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a a da ahaa a 4 - PORT PERRY "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2000 Students recognized by OSSTF MPPs deserve a pay raise, says O'Toole By Chris Hall Port Perry Star MPPs should be paid as much, if not more, than their federal counterparts, says Durham representative John O'Toole. The issue of remuneration was raised Monday at Queen's Park, when the results of a commission struck to review MPPs' salaries was presented. The report recommended a 33 per cent hike, which would see MPPs' pay- cheques jump to $103,458 annually from $78,007. The report also recom- mends increased pension benefits for MPPs. Mr. O'Toole said Tuesday that there are no plans in the near future for MPPs to give themselves a raise. "I'wasn't really aware of it, the report we received," he said, noting that the discussion over salaries was part of an agreement made in 1996. "We said we would review MPPs' incomes when we balanced the bud- get," he said. "Well, we balanced the budget in May. With that, the Speaker automatically ini- tiated an exter- nal commis- sioned report, as part of the agree- ment." While acknowl- edging the fact that there would be a public uproar over .a salary increase, Mr. O'Toole said he'd be in favour O'Toole of a raise. "Personally, | think we should be paid comparably to that of our federal counterparts," he said. "We have exactly the same bound- aries as the MPs, we have exactly the same constituents and the same issues. I bet I get more phone calls in a day, every day, then (Durham MP) Alex (Shepherd). "We should get as much, if not more, than Alex (and other federal MPs)." RIK DAVIE/PORT PERRY STAR Students .in high schools across Durham Region were recognized recently by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation with District 13 Awards. Here, District 13 president Shelly Page, far right, joins award winners Joel Van Camp (left, Port Perry High School), Julie Obstfeld (Cartwright High School), Tanya Gail (Uxbridge Secondary School), and Adam Bond (Brock High School). ow BUSINESS = 1h arr, selection lal i : CUSTOM FRAMES oh 7 in the Region NX od A te ee x ariel MUST BE SOLD 100'S OF FRAMED PRINTS 50" OFF (905) 852-5010 UL \Dhiride Presents CANADA DAY WEEKEND All-Star Line Up SATURDAY JULY 1ST he Vampire Club The Boogeymen SUNDAY JULY 2ND = with special guests FuLL COUNT BLUES BAND ADMISSION ADVANCE TICKETS * $12.50 per night DOOR ¢ $15.00 per night OUTDOOR EVENTS - RAIN OR SHINE e in atten- a a ht El BE oll Sl © i) ou