The Canadien Chatniii, Frnday, NoVemrgblr28, 1997 -3 Last-minute Mohawk protest___________ doesn 't seem to bother Harris I~ u ,~ iY. By KAREN SMITH The Champion As the struggle over Bill 160 came down ta the wire, Halton teachers took advantage of the chance ta send their message directly to Mike Harris. The premier, who was at Mohawk Raceway Tuesday night for an annual party fundraiser, faced about 150 protesters just two days before the contra- versial education reform legisiation was expected ta pass. Teachers calling for the Conservatives ta kili the bill crowded around entrsnces to the Guelph Une hamess racing track, but were prohibited by police from delaying vehicles. "We'oe here ta let Mike know we haven't quit and we're not going ta get out of bis face," said Ron Caldwell, president of the Halton Elementary Teachers' Association. Halton Regional Police, expecting a major protest, weoe an hand in droves ta keep the peace and pratect gavemment officiais at the Fifth Annual Evening at the Races with Mike Harnis. No problems Approximately 20 officers were asaigned ta secure the scene, said Det. Sgt. Ron Welsh, who called the proteat orderly. "There was some ahouting, but no probiema of any cansequence," he said. Police met with picket captains ta set the rules before the arrivai of about 100 Conservatives, includ- ing cabinet ministers, and members of the public attending the races. "Our purpose here is ta ensure the safety of every- one and the safety of praperty," said Sgt. Frank Phillipa, who worked a command post set up at the scene. "We don't want anyhody getting hurt." The protestera taunted party members over Bill 160 as they walked toward the main doora, and inside told them ta "tay flot ta choke" an their $300 a plate din- ner. But North Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh, who attend- ed the gala, said demonstratora were well-behaved. "They're the niceat protestera I've ever seen. They say what they have ta say, but they're polite about it." Mr. Caldwell said some people entering the building acted rudely by reaponding ta protestera' commenta with fouI language and telling them ta "get a life" and "go home." Bil 160 flot tise focus Inaide, Mr. Harris mentioned littie about the bill in his speech ta party supportera at a reception before the meal. Inatead he focuaed on what he sees as the party'a accompiishmenta and credited hia government for bringing Ontario "from the brink of bankruptcy ta a powerhouae. "We're making the changea that you asked us ta make - lesa goverfiment, lower taxes, a balanced budget. Everybody wants ta get there, but very few are willing ta do what'a needed ta get there. "Hardworking, law-abiding taxpaying citizens - that'a who ail these policies are deaigned for." Mr. Harris congratulated party membera for their ".courage" in resiating "apecial intereat groupa that attacked us." THE MEAT TERMINAL (Division of WaIIy's Meat Ltd.) S~~ptq, Beei Bee4! f g j g, g g HOU RS: %V SW [ Mu. Ciose bus, Wed. 1lho fihu, I&la. 96 Sa 12-5 81822 - -- Mm- -- ý ;i.i -ý mLu"« = -&0*" a ý *, mm»MM -,. -um -&W M-I MEM - - sema". ~ A ah 3-M-eewn àra Ysps>alw o usaS»Mmm SALES mai.. mmi aai.s 5SMaInSlmE Ma 8-?MZO ami.. .,.mm aLmimOM àmm __ p fi T-BONE STEAKS $ 5 IL B. CAPLESS PRIME RIB ROAST Mr a a