8 - Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Letter to the Editor
Writer cites 1978 study as beginning of LTC breakdown Dear Editor: This is a season of growing excitement for most Canadians. A pandemic can’t stop carols in the air, gift lists and twinkling decorations. But for far too many, it’s another season of worry. The homeless are facing bone-chilling cold. For jobless and those who flirt with or live in poverty, how do they keep the family warm and fed? And for many thousands of aged people, jammed into close quarters in longterm care, a new fear that they will be the next victim. This is the reality for millions of Canadians. On the good side, every year, armies of volunteers and donors come forward for organizations like Salvation Army and Downtown Mission, to selflessly address the need where they can. On the dark side, is that these conditions exist in a prosperous nation envied for the endless wealth of its resources. The answer is a government heavily
skewed to make the rich richer. For half a century, Ottawa has employed, at vast public expense, batteries of lawyers and accountants, negotiating international treaties to make corporations more profitable on the global stage. But never in all that time, have they found the interest to ensure Canada’s long-term care facilities were sufficient or safe. For this wealthiest of nations, how can this be? The event to explain this has a date: May 26, 1978. Following WWII, the GATT organization (today WTO) was set up by the world’s wealthiest few to secure the western world’s prosperity for their own enrichment. It selected and promoted leaders for 10 countries — including Canada — leaders who would advance its agenda. In response to the start in 1973 of Ottawa’s negotiations to remove Canada’s import tariffs, Ontario’s Ministry of
Trade produced a study. It determined that there would be a loss of 350,000 Ontario jobs to lower wage countries, beginning with USA. Perversely, Premier Davis sealed the report. Leaked to the opposition, on May 26 1978, NDP leader Cassidy asked in parliament, “Why is it necessary to keep confidential that document which contains information of enormous importance to communities, workers and businesses across the province?” Trade Minister John Rhodes confirmed the study, and agreed with Mr. Cassidy’s concerns. But Davis continued the blackout requested by Ottawa. What a blockbuster when this leaked study hit the news. The uproar from workers already suspicious of tariff cuts. But from the national media, there was only silence. The handful of super wealthy media moguls who decide what news Canadians get, joined Premier Davis and the political parties to
keep Canadians well in the dark. WTO’s agenda plowed on. Tariffs disappeared, allowing corporations to dispose of Canadian workers for lower US wages, (CANUSA) and the real winner, Mexico (NAFTA.) Canada went on to see hundreds of factories close, hundreds of thousands of jobs lost, millions pushed toward poverty . This wealthy nation now depends on other countries’ production just in order to function. In half a century, it’s taken a deadly pandemic for a Prime Minister to finally turn his attention to all Canadians. A ruling class steeped in luxury and influence, indifferent to millions of Canadians homeless, impoverished, or aged in unsafe long-term care. All this is a flashing alarm that our democracy is broken. We just didn’t see it. Don Waffle, Leamington
OPP conduct search warrant on Russell; charge three LEAMINGTON — On Tuesday November 17, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) conducted a search warrant at an address on Russell Street, Leamington with the support of officers from the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the Canine officer. As a result, numerous charges have been laid against three people.
A quantity of Cannabis/Resin Oil, Cocaine and Fentanyl was seized, along with a small quantity of stolen property recovered. A 58-year-old Leamington man has been charged with possession of Fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs Substance Act; possession of illicit cannabis for the Purpose of Selling (times
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two) under the Cannabis Act; obtain cannabis by any method or process under the Cannabis Act; possession of property obtained by crime (times three) under the Criminal Code of Canada; Fail to Comply with Release Order under the Criminal Code of Canada. A 26-year-old Leamington woman has been charged with possession of cocaine under the Controlled Drugs Substance Act; possession of illicit cannabis for the Purpose of Selling (times two)
under the Cannabis Act; obtain cannabis by any method or process under the Cannabis Act; possession of property obtained by Crime (times three) under the Criminal Code of Canada; Fail to comply with Release Order under the Criminal Code of Canada. A 43-year-old Leamington man has been charged with possession of cocaine under the Controlled Drugs Substance Act; possession of illicit cannabis for the purpose of selling (times two)
under the Cannabis Act; Obtain cannabis by any method or process under the Cannabis Act; possession of property obtained by crime (times three) under the Criminal Code of Canada . Two of the suspects were held for a bail hearing, while the other was released and is scheduled to appear in court on January 5. OPP continue to actively investigate those who participate in criminal activity which disrupts the lawful enjoyment of our
LAC
communities. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling the OPP at 1-888310-1122. Should you wish to share information but wish remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www. catchcrooks.comwhere you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Leamington Arts Centre Create. Sustain. Celebrate.
artNEWS
Jessy Renaud
Leamington Arts Centre - 519.326.2711 - leamingtonartscentre.com
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onVIEW A SIGNATURE CHRISTMAS: indoor artist market Shop local, shop safe, shop for unique arts and crafts in this month-long gift shop style exhibit. Enjoy free admission Thursday through Sunday. 15 artisan displays that include painting, watercolour, jewelry, photography, fabric/textile, metal and glass work... Plus, visit our Market Place for even more items... books, greeting cards, prints, candles, pottery+
ARTboard 8x10: AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Drop off or mail in your best 8×10” printed photos in the categories of: Abstract, Weather, Architecture. Prizes in each category! As part of the entry fee, photos will be professionally matted and displayed in the gallery in January. Entry deadline Fri Dec 18. Sponsored by Framing by ANNA and SPEEDPRINT Ltd.
Art Supply Store CHRISTMAS SALE ON NOW: 10% OFF EVERYTHING! Plus, LAC members receive an additional 10% OFF on all in-stock and special order items, and Save 13% with NO TAX on everything + use BIA Bucks to save an another 15% on top of all that!
FREE ADMISSION: Thurs - Fri 10-4:30, Sat & Sun 12-4
Generous Supporters: Southpoint Sun & the Municipality of Leamington
