Le It seems likely that Sidney tax- payers will be forced to foot more of the bill for policing town streets. Indications are a greater share of _ the burden will be borne by local 4 i a» 2 q ee Pm, Pree teat tn» FAAS. governments when a new RCMP policing contract is hammered out between Ottawa and the provinces. The contract will affect every municipality that depends on the RCMP to patrol the streets, includ- ing Sidney. Under the federal proposal now on the table, Sidney’s cost could rise by 31 per cent. “This would result in a mini- mum four-per-cent tax increase for Sidney residents,” Mayor Marie Rosko told town council Monday night. She said she and town treasurer Paul Edgington attended a briefing by B.C. Solicitor General Ivan Messmer in Richmond on Friday on the status of negotiations for a new contract. The old contract expired at the end of March. The briefing session attracted representatives from 41 of the 50 municipalities which contract for RCMP services. The consensus was “it would be unfortunate if communities werent able to maintain the important services of the RCMP,” said Rosko, especially since the force is a national institution that shouldn’t be eroded. Under federal proposals, con- tracting municipalities will have no choice but to pay more for policing. For Sidney, and centres with a similar population, Ottawa wants _ the municipal per officer share to increase from 70 to 85 per cent. Sidney isn’t alone in opposition, as the representatives at the Rich- mond meeting were firmly against the federal plan. “B.C. taxpayers must be pro- tected from unjustified increases in the cost of government,” says a Couvelier gets old post back British Columbia won’t have a balanced budget, but it will be introduced by Saanich and The Islands MLA and re-appointed Finance Minister Mel Couvelier. “I don’t think it’s physically possible without cutting program content to the point where it would be draconian,’ Couvelier said Tuesday. After resigning last month, Cou- velier was appointed to the finance portfolio by Premier Rita Johnston Monday. Couvelier said he was one of six Socreds considered by caucus for the interim premier post, but was dropped early in the discussions along with Elwood Veitch, Because caucus required an interim premier who would demand authority and satisfy Lt- Gov. David Lam, who had the ability to call an election, Couvel- ier Said “it wasn’t a popularity contest.” Johnston received the caucus’ unanimous recommendation after 38 members cast a vote. Her closest rival was Russ Fraser, Cou- velier confirmed. On the Social Credit party’s upcoming leadership convention, Couvelier said he is being urged by many people to consider run- ning, as are other possible candi- dates. “Tf they can prove to me there’s province-wide support for me to run then I'll consider it,” Couvel- ier said. “But right now my one job to do is to prepare the budget and that’s where my attention is.” Looking back at recent events, Couvelier said: “I don’t take any comfort from all that’s gone on. I believe the record speaks for itself. “T really would have far rather seen myself proven wrong and the premier totally vindicated because we have damaged the body politic and the province is not well-served by that. “Obviously, given the facts we now know, Vander Zalm had to go. But it would have been far better had he been innocent. “Tt will take some years before politicians are viewed with some sense of appreciation because of the misuse of his office,” Couvel- Volunteer Firefighters Needed If you're between the ages of 19 and 40 physically fit, and interested in a challenge apply April 11th or 18th between 7 and 9 p.m. SIDNEY FIRE HALL Policing costs likely to increase Union of B.C Municipalities news release. “We will continue to stress that in 1981 (when the last contract was negotiated) the federal and provincial governments agreed to a cost-sharing agreement based on the benefits both parties received. “There is nothing, in our view, that has altered the basis of these agreements and the federal govern- ment has not provided any evi- dence that would support a change in the cost shares.” The union adds the venture is another example of an offloading of responsibilities by higher gov- emments on the municipalities. About all a local government can do, says Edgington, is work with the province as it tries to get a better deal. “What we can do as a munici- pality is maintain our support for the solicitor general in his negotia- tions,” he said. 652-1111 656-7366 SERVICE TAXI Sidney - North & Central Saanich TheReview CLEARANCE 20% to 50% off the Ultimate Equestrian Wear HURRY IN! 90% off Sweats April 5th while quantities last. DEDICATION DESIGNS #6 - 9764 5th Street Wednesday; April 10,1991 — A3 20-35% off On Special ltems 656-2545 “TIME” WILL TELL! If it’s News Call the Review 656-1151 BEACON AUTO PARTS 201 - 2031 MALAVIEW AVE. SIDNEY, B.C. (Across from Slegg’s) BATTERIES EL LE a SPECIAL Reg. 656-0123, __OPEN 7 DAYS A WEE o<—— 3% OF (Includes — Turtle Wax, Rain Dance, TR3, STP, Armorall, Boat Wax & Auto Sol) EXPIRES MAY 31st, 1991 ALL WAXES IN THIS COUPON STOCK WITH > PAINT AND WALLPAPER VALUE Look to our Spring Flyer in Today’s Paper! 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