March 3rd, 1975

Mayor Campbell, in his report, also set forth the apportionment of the
Government's budget as published in the February 28th, 1975 edition of
the Vancouver Sun newspaper for Council's information.

Alderman Keryluk, in speaking to the report above-mentioned, stated
he wished to label the views expressed therein as "shooting from the
hip" and he drew attention to the second paragraph which states in part
"While Vancouver's ambulance is completely paid for by the Provincial
Government, we get paid by the trip - at very little saving to us." and
commented that the City could also have this service completely paid for
by the Government if the ambulance was stationed in say, possibly New
Westminster; however, in order to enjoy a higher level of service, the
City has to pay for it. Alderman Keryluk stated he also took strong
exception to the use of percentage figures as set forth in the third
paragraph of the report, and pointed out that Mayor Campbell had himself
stated he did not believe in using isolated figures. Alderman Keryluk
then referred to the last paragraph recommenting that the U.B.C.M. be
strongly urged to oppose the budget as it relates to municipalities, and
stated he doubted that this would accomplish anything useful - also,
that the U.B.C.M. urging its members to strike realistic budgets this
year ~ would not be fair to taxpayers. Alderman Keryluk pointed cut
that a tax rebate for renters up to a maximum of $100.00 is now provided

by the Government, as well as an additional $80.00 for renters 65 years

of age and over: a cut-back in taxes for small businessmen; and a $40.00

rebate for school taxes for a total homeowner grant of $280.00 with an
additional grant of $50.00 for homeowners 65 years of age and over.
Alderman Keryluk then commented that Premier Barrett had made a plea to
all municipalities to put pressure on Ottawa to increase the price of
exported natural gas and give municipalities a share of this revenue which
could amount to approximately $74 per capita.

Moved by Alderman Keryluk:

That an appropriately worded cable be immediately sent to Ottawa
urging ar increase in the price of natural gas exported to the U.S.A. to
$2.00 per 1,000 cubic feet to alleviate the tax burden on taxpayers in
British Columbia and specifically, in Port Coquitlam.

Lost for want of a Seconder.
The City Clerk then distributed copies of a telegram sent from the

City to The Honourable Donald MacDonald, Minister of Energy, Mines and
Resources, dated January 14th, 1975, urging the Federal Government to

endorse Premier Barrett's natural gas price increase plan, and copies of