] those buying homes above $450,W00 sheil ot Sh ortage of nurses in Halton t rans HHS an page 3 Dr. Msrtin. "You can't juat ail of a sudden litre ail these people." Alsa "there is a pravince-wide shastage ai nurses," lie said. "And an even greater abattage of criticai cars nurses." Despite tlist, he remained confident tlist wben the demand levels off, staff wil lie found. "We've hired a full turne nursing recruiter," said Dr., Martin. "We tbink we're a preferred employer." The criais was lieightened when samne doctar's offices and clinics closed up shap for Chrismas. And redirect from other beleaguered liospitals meant ambulances were pulling in from as far afield as Scsrborough.S Crunch continues But even with tlie Christmas tree lights packed away, there's no wsy of knowing when the pressure will les up. said Dr. Martin. 'It's really bard ta predict. It's not over," lie said. "We're going ta have a difficuit next few weeks." A reduction of inpatient beda in the sys- terr aver the past five yesrs bas led ta the current cruncb, said Dr. Martis. Recently. OTMH bas been at 100 per cent capacity for acute cars lieds, leading ta a back-up ai patients in the emiergency department. "We haven't kept up witli the need for (intensive care unit) lieds," said Dr. Martin. "Short terni, we need funding, wbicb the miniatry bas now provided. Wliat we need now is ta accesa nursing staff and plan thia thing." He recommended tackling strategies for next yesr's anticipated slam once the hos- pitals emerge from the current criais. the fuît faut. And that's unfair, since higli land prices have made tlie average OTA home far pricier tlian tlie national average, ssud Mr. Murpliy. "I think, what we're trying ta do is get the GTA treated more fairly," lie said. Providing a GST break on the construction of rentai liousing could help usher a much-needed surge of it int the ares, said Mr. Murphy. Currently, new, privately-built rentai liousing isn't eligible for a GST rebats, lie noted. And that means rentera, who generally eamn lesa than homeowners, end up paying the price. "here's not a lot of affordable rentais coming on the scene," said Mr. Murphy. 'It'a a very aig- nificant problemn tliat's getting worse. Mie (3ST rcally doea have an impact on that.' That stuuck a chord witli Oakville Councillor Keitli Bird. "Ths certainly discourages anyone getting involved in (rentai bousing) aiong witls rens control. We're baving vurtuaily nil construc- tion on a very important part of liousing. I think tliat's telling us we've got s very scriaus proli- lem.". Accredited Test &Repair Faicility IRl OA sIoN,? 3111? 111mv li usoi ni a 1997 Dodge Caravan Air. Sunscreen, V6, Auto, PS, PB, 7 Pass. 1996 Ram 1500 SLT Loaded V8, Extended Cab. I.fW_ 11)w KMIS. LURGE SELECTION IN ;tock #2795~ I, - 1 Stci827fl 1998 Ford E150 Cargo Van V8 Air & More. 1996 Caravan Sport Air, Tilt, Cruise, Power Window & Locks, Sunscreen & 7 Pasa. Low Low KMS. *F . mFrne Rate ta 48 Mont". I>aoIa ttuD L-aD et aia. "'au Fuma Rue TrOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR TRADE 1997 Gr. Clserokee Ltd. I 1997 Dodge Avenger ES Loaded, Loaded, Leather & Sport Coupe. Power Sun Roof. I . Loaded. ok 4t5797 6 ,U Stock #l77273SU 1999 Breeze or Stratus 1997 Neon Auto, air, '1R, Cnfise, power Auto, PS, PB, Air, 4 Door, Wilws &Locks, Cas& & Marc Low Kms. 'FInance Rate ta- vo l Q .UIoz Up w 60M".h 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee lipto4t Moiu tm irivKupi 2o8% TCa mAA, %Quad Cali ,p Cheroee B/u 1. 80"Zu PLUS $1100 amhB 11LW PR- - ERYIY- - 'OTAI ST .MLO fIJLJ7(~JC7.7A D JEAÀ4qLE____ 0F iEXCiELLENCE! Special finance rates are available in lieu of RDA discounts & special lease rate. Not available on Ram Vi 0 or diesel. tSale prices add admnin. tee. Applicable taxes & llcenising. No payments until May 2000, basad on deferred -finance program. See dealer for dletaila. CORRECTION NOTICE ln our Dacember 26 - January 4 newapaper ada, the fallowing error accurrad: The GoldStar 1100 Watt Family Size Microwave (model i O3YD) advertised for $99.99 (alter rebates) should have read 1.0 cu. fi. capacity, NOT 1.1 cu. ft. We alncerely apolagize for any inconvenlafloê thia may hava cauaed aur valued cuatomiera. INTER BUSINESS HOURS SAL us FIABI S & SERVICE MILTON CHRYSLER mo[i -1111irs ý1on -ýAJpiJ 8-5 SELLS 9-8 TII[ýrs(ily 8 8 Fridiy 9-6 8-5 sattir(kly 9-5 S,-it[irýlïiy 81 SATISFACTI