He ae oe es will get the city’s attention. She is Cemetery petition presented to council By SARAH GLEN issue will ullimately be left up to the public ta A 750-SIGNATURE-STRONG petition to change the current resirictions on placing or- namentation on grave sites al the Terrace ce- metery hit city councillors on their meeting May &. The petition, spearheaded by local Karen Barry, is the fruit of her- year-long concern about the current bylaw, which restricts ce- metery visitors from placing any above-ground decorations on grave sites. “[The bylaw] is ridiculous. If all you can do is go to a stone wilh some grass around it, well, | could put the [grave]slone in my back- yard and plant some flowers around it,” said Barry. . Barry is hoping the petition..will give, some éeth to her concerns-and ¢ the bylayrth ‘allow ornamentation ‘onthe’ grave'sites, ++ Although he wouldn't “second guess” what* the counciilors will decide on the issue, Ron ‘Poole, head city administrator, said that the decide; maybe in a vote. Poole also raised concerns about higher taxes for the public if the regulations were changed. “The public’s got to understand that there is a cost for everything. What's the cost attached to this issue?” said Poole. And cost is primarily the issue with the city, which amended the cemetery bylaw in 1997 to cut maintenance costs. “Changing the bylaw would cost more lime and more labour, because we would need an- other maintenance worker to move and return the objects,” said manager of Parks and Faci- lities, Dale McFadden, who oversees the maintenance;of:the cemetery. It will cost the’ cily $87,992:10 run. the ce- metery this year, up approximately $6-7,000: from last year, said- McFadden: The city is spending the extra money on fixing sinking graves. McFadden also said that changes in the bylaw would increase area taxes for residents, because of the extra maintenance worker nee- ded to look after the cemetery. But concermed citizen, Colleen McDames, who signed the petition and also wrote a fetter in support of Barry's cause, disagrees with Poole and McFadden, “If you're not good with words, like [ am, you need to express your feelings in flowers, it makes you feel closer to those that have pas- sed away,” said McDames. McDames recently had two expensive shrubs uprooted and removed by maintenance workers. All above-ground ornamentation is removed - by workers Fridays. a Before a decision on the issue is: made by: Terrace ‘city: councillors; the petition and its’ request for the cemetery bylaw amendment’ will be referred to the committee of the whole for further debate. The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, May 10, 2000 - A3 News In Brief Trustee by-election A BY-ELECTION to elect one new school trustee io represent Area 5, which includes the Hazeltons, Kitwanga, Cedarvale, Gitwangak, Gitanyow, Git- segukla, Moricetown, Glen Vowell and Kispiox, will take place Saturday, June 10. . A new trustee is needed for the remainder of a three year term, ending 2002, because New Hazel- ton trustee Charlie Willson is resigning June 30 due to illness. A person who is not a resident of Area 3, but who has been a registered owner of real property in the area for at least 30 days, may register as an elector. A non-resident property elector can apply for a certificate from Coasl Mountains School Dis- trict 82 at least 14 days before voting day on June 10, 2000. No certificate can be applied for after May 26. Police seek vehicle TERRACE RCMP are looking for help in identify- ing a dark-coloured vehicle that was involved in a hit and run. The vehicle was broad-sided by a grey Chevrolet Sprint on April 27 on Lakelse Avenue. Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call the RCMP 638-7400 or Crimestop- pers. Telephone health facts now available BRITISH COLUMBIANS don’t need to leave their houses anymore to answer their health questions - they can now get the facts they need from the tele- phone. Health minister Mike Farnworth announced the new health file service May 3. It'll give people with low literacy skills or visual impairments a series of short, easy-to-understand facts on every- thing from childhood immunization to food safety. “The new service brings frequently requested in- formation into people’s homes, whether they live in downtown Vancouver or in a remote commun- ity,” said Farnworth. Health file fact sheets can still be picked up at all regional health authority offices or on the Inter- net. People can access the files by calling toll-free: 1-877-660-2628. Falling claims keep insurance rates down LOWER CLAIM costs and rising investment re- turns boosted ICBC’s 1999 surplus to $96-million. Without that kind of income, B.C. drivers could be paying as much as $175 more for insurance, say ICBC officials. ICBC President Thom Thompson, hopes,the sur-- . plus will encourage the provincial government to “ " continue'to freeze the corporation’s rates for a con- . secutive fifth year. “Mommy, this suitcase is too heavy,” Jeremy