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Mercury The Renfrew

Serving the community since 1871

Year 140, Issue 43

Thursday, April 21, 2011 • 56 pages

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Raglan St. S.1, 39 342 Renfrew Ave. W., Unit Renfrew K7VK7V 1R5 P.O. Box 100, Renfrew 4A2 Pager 1-888-717-9181 Pager 1-888-717-9181

HAPPY EASTER Have a safe and happy Easter weekend www.yourottawaregion.com

Heat turned up at all-candidate forums Gallant walks out, Green Party candidate unimpressed

TIE TO PARK COMES FULL CIRCLE

David Stewart’s appointment as vice-chair of the Algonquin Forestry Authority only strengthens the Cobden man’s alreadystrong ties to the park.

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Gallant at Cobden debate Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke Conservative MP Cheryl Gallant did make it to the Renfrew County Federation of Agriculture all-candidates forum in Cobden after all. After The Renfrew Mercury went to press last week, Gallant found a way to join the session following a tele-town hall meeting with farmers and federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. (See related story, page 5) Gallant was able to join fellow candidates for the latter portion of the question-and-answer period and give, along with the others, a two-minute closing statement.

JOHN CARTER john.carter@metroland.com

Conservative candidate Cheryl Gallant caused a stir Saturday when she walked out of an all-candidates forum being broadcast on Heritage Valley Radio, saying the debate was undemocratic because the Green Party had been “barred.” However, Green Party candidate Rosanne Van Schie said Monday she “didn’t buy” Gallant’s democracy argument. The Conservatives have a tainted record when it comes to democracy recently and their leader Stephen Harper didn’t call the televised leaders’ debates undemocratic when Green leader Elizabeth May was excluded, she said. Gallant read a brief statement at the start of the radio forum, saying in her four previous elections, “I have never participated in a candidate meeting where a candidate had been barred, and I’m not about to start now.” Her comments drew applause from supporters, about half the audience, who then walked out with her, leaving the podium to Liberal Christine Tabbert, the NDP’s Eric Burton and Independent Hec Clouthier. The walkout angered moderator Bruce McIntyre, who said Gallant’s comments “degraded” the efMercury photo by Lucy Hass forts of all the volunteers who worked hard to orgaWhere to from here? A young boy stands at the back of the room as federal candidates nize a non-partisan debate. present their case at the Renfrew County Federation of Agriculture all-candidates forum, See ‘Campaign’, Page 14 a long-standing tradition in the riding. For coverage of the Cobden debate, see Page 12.

Approval of Renfrew budget delayed

STEVE NEWMAN steve.newman@metroland.com

Renfrew council members weren’t all that pleased to learn their three-hour budget-preparation meeting Monday night had

only lowered the town’s portion of the 2011 tax bill to 5.2 per cent. But they expressed much more support for that figure upon learning that a miniscule rise (0.5 per cent) in the county portion and a decrease in the educational por-

tion of the local tax bill means Renfrew taxes may only rise three or four per cent this year. It was hoped council might pass the 2011 town budget next week. But outstanding issues remain. See ‘Councillor’, Page 39

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Wishing Every “bunny” a Happy Easter Closed Friday & Sunday Open Easter Monday


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