complained, dragging the bag onto the subway platform. “You can do it, love. Marmmy needs you to be big and strong today,” Millie managed to put on a brave face in front of her two small children. "We're going to take o great big plane and go all the way to Jamaical” Because the Canadian after twelve years, she thought to herself, “But we don’t want to go to Jamaica, mum. Cant we just go home?” Millie hugged her daughter. “We can’t, baby,” Waita minute, she thought. Who says we can’t? Millie's desperation turned into anger. “I'm going to fight this!” She get off the subway and called her former employer, Henrietta. "They say | stayed here ille- wal, Overstayed my visa. They won't let mie apply for immigrant status for humanitarian grounds from inside the country.” "This is outrageous!” Henrietta wos shocked, "You gave birth to four children:here. They are Conadian citizens. Come over immediately.” Soon Millia was sitting in Henrietta’s elegant living room, Henrielta put her arm around the shaking Millie. “You gave us 11 -years of loyally asa domestic. We'll se you through this.” Millie started crying sotly. “I'm sorry | had to uit.” : oo q "Dear, that was hardly your fault. You were suffering from serious postpartum depression and paranoid schizophrenia.” "Oh, I'm such a mess.” “But you're getling better, Millie. You're out of the hospital. You lake your medication.” YOu BE THE JUDGE A Question of Bias government is throwing me out'of the country BY CLAIRE BERNSTEIN 4643 Walsh Ave, Terrace, BC V8G 4H3 Corps Olficars: Lts Michael and Tania Spears Phone: 635-5446 / Fax 695-6558 Email: sarmy.terrace @ de.ne BASED ON ACTUAL COURT UAL Cc May 2000 back ta Jamaica." Henrieta marched to the phone. ‘I’m calling my lawyers. We'll appeal the deportation order,” The lawyers discovered a mame from Millie’s immigration olficer: “Millie is a paranoid schizophrenic and on welfare. Skills: domestic. She has four children here and four more in Jamaica. Expected to be tremendous strain on our social welfare systems indefinitely. Conade can no longer afford such generosity.” In court, Millia’s lawyer spoke quietly. “Your Honour, that immigration officer was completely dismissive of Millie's children. And the offensive language used would maka any reasonable person “suspect he wos biased against my client.” The government lawyers were firm. “Your Honour, given Millie's unlortunate circum: stances, il was enly reasonable to describe her as a strain on the welfare system. Alter being here illegally for over 10 years, it’s time for her lo go.” Should Millie be deported? YOU! Be The Judge! Then look below for the decision. SPONSORED BY Phone: 638-0354 WRIGHT & MARDIROS TRIAL LAWYERS Serving the Pacific Northwest TERENCE WRIGHT 15 years experience DAVID MARDIROS Criminal and Family Law Civil Litigation Aboriginal Law Free Initial Interview for I.C.B.C. and Personal Injury Claims 4730 Lazelle Avenue, Terrace, B.C. V8G 1T2 Fax: 635-2919 YOU! BE THE JUDGE - DECISION ina humanitarian and compassionate manner.” “Millic can slay." decided Judge Brian, “The immigration officer's decision was biased. The officer was insensitive lo the interests of Millic's children. Also, he failed to consider the hardship a return to Jamaica might cause Millie after living here for 12 years, She might not be able to get treatment for her psychiatric problems. And she would be separated from same of her children. The decision was not made > > To: Our Friends in Terrace From: The Salvation Army Terrace Corps The Salvation Arm Terrace Corps “Preaching and Proving God's Lave, as we Grow and Go into : ~the new millennium.” The Salvation Army is a very active organization in many ways, - The Salvation Army officer is available to people in Terrace and the surrounding area that are in need of food, clothing and other necessities. In the Cities of Prince Rupert and Prince George the Salvation Army operates a Hostel service with Addictions Rehabilitation After Care. Through out the Province, the Saivation Army centers offer food banks, soup lines and other programs for those in need. National Red Shield funds also supports our Children’s Summer Camps. Throughout the province the Salvation Army operates 5 Correctional residential centers, 8 Addiction rehabilitation centers, 3 hostels, 1 shelter for battered women, 1 Detoxification center and 5 seniors and low rental housing units, Please be aware that we do have residents of Terrace who choose to travel to these centers for their treatment. Thank you, Qa. Lt. Michael Spears Terrace Corps Officer A tax-deductible receipt will be sent to you from our Red Shield office, | BS uo al These services are made available through the donations made from the local communities, and from the general Salvation Army funds, which are raised in the Red Shield Appeal. . ee At this time we are asking for a donation to the Red Shield Appeal, mailed to the address of: The Salvation Army - 4643 Walsh Ave. Terrace, V8G 4H3 We greatly appreciate your support in this appeal